Herbs and HIV: the health food industry's answer.

Patients with tragic diseases such as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) may be at risk for using herbal remedies and other alternative medical therapies. To ascertain what products may be available for use among AIDS patients in our community, we surveyed 20 local health food stores. Store employees were asked the question, "What do you recommend for people with AIDS?" Many herbal products, as well as other alternative medicinal preparations, were being recommended by store employees. Physicians caring for patients with AIDS should be aware of the potential for herbal use among their patients and the possible side effects of these products.