Pendampingan Masyarakat melalui Pemanfaatan Lahan Pekarangan untuk meningkatkan Daya Tahan Tubuh di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 di Desa Karas Kabupaten Magetan Jawa Timur

Abstract

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has posed a global health crisis, affecting every country, including Indonesia. In Central Maluku Regency alone, the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases has reached approximately 20, raising public concern over the potential for wider transmission. At the onset of the pandemic in Indonesia, information circulated among the public suggesting that traditional herbal remedies, particularly "empon-empon" (a blend of indigenous spices and roots), could cure COVID-19. This led to the perception among residents of Karas Village that empon-empon could serve as a traditional medicine to treat the virus. In response to this issue, a community service team conducted a socialization program focused on COVID-19 prevention efforts and the use of herbal plants to support overall health and immunity. The program also aimed to educate the public that empon-empon has not been clinically proven to cure COVID-19, but may help maintain immune health. The results of this activity showed a significant increase in public understanding, particularly among residents of Karas Village, Magetan Regency, East Java, regarding COVID-19 prevention and the role of herbal plants in supporting bodily health.