Home Remedies and Herbs for AIDS (HIV)

What is AIDS (HIV)?

HIV stands for “human immunodeficiency virus.” HIV attacks your immune system, compromising your body’s ability to fight off illness.¹ HIV is a sexually transmitted infection and if it’s not treated, HIV can develop into AIDS, which stands for “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.”² It takes about 10 or 15 years for HIV to develop into AIDS.²

The HIV virus works by destroying a type of white blood cell in your body call a T-helper cell. HIV makes copies of itself inside your T-helper cells.¹ Over time, so many T-helper cells become destroyed that it affects your immune system’s ability to fight infections.²

What Causes HIV / AIDS?

HIV / AIDS is a viral infection that can only be spread from person to person in certain ways. Only specific body fluids can transmit the virus. The body fluids of the infected person need to contact a mucous membrane or damaged tissue, or to be directly injected into your bloodstream, in order for the virus to be transferred.² The HIV virus can’t survive outside a human body. That means that the virus can’t be transmitted via objects like toilet seats or door handles, and you can’t catch it by sharing a drinking glass or shaking hands with someone.³

HIV / AIDS Symptoms

Early Symptoms of HIV infection:^7,8

Fever
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Skin rashes
Swollen lymph nodes
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Muscle pains
Night sweats
Yeast infection (thrush)
Mouth ulcers
Sore throat

Symptoms of Progression to AIDS:^7,8

Night sweats
Lesions on your tongue or mouth
Weight loss
Frequent fever
Persistent Diarrhea
Skin rashes
Tiredness
Swollen lymph glands
Pneumonia
Memory loss
Depression
Swelling of the lymph glands
Red, brown, pink spots on the skin, mouth, nose, or eyelids
Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals

How Is HIV / AIDS Diagnosed and Treated?

The only way to diagnose HIV or AIDS is to get an HIV test. If you catch the HIV virus, you will have it for life;² however, thanks to advances in medicine and with the right diet and herbal supplements you could control the virus so that you live a longer and healthier life, and reduce your chances of passing the virus to others.⁴

Natural Remedies and Herbs for HIV / AIDS

There are many antiviral herbs that can boost your immune system and help your body to naturally fight HIV / AIDS. Antiviral herbal remedies can also support your health being and aid to tackle other infections and relieve the symptoms associated with HIV / AIDS.

Green tea: This healthy tea can help to strengthen the immune system action because it protects it against oxidants and radicals.^5,9

Maca root: While more research is needed to prove its effectiveness is also said to boost immune system function.⁶

Cat’s Claw: The powerful immune and antiviral activity of Cat’s Claw can help fight the HIV virus and its anti-inflammatory properties can help to repair the damage caused by the HIV virus. Cat’s claw is not recommended for people with leukemia or certain autoimmune disorders.⁹

Maitake Mushroom: Used as antiviral and immune support this supplement can improve the results of your HIV and AIDs therapy. Maitake may lower blood sugar so consult with your physician if you are taking any medication to control your blood sugar.⁹

Ashwagandha: Used as antiviral to support the immune system and to help it repair the damage caused by HIV virus.¹⁰

Astragalus: Used to protect and support the immune system. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help fight other infections. Astragalus also contains powerful antioxidants that can protect cells against damage caused by HIV.¹⁰

References

http://www.catie.ca/en/practical-guides/herbal-therapies/1-introduction/1-2