updated: 06/19/2019
CONTENTS
If you are sexually active and anxious about catching an infection such as Chlamydia, then your fear is not exactly irrational. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the US. This infection is very easily spread as it usually comes with no symptoms and may be unknowingly passed to the sufferers’ sexual partners. It is estimated that approximately 80% of the infection in females and 50% in males have no symptoms[1]. Before knowing how to apply home remedies for Chlamydia itching and infection in men and women, it is very crucial for you to acknowledge some information about this disease.
What Is Chlamydia?
In essence, Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which may be treated with antibiotic medicine. Being one of the most common STDs[2], Chlamydia is spread via anal, vaginal, and oral sex. It is carried in semen, pre-cum as well as vaginal fluids. You can find symptoms of Chlamydia (though they do not often appear visibly) in the vagina, penis, cervix, urethra, anus, throat, and eyes. The severity of this condition may range from mild to severe. If you neglect the infection, it will put not only you but also other people at risk.
What Are Causes Of Chlamydia?
It is very natural for you to be angry, anxious, or confused about your condition of Chlamydia. There are many ways that Chlamydia may be transmitted, but some of the most common causes are[2]:
- Having unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected individual
- Having genital contact with an infected individual
- Childbirth: An infection mom may pass her infection on to her baby through childbirth. The infection sometimes may cause complications for the infant, like pneumonia.
However, Chlamydia may not be transmitted via:
- Contact with the toilet seat used by an infected individual
- Sharing a swimming pool or a sauna or any other space with an infected individual
- Touching the surface or area that the infected person has touched or sneezed on.
- Standing next to or close to the infected individual or inhaling the air after the infected person has sneezed or coughed.
What Are Symptoms Of Chlamydia?
Although most people with Chlamydia do not notice any obvious symptoms, they may start to happen from 5 to 10 days after contracting this infection. Some symptoms of Chlamydia in women include[3]:
- Vaginal discharge with yellow, foul-smelling cervical discharge
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding between periods
- Painful sexual intercourse, burning when urinating, swelling around the anus and in the vagina, and bleeding after having a sex
- The need to urinate much more often
- Discomfort when urinating
Symptoms of Chlamydia in men include:
- Burning and pain with urination
- Penile discharge (milky or watery discharge, pus)
- Testicle swelling and tenderness
In some women, this infection may spread to the fallopian tubes, causing a condition named pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It is a medical emergency with fever, nausea, pelvic pain, and abnormal bleeding between periods are symptoms.
In case you have oral sex with an infected person, you may get Chlamydia in the throat. That case, you will notice a cough, sore throat, or fever, but sometimes you even do not know it when carrying this infection.
What Are Risk Factors Of Chlamydia?
Both men and women can get this infection, but women seem to be more prone to be diagnosed. The rates of infection are highest among those younger women, partly as their immature cervical cells are vulnerable to infection. However, older age can still have this disease. Other risk factors such as having an STI previously or currently suffering from an infection may lower your resistance. In unexpected case that you are forced to have sexual activities with someone, including oral sex, you are also at risk of Chlamydia and should be tested.
Top 15 Best Home Remedies For Chlamydia Itching And Infection
1. Garlic
Although you may not associate this spice as a home remedy for a sexually transmitted disease, garlic is one of the most trusted and oldest home remedies for Chlamydia[4]. Thanks to the active chemicals in garlic, it has antibiotic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties[5][6]. Thus, eating 1-2 garlic cloves consistently each day will help you lessen the symptoms of Chlamydia naturally.
Another way to take advantage of this pungent spice is to add it to your daily meals or take garlic capsules. Nonetheless, it is best to reap garlic’s benefits from its unprocessed raw ingredients, so you should eat garlic cloves instead of going to the pharmacy.
Note: If you have diabetes, do not try to eat much raw garlic without having a consultation with your doctor. It may lead to blood clotting, resulting in further complications.
2. Sage Tea
Sage is considered as a cleaning agent for your immune system due to its active ingredients. These ingredients will stop the Chlamydia infection in its track and lessen the symptoms accompanied with it[7]. To prepare your homemade sage tea, take the steps here:
- Put 50mg of dried sage leaves in a cup of boiling water
- Wait for 5 minutes to let it steep and strain the content
- Discard the leaves and have it twice per day for 2-3 weeks
Note: Do not add sugar or lemon to take its most benefits. Keep repeating this method till you notice Chlamydia symptoms disappear.
3. Goldenseal
Goldenseal has an active ingredient responsible for killing lots of harmful bacteria – berberine[7]. Concurrently, this compound may also increase the white blood cell number in the human body. As a result, it helps fighting infections may more effectively. According to scientists, you should consume just 1gr of goldenseal for three times per day for visible and fast results.
For women, it is recommended using regular douches twice per day to get rid of Chlamydia. It will help eliminate the bacteria from genital areas and decrease the level of itching and discomfort at the same time. To prepare the solution made from goldenseal, you can follow these steps:
- Mix one capsule of goldenseal with a ½ teaspoon of salt
- Add the mixture to one cup of warm water
- After they fully dissolve and blend, wait for five minutes and use this douche twice per day
- Repeat this method 10 days and you will see noticeable results
4. Aromatherapy
In reality, Chlamydia is a painful situation, you can relieve it by having a sitz bath with the help of aromatherapy essential oil. You should choose Mentha suaveolens essential oil for this purpose because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[8][9][10]. Other oils you can use are myrrh and lavender oil.
5. Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most effective home remedies for Chlamydia by acting as an immune system tonic[11]. This herb is also used as a lymph cleanser. All of these benefits are because of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, thereby killing a wide range of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria[12]. You can find Echinacea in both capsule and tincture form. It is recommended to take 200-500 mg of this herb in the form of capsule or 30 drops in the tincture form for 3-4 times per day.
6. Saw Palmetto
With antiseptic properties, saw palmetto may handle urinary tract infections accompanied by Chlamydia[13]. Also, saw palmetto is high in fatty acids as well as phytosterols that are also beneficial for Chlamydia.
Note: If you consume this herb in large amounts, it may lead to diarrhea.
7. Cat’s Claw
Another herbal treatment for Chlamydia is cat’s claw. Despite being little-known, it does increase your immune system[14] and kill bacteria infection in the test tubes thanks to antimicrobial and antibacterial actions[15]. The standard dosage of cat’s claw for this purpose is 500mg, taken for 3-4 times per day.
Cautions:
- This herb may be fatal for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- People going through organ transplant have to avoid this herb.
- People taking anticoagulant medications should not use this herb.
8. Olive Tree Extract
You can take olive tree extract internally or rub it on the affected area. Because of the oleuropein compound in olive tree extract, it helps combat bacteria and lessens inflammation[16] associated with Chlamydia while boosting your immune system[17]. Olive tree extract can be found as a liquid concentrate, capsule, powder or dried leaf tea. Besides, many studies have shown that using it may lower blood pressure as well as blood glucose.
9. Aloe Vera
Mainly used for boosting skin and hair health, aloe vera has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. In aloe vera, the polysaccharide compounds may improve your immune system[18][19]. Using it is also suitable for detoxification and healing effects. Besides, aloe vera is high in vitamin C, E, and B-complex.
For treating Chlamydia purpose, you should apply aloe vera gel directly on your affected area or ingest it by making a tasty smoothie from it[20].
10. Usnea
Also known as old man’s beard, usnea has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, which help treat infections[21a]. These properties enable it an effective home remedy for fungal infections and HIV as well[21b]. Moreover, this herb may also boost the immune system, which has been weakened because of infections.
11. Indian Lilac
With antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, Indian Lilac is beneficial for treating Chlamydia[22][23]. You can use both its bark and leaves because they are all antibacterial. Indian Lilac is an active ingredient in those creams for infection or allergies. You can apply the crushed leaves of Indian Lilac onto your affected areas.
12. Astragalus
Among other home remedies for Chlamydia, astragalus root is very effective for treating this problem. This herb is enriched with flavonoids, amino acids as well as trace minerals. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help in stimulating our immune system[24]. Using this herb works as an energizer that may rejuvenate your body. Astragalus root can be taken in the form of supplements. We can use Astragalus to treat PID caused by Chlamydia[25].
In case you use this herb in the form of tincture, do it 2-3 times per day with 3-5 drops each time.
Caution: People who are suffering from fever are advised to avoid this herb.
13. Gentian
Gentian root is used as a natural medicine thanks to its anthelmintic and antiseptic properties. It is claimed that the tea made from this herb is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, and works as a natural antioxidant[26] and it also relieves PID caused by Chlamydia[27]. What you need to do is:
- Take a proper amount of gentian root and boil it in water
- After letting it cool down, strain it
- Dip a cotton ball into the solution and apply it over your affected area
14. Turmeric
Turmeric is an excellent remedy for many diseases, including Chlamydia. For a long time, turmeric is an herb which may relieve infections and boost the healing process of inflamed tissues[28]. Not only is it commonly used in cooking, but it is also an ingredient in many natural medicines. It is because of the presence of curcumin, making it become an excellent antioxidant ingredient. Thus, it may defeat free radicals, the conspirators of Chlamydia[19]. It is wise to incorporate turmeric into your daily diet. Additionally, you should also drink turmeric milk twice per day to boost the immune system naturally.
15. Have A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet cannot treat Chlamydia directly but it may strengthen your immunity, prevent bacterial infection and improve the process of treating Chlamydia.
- Vitamins
Although vitamins are not directly associated with the treating process for Chlamydia, they may boost your healing process by naturally strengthening your immune system[29].
The recurrent of Chlamydia infection may be a signal of compromised immune function. Function of our immune system may be preserved by taking vitamin A, C, E, and zinc. In order to improve your body’s resistance to infections, you should take 5000 International Units of vitamin A, 400 International Units of vitamin E, 1 g of vitamin C, etc.[30][31]
- Whole Beans And Grains
Foods rich in fiber have been suggested as the dietary tip for those who have Chlamydia. Although the mechanism of this action is not entirely understood, the beneficial effects of fiber on the human body are undeniable, and it helps hasten the treatment and recovery of Chlamydia[32]. Foods rich in fiber include whole grains, beans, seeds, and nuts.
- Alkalizing Foods
To damage any virus or bacteria, you should keep your body alkalized (positive pH). It is because bacteria and viruses may not survive in the alkaline environment. It is impossible for them. Nevertheless, they may survive in an acidic environment (opposite to alkaline). Therefore, to treat Chlamydia, alkalinity is necessary[33].
Fortunately, it is not hard to do this. You can eat fiber-rich foods and alkaline-forming foods. Fresh fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals as well as other nutrients, so you should eat more. In particular, leafy greens, chlorella, alfalfa, barley grass, wheat grass are potent alkalizing foods, so take advantage of them as well. Furthermore, spices and herbs like turmeric, cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic (as mentioned earlier) are strong viral and bacterial killers, so use them in cooking as much as you can.
- Yogurt
Yogurt packed with friendly bacteria that may improve immunity to defeat harmful bacteria. Consuming yogurt will increase the probiotics concentration and protect you from bacterial infections. It is shown that Lactobacillus species taken from yogurt is very excellent in inhibiting the entrance of pathogens, thereby protecting the human body from such infections. Simply take a cup of yogurt twice per day if infected and you will see good results[34].
- Fruits: such as
Lemon: You can use lemon for Chlamydia treating process because of its vitamin C content. This vitamin will strengthen your immune system[35] to help curb the inflammation[36]. You need to squeeze a fresh lemon to take its juice and add it to a glass of water, then have it.
Avocados:
Daily consuming an avocado may be an effective treatment for Chlamydia. This fruit is enriched with vitamins and nutrients that may protect the human system from foreign bodies. Containing glutathione, folate, and vitamin E, avocados are good at inhibiting the infection while making your body healthy. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of avocados may alleviate the swelling and pain associated with Chlamydia[37].
Precautions
- Go for a test after having sex with a new partner or without using protective means
- Go for monogamous relationships
- Decrease the intake of the food like alcohol, red meat, caffeine, butter, whole-fat dairy products
- Regularly check up with your doctor
- Add wheatgrass, alfalfa, barley grass to your diet
- Avoid sharing sex toys
The home remedies for Chlamydia mentioned above are proven to be effective, but Chlamydia may still get complicated with other conditions and symptoms. All content provided is for informational & educational purposes. Hence, it is very essential to consult a doctor once you believe that you have contracted this disease. Always talk to your healthcare provider or doctor about the alternative remedies you are going to try for any condition, particularly for STDs.
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