Two recent studies suggest Chinese medicine may have beneficial effects for people living with HIV and psoriasis.

According to a Scientific American podcast, the root astragalus may boost the power of immune cells to battle HIV.

When a person contracts AIDS, which is caused by HIV, the immune cells lose the ability to divide and fight off the disease because telomeres become shorter. Telomeres protect chromosomes from destruction.

Researchers focused on a chemical called TAT2, found in astragalus, and tested it on cells and blood from people with HIV, according to the podcast. TAT2 slowed the shortening of telomeres, which improved the fighting power of immune cells.

A separate study, also mentioned in the podcast, examined the incurable skin disease psoriasis and a treatment used by people in China and Taiwan. The treatment involved a dark blue plant-based powder called indigo naturalis and through the study was found to reduce skin scaling, redness and hardness.

Though both natural drugs require more testing, many people living with a disease have found some relief in natural drugs. Those interested in trying over-the-counter medication may want to consult their doctor beforehand.