Herbal medicines are widely used as primary treatment for HIV/AIDS in Africa. Although the effectiveness of the traditional African folk medicines is not well researched, evidences suggest that some of these herbal medicines may benefit people with HIV/AIDS. Currently, the Ministry of Health in South Africa and several NGOs recommend African potato and sutherlandia for treating HIV/AIDS. Researchers speculate that sterols and sterolins present in the root of African potato or Hypoxis hemerocallidea may boost immunity. L-canavanine, an arginine analogue present in Sutherlandia frutescens, is reported to possess anti-viral properties that might help to kill HIV viruses. Both these popular African herbal medicines are considered safe for consumption.

Researches have revealed that certain herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating HIV/AIDS can slow down progression of the disease. The dried root of purple gromwell, known as zicao in Chinese, is widely recommended in Chinese herbal medicine for inhibiting replication of the HIV virus. The anti-viral activities of the herb is attributed to the compound called Shikonin, which according to studies, prevents the virus from entering the host cell. Another Chinese herb that can be taken by people with HIV/AIDS is Panax ginseng. It is an adaptogen, a term used in alternative medicine for describing herbs that can fight stress and fatigue.

Antiviral herbs used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine system, may improve the quality of life of people suffering from HIV/AIDS. Although most of these treatments are not supported by sufficient clinical trails, several practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine claim that the progression of the disease can be prevented with Ayurvedic detoxification and immune boosting herbs and medicines. Triphala, a generic Ayurvedic formulation comprising of three fruits of the myrobalans family, and withania somnifera can improve the quality of life of AIDS patients.

Unexplained weight loss is common in HIV-infected people. Common symptoms of opportunistic infections such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, oral and esophageal problems, malabsorption and inadequate fat storage demand nutritional intervention to prevent weight loss and muscle wasting. To slow down progression of HIV infection, HIV positive patients should consume a nutrient dense, high quality diet comprising of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and low fat proteins.

Dietary supplements such as turmeric, garlic, blue-green algae and Chinese bitter melon that boost immunity are often recommended for HIV positive individuals.

Some homeopaths claim that HIV/AIDS can be treated with homeopathic medicines. Common homeopathic medicines used for treating this illness include Tuberculinum Bovinum, Berberis Vulgaris, Canthris and Terebinth. Just as in the case of treatment of other diseases, even in the case of HIV/AIDS, the homeopathic treatment varies from person to person. The doses of the medicines will vary according to the mental condition of a patient, his/her personality and symptoms.

Emotional stress that accompanies HIV/AIDS can be reduced with massage, acupressure and chiropractic medicine. Severe mental stress tends to worsen the symptoms of HIV/AIDS. A relaxing body massage eases muscle tension and improves the mental health of a HIV-positive patient.

By manipulating the activities and functions of the mind and brain, mind-body therapies such as yoga, meditation, visualization, Tai Chi and aromatherapy boost the natural ability of the body to fight infections. These therapies reduce anxiety and alleviate stress.

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese therapy, is believed to improve the body’s resistance to infection. It may treat body pain, nerve damage and fatigue associated with HIV infection. Side effects are rare when the therapy is done by an expert.