The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked numerous unconventional claims worldwide. The latest originates from Turkmenistan, where President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov touted research suggesting licorice root can combat the coronavirus.
A trained dentist who has led Turkmenistan since 2006, President Berdymukhamedov is known for provocative media statements amid a cult of personality. As reported by the Turkish outlet Daily Sabah, he highlighted global research into coronavirus treatments, positioning licorice root—a traditional medicinal plant—as a promising option. He asserted it inhibits viral development even in low concentrations.
Turkmenistan boasts ample licorice reserves, and the president has tasked the Turkmen Academy of Sciences with verifying these claims. Since March 2020, official guidance has promoted harmal fumigations—a pungent plant believed to repel the virus—prompting similar interest in licorice.
Global health authorities, including the WHO, maintain standard protocols: mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene. A WHO delegation visited in July 2020 to reinforce these amid Turkmenistan's official stance of zero cases—a claim never revised.
Yet, since summer 2020, non-essential shops and restaurants have shuttered, public transport slowed, and masks mandated—attributed vaguely to pathogens and dust.
This echoes Madagascar's April 2020 promotion of artemisia (wormwood), another herbal "cure" touted by President Andry Rajoelina.
