STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are diseases transmitted from one person to another by sexual contact(“Sexually Transmitted Diseases” n.d.).
This sexual contact can be through the oral cavity, anal cavity, or vagina.
In the United States of America, about twenty Million cases have been reported every year, and it is a dilemma that half of the population is between the age of fifteen to twenty-four years(“STDs in Adolescents and Young Adults” 2019).
Apart from this, the Health care system of the United States of America is spending Billions of Dollars on treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases(Chesson, Mayaud, and Aral 2017).
In the past, it was thought that sexually transmitted diseases are only caused by intercourse. But it was nothing but merely a myth.
These days studies have proven that they are also caused by exchanging needles, saliva exchange, and breastfeeding.
TYPES OF STDS
There are many types of STDs, but commonly, we came across chlamydial infections, Human Papillomavirus, Syphilis, HIV, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Herpes, and other minor STDS(“Sexually Transmitted Diseases” 1999).
These diseases though transmitted by the same organism but are transmitted by different viruses and bacteria.
SYMPTOMS OF STDS
Before heading towards the treatment of Sexually Transmitted diseases, it is imperative to understand different symptoms.
Usually, in men, it can present with penile discharge, rash on private parts of the body, discomfort during urination and sex, and, most importantly, swelling of the testicles(NHS website n.d.).
The symptoms are almost the same in the women except for the menstrual disturbances reported in half of the women.
There are various treatment options available to cope with STDs.
These include Allopathic Medicine cures, Alternative Medicine Cures, and Herbal Medicine Cures.
This article is intended only to discuss the herbal medicine cure for patients with sexually transmitted diseases.
Herbal Medicine Treatment Options in Sexually Transmitted Diseases
These days, though many advanced drugs are present to cure sexually transmitted infections aggressively, we cannot underestimate herbal medicines’ effectiveness and safety.
The reality behind herbal medicine lies in the fact that it can heal the body as a whole. Different Herbal Cures for these diseases are listed below
- Green Tea extract is used vigorously to treat genital warts caused by Human Papillomavirus(Reygaert 2018). We usually apply it to the skin, and it gets resolved in days. Furthermore, it is an FDA-approved ointment and has been sold with Polyphenon E Ointment’s brand name.The Aloe Vera plant has been used in the treatment of STDs for ages. The Aloe Vera Plant Leaves have meshed, and this gel is applied to the genital sores. Its healing power is more than other herbs because it possesses all the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Its 0.5percent cream is readily available in the market and is FDA approved too.
- Ginseng(“Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)” 2019) has been used widely in the treatment of Genital Herpes. It is taken in the form of suspension. Apart from its effectivity in increasing sexual power, fighting against bacteria and viruses, it is advisable not to try it without a registered Health care Practitioner’s prescription. Ginseng is a wonderful herb and can interact with other medicines and aggravate heart failure.
- Reishi Mushrooms have been widely used in the treatment of STDs. They help to resolve the existing infection and prevent the future infections
- The root of Adenia gummifera has been used to treat the infections of HIV and Gonorrhea.
- The Bark of Albizia adianthifolia has been used in the treatment of syphilis infections
- The Leaves of Aloe marlothii A. Berger subsp. It is mixed with water and then boiled for about an hour. This liquid can not only help in the healing of external sores but also helps to heal internal inflammation
- The roots of Bridelia cathartica are boiled in water and are used to heal the sores of herpes.
- The root of Erythrina caffra is used to treat various symptoms like syphilis, Gonorrhea and AIDs.
- The bark of Terminalia sericea is boiled in a water cup, and then this water can cause curative effects.
Different Parts of Plants in the treatment of Sexually Transmitted Disorders
It is interesting to note that different parts of a plant have been used to treat sexually transmitted diseases. According to research in martupaland, three percent corm, nine percent stem, twenty-five percent root, eighteen percent leaves, and nine percent bark have been used.
Conclusion
Herbs play an essential role in the treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. It is the need of the hour to use them effectively because they have an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effect locally and profoundly impact the whole body. Different herbs have different curative roles and should be used wisely after prescribing them from a registered health care practitioner.
REFERENCES
———. n.d. Accessed March 19, 2021. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases.
“Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).” 2019. October 29, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246.
“STDs in Adolescents and Young Adults.” 2019. January 11, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats17/adolescents.htm#:~:text=Compared%20with%20older%20adults%2C%20sexually,%2C%20biological%2C%20and%20cultural%20reasons.
