Positive Living Through Nutrition-Herbs
11-06-2009
HERBS
People with HIV/AIDS are often willing to try out any medication, especially traditional medicines. Whilst some medication proves to
work, others can be dangerous to one’s health. However, there are some herbs and spices that are known to improve digestion,
stimulate appetite and preserve foods but need to be used in moderate amounts. Using them in excess amounts will not increase their
function; instead they may become toxic and harmful. The table below gives some examples of herbs and their effects on a person’s
body.
Herb
Basil
Cinnamon
Coriander
Fennel
Garlic
Positive effects
Helps to relieve nausea and
aid digestion; has an
antiseptic function for mouth
sores
Good for colds and for
weakness after colds or flu.
Also used when feeling cold,
for diarrhea and nausea.
Stimulates appetite. Gently
stimulates digestive juices,
encouraging bowel
movements.
Helps to increase appetite
and reduce flatulence.
Controls bacteria and fungi.
Helps to increase appetite,
combat flatulence and expel
gas.
Reduces cholesterol level,
improves digestion, blood
circulation, prevents blood
clotting
Ailments treated
Headaches, mouth infections,
nausea.
How to use
Add to food to treat nausea
and digestive problems. Use
as gargle for mouth sores (12
leaves to one cup of water).
Either add to meals or in tea,
particularly ginger cinnamon
tea for chesty colds or
tuberculosis.
Adverse effects
Add herb to meals.
Infertility, colic, indigestion,
coughs, colds and bronchitis.
Vaginal yeast infection, high blood
pressure, thrush, candida, herpes
zoster, pneumonia, urinary tract
ailments, diarrhea
Page 1 of 3
Add as spice to foods or
prepare tea from the seeds.
Use in limited amounts.
Prepare tea or energy drink,
deep cotton wool in garlic
solution and rub around
problem
Burns or skin lesions due to
too much application in
children
Positive Living Through Nutrition-Herbs
Ginger
Improves digestion,
stimulates appetite, energizes
Lemon
Is antibacterial and helps
digestion
Helps digestion, comforts
and strengthens the nerves
and sinews
Has healing effects, keeps the
bowels functioning properly,
can be used in perfumes
Mint
Aloe
Parsley
Reduces intestinal colic.
Stimulates stomach
secretions and activates and
produces a feeling of hunger.
The seed is used to remove
excess water from the body.
Parsley is also used to
promote menstruation,
facilitate child birth and
increase female libido.
Parsley is rich in vitamins
and minerals.
Pepper
Stimulates blood circulation,
appetite, helps fight
infections, stimulates
warming
Peppermint May help nausea. Reduces
colic (abdominal pain and
cramps), helps to control
diarrhoea and stop vomiting.
Used for relieving tension
11-06-2009
Diarrhea, common colds, flu,
nausea, vomiting, migraine
headaches
Hiccups, nausea, stomach upsets,
indigestion, vomiting, mouth sores
As spice in meals, prepare
ginger tea
Add lemon juice to food or
drinks.
Prepare tea, gargle for mouth
sores
Burns, skin rashes, insect bites,
herpes zoster, chafed nipples, acne,
anaemia, cancer, depression,
diabetes, open wounds
Impotence, eye problems, leg
cramps, urinary tract diseases.
Apply sap on affected area
externally, make a thin
porridge using young leaves
to rub on affected area
Add raw or cooked to foods
or prepare tea of eight
leaflets per cup (twice daily
for four days).
Loss of appetite, ulcers, intestinal
inflammation
Add to soups, stews, eggs,
veges, fish
Hiccups, nausea, halitosis, stomach Prepare as tea, by boiling the
upsets, vomiting, indigestion.
leaves for about ten minutes.
Add to food. (Peppermint can
easily be grown in the garden
or in a pat near the house).
Page 2 of 3
Can be harmful to children
under 6 years therefore it is
not recommended to them
Mild abdominal discomfort,
excessive use can lead to
diarrhoea
Positive Living Through Nutrition-Herbs
Thyme
and sleeplessness.
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.
11-06-2009
Thrush/candida, vaginal yeast
infection, whooping cough, hoarse
voice.
Use as gargle or mouthwash,
as a vaginal douche or as tea.
Traditional knowledge and practices related to herbal medicine differ greatly from region to region. Therefore, locally and personally
known herbal treatments should be identified, discussed and the knowledge on herbs may be shared. Local information can also be
obtained from clinics, health offices and local HIV and AIDS support groups. Associations of traditional healers may also have
additional information.
HIV and AIDS is not a traditional illness and so far there is no hard evidence to believe that traditional medicines can cure HIV and
AIDS. However, certain herbs might strengthen the immune system, and reduce the symptoms and help to treat opportunistic
infections.
It is important to know that herbs, spices, vitamins and immune boosters may be harmful when taking antiretroviral
medicines. Always tell your doctor or health what alternative medicines and herbs you are taking.
Page 3 of 3