In Deir al-Balah, Ahlam, a displaced Gazan woman, found solace in herbal medicine after months of fruitless searches for treatments for her irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Displaced from Beit Hanoun to Al-Mawasi in Khan Yunis, Ahlam turned to medicinal herbs after pharmacists informed her that the occupation’s blockade had prevented the entry of essential medications since the war began. Her condition improved significantly, offering a glimmer of hope in dire circumstances.

Ahlam’s story reflects the experiences of thousands in Gaza who have turned to herbal remedies due to the severe medicine shortages. Aamir, a middle-aged man, similarly shifted to herbal treatments for his chronic infections. “Initially, medicines were scarce and expensive. Later, they disappeared entirely. Herbal prescriptions were the only option,” he shared. Following a regimen prescribed by an herbal specialist, Aamir found much-needed relief.

Another displaced woman in Khan Yunis described using herbal remedies to treat lice infestations in her children, caused by poor hygiene and water pollution in overcrowded tented shelters. “A herbal formula eliminated the lice within a week, ending months of suffering,” she recounted.

Dr. Nasser Hassanein, a specialist in herbal medicine, noted a significant surge in demand for traditional remedies during the war. “The scarcity of pharmaceuticals and the rise of seasonal illnesses like influenza and coughs have driven many to seek herbal solutions,” he explained. Common conditions treated include scabies, itching, and respiratory issues. IBS cases have also spiked, exacerbated by the war’s psychological and physical toll.

However, the reliance on herbal medicine is not without challenges. Many essential herbs are now scarce due to high demand and import restrictions. Dr. Hassanein, who previously managed the Rafah Centre for Medicinal Herbs, has had to innovate by finding local substitutes or alternative remedies, though some conditions remain untreatable without conventional medicine.

“Herbs cannot fully replace pharmaceuticals,” Hassanein emphasised. “International organisations must intervene to ensure the entry of essential medicines into Gaza. Denying medical supplies is a form of collective punishment causing immense suffering.”

In Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis, herbal medicine has become a lifeline for many. Yet, the scarcity of both herbs and pharmaceuticals underscores the urgent need for international action to alleviate the siege’s devastating impact on health.