Title and Link : Herbs Helping Fight HIV And Aids
Herbs Helping Fight HIV And Aids
ZIMBABWE- Many rural communities in most parts of Zimbabwe are realising the importance of using natural remedies such as herbs to treat some HIV-related opportunistic infections because they have been let down by the ailing health system.Zimbabwe's health sector has deteriorated over the years and rural communities have been the worst affected as shortages of drugs and other essential medicines continue to dog rural district hospitals and clinics.
The HIV and Aids pandemic has increased the demand for health care for many people in the country but health institutions are finding it increasingly difficult to cope, especially in light of the numerous problems in the health sector itself.
People living with HIV and Aids often seek treatment for opportunistic infections such as skin rashes, sores, coughs and colds, tuberculosis and chest pains. These are problems that public health institutions have to deal with on a day to day basis.
However, as StandardHealth recently found out, in spite of the hard times, some rural communities are using their ingenuity to survive.
Having realised that the problems in Zimbabwe's health sector will not be overcome soon, some rural communities have resorted to natural remedies to treat common ailments affecting PLWAs.
Florence Guzanga, vice chairperson of the Murereka Home Based Care (HBC) programme in Makonde, says her community has benefited immensely since they established a communally-owned herbal garden.
"The herbs are working wonders for most people here and as caregivers we notice changes in people who have used them for one reason or the other when we visit them," said Guzanga.
"There are various herbs. They treat many ailments from skin sores, rashes, headaches, nausea, stomach pains and so many other things."
Herbs that are being grown and used in Murereka include lemon grass, banana powder, yarrow, Black Jack, Marjoram and warm wood.
"Lemon grass is for energy, appetite, sore legs and it also helps blood flow well in the body. One takes dried lemon grass and puts it in boiled water for a while then takes it like tea," explains Guzanga.
Recommended forpeople who have ulcers is the banana powder, which is made from dry bananas. One dose consists of one teaspoon of powder to one cup of milk.
Black Jack (tsine) is used for stomach pains, oral thrush and is also an immune booster. The roots are taken and dried in a shade and pounded to a powder after drying. The powder is then used for making tea.
Spiwe Kuzvinzwa-Chingozha from Murereka says she tested positive in 1998 but has never since been admitted to hospital.
"We rely on this herbal garden for most of our illnesses. People here hardly go to the hospital or clinic unless it's extremely necessary and serious," said Kuzvinzwa-Chingozha.
"Even when I am well I use some of these herbs because they keep me healthy and boost my immune system. I have never been to hospital ever since I tested positive and I am not on any hospital."
In Mhondoro, members of the Tsungirai Home Based Care Programme have just started a herbal nursery which they are optimistic will assist them in meeting their treatment needs.
Through the National Aids Council (NAC) and another non-governmental organisation - COSV - the Mhondoro community has established herbal nurseries under drip irrigation.
"We have learnt from other communities here the benefits of a herbal garden and we are optimistic that we will help our community once it is fully operational," said Nestai Mathlatini, a caregiver who is living positively with HIV and Aids.
"Instead of everyone rushing to hospitals and clinics where they will be disappointed because there are no drugs, we hope to give them an alternative here."
Source: Zimbabwe Standard (Harare), April 25, 2005
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