Herbal remedy For HIV THOUGH scientists are yet to find a cure for HIV/AIDS, certain traditional medicines have been shown to help treat many of the symptoms of opportunistic infections that are part of the disease. A list of herbs and the beneficial effects claimed by people living with HIV/AIDS have been documented by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also published the progress made by some African countries, including Nigeria, in managing HIV/AIDS with herbs. According to Living well with HIV/AIDS: A manual on nutritional care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS by FAO, " the effects may not be the same for all people. People can try these herbs and decide for themselves whether they are helpful. They may also know of other remedies used in their country that they want to add." The manual reads: "Remember that all herbs and spices should be used in moderate amounts. Exceeding these amounts may cause problems and have a toxic effect; moreover, the function of the herbs and spices will not be increased. They cannot replace healthy eating and should not be used in place of a healthy and balanced diet." Aloe helps to relieve constipation. Use as extract; boil and drink the concentrated water. To be used in limited amounts; stop immediately if it causes cramps or diarrhoea. Basil helps to relieve nausea and aid digestion; has an antiseptic function for mouth sores. Add to food to treat nausea and digestive problems. Use as gargle for mouth sores Calendula flower heads have antiseptic, anti- inflammatory and healing function. Helps with infections of the upper digestive tract. Use as a compress to treat infected wounds. Prepare as tea to help digestion Cardamom helps with digestive problems, pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Add to food during cooking or prepare as tea. Cayenne stimulates appetite, helps fight infection, heals ulcers and intestinal inflammation. Add a pinch to cooked or raw foods. For an energising drink add to fruit juice or water. Camomile helps digestion and provides relief for nausea. Prepare tea from the leaves and flowers and drink several cups throughout the day. Cinnamon good for colds and for weakness after colds or flu. Also used when feeling cold for diarrhoea and nausea; stimulates appetite. Gently stimulates digestive juices, encouraging bowel movements. Either add to meals or in tea, particularly ginger cinnamon tea for chesty colds or tuberculosis. Cloves stimulate appetite, help weak digestion, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Use in soups, stews, warmed fruit juice and tea. Coriander helps to increase appetite and reduce flatulence. Controls bacteria and fungi. Add herb to meals. Eucalyptus has an antibacterial function, particularly for lungs and during bronchitis. Eucalyptus oil from leaves increases the blood flow and reduces the symptoms of inflammation. Prepare tea from the leaves or extract. Fennel helps to increase appetite, combat flatulence and expel gas. Add as spice to foods or prepare tea from the seeds. Use in limited amounts. Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal function, particularly in the gut, intestines, lungs and vagina. Helps digestion and feeling of weakness. Also good for thrush, throat infections, herpes and diarrhoea. Prepare tea or energy drink, or use in food Ginger improves digestion, energises, relieves diarrhoea and stimulates appetite. Used for treating common colds, flu and nausea. Use either as a spice in meals or prepare a ginger tea. Lemon is antibacterial and helps digestion. Add lemon juice to food or drinks. Lemon grass has a calming effect as well as soothing digestion and alleviating stress. Use as tea. Mint has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps digestion. Use as tea or gargle for mouth sores. Chew mint leaves to aid digestion. Neem (Dogonyaro) brings down fever. Cut a fresh twig, remove the leaves and boil the bark in water; drink as tea. The bark can also be chewed. Parsley reduces intestinal colic. Stimulates stomach secretions and activities and produces a feeling of hunger. The seed is used to remove excess water from the body. Add raw or cooked to food. Peppermint may help nausea. Reduces colic (abdominal pain and cramps), helps to control diarrhoea and stop vomiting. Used for relieving tension and sleeplessness. Prepare as tea, by boiling the leaves for about ten minutes. Add to food. Thyme has antiseptic and antifungal function. Relaxes nervous coughing and increases mucosal secretions. Stimulates digestion and the growth of the good intestinal flora in the gut. Use as gargle or mouthwash, as a vaginal douche or as tea. Turmeric/ yellow root digestive aid, antiseptic and antioxidant. Use powdered in rice, cereals.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Aug 2013 13:26:37 +0000
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