The Effectiveness of Sweet

Potato Leaves on Minor

Coughs and Colds
Background
Sweet potato is a tropical plant
packed with a powerful nutritional
punch. Its leaves are hairless and
heart-shaped with an olive-green
color. The leaves are generally
consumed in the Islands of Pacific
Ocean, Africa, and Asia. Results of
several studies found out that the
young and mature leaves of sweet
potatoes have various health
benefits. Several studies suggested
the said herbal leaf as cure for minor
symptoms of coughs and colds.
Introduction
The Problem
During the flu season and the COVID-19 omicron variant
surge, people’s demand for cold and flu remedies
increased, hence, causing a shortage of stocks (Faheid,
D., 2022). People result in purchasing over-the-counter
medicines for cough for a lack of knowledge about the
existing alternative medicines. As demanding as it can
be, seasons of cough and cold come and go from time to
time, which can be a great problem for the consumers.
Introduction
The Problem
The over-the-counter medicines often contains
Dextromethorphan (DMX) as a common ingredient.
According to Dr. Dowshen (2018), there are side effects
of taking too much Dextromethorphan which include
short-term drowsiness, nausea, shakiness, slowed
breathing, hallucinations, etc. It can also depress brain
function in the long run, specifically the parts of the
brain that control breathing and heart function.
Alternatives
The established issue for this case study are the
disadvantages of relying on over-the-counter
medicines - potential shortage and side effects -
and the substitute remedy for cough and cold - the
medicinal herbs, particularly the leaves of sweet
potatoes, and their effectiveness on the said
illness. 
Alternatives
There are alternative solutions proposed in this
circumstance. First is the use of another known
herbal medicine scientifically called, vitex
negundo, which is commonly known as the
lagundi leaves. Second alternative is another home
remedy - honey.
Proposed Solution
To solve the identified problems, making use of
the available alternative herbal remedies is
proposed as a solution. To progressively identify
its efficacy, using it as an alternative cough
medicine must be acceptable as a proposed
solution. Experimenting and investigating deeper
the said herbal remedy will give progress in
solving the underlying problems.
Proposed Solution
The proposed solution possesses both benefits and
risks. Its benefits are the discussed health
advantages that it offers because of the high
polyphenol and antioxidant content of the herbal
remedy. Also, it is cost-effective since it can be
easily harvested anywhere around your
community. Lastly, it is natural - it does not
contain any toxins that over-the-counter medicines
may have.
Proposed Solution
On the other hand, it is risky to rely on this
proposed solution because of the lack of evidence
of its complete efficacy in curing symptoms of
minor cough and cold. Although it is a minor risk,
it is still recognized. Still, consulting a medical
professional is the most suitable solution to avoid
the risks.
Recommendation
This study is made directly for the benefit of
everyone, most especially, those who cannot
afford to buy over-the-counter medicines all the
time. This study is suggesting them a proposed
alternative to spare them from the cost - financially
and medically - of patronizing over-the-counter
medicines.
Recommendation
However, the study focused on reviewing related
literature correlated to the topic. All that is used as
evidence in this study are merely written works
from past studies. To the future researchers with
the identical topic, they are suggested to do an
investigation and experiments that will
scientifically and statistically prove the claim of
the efficacy of sweet potato leaves.