The first anyone ever used medicines were herbs. Many medicinal herbs, both Eastern and Western, are being used by people who have HIV. They are natural substances that come from things like flowers, weeds, and parts of trees. A single herb may be used to treat several different conditions. Herbs that are grown organically (without artificial fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides) are usually considered best. Herbal medicines are used by herbalists, doctors of Chinese medicine, naturopaths, homeopaths, aromatherapists, and ayurvedic doctors. They can be purchased in several forms. Dried herbs can be mixed in water or juice, put in capsules, or used as infusions or decoctions. Infusions are prepared steeped like tea but are longer, so they become considerably stronger. Decoctions are made by gently simmering the dried herb in water for ten to 20 minutes. Tinctures infusions are made with alcohol. Some herbal products, such as aloe vera and tea tree oil, can be applied directly to your skin.If you’re thinking about taking herbal treatments, it’s always best to consult a health care professional to find out which herb is best for you, and what dosage would be effective and safe. You may also want to refer to an herbal dictionary or book to help you make decisions about dosages (amounts) and safety. Remember that herbal treatments are not paid for by the government, so you have to pay for them yourself. You can get herbs from herbal, health food, or supplement stores, and sometimes from pharmacies and buyers’ clubs.
Your immune system is composed of many different elements. Not all of these are damaged in HIV-positive people. Some “immune boosting” herbs may stimulate parts of your immune system that are already overactive, while suppressing (weakening) parts that are not. For example, some herbs may boost your immune antibody response, which would tend to suppress your cell-mediated response. It’s been shown that your cell-mediated response is naturally suppressed when you have HIV, while your antibody response is overactive. Therefore, antibody-producing herbs may not be beneficial for you. Ask your naturopath or herbalist, or do your own reading, to find out how various herbs stimulate your immune system and whether they would be helpful for you. There are many kinds of herbs used by people with HIV. Some of the more common ones are described here. Aloe vera has long been used to heal burns and cuts. Acemannan (brand name Carrisyn) is a concentrated powder form of the juice of the aloe vera plant. Test tube studies have shown that aloe vera works against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and also as an anti-inflammatory. (The word “anti-inflammatory” refers to anything that reduces swelling and other signs of infection.) Most Mouth (taken by mouth) aloe vera products contain only small amounts of juice from the plant, so it’s doubtful that these would slow down viruses or kill bacteria. However, aloe vera is known to aid in the healing of stomach problems, ulcers, constipation and colon and other problems (bowel). Apple cider vinegar is used as an antifungal mouthwash against thrush. Swish and gargle with a small amount of vinegar, then spit it out. If you have sores in your mouth, the acidity of the vinegar may cause discomfort or pain. You may want to dilute it with water. Apple cider vinegar can also be used to aid digestion (if you have an upset stomach) and may help prevent germs from growing in your urinary tract (the tube through you pee) and bladder, and causing infections. Bee propolis is a resin from tree buds that is collected by bees. It contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and other nutrients. It’s been shown to fight bacterial infections and works in the test tube against four types of herpes viruses. You can chew it as a remedy for thrush, or apply it directly to cuts and sores as an antiseptic. Bitter melon is the fruit of a plant called Momordica charantia. A tea is usually made from the fruit, leaves, and stems of this plant, and is taken as an enema (fluid injected into your rectum [ass]). A few test tube studies have shown that components of bitter melon can slow down HIV. Bitter melon can also bring on an abortion. There have been no clinical trials of bitter melon.Blue-green algae is harvested from the surface of lakes and oceans. It contains amino acids, minerals, and many other nutrients. Some people use it as a general immune booster or to give them more energy. A study by the American National Cancer Institute showed that it works against HIV in the test tube. It’s available in powder and capsule form.Curcumin is a substance found in the spice turmeric, which is used in Indian curries. Curcumin has been used to aid digestion and fight intestinal parasites (gut). Test tube studies have shown that it can stop HIV from reproducing. But early results in tests on humans have shown no effect on T4 cell counts. Curcumin is available in many health food stores. Turmeric can be used in cooking, but it is thought to be impossible to eat curcumin in quantities high enough to affect HIV just by using this spice.
Echinacea is also called purple coneflower. It’s found all over North America and has long been used by Aboriginal peoples. Test tube studies have shown that echinacea can increase levels of the cytokine TNF-alpha. High levels of this cytokine can cause fevers and wasting and can stimulate HIV reproduction. Echinacea is used to heal wounds, it may activate your antibody immune response against viruses and bacteria. Some herbalists suggest that HIV-positive people not use this herb, or use it for only a couple of days. Echinacea is available in a tincture (dissolved in alcohol) and in dried plant form (which is made into a tea or taken in capsules). Essiac tea contains burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark, and turkey rhubarb root. This tea was developed by the Ojibway nation. There are no reports of either test-tube studies or clinical trials of Essiac tea. It has been used as an immune booster. Some people say that it has cured certain types of cancer, but there is no proof. People with HIV have reported improvements in well-being, but more information is necessary about the specific effects on HIV-positive people.
Garlic has been found to have an effect against some bacteria and fungi. After you have recovered from an infection, garlic may be useful in keeping it from coming back. You can eat it raw or take it in capsules odourless. Raw garlic can sometimes cause diarrhea or nausea. Grapefruit seed extract is sold under the brand names Citricidal and Nutribiotic. It’s a liquid that fights bacteria and fungi. It can be used as a mouthwash for thrush and topically (on the affected area) for many types of skin and mouth infections. Some people use it to disinfect vegetables and fruits (as an alternative to using bleach). It’s also available in tablet form. Herbal combinations are mixtures of different herbs, usually used for a special purpose. It’s important to note that many of these products claim to be “immune boosting,” but may just boost your immune antibody response, which might not be good for you.Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is an herb that’s been used as a treatment for coughs and respiratory (breathing) problems associated with colds and flu. It’s being studied in people with HIV to see if it has any effect on infections. Reports suggest that it may be useful in the treatment of MAC, herpes, and KS, although this has not been proven. It is prepared as a tea for drinking. To compress (to treat shingles, cold sores, or wounds) can be made by soaking a cloth in the tea. Licorice root is a common ingredient of Chinese herbal remedies. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It’s also been used to improve liver function and treat liver disease. One of its active ingredients is glycyrrhizin, which has been found to work strongly in the test tube against HIV and the herpes simplex virus. Glycyrrhizin, under the brand name Glyceron, is approved for treating hepatitis B in Japan.Milk thistle contains silymarin, which may help protect your liver from the toxic (poisonous) effects of certain drugs. It may also protect your liver from the effects of alcohol, and help you recover from hepatitis.
Pau d’arc, also known as Taheebo, is made from the inner bark of a South American tree. It’s thought to fight fungi and is sometimes used to treat systemic candidiasis (including thrush and yeast infections).
PVS-30 is an extract from the European boxwood tree. It’s being studied as a possible treatment for HIV. Preliminary studies have shown increases in cell T4 and T8 cell counts, and decreases in viral load.
Tea tree oil (sometimes called you three oil) comes from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. It is used as an antiseptic and to fight fungi. It’s been used successfully as an alternative treatment for candidiasis (including thrush and yeast infections), as well as infections of the skin.
