Herbal Medicines For AIDS – Healthy Herbs
Herbal Medicines For AIDS
Hiv is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which damages the
immune system to the extent that it can no longer fight off infection. Most
experts believe that HIV is responsible for Aids, but there is some evidence
that not all people who contract HIV go on to have full-blown Aids (Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Infection by the HIV is followed two to six weeks
later by the development of antibodies to the virus. This process may be
accompanied by one or more systemic illnesses. Symptoms include
heavy night sweats and fevers
lethargy, fatigue, and exhaustion
weight loss
diarrhea, thrush, and herpes infections
mouth ulcers and bleeding gums.
Complete recovery is the norm immediately after this
illness, but thereafter the person will test positive for antibodies to HIV
(they will be HIV positive) but otherwise appear healthy. Several years
typically elapse between the acquisition of the virus and development of
full-blown Aids.
Aids is generally believed to be caused by HIV. It is
suggested that Aids may be an autoimmune disease (where the immune system turns
against itself), but it is now clear that the immune system itself is attacked,
especially the "helper" T-cells, so that the body cannot fight
infection.
Herbal Medicines For AIDS
There is, at present, no known cure for the disease, which,
once it develops, is usually fatal. However a wide range of "natural"
therapies have been, be effective in treating symptoms of the disease,
successfully slowing its progress in many case, and sometimes even reversing
it.
Aids can appear in many forms, but around sufferers
experience pneumonia (pneumocystis carinii) and a third Kaposi sarcoma, a form
of skin cancer. Others suffer from a range of secondary infections as a result
of their weakened immune system. Most suffer from fatigue and malaise, as well
as stress and anxiety.
Treatment
The alternative treatment for Aids depends on individual
symptoms, put is based on four main aims.
to inhibit the virus
to prevent and treat secondary infections
to boost the immune system
to treat the patient holistically.
Many patients benefit from a combination of several of the
following approaches, with or without conventional medicine. Emotional support
is essential since. Aids is a disease in which physical and mental integration
is particularly necessary for good results in treatment.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Counseling And Hypnotherrapy These are valuable for helping
to deal with stress and depression. The power of the mind over the body is
particularly evident in Aids sufferers. Considerable research has shown that a
positive state of mind toward the disease and survival has actually helped to
raise the T-cell count in some patients and reduced their symptoms.
Visualization And Meditation These can be used to encourage
the body to heal itself.
Traditional Chinese Medicine A variety of Chinese treatments
has been found extremely effective, including chi kung and the use of Chinese
herbs, particularly astragalus, which inhibits the spread of the virus. Chinese
dietary therapy is based on the idea that foods are hot or cold, dry or
lubricating (by nature, not literally). Those with skin problems are advised to
avoid "hot" and spicy foods, while those with diarrhea, for example,
should not eat cucumbers or dairy products, which are" cold."
Acupuncture This has been found to be beneficial.
Aromatherapy Oils to use for massage and in baths include
tea tree (which is antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial), eucalyptus,
lavender, juniper, myrrh, fennel, and sage. Oils can be taken by mouth, but
only under the supervision of a therapist qualified in clinical or medical
aromatherapy.
Herbal Medicines For AIDS
Herbal Medicine Remedies believed to be of value include
golden seal and garlic. Golden seal contains berberine, another anti¬bacterial,
antiviral, and antifungal agent. It is particularly effective against diarrhea.
Garlic increases "killer" T-cells.
Homeopathy
Some patients may find homeopathy beneficial.
Massage and Reflexology These can provide stress relief and
relaxation. Lymphatic drainage massage ¬which stimulates the flow of the lymph
carrying waste products away from the blood - may also help.
Yoga, T'ai Chi, and Chi Kung These movement therapies are
said to be beneficial.
