Integrating Herbal Remedies for Diarrhea in HIV-Positive Patients

Abstract

Diarrhea remains a common and debilitating condition among HIV-positive patients, negatively impacting quality of life and serving as a significant predictor of morbidity and mortality. Traditional herbal remedies have gained interest as potential therapeutic options for managing diarrhea, particularly in patients who are unresponsive to conventional treatments or suffer from non-infective forms of diarrhea associated with HIV. This paper reviews the potential for integrating herbal remedies, such as ginger, chamomile, and peppermint, into the treatment of HIV-associated diarrhea. The study examines the traditional use, potential therapeutic benefits, safety concerns, and challenges of standardizing herbal formulations in the context of ART (antiretroviral therapy). Case studies and research findings from various cultural contexts suggest that certain herbs may offer symptom relief and enhance overall treatment adherence. The findings emphasize the need for further research to establish efficacy, standardization, and clinical integration of herbal therapies in HIV care, particularly within a culturally competent and holistic healthcare framework. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, diarrhea, herbal remedies, antiretroviral therapy, complementary medicine, integrative treatment.