A: HIV is now a huge universal concern, and I am sorry to say that in Tibetan medicine we haven't developed a specific formulation yet, or have one general herb to recommend for all HIV patients. As you know, Tibetan doctors treat patients individually. They check the pulse and urine of each patient, and see which is the most dominant energy of the three biological energies, rLung, mKhrispa and Badkan. Also, we have to see whether the patient has Hot or Cold nature imbalances, so accordingly we recommend herbs that are suitable and helpful to that individual. Tibetan doctors will not give the same herbs to individuals even if they have the same imbalances because the dominant energy in each individual will vary. So, in each case, a person is treated very individually according to the overall energy balance in their body at the time they see the doctor.

When I worked with HIV patients in New York, I had some good results with reducing the negative effects of the strong HIV medication they have been taking. Some of them have had their red blood count increased, their immune system and liver energy has been boosted, which ultimately gives rise to good balance in the overall energy and constitution of the person. Herbs like Saffron, Cardamon and Pomegranate are good in boosting liver, kidney and digestive energy.

- Dr. Namgyal