STDs, acronym for sexually transmitted diseases, are usually acquired by a person through sexual contact with another person suffering from an STD (another infected person).
Over 334,000 cases of gonorrhoea and 1.4 million cases of chlamydial infections were reported in the year 2012.
STDs are caused by many organisms. They are –
- Caused by bacteria – Gonorrhoea, syphilis, etc
- Caused by viruses – AIDS, genital herpes, genital warts, etc
- Caused by protozoan parasites – Trichomoniasis.
- Caused by insects – Pubic lice, scabies.
Symptoms of an STD are –
- Bumps, sores or warts on the affected area.
- Skin rash
- Pain during urination
- Painful coitus
- Penile discharge
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes, usually in the groin area.
Prevention and regular screening is the first line of defense against STD.
Antibiotics or antiviral drugs are used to treat STDs. However, diseases like AIDS are incurable and fatal. Research is progressing in developing medications to make such conditions manageable.
How Turmeric Benefits In STD/STI
Turmeric helps in STD/STI in the following ways:
- Curcumin in turmeric has an anti microbial property. It helps in terminating most of the STDs caused by bacteria.
- Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It causes inflammation of the urethra, pelvic pain, discharge, etc. Curcumin helps fight against it as it prevents the bacterium from attaching to the body cells and due to its anti-inflammatory property, helps curb the inflammation.
- Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Turmeric inhibits the growth of this virus.
- Genital warts are caused by the Human papilloma virus (HPV). Turmeric has virucidal properties against HPV and also prevents it from developing into cancer of the genitalia.
- AIDS is a life threatening STD ever known. It slowly and gradually destroys the immune system. Turmeric dosage helps increase the efficiency of the conventional mode of treatment of AIDS.
Read
Turmeric Benefits in Herpes Simplex
Table of Contents
Best Ways To Take Turmeric For STD/STI
Disclaimer – There is no particular prescribed dose of turmeric defined for STD/STI. Based on the studies and reader’s reports we have summarized various ways of taking turmeric which could benefit in this disorder.
The dosage depends on the formulation of the turmeric supplement and severity of the health condition. Here is the recommended dose:
Fresh Turmeric roots
Turmeric roots are a great addition to diet but it is difficult to expect a therapeutic effect from the limited amounts of roots we consume.
Recommended intake: 1-3g or ½ inch long piece of root sliced or chopped. You can also juice it and take it with a pinch of black pepper. This can be a part of your fresh juices or taken individually. You can also make Golden Paste from fresh roots.
Further Read – Is fresh turmeric better then powder?
Turmeric powder
If you are including turmeric powder in cooking then 1 tsp daily is sufficient. Always opt for good quality organic turmeric powder (How to identify organic turmeric, Recommended Turmeric brands)
However if you take turmeric powder straight with black pepper then it would be 1-2 g of turmeric powder with a pinch of black pepper.
In terms of teaspoon that would be 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper powder twice a day
Start with small dose and increase gradually. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach. You can also prepare DIY Turmeric Capsules.
Maximum dose: 1 tsp of turmeric powder with ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper thrice a day
Golden Paste
Golden Paste combines heat, black pepper and healthy fats to increase the absorption of turmeric.
It is highly recommended to take this paste after/with meals and to avoid taking it close to other medications. (Read Does Turmeric cause acid reflux? Black pepper in GP: Does it cause drug interaction?) Here is the recipe.
You can also make Golden Paste from fresh roots.
Start with small doses such as 1/4-1/2 tsp and if you see no side effects then increase the dose by ¼ teaspoon every week. Continue till reach a dose of 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day.
This is the ideal dose of Golden Paste where you should experience relief. However the ideal dose differs with every individual; some may need less some may need more.
Thinking of other ways to take Golden Paste read 10 ways to take Golden Paste
Maximum dosage: 1 table spoon 2-3 times a day only advised if you are comfortable taking it and not experiencing gastric side effects.
Turmeric tincture
Turmeric tinctures are beneficial in reducing pain and fighting infection.
Take 10-30 drops 2-3 times a day depending on the condition. It can be added to teas, juices or smoothies.
Maximum dosage: 20-30 drops 3 times a day
Turmeric tea
This is a good option for tea lovers and who want to skip the taste of turmeric paste. Here is the recipe for Turmeric Tea.
Recommended intake: 1-2 cups a day
Turmeric Milk
This is just perfect when it comes to combating pain naturally. You can find the recipe for Turmeric Milk here.
Recommended intake: 1-2 cups a day
Turmeric supplements
The recommended dosage for supplements is 300-400mg 2-3 times a day for standardized 95% curcumin extract.
However the dose would differ based on the formulation, hence it is best to consult a doctor before taking turmeric supplements.
Avoid taking supplements on an empty stomach and close to the time of taking medicines. Consult a health practitioner before taking turmeric supplements.
Precautions
Turmeric in diet is absolutely safe. Turmeric supplements should be taken with care. (Read Side effects of Turmeric)
If you are taking blood thinners, turmeric supplements should be avoided. Turmeric can be included in diet in small doses. If suffering from a bleeding disorder consult a doctor and herbalist or naturopath before taking turmeric.
Turmeric supplements should be avoided in case of pregnancy and lactation. Discontinue use of turmeric supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Turmeric supplements should be avoided in case of gall bladder obstructions. (Should you take turmeric if you have gallstones?)
Turmeric may interact with certain medications like stomach acid reducing drugs, diabetes medications, blood thinners. Avoid taking turmeric supplements at the same time as medicines.
If suffering from gout or kidney stones, limit intake of turmeric as a spice. (Read Does turmeric cause kidney stones? Is turmeric safe in gout?)
Consult a health practitioner before taking turmeric supplements.
If harrowed by turmeric stains here is how you can take care of them.
Conclusion
After surprising us with its capacity in treating something as major as atherosclerosis, turmeric has also contributed in the treatment of one of the most life threatening infectious disease like AIDS.
Who would have even imagined, that the root growing in your garden which is added for taste in food, is so versatile in the field of medicine? Nature continues to amaze us.