HIV affects the immune system, making you more prone to common opportunistic infections, which take longer for complete recovery. According to an estimate, about 23 million of the world’s population have been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, out of which approximately 8.1 million people have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Ayurveda terms disorders like AIDS as progressive wasting disorders where depletion of the eighth dhatu (element) of the body, the ojas dhatu, takes place. The ojas dhatu is said to be the essence of all the dhatus (elements) in the body as it is created from the finest part of all dhatus and supports immune system. When ojas is vitiated and depleted, the immune structure of the body crumbles and leaves the body open to many infections and diseases.
According to conventional medicine, when the body fights infection, it is the CD4 type of white blood cells that locate pathogens and destroy them. However, HIV infection damages immunity and reduces the count of CD4 cells. When the CD4 cell count drops below 200 (a healthy count is 500 and above), the condition is classified as AIDS.
Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), ashwagandha (Indian ginseng), guduchi (heart-leaved moonseed) and shatavari (hundred roots) are some of the herbs described by Ayurveda to improve body’s resistance and boost immune function, thereby helping in the management of AIDS. Chyavanprash avaleha is also found to be effective in improving overall health. Ayurveda promotes sadvritta (life of good conduct) techniques like avoiding over-stress, maintaining cleanliness, being faithful to one’s partner, and living a spiritual life for better management of HIV. Taking preventive measures like checking blood samples before blood transfusion procedures, avoiding the use of infected needles, avoiding unsafe sex, and getting tested for HIV during pregnancy can help prevent the spread of HIV.