Aromatherapy In The Care of HIV/AIDS: Is It Work?

HIV/AIDS is taking the lives of many people around the world. There are many treatments researched to cure the disease. Apart from the prescribed medication, using essential oils can enhance the process.

Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative therapy that uses various methods to treat and care for some typical health issues. The key feature of this form of remedy is the expert application of essential oils in relevant chronic and fatal illnesses.

This is a method without practicing any physical pain, so it is easier and more applicable at home. Our article below will focus on the potential use of essential oils to support HIV/AIDS treatment and show you where to buy best essential oils and easy essential oil recipes for diffuser.

Basic Information About Essential Oils And Its Application On HIV

1. Essential Oils: Definition And Usages

Essential oils are compound substances extracted from flora. And each plant has a specific taste and scent called “essence”. Based on these characteristics, every essential oil has a different aroma from the others.

To make the oils, people will distill the plant to get the essence through steam or water. Later, combining the extract with a carrier oil gives the final product.

The scent molecules from the essential oil will get into the brain through the olfactory nerves and affect the brain’s emotional center. The remedy can also be applied to the skin by massaging to absorb the flora extract into the skin.

There are many health benefits when using aromatherapy. Since it impacts the nerves and carries antioxidants, its functions are to reduce stress and slightly strengthen the immune system.  This remedy is usually used to aid mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia and prevent certain diseases like cancer.

The Extract From Plants In The Oil

2. How Aromatherapy Supports HIV Cure?

Patients who suffer from illnesses or syndrome like HIV/AIDS can use essential oils to improve the healing process. Aromatherapy is an effective way to build up a stronger immune system directly.

Furthermore, it can aid their psychological and emotional levels. Since HIV patients may get tension and pain due to the treatment, this therapy keeps a key role in making them feel relaxed.

Using essential oils can approach their feeling factor and ease the negative emotion such as anger, worry, scare, etc. In general, applying aromatherapy helps the patients cope with the side effects in treatment or the disease symptoms.

Aromatherapy targets the patient’s body and the sense of smell to boost the cure and improve well-being. An appropriate essential oil in the therapy must contain antiviral properties. And some oils with a high density of antiviral characteristics are Cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum Verum), Thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris) and many more.

Since HIV breaks down the body’s immune system, patients are vulnerable and have to suffer from opportunistic infections and diseases. The immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties of the oils helps decrease swelling, pain and strengthen the immune system.

Whenever a person comes down with a disease, inflammation is the cause. Soothing the swelling by essential oils can bring about a better state of health.

There are many methods to slow down the symptoms, ranging from mental aids and stress-relieving practice with the help of oils through ways such as baths, massages, mood improvement, etc.

However, patients still have to strictly follow the prescription given by doctors as the therapy only assists the process but cannot alter the proper treatment completely. Patients should have a check-up regularly at the hospital to update their HIV status.

A Method Of Applying Essential Oils Through The Skin

3. Oils Used For Treatment

As mentioned above, there are certain essential oils suitable for HIV therapy.  developing the immune system, consider some kinds of oils such as: Geranium oil (Pelargonium sidoides), Manuka oil (Leptospermum scoparium), Black pepper oil (Piper nigrum), Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), Rose oil (Rosa damascene, Rosa centifolia), Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus radiate), etc.

These types contain a high antioxidant rate to lessen the swollen parts and help patients strengthen from the inside.

For relaxing purposes and relieving tension, we use the oils with a pleasant scent, usually have fruit or flower note like:

Bergamot oil (Citrus bergamia), Violet leaf oil (Viola odorata), Grapefruit Oil (Citrus x paradisi), Jasmine oil (Jasminum officinale), etc.

These scents have been documented to have positive effects on HIV patients. And it will be better if you contact an aromatherapist beforehand and ask for more relevant information.

Only Natural Oils Used In Treatment

4. Where To Buy Essential Oils And How Do We Choose An Item?

You can find the item in the local drug mart with the detailed usage provided by the seller. If it is not available in your area, online shopping will be a good choice as there are thousands of results when you search for the oil on the online platform.

When purchasing a product, remember that it should fulfil these requirements.

  • Label: It should include the Latin name of the plant used to process the oil, the purity and the components.
  • Brand: The company has to be well-known among Aromatherapists or been recommended for a couple of years.
  • Originality: The product cannot contain any fragrance oils, a substance created when combining essential oils with chemicals. This type of oils is inappropriate in aromatherapy. It is advisable that you purchase a bottle with the purest ratio, 100% extracted from plants.
  • Container: The origin oils are concentrated densely in the liquid form, so they may dissolve the material like plastic, leading to a leak in the bottle. To preserve the consistency of essential oils, it is highly recommended that companies package them in small brown or blue glass bottles.

Conclusion

Although there are not many studies showing the outstanding effectiveness of essential oils in the treatment of HIV, it also helps stabilize patients’ spirits and support disease resistance. In addition, we need to be careful in choosing products based on the criteria we shared above for a better treatment result.

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Creating Weekend Night Vibes Indoors With A Bar Set

To be a bartender takes time and effort, but what could be better than being able to make a variety of chef’s kiss drinks that will delight your taste buds? On weekends, nothing beats relaxing at home and sipping the best homemade drinks made with a bar set. Can you picture it?

It will be an enjoyable and interesting adventure with some minor hiccups, but come on, life is about having fun, right?

What Does A Bar Set Contain?

So, to become a home bartender, what equipment do you need to put on the shelf?

These are the tools that are required in a basic gold bar tool sets. There will be some modifications, but they will primarily consist of: cocktail shakers, cocktail muddlers, cocktail spoons, strainers, jiggers, stoppers, openers, ice tongs, pourers, straw brushes, bend straws, straight straws, and trays.

It may appear to be a bit overwhelming at first glance, but if you study carefully, you will quickly understand how to use them and be able to use them to replicate delicious drinks from a variety of spirits within the comfort of your home.

Become A Specialized Bartender

Put On The Menu Your Favs

When it comes to stockpiling a bar, you have a lot of options. You can imitate a skilled formation by going the classical full bar route.

This will include the necessary beverages and mixed drinks for the most popular bar cocktails, giving you the most flexibility in the drinks you can make.

Replicate Your Favorite Drinks At Home

You don’t need to fill your home bar with unnecessary items but tailor your home bar to your preferences. If you prefer bourbon to vodka, focus on expanding your bourbon catalog.

Liquor and non-alcoholic drinkers are on the same boat. After all, it’s pointless to stock items you’re not going to use.

Consider what you like to drink and customize your bar to your personal style, flavor, and budget.

To make your home bar more beneficial, install an small ice maker so that you can enjoy a variety of drinks with fresh and novel recipes. You can always bring more on the menu as you discover different cocktail recipes or a freshly distilled essence.

Vary Your Diet With Healthy Drinks

You have a strong desire for alcohol but are concerned that your weight loss plan will go down the drain? Don’t worry; there will be a few drinks to satisfy your cravings while keeping you in a good shape.

Try Some Homemade Cocktails

The Greyhound is a classic drink with just two main ingredients: grapefruit juice and either gin or vodka as the spirit. In an Old Fashioned glass, combine vodka and juice and serve over ice.

The famous Margarita you’ve heard about has the ability to balance four of the five human tastes.

Taking a sip of a margarita with salt, you can reduce the resentment of the lime and tequila while increasing the sweet and sour flavor. Because of its high acidity, the lime’s citrus scent also helps to balance the bitter taste.

Mimosa, also known as silver wattle, is a type of plant with lovely yellow flowers. The hue of a Mimosa beverage, which is typically made with equal amounts of orange juice and champagne, is said to mimic the tint of the flower, hence the title.

Aside from alcoholic beverages, why not try a peanut butter smoothie, one of the most flavorful smoothies? With the nutritious protein per serving, the peanut butter shake can be a quick and healthy late-night snack.

Combine a cup of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, a quarter cup of milk, and two tablespoons of peanut butter in a blender, and your delicious smoothie is served.

Keep You Safe From Potential Social Dangers

Is It Safe To Hang Out In A Bar?

Chilling at a home bar with your friends is private yet super fun. But chances are that you will have to join a party or hang out with your friends in a public bar.

Any nightlife venue links to many social issues. While alcohol is mixed with large groups of strangers, it can result in various encounters, some of which are loads of fun, and others are more alarming.

There has been a lot of evidence or research that social evils frequently occur in bars. Many people have suffered due to their irresponsible behaviors at the bar. And the most potential danger posed in these public areas is transmitting HIV/AIDS.

How To Keep You Safe?

Go In Groups

When you arrive at a bar, there will undoubtedly be danger lurking around every corner. Those who mostly went to the bar together should make an effort to stay together the whole night.

Also, never leave a bar without at least one other person in the group. If this is the case, the person left alone may be unable to find their way back to where the rest of the team went, or they may go somewhere with a stranger.

Make Plan First

Decide on who will be the lead driver, and make sure they are reliable. Driving while intoxicated is highly hazardous. It can get not only drunk drivers and their passengers but also other drivers in danger.

If no one is inclined to stay sober, have a number on hand to call a taxi to transport the group home safely.

Aware Of Contacting With Strangers

Hookups are prevalent in bars, but it’s still important to be cautious about going home with a stranger. If someone is hitting on you that you don’t know and are uncomfy about it, courteously move back from the stranger and seek out your group immediately.

If the situation worsens, you should either leave the bar or report the perpetrator. If one chooses to return home with someone they met on a night out, one should inform their friends of the new acquaintance’s location and carry a full-battery mobile in emergency situations.

Another piece of advice for dealing with strangers is to never accept a drink from someone you don’t know. It is never guaranteed that they did not drop something into the sip to drug whoever they intend to give it to. Being high on drugs could put you in a far more risky situation.

Maintain Self-control When Drinking In Bars.

So, at the end of the day, preparing yourself a home bar is a perfect idea to relax without worrying about other issues.

With a home bar set designed to your specifications, nothing will prevent you from sipping your alcoholic drink in the most laid back, most pleasant psychological state of mind.

You can get rid of anxiety about anything while relishing your personal space and admiring the lovely views in residence.

Final Words

Including a bar set in your own home will increase comfort while also brightening the atmosphere. You can not only enjoy the spirit drinks safely at home, but you can also invite your loved ones over for a small vibing party.

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Living With HIV/AIDS: Nutrition and Food Safety Guideline

Because HIV can directly destroy one’s immune system, it’s crucial to pay attention to good nutrition and food safety to maintain a healthy life. A balanced diet will also help people who are living with HIV to feel better.

What To Know About Food Safety?

To ensure food safety and prevent illness, knowing how to choose, prepare, and store food properly is of utmost importance. Here are some food safety guidelines to keep the germs at bay:

  • Make sure that everything is clean. Wipe the counter, wash best cooking utensil sets (especially sharp utensils such as best deer skinning knife, scissors, forks…) and hands before and after preparing food.
  • Wash all vegetables and fresh fruits with clean or saltwater.
  • Cook all the meals (meat, fish, poultry) well done. It’s highly recommended to use a meat thermometer.
  • Keep leftovers in the refrigerator below 40° Fahrenheit. It’s always better to have vacuum sealers for food storage at home.
  • Heat the food to over 140° Fahrenheit and completely reheat the leftovers before eating.
  • Use boiled water for drinking and cooking to reduce the risk of water-borne illness.
  • Do not eat anything raw (raw eggs, raw seafood, raw meats).
  • Always check the expiration dates on the packaging. Throw away anything that is past those dates or has been stored long ago.
  • Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave instead of at room temperature.
  • Clean all utensils, knives, and cutting boards (especially ones that touch raw meat) with soap and hot water after each use and before using them again.
  • Tap water can be contaminated with germs, so always check the public water supply’s quality or drink bottled water.

Fruit and vegetables have to be washed thoroughly before cooking.

Why Do Nutrition And Food Safety Matter In Responding To HIV?

Nutrition and food safety is an important factor at all stages of HIV. Food insecurity and malnutrition can accelerate HIV-related diseases and sabotage the patient’s response to antiretroviral treatment.

Nutrition And HIV/AIDS

Balanced nutrition plays an important role in maintaining well-being and long-term life, regardless of living with HIV/AIDS. Nutrition care and HIV are strongly related to each other because it helps people to maintain weight, stay healthy, and feel better overall.

On the other hand, HIV and malnutrition combine to weaken one’s immune system, make them sensitive to infections, and disrupt treatment progress. A person with HIV can be more at risk of malnutrition due to the following reasons.

Reduce Food Consumption

Malnutrition can increase fatigue and make people with HIV lose their appetite and have difficulty eating.

There are several reasons for a person to cut down their food intake. They may be suffering from infections or side effects from medical treatments. Depression from dealing with HIV can also make people lose their appetite.

Poor Absorption

HIV/AIDS affects the patient body’s ability to consume food. It may lead to poor absorption of nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, etc.

It is the most frequent cause of diarrhea, which is very common with HIV infection. Poor absorption can directly damage the proper functioning of the immune system.

Change In Metabolism

The fact remains that certain antiretroviral drugs and HIV itself can impede our metabolism.

Poor absorption can make individuals unable to digest properly, which leads to weight loss, growth floundering, and decreased physical activities. It also makes one’s body can’t adopt nutrients correctly.

Changes in metabolism can cause dramatic weight loss.

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Infections And Illnesses

Untreated HIV infection can make individuals sensitive to any infection and illness. It leads to an increase in energy needs, greater nutrient requirements, and body malfunction.

People with chronic illness may also experience loss of appetite, resulting in dramatic weight loss and reduce food consumption. The most common symptoms of illnesses caused by HIV infections are fever, anorexia, diarrhea, anemia, thrush, and frequent vomiting.

Impact Of Food Safety On HIV

Food safety and HIV/AIDS are intricately linked to each other. HIV infection can hasten the decline of one’s immune system through food safety in many ways.

Food that is not handled or processed properly can negatively impact the overall nutritional and health status of those living with HIV/AIDS.

Since food and water can contain germs that cause severe illnesses, paying attention to food safety is the priority for HIV patients.

Due to the weaker immune system as a consequence of HIV/AIDS, foodborne illnesses become more serious and last longer.

How To Maintain Good Nutrition For People Living With HIV

There aren’t any special diets or particular foods that will directly boost one’s immune system. But there are a few ways to help people with HIV maintain good nutrition and keep their immunity up.

Eat Vegetables And Fruit Every Day

Vegetables and fruits take an important part in maintaining a healthy and well-balanced meal. The vitamins and minerals within them help people with HIV/AIDS keep the body functioning and fight infection.

Fruit and vegetable consumption leads to better body functioning.

Eat Staple Foods And Legumes Every Day If Possible

For a healthy diet, staple foods should take up the largest part of one’s meal. Staple foods include cereals, starchy food, and starchy fruits.

Meanwhile, legumes provide proteins one’s body needed to develop and build up strong muscle. Legume food group contains peas, nuts, beans, and lentils.

Add Protein And Calories To The Diet

The best way to boost one’s immune system is by adding protein and calories to the daily meals. Foods that contain many proteins are meats, fish, beans, and dairy products.

To increase one’s daily intake of calories, it’s advisable to add extra fat and carbohydrates to each meal.

Both starches and simple sugars can be considered carbohydrates, while fats are different kinds of cream, cheese, avocados, and olives.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Every person, on average, needs to drink at least two liters of water per day; this number can vary based on one’s age and body weight.

Anyone affected by HIV needs to drink even more to replace the water lost when suffering from sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

The recommended amount of daily water consumption is two liters.

Conclusion

Good nutrition is important for everyone’s health, especially those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. It can help maintain a well-balanced lifestyle.

Knowing about food safety and having a rational diet will strengthen one’s immune system, boost energy, mood, and daily productivity. Eating well is also to prolong a healthy life for those who are living with HIV.

LEARN MORE: TRICHOMONIASIS

Trichomoniasis, or trich (pronounced “trick”), is a common STI that usually has very few symptoms. It is caused by an infection of microscopic parasites called Trichomonas vaginalis. For women, these parasites may infect the vagina, urethra, bladder or cervix. In men, the infection is usually in the urethra, or under the foreskin of uncircumcised men.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Many people, particularly men, will not have symptoms of a trich infection. If symptoms do appear, they usually appear within one week of infection, though they can take up to six months. For some people, symptoms may go away and then return later. About half of women will have symptoms of a trich infection. In men, trichomoniasis is rare and most men will not have symptoms.

In women:

  • Discharge from the vagina
  • Vaginal odour
  • Pain during intercourse or urination
  • Irritation or itchiness of the vagina

In men: 

  • Mild discharge
  • Irritation or redness at the top of the penis
  • Burning during urination
  • Men may often become unknowing carriers of trich infections. Treatment is required to ensure that a trich infection is completely gone

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HOW IS TRICHOMONIASIS SPREAD?

Trichomoniasis is spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

HOW IS TRICHOMONIASIS DIAGNOSED?

Testing may be done by physical examination or lab testing to detect the parasite.

In some cases, the tiny sores caused by trichomoniasis may be detected during a routine pap test for women; however, pap smears do not specifically test for sexually transmitted infections, and you should never rely on a pap smear to detect trichomoniasis or any other sexually transmitted infections.

HOW CAN TRICHOMONIASIS BE PREVENTED?

  • Knowing your sexual partner’s history;
  • Having protected sex – Condoms and dental dams offer good protection but they must be used properly. Condoms should be used for vaginal, anal and oral sex. A dental dam is a thin square of latex that acts as a barrier between the vagina or the anus and the mouth during oral sex. Dental dams can be bought in some stores, or you can make your own using a condom or a latex glove; and,
  • Having regular STI check-ups, which are helpful to identify those that have no symptoms.

HOW IS TRICHOMONIASIS TREATED?

Typically, trichomoniasis can be treated with a single oral dose of an antibiotic called Metronidazole. However, trichomonas can be reacquired easily so it is important that you and your partner(s) be treated together. Trichomoniasis may not show symptoms, so even if your partner doesn’t have symptoms, he or she should still be tested.

IMPACT IF NOT TREATED

In rare cases, trichomoniasis can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain or ectopic pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman is infected with Trichomonas, it may cause premature delivery or low birth weight. Trich can cause small sores and inflammation, which can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Detection and treatment of a Trichomonas infection will help lower your risk of contracting HIV.

Trichomoniasis is easily treated, but your partner(s) may not have symptoms. Also, if you’re with a partner who’s infected, they can reinfect you after you’ve had treatment.

Telling a partner about a trichomoniasis infection may be embarrassing, but it’s important to be very honest with your partner(s). Let them know so that they can get tested and treated if necessary.

WHEN CAN I HAVE SEX AGAIN?

Ask your health care professional when receiving treatment about when you can have sex again. Do not have sex again if you or your partner(s) have not fully completed treatment, or if you are still displaying symptoms of infection. Remember, you can become reinfected immediately after your infection clears up. As always, it’s a very good idea to use condoms to help prevent sexually transmitted infections and trichomoniasis reinfection.

Source: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada website, SexualityandU

LEARN MORE: SYPHILIS

Syphilis is a potentially life-threatening sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium (germ) called Treponema pallidum. This disease was rare in Canada but is now becoming more common. There has recently been an increase in the number of syphilis infections in New Brunswick.

You can have syphilis and not even know it – not everyone who is infected will have symptoms. Syphilis is also known as ‘the great imitator’ as symptoms can be similar to other illnesses. Symptoms can include swollen glands, fever, muscle aches and a rash on the palms of hands and the soles of feet.

HOW IS SYPHILIS SPREAD?

  • Syphilis is mostly spread by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person.
  • It can be passed from person to person through direct contact with a chancre (stage 1) or rash (stage 2)
  • Pregnant women can pass this infection to an unborn child or at the time of delivery.
  • Although much less common, it may also be spread by sharing infected drug equipment or through broken skin on the body (that is, accidental needlestick injury)
  • Syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, shared clothing or eating utensils.
  • After one year of being infected with syphilis, most people will no longer spread the infection.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Not everyone infected with syphilis will have symptoms. You can have syphilis and not know about it. The symptoms are similar for males and females. Without treatment, syphilis progresses in four stages:

Primary syphilis

Three to 90 days after contact – CONTAGIOUS

  • A chancre (sore or ulcer) will appear where the germ entered the body, mainly in the vagina, penis, anus and rectum or on the lips and in the mouth.
  • A chancre is firm, round and small. It is painless so it may go unnoticed.
  • The chancre may be mistaken for genital trauma or genital herpes.
  • A chancre can heal without treatment, but the disease will still progress to stage 2.

Secondary syphilis

Two weeks to six months after contact – MOST CONTAGIOUS

  • The chancre may still be present or may have healed.
  • A rash may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots and can be present on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
  • Other possible symptoms: fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, weight loss and muscle and joint aches.
  • Symptoms can be mild.
  • Without treatment, the disease progresses to stage 3.

Latent syphilis

Duration varies from months to years – CONTAGIOUS IN EARLY STAGES

  • Hidden stage with no symptoms

Tertiary syphilis

10 to 30 years after contact – NOT CONTAGIOUS

  • Infection stays in the body for years

 

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HOW IS SYPHILIS DIAGNOSED?

Syphilis is diagnosed through a medical examination, blood test or when, possible, a test done on the chancre. Sometimes a spinal tap test is required. If you are infected with syphilis, you may also be tested for other STIs, including HIV.

HOW IS SYPHILIS TREATED?

Syphilis can be treated, and a person with syphilis should be treated immediately. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin by injections. After treatment is finished, you must have blood tests to make sure the infection is gone. It is important to not have sex until your doctor or nurse practitioner says that the infection is gone. A person infected with syphilis may need treatment for other STIs.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SYPHILIS IS LEFT UNTREATED?

Untreated syphilis can spread and cause damage to your brain, heart, bones and many other organs in the body and in severe cases, may cause paralysis, blindness, dementia and even death. Pregnant women can pass it to an unborn child, sometimes causing birth defects or death (stillbirth). Skin, bones, teeth, eyes, lymph glands, liver, spleen and brain can be affected. Symptoms can show soon after birth or later in life of a child.

WHO IS AT RISK OF SYPHILIS?

You are at risk of getting syphilis if you have sex with an infected partner or:

  • A man who has sex with men;
  • Those who have multiple sexual partners;
  • Injection drug users or one of their partners;
  • Sex trade workers or one of their partners;
  • A partner coming from a country where syphilis is common;
  • Someone who has had an STI; and/or,
  • Those with street involvement.

HOW CAN SYPHILIS BE PREVENTED?

If you are sexually active, you may lower the risk of getting syphilis by:

  • Limiting your number of sexual partners;
  • Knowing you sexual partner’s history;
  • Having protected sex – Condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk of contracting syphilis, but do not eliminate it because syphilis can be transmitted through contact with an infected sore not covered by a condom. Nevertheless, condoms should be used for vaginal and anal sex. A dental dam is a thin square of latex that should be used during oral sex. Dental dams can be bought in some stores, or you can make your own using a condom or a latex glove.
  • Having regular STI check-ups, which are helpful to identify those who have no symptoms.

It is important to tell your sexual partner if you have syphilis.

Source: Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health: New-Brunswick Public Health