Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by chlamydia trachomatis. This is a type of sexually transmitted infection. Chlamydia is very common, and a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that in 2017, Chlamydia comprised the largest proportion of STDs. The infection can be treated easily if you get the right treatment as soon as it is detected. Know how to treat chlamydia using naturopathic remedies.
Naturopathic Remedies for Chlamydia
Chlamydia Causes and Symptoms
Chlamydia can be passed very easily from person to person. Being an STD, chlamydia can only spread through sexual contact. You can get the infection even if you come in contact with your partner’s genitals without having intercourse(1).
Chlamydia symptoms are similar to a yeast infection and aren’t always visible. Some common chlamydia symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, pain when urinating, increase in vaginal discharge, and bloated womb.
[Also Read: Natural Cures to Treat Chlamydia]
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Chlamydia
Many home remedies have shown to have antibacterial properties which are helpful in treating chlamydia. Here are some of the top home remedies for chlamydia.
1. Echinacea paste
Why to use?
Echinacea is popularly used as a home remedy for colds and flu because of its immunity-boosting properties. Echinacea root is also used to treat bacterial infections like chlamydia.
How to use?
Crush the echinacea leaves and add some water to make a paste. Apply the paste over the infection and rinse after 10 mins.
How much to use?
You can safely apply echinacea paste 2-3 times a week.
2. Massage
Why to use?
Massage is the best way to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. Studies have shown that massage can reduce chlamydia infection by stimulating trigger points along the pelvis.
How to use?
A prostate massage from an authorized massage therapist helps to cure chlamydia(2).
How much to use?
Depending on how severe your infection is, you can go for a massage 1-3 times a month.
3. Coconut oil
Why to use?
Coconut oil has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help to cure chlamydia. It is also a natural moisturizer and will help to relieve itchiness caused by chlamydia.
How to use?
You can directly apply some coconut oil over the infection.
How much to use?
Apply coconut oil over the infection daily.
[Also Read: Benefits of Coconut Oil for BV]
4. Boric acid
Why to use?
Studies(3) have shown that boric acid capsules can reduce bacterial vaginal infections, like chlamydia quickly.
How to use?
Insert a boric acid capsule in your vagina at night to reduce the infection.
How much to use?
You can use the capsule every night.
5. Cold compress
Why to use?
The symptoms of chlamydia can irritate your skin. Applying a cold compress can soothe the inflammation and reduce irritation.
How to use?
Place some ice cubes in a clean washcloth. Now wrap this washcloth in a plastic cover and apply it over the infection.
How much to use?
Do this 2-3 times daily for faster relief.
Did You Know!
| Taking oral contraception is not a preventive measure for chlamydia infection. |
CURE 2: Herbs
Many herbs have strong antibacterial properties which makes them useful for treating infections and allergies. The following natural herbs have antibacterial properties, which will be helpful to get rid of chlamydia.
1. Garlic
Why to use?
Garlic is a popular home remedy for infections, and it can also help in treating chlamydia. It contains anillin, an active compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties. Garlic also has antifungal properties which can reduce the buildup of bacteria and reduce chlamydia.
How to use?
Take a small garlic root and peel its white covering. Now, rub the root over the infected area. Alternatively, you can crush the garlic root and mix it with one tablespoon of coconut oil and massage the paste over the infection. Leave it on for 10 minutes then rinse off.
How much to use?
You can apply garlic root every day for quick relief from the infection.
2. Turmeric
Why to use?
Like garlic, turmeric is also a powerful antibacterial and has been used for treating many skin problems. It has curcumin, which contains anti-inflammatory properties. Topical creams containing this compound have been proven to treat chlamydia effectively, so applying turmeric topically will also help to get rid of chlamydia.
How to use?
Mix crushed turmeric root and one teaspoon of honey and apply the paste over the infection. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off. Turmeric will help fight the infection, and the soothing properties of honey will reduce the inflammation.
How much to use?
Apply the honey and turmeric paste 3-4 times a week on the infected area.
[Also Read: Herbal Remedies for UTI]
3. Goldenseal
Why to use?
Goldenseal is used to cure a variety of disorders, including upper respiratory problems and canker sores. This herb is also effective for treating chlamydia. It has antibacterial properties which can help fight chlamydia infection.
How to use?
Crush the goldenseal leaf with 1-2 teaspoons of water and apply the paste over the infected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes then wash it off.
How much to use?
Apply goldenseal paste 2-3 times a week to get rid of chlamydia.
4. Olive tree extract
Why to use?
Olive tree extract contains oleuropein, which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. This makes it a good treatment for chlamydia. Olives and olive carry similar benefits, but olive tree extract is more potent.
How to use?
Olive tree extract is available as capsules, which should be taken after a meal.
How much to use?
Take an olive tree extract capsule once a day to get rid of chlamydia.
Like most other STDs, chlamydia can only be caused by intimate contact with an infected person, and not by casual contact or touching someone’s clothing.
CURE 3: Foods
While topical remedies are the fastest way to get rid of a skin infection, following a special diet can also help to cure chlamydia. Here are some foods that can help you fight the STI infection.
1. Whole grains
Why to use?
While whole-grain food items are generally the healthier alternative, they can also help treat chlamydia. They contain protein, which can repair damaged tissue, and magnesium, which improves your immune system, thus helping fight bacterial infection. Some whole grains you can include in your diet include rye, quinoa, oats, rice, cereal, and more.
[Also Read: Foods to Treat UTI]
How to use?
Try to replace your regular sandwich bread with rye or wheat bread. Also, oats and quinoa make healthy breakfast options.
How much to use?
According to the US Department of Agriculture(4), adults should take 6-8 ounces of whole grains daily.
2. Nuts
Why to use?
Nuts contain healthy fats and selenium, which can reduce bacterial infections. Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, etc. are a rich source of selenium.
How to use?
You can add almonds and walnuts to your salad. Nuts also make a healthy replacement for your evening snack.
How much to use?
Try to include a handful of nuts to your daily diet.
3. Vegetables
Why to use?
Vegetables contain essential proteins and vitamins that can improve your immunity and help you fight infections. Leafy greens and vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain chemicals that improve your cell structure.
How to use?
Broccoli makes a good addition to your salad. You can add spinach to your daily smoothie, as well.
How much to use?
Try to include one leafy green in your everyday meal plan.
4. Seeds
Why to use?
Seeds come from fruits and plants and have their own nutrients. Some powerful seeds, like sunflower seeds, are a good source of vitamin E. Studies have shown that vitamin E deficiency can increase the formation of bad bacteria, thus leading to infections.
How to use?
Add sunflower seeds over your salad, or you can take them plain as a snack.
How much to use?
Take sunflower seeds 2-3 times a week.
5. Fruits
Why to use?
Most fruits are rich in antioxidants that help to strengthen your body from within. These antioxidants also play a role in fighting free radicals which weaken your immunity, making you vulnerable to infection. Fruits rich in antioxidants include kiwi, berries, citrus fruits, etc.
How to use?
You can take fruits as a snack, in your smoothie, or with your breakfast.
How much to use?
It is recommended to eat at least one serving of any fruit daily.
Chlamydia is considered an unreported infection since many people don’t realise they have it.
CURE 4: Essential Oils
Essential oils have calming effects, and many of these oils also contain healing properties that can help to treat various disorders. Here are some essential oils which can help to cure chlamydia.
1. Tea Tree oil
Why to use?
Tea tree oil is a popular oil for treating infections and skin problems because of its cleansing and antimicrobial properties.
How to use?
Add 2-3 drops of this oil in your bath water and take a soak.
How much to use?
Take a tea tree oil-infused bath at least three times a week.
[Also Read: Home Remedies for Bladder Infection]
2. Oregano oil
Why to use?
The oregano plant is antifungal and antibacterial, and the oil extracted from the plant also has the same effects.
How to use?
Mix oregano oil with coconut oil and massage it over your genitals. Leave it on for some time, then wash it off.
How much to use?
You can use oregano oil 3-4 times a week to cure chlamydia.
3. Lemon balm oil
Why to use?
The citrus in lemon balm helps fight bacteria. It is also a natural antiseptic and can prevent bacteria from spreading.
How to use?
Take some lemon ball oil on a cotton ball and rub it over the infection.
How much to use?
Massage with lemon balm oil 4-5 times a week.
4. Peppermint oil
Why to use?
Peppermint has potent antifungal and antibacterial properties.
How to use?
Being a potent oil, mix peppermint oil with a carrier oil and massage it onto the infection.
How much to use?
You should apply the oil daily for quick relief from chlamydia.
5. Eucalyptus oil
Why to use?
Eucalyptus oil is used in first aid since it is a powerful antibacterial. So, when fighting a bacterial infection, using eucalyptus oil can help you get faster relief.
How to use?
Mix eucalyptus oil and apple cider vinegar and apply it over the infected area. Let it stay for 10 minutes then rinse off.
How much to use?
Apply the eucalyptus and apple cider vinegar mix 1-2 times a week.
Taking care to prevent chlamydia is a constant job for everyone since a repeat chlamydia infection can occur.
Tips to Prevent Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease and can spread just like any other STD: through sexual contact. To prevent that from happening, here are some tips for sexually active people to help stay away from chlamydia.
- Unprotected intercourse is the main cause of chlamydia, so make sure to use a latex condom to prevent your chances of getting the infection.
- People under the age of 25 and those with multiple sexual partners get affected with chlamydia the most, so limiting the number of sexual partners helps.
- According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(5), getting chlamydia screening regularly if you are sexually active helps ensure that you don’t get the infection.
- Douching should be avoided since it reduces the healthy bacteria in the vagina that can reduce your chance of getting chlamydia.
- If you feel that you are infected, avoid having sex until you are tested for chlamydia if your body is vulnerable, the chances of getting an infection increase.
Chlamydia is very common, and anyone can get the infection. More than 1. 7 million people in the US had this infection in 2017, according to research. But, chlamydia is also easily treatable. So, if you experience any symptoms of chlamydia, it’s best to get screened for chlamydia.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to treat Chlamydia?
Chlamydia can be effectively treated with a little care and patience. It usually takes five to seven weeks to treat chlamydia.
2. Who is more at risk of getting chlamydia?
Unprotected sex is the main cause of getting chlamydia. Moreover, sexually active young people are more at risk of getting the disease.
3. How to determine if you have chlamydia?
If you experience abnormal discharge or burning when urinating, you might have chlamydia. A lab test can identify if you have chlamydia.
