Not often a subject that is talked about with friends or family, I'm frequently sent questions by my readers about cures for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There are a variety of different STDs, some of which are easy to treat and some of which may make life very challenging. In addition to a doctor's recommended treatment plan, you may also find that some natural remedies for STDs can be quite helpful.
Q. Dear Natalie, I have been diagnosed with the HPV virus. My doctor has said there is nothing he can do and that the virus will be with me for life. Can you recommend any natural solutions that can help fight the HPV virus?A. A strong immune system is of course better to equip you to fight the HPV virus. There are several immune-stimulant herbs and certain vitamins which help skin cells and tissues resist and repair damage from HPV.
Vitamin A helps build up the immune system and fight the warts. You can find Vitamin A in foods like squash, leafy green vegetables, carrots and sweet peas.
Along with Vitamin A, I recommend taking 400 IU of Vitamin E daily. Vitamin E works with the immune system to combat viral infections. You can also find Vitamin E naturally in whole grain cereals, tomatoes, spinach, seeds and nuts. Try to use sunflower or safflower oils for cooking to increase your Vitamin E intake.
Echinacea should definitely be among the supplements considered. It boosts the immune system by simulating white blood cell and lymphocyte production, which directly attack pathogenic organisms such as HPV. I recommend taking two ml or 300 mg twice a day.
Astragalus is a Chinese herbal remedy especially effective at fighting HPV because it activates the p-53 gene. This then stimulates the production of interleukin-2, a chemical that has strong anti-viral and antioxidant abilities. Astragalus is taken orally in capsule form.
Due to the presence of allicin, a chemical that is deadly to many viruses, garlic has wonderfully strong antimicrobial properties. I recommend taking 500 mg of both garlic and olive leaf extracts twice daily. Both of these herbs have antiviral properties, which attack HPV from the bloodstream.
Lastly, I suggest Vitamin C since it stimulates the production of many white blood cells. These can actively attack foreign bacteria and viruses, such as HPV. Unlike some other vitamins, Vitamin C has no known toxicity level, meaning that daily amounts consumed either through eating the sources or in supplement form can top 2,000 to 5,000 mg daily.
Q. Dear Natalie, I have been to hospital twice to have genital warts removed. Are there any natural remedies that I can apply topically to help treat the pain and to help get rid of them?A. I suggest you begin with Vitamin E Lotion. Due to its high level of antioxidants, when applied topically it can reduce the amount of free radicals within the skin cells and protect them from damage caused by toxins within the body. Although also available as an oral supplementation, for the treatment of genital warts use Vitamin E as a topical application to allow its nutrients to soak into the visible wart and therefore reduce the outbreak. Make sure that the Vitamin E lotion contains its naturally occurring alcohol for the strongest antioxidant benefits. If it contains acetate alcohol it can counterbalance the effectiveness of its antioxidant properties. To use, either apply a small amount of the Vitamin E lotion directly onto the genital wart once per day or purchase Vitamin E liquid capsules and puncture with a sterile pin. Spread the liquid directly on the wart once per day to soothe itching and pain also reducing the duration of the outbreak.
Aloe Vera can also shorten the duration of the outbreak by supplying vital immune system support to the infected skin cells. The antioxidants in the Aloe Vera juice work to reduce free radicals that can damage the skin cells when affected with a wart. The overall success of the Aloe Vera plant is its ability to increase the immune system's response to an infection or bacterial outbreak. Apply a generous amount of Aloe Vera gel directly onto the genital wart with your fingers up to 3 times per day until the warts are no longer visible.
Apple Cider Vinegar works wonders due to its ascetic acid. The acid works to gently exfoliate the layers of the wart. Soak a piece of cotton or fabric in apple cider vinegar before bedtime and apply to the warts, holding in place with a band aid. Remove in the morning and then rinse the area. Remember to always wash your hands after applying treatment to the warts to reduce the risk of spreading the outbreak.
Q. Natalie, I was recently diagnosed with chlamidya. My doctor has prescribed me with a course of anti-biotics. Alongside this, can you recommend anything herbal that I can take to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation? A. Echinacea contains active substances which work to enhance the immune system activity, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. I recommend adding 1 to 2 grams of dried root or herb to boiling water to make an herbal tea or take 300 mg of standardized powdered extract. This can be taken up to three times per day for up to 10 days.
Another favorite of mine is Goldenseal which contains berberine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, berberine has been shown to kill many types of bacteria in test tubes. Berberine increases the effectiveness of our white blood cells and therefore helps our ability to fight off infection, improving our immune system.
To increase your vitality, try between 500 to 1,000 mg of goldenseal up to 3 times per day. If you are suffering from vaginal irritation, an herbal douche may be made by adding the content of one goldenseal capsule with a tiny pinch of salt to 1 cup of warm water and allow the mixture to settle.
This column is
brought to you as general information only and unless stated otherwise
is not medical advice nor is it based on medical experiments. This
column is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific
medical conditions. For more information about specific problems, please
contact a doctor.Natalie
runs a clinic both in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offering a wide range of
natural treatment, including a women’s clinic every Wednesday. Healing
is achieved using homeopathy, reflexology, massage, flower remedies and
nutritional wisdom.To make an appointment please email nateopath@gmail.com.Ask Natalie: If you have a health query and would like an alternative answer then email Natalie with your question at nateopath@gmail.com.Someone Once Said: We must turn to nature itself, to the observations of the body in health and in disease to learn the truth'. - Hippocrates