Herbal Therapy is most widely used complementary therapy by People Living with HIV.
Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10076)
Kulkarni AS, Kulkarni SS Sushrut Ayurvedic clinic, Ichalkaranji, India
Issue-The use of plants, herbs as a source of medicines and food is as old as Humanity. Herbs are probably the complementary therapy most widely used by HIV-positive people. Why are they so popular? What can these therapies offer for people with HIV?Description -Today, people are attracted to herbal therapy because they to live healthier lives. People with HIV continuously explore herbal medicines in search of treatments that will help to rebuild the immune system, address drug side effects and HIV-related conditionsI observed herbal supplements that can provide nutritional support to help prevent or relieve health problems. Some herbs used as 1)immune therapies include ashwagandha, Astragalus, Atractylodes, ginseng, shatavari,2)Herbs used as antimicrobials include garlic, goldenseal, neem, propolis, 3)Some of the antioxidant herbs are ginger, ginkgo and turmeric.4)Some people living with HIV use herbs to help treat or prevent conditions related to the virus. e.g. Aloe vera for skin problems.5)Some people use herbs to cope with the side effects of the drugs they take to combat HIV infection. E.g.ginger for nausea.6)Ashwagandha, ginseng and shatavari are herbs used for general well-being. Lesson learned - The basis of Herbal Supplements is to support the body's Vital Force to assist the body to heal itself. HERBAL THERAPY helps HIV + ve patient by 1. maintaining health, 2.reducing chances of infections, 3.improving qwality of life, 4.regaining confidence of life. Recommendation - In the absence of a vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS, Care becomes important. Herbs as microbicides, antioxidants,immunomodulator, rejuvenator play important role in treatment & care of PLWHAs. herbal therapy though is not substitute for antiretroviral therapy but can be used as an cost effective complementary therapy.
Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Phytotherapy, Complementary Therapies, HIV Infections, Plant Extracts, Virus Diseases, Pharmaceutical Preparations, turmeric extract, Humans, utilization, therapy, drug therapy
