Question
Do phytomed herbal products work against HIV?
6 July 2016. Related: All topics, South Africa.
Hi.
I have just found out that I am positive and my boyfriend was seeing someone behind my back. I then asked him to go for a test his CD4 was way less than 290 and he refuses to take medication. He wants to use phytomed herbs.
Please advise if that works.
Answer
I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Have you got any support around dealing with the diagnosis? You may find it useful to speak with other people living with HIV. Some of the people you might meet at support groups, will have been through similar circumstances to yours. Many people find it helpful to share experiences and coping strategies.
On your question about whether phytomed (herbal products), work to treat HIV. The simple answer is no. There is no evidence that ANY herbal products can treat HIV. There are a lot of scams that take advantage of people by pretending that they do.
ARVs are the only treatments proven to consistently and reliably control HIV and improve your CD4 count. In order for the treatment to work it needs to be taken correctly and as advised.
Most country treatment guidelines, including South Africa, recommend starting treatment at any CD4 count. At 290 you count is still petty good, but is it is a good time to start finding out about treatment. Given time, most people change their mind. Perhaps this is part of his way of coping, but he could be risking his health.
This Introduction to combination therapy might be good for both of you to read. This includes information about the important aspects of treatment such as why and when it is important to start.
A really good organisation you could contact when you feel ready to talk or to find out more information is TAC [The Treatment Action Campaign] based in South Africa.
Note: This answer was updated in July 2016 from an orginal question in January 2012. This was to reflect changes in treatment guidelines.
The herbal products in the original question will not help fight HIV.
If you are HIV positive, then it is important to use ARVs during the pregnancy. This is both for your health and your baby’s health.
Is this medicine advised to be taken by a pregnant woman?
Hi Nonkanyiso
Because your comment is about a new subject I have posted a full answer as a new question at this link:
http://i-base.info/qa/10116
Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to treat, but your doctor should be able to explain options.
Usually this involves finding a way to manage the pain.
This weblink from the UK NHS has more information about options.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Rheumatoid-arthritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
For example, the treatment options it lists include:
• medication – to relieve symptoms or slow progress of the condition
• surgery – to correct joint problems
• supportive treatments – such as physiotherapy
• complementary therapies – such as massage or acupuncture, which some people find helpful
It would be good to talk to your doctor about each of these.
Hi i have rheumatoid arthritis and my joint pain means i don’t walk properly please help
Hi,
Please refer to the answer above. Phyto meds or herbal products will not help fight HIV. They may have dangerous interactions with your other medication and affect the way your ARVs work.
is it advisable or safe to use PHYTO-MED together with ARVs
Unless there has been a study showing that a herbal product is safe to use with your ARVs there is a reason to be cautious. Some herbs do interact. Also, I am curious why you want to take the herbal product. This isn’t going to improve your immune system or your CD4 count or to help with your HIV. It may just make your wallet lighter :)
I like to know if i can use a phytomed herbal if i’m taking ARVS
Hi
I’m not sure how to help, other than to check you are getting support from your clinic to help you regain mobility. Physiotherapy can help mobility improve over time for some people. Perhaps also ask the clinic about whether anything else can help your hearing loss.
I had stroke now my problem is I can not walk properly and my left ear is deaf ,do you have anything that can help me.