AIDS / HIV

AIDS / HIV+ Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, popularly known as 'AIDS', is one of the unforgettable diseases of the 20th century, the black shadows of which may continue into the 21st century also. "Acquired" refers to any condition that is not present at birth. "Immuno Deficiency" means the body's immune (defense) system which is not working efficiently. And 'syndrome' refers to the fact that it includes a group or a range of symptoms and signs. 

This deficiency is a late consequence of infection by the human immuno deficiency virus (HIV).   Causes High-risk activities that are able to transmit HIV from one person to another include sexual contact and sharing needles and syringes. However, HIV is not transmitted by insect bites, nor through kissing, Hugging, handshaking, coughing, sneezing or sharing a toilet!   “PLEASE TREAT AIDS PATIENTS SYMPATHYTICALLY “   

Signs & Symptoms  
There are many opportunistic infections which may infect the individual and symptoms and signs manifest depending on the system or systems involved and the symptoms are varied and numerous. They include fevers, sweats, cough, diarrhea, herpes infection, dry itchy skin etc.   

Herbal Remedies  
Persons with AIDS or HIV + can expect progress in therapy in the near future. However some antiviral herbs, which strengthen the inner defense system of the body are given below. Daily intake of some herbs for very long periods, may be helpful for some HIV+ people in slowing down the onset of AIDS, just like AZT, a costly drug. These wonder home remedies are two holy plants tulsi, bilva (bael fruit) and one common bulb popularly known as the "heal-all" bulb i.e., garlic. All these are well known antiviral agents and rejuvenatives.   

• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): A Tsp of juice extracted from tender leaves should be taken daily on empty stomach early in the morning. This strengthens the entire respiratory system, generally targeted by HIV. 
• Bel fruit (Aegle marmelos): The fruits are highly useful especially the half-ripe fruit. The fruit pulp should be dried and powdered. 1 Tsp of the powder along with some water should be taken after meals. This protects the digestive system from invasion by HIV. 
• Turmeric : 1 Glass 200ml of warm milk mixed with 1tsp of turmeric powder should be taken twice/thrice a day. The milk should be boiled for 5 min before mixing turmeric powder. This would enhance general body immunity against any outer infections. 
• Garlic (Lahsun) (Allium sativum): One piece of a garlic bulb should be taken and the outer layers and inner pedicel removed. It should then be crushed and added to a glass of pure milk. The milk should be boiled on moderate fire till the milk is reduced to ¼ glass. This should be taken with little bit of sugar at bed time daily. This is a wonder rejuvenative and builds up the body mass and weight and is a good antiviral.   

Do’s& Don’ts 

• Follow safe sex practices, preferably a single partner. 
• Avoid blood transfusions as far as possible 
• Always Insist on disposable syringes & needles while taking injections. 
• It is advisable to take your personal barber kit while going to barber shop. 
• Always insure that new blades are used in Barber shops. It is advisable if you monitor the barber while he changes the blade. 
• Always insure that Scissors are wiped with disinfectant (or After shave) at Barber shop.

Acne : Preventive and curative measures

It is the most common form of Acne. Usually affects people from puberty to young adulthood. Around 80% of entire American population experiences this skin condition during their lifetime and out of this percentage 20% have severe acne.

Acne vulgaris is a skin problem that starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up the pores.

Symptoms:

• Appearance of pimples
• Skin may turn red and scaly
• White and Blackheads
• Excessive oil accumulation
• Blemishes left by scratches

 Causes:

•  Adolescence
• Use of oil based cosmetics
• Excessive milk intake especially skim milk by teenagers
• Medications with iodine (found in some cough medicines)
• Excessive Oily and fatty food stuff.

Preventive Measures:

1. Wash face twice daily with lukewarm salty water
2. Take fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
3. Drink lots of water to prevent most skin problems. (To find out how many you should drink, divide your body weight in half and drink at least that many ounces of water a day)
4. Do exercise daily. It helps bring oxygen to the cells and gives a healthy skin
5. Many married woman face acne issues because they take birth control pills which can aggravate acne. So, consult your physician or use another birth control method.

 Curative Measure:

1. Take few grapes. cut in half and rub it over the face and neck. Rinse with cold water.
2. Apply Honey and leave it on the skin for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and then rinse again with cold water to close the pores. Before applying this mask, rinse your face with warm water to open up the pores.
3. Rub slice of potato on them. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes. After that rinse with cold water.
4. Take 1 tsp rosewater and add 1/2 tsp lemon juice. Apply on the affected area. It not only cures acne and pimples but also reduces blemishes and scars.
5. Apply aloe vera gel on the affected aeas.

Gastritis preventive and curative measures

I see a good % of patients visiting me complains about abdominal pain and diagnosed as "Gastritis" issues. A severe cramping or pain in stomach or upper abdomen is the first symptom of this condition. Symptoms Include -

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• vomiting
• headache
• Dizziness
• pain in upper left region of stomach
• Sensation of a coated tongue
• Foul breath
• Bad taste in the mouth
• High saliva formation
• Mental Depression
• Heart burn
• Feeling of fullness in stomach (Bloated Stomach) - It is associated with chronic Gastritis

  Causes for Gastritics Issues -

1. Habitual overeating
2. Eating uncooked food
3. Excessive Tea, coffee or alcohol intake
4. Excessive use of condiments and spices
5. Stress

Curative Remedies:

1. Take 1 tsp of carom seeds ("Ajwain" in Hindi). Add 1 tsp of salt and mix well. Eat this to get some relief.
2. Take 1 glass of hot water. Add 1 tsp of liquorice powder ("Mulethi" in Hindi). Mix it well and leave it for 15 - 20 minutes. After this stain the liquid. Need to drink this 1 glass 3 times a day
3. Drink 2 cups of coconut water everyday
4. Chew 1 tsp of fennel seeds (Hindi name - Saunf) after every meal.

Preventive Measure:

1. Reduce consumption of red meat, red pepper, sour food, pickles, tea, coffee, sweets and aerated drinks.
2. Have dinner at least 2  hours before bedtime.
3. Avoid drinking water along with meal as this dilutes the digestive juices and delays digestion.

In all simple changes in your life style like not drinking water along with meal and eating few hours before sleeping will protect you from having gastritis issues and Curative measure will give you relief from gastritis issues. If the problem is severe and curative measure are not helping then please consult your doctor immediately for further checkup.