Syphilis, a bacterial infection, may be passed from person to person via sexual intercourse, or it may be passed from a mother to her unborn child. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom states that there are three principle stages of syphilis: primary, secondary and tertiary. Symptoms vary based on the stage of this disease. Some herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your syphilis, although you should speak with a health-care professional about herbal remedies before using them to treat your condition.
Syphilis
The bacteria responsible for syphilis is known as Treponema pallidum. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that general symptoms of primary syphilis include painless sores and swollen lymph nodes, while common symptoms of secondary syphilis include fatigue, fever, rash, reduced appetite and pain. Common health problems associated with tertiary syphilis include heart, brain and nervous system problems. Syphilis is common in the United States and usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 29.
Herbal Treatments
Certain herbs may possess healing properties that are beneficial in treating a range of sexually transmitted diseases or infections. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch notes that the following herbs may help alleviate some symptoms of sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis: echinacea, goldenseal, pau d'arco and suma. Another herb, astragalus, may help protect your immune system and support other, more conventional approaches to treating this illness.
Highlighted Remedy
Suma, also known as Pfaffia paniculata, may be a helpful adjunct therapy in the treatment of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. Suma, a large vine indigenous to certain parts of Central and South America, is used by some health-care practitioners to help treat inflammation, enhance the functioning of your immune system and reduce high blood pressure. Suma, states Balch, may also be used to help treat fatigue, stress and anemia. The root of the plant is most commonly used in herbal preparations, although the bark, berries and leaves may also contain beneficial medicinal ingredients.
Disclaimer
Syphilis is a serious health problem, and if it is not treated in a timely manner, it may progress over a period of several years. In its final stage, syphilis can cause brain damage, hearing loss, heart disease and blindness, although this disease may remain dormant for several decades. Herbs, though potentially helpful in treating this condition, should be used in conjunction with other therapies that have proved effective and only under the supervision of a qualified health-care provider.
References
- National Health Service: Syphilis
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Syphilis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
