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.
KINDLY TELL ME, AS TO HOW IS PHYTOMED HELPING WITH STROKE, AND WHAT THE PRODUCTS THAT ARE FOR A STROKE?
Hi Martinah, yes you can take Phytomed while on ARVs.As with all supplements, it is recommended to take Phytomed and ARVs at opposite ends of the day to avoid any interactions. e.g., ARVs in the morning and Phytomed as you go to bed.
Can someone on Arvs tablets take Phytomed.
Hi Remain, Phytomed would not be causing these side effects. Have you spoken to a doctor about this excessive sweating?
Hi is it possible dat after using phythomed after a month start Recieving side effect I wake up soaking wet every morning like peeing urself ,I use three pads at night n more than five pads at night even if I use extra towel but I still get up wet
Hi Buhle, phytomed khosian herbal products can not help you conceive. Have you spoken to a doctor about ways to help conceive?
Are you on ART?
Can phytomed khoisan herbal products help me I have difficlties in consiving
Hi Ntsako, I don’t think there is any evidence that this herb will help with any medical problem. Your doctor need to find out the cause – and also suggest what might help.
Hi, I’m suffering from chest pains and sometimes I struggle with breathing can I use Phythomed? Since when I go to doctors they don’t see anything wrong
Hi Sabelo, there is no evidence to support that Phytomed kills cancer cells. There is some evidence to suggest that when combined with chemotherapy, Phytomed might increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Phytomed may also decrease some of the side effects.