Herbal Medication instead of Aids medication?

What are your thoughts on people who use herbs instaed of the cocktail drug. Could this be the cause of thgere Viral load being low and undetecable.

Hi there,

Unfortunately herbal medications have not been studied as to their efficacy for HIV. One herb Astralagus was one herb that could possibly be used to help with HIV infection. But again, not enough studies have been done with natural medicines. Further, the herbal/supplement industry is not regulated. Lastly, as much as I am in favour of herbal remedies, many herbs counteract with HARRT meds: they either cancel out the drugs or cause drug levels to spike (often causing an increase in side effects or helps to bring out side effects normally not experienced). Yes, my meds are highly toxic but then so is St. John's Wort.

For me, I do use herbal remedies but I always make sure my doctor knows what I am taking and how much. I also tell him why I'm taking them. Many doctors are not familiar with homoeopathic treatments; mine is aware but it is not his area of expertise and I can not fault him for theat. At least he is open and listens to me. Hell if he didn't I'd be packing me bags and looking for a new doctor. Remember, doctors work for you! As to an undetectable viral load, really, the only thing that has been studied is meds. If a drug does not push the viral load to <50 after 3 months, chances are it never will as there may be a resistance to a particular medicine. There may be blips now and then but they are a good thing: it means you system is still working!

Cheers.

To be perfectly honest, PPD, I have never seen convincing evidence of herbal treatments having a reliable or predictable effect on HIV disease. This is not to say that complementary treatments are useless: a sound diet and physical, mental and spiritual disciplines have an undoubted benefit in maintaining physical and mental health. Complementary health practitioners have an important role in promoting these, and the use of herbs is part of the practice of some complementary practitioners.

Orthodox medical treatments for HIV disease are no picnic. They often produce unpleasant side effects, and sometimes you have to make the hard decision that the downsides are worse than the upsides. Despite that, they are often the best choice you can make for your health.

Talk to your doctor. Don't be afraid to question received wisdom, and make sure your doctor is aware of any downsides for you - be frank - but at the same time you need to be able to interpret the available evidence to make good choices for your health. Take the time to discuss what you need to with your health adviser.