Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a widespread sexually transmitted
disease. It is also a major cause of infertility in
women because the symptoms are often nonexistent or so mild that they are left untreated. When
there are signs however, treatment prevents
chronic problems and infertility related to
pelvic inflammatory disease. Some clues to the
disease in women are abnormal discharge or
bleeding between periods, painful intercourse or
any pains in the pelvic area, and symptoms of a
bladder infection.
In men, the symptoms are usually more
apparent. An inflammation of the urethra causes
discharge, especially bad in the morning. There may
be itching and discomfort on urinating. Epididymitis, or pain and swelling in one testicle, can also occur in men. Reiter's syndrome, a combination of severe arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis, is often caused by chlamydia
infections.
Chlamydia is unique organism that is neither a bacteria nor a virus. The
disease is only transmitted through close sexual contact, and symptoms appear
between one week and one month later. Risks of infection increase, as with other
sexually transmitted diseases, through-sexual behavior and indiscriminate
partner selection. Use of the contraceptive pill actually lowers resistance to
the organism, and allows infection to take hold more easily. Latex condoms help
to minimize the risk substantially. The longer an infection continues to thrive
untreated, the greater the likelihood of pelvic inflammatory disease, and the
greater the risk of spreading the disease.
Supplements and herbs
Nutritional supplements used in addition to
medical treatment provide the body with
additional support. Supplements should not be used
to replace medical treatment. Allowing any
sexually transmitted disease to progress can
have serious implications.
Lactobacillus acidophilus and other friendly
bacteria are a necessary addition to the diet to
replenish healthy bacteria in the bowels. Zinc
and vitamin E are thought to improve resistance
to the chlamydia organism. Ample amounts of vitamin C with bioflavonoids should be used to
treat any infection.
Herbal remedies support medical treatment by boosting the
immune system without creating side-effects.
- Use berberine drops for chlamydial eye
infection. Berberine is an active constituent of
goldenseal and has been shown to stimulate some
parts of the immune system and kill the chlamydia parasite. Dissolve 5 drops of berberine tincture in 1/2 cup of hot water, cool and
bathe eyes. Take 10 drops of goldenseal tincture
in water three times daily.
- Echinacea root improves the body's own
resistance to infections conditions of all kinds. Take
20-30 drops of tincture in liquid every two to
three hours or three 200 mg capsules up to three
times daily for the acute stage of infection. Add
5-10 drops of goldenseal for enhanced action.
Do not take for more than a week. Repeat after
a two-week break, if necessary.
- Saw palmetto berries have urinary antiseptic
properties. Add 1 tbsp. of berries to 2 cups of
water for a decoction or take 10-15 drops
tincture three times daily.
- Apply warm herbal packs on the lower
abdomen to increase circulation to the
affected area to help reduce inflammation,
speed healing and stimulate immunity.
How much to take
- Lactobacillus acidophilus combination, 3 capsules
or 1 tsp.
- Zinc, 30 mg, with 3 mg copper
- Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU
once or twice daily
- Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg
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