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In Libya, senior officials and medical experts have met to review the results of a therapeutic trial using wormwood, a plant widely known in traditional and alternative medicine, as a treatment for tumours. The meeting, held at the office of Major General Faraj Qaim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Technical Affairs, brought together both security personnel and healthcare professionals to examine the findings.
Among the attendees were Colonel Mohamed Bouraoui, Captain Ayman Al-Maghribi, several doctors, and the man who initiated the treatment initiative, Ibrahim Al-Mariami. Discussions focused on what participants described as “promising medical results” in patients who underwent the wormwood-based therapy. They stressed that continued scientific and medical monitoring would be necessary to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
The review comes at a time when Libya is experiencing a lively public debate over the role of alternative medicine in managing chronic illnesses such as cancer. Supporters of herbal and plant-based remedies argue that they offer affordable and accessible options, especially in communities with limited access to specialised treatment. Critics, however, warn that unverified therapies could mislead patients, delay proper treatment, and potentially cause harm if not backed by rigorous scientific evidence.
Wormwood, known for centuries in herbal medicine, contains compounds that have been studied for their potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. While some early laboratory research has suggested possible benefits, major health organisations have yet to endorse it as a proven cancer treatment, calling for more controlled clinical trials.
Libya’s healthcare sector continues to face serious challenges, particularly in the treatment of cancer. The high cost of conventional cancer drugs and the shortage of specialised oncology centres have pushed some patients to explore alternative methods. In certain cases, these approaches are seen as the only viable option for people who cannot afford or access chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or advanced surgical care.
The Ministry of Interior’s involvement in the discussion reflects the wider social and political interest in healthcare matters, especially those with potential public health implications. Officials have indicated that any future adoption of wormwood as a recognised treatment would need to go through scientific validation and approval from relevant medical authorities.
Health analysts in the region note that while alternative medicine remains a popular choice among some Libyans, the global trend in oncology is to combine traditional remedies with modern evidence-based medicine only when safety and efficacy have been firmly established. Without strict regulation, there is a risk of exploitation by unqualified practitioners selling unproven cures.
For patients and families dealing with cancer, the hope for affordable and effective treatments remains strong. Advocates for integrating herbal remedies into formal healthcare systems say that, with the right research, plants like wormwood could eventually complement standard medical treatments. For now, experts urge caution, calling for large-scale, peer-reviewed studies before such methods are rolled out on a national level.
This latest meeting highlights the difficult balance between encouraging medical innovation and protecting patients from unsafe or unverified therapies. As Libya works to strengthen its fragile healthcare system, the conversation around wormwood and similar alternative treatments is likely to continue, shaped by both scientific findings and public opinion.
