Did you know that around 3.7 million people of the Unites States suffer from trichomoniasis?1 This sexually transmitted infection (STI) is caused by a protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and is more commonly found in women than men. The inflammation caused by trichomoniasis can make it easier for you to get or transmit other STIs including HIV.
[pullquote]Pregnant woman with this condition are more likely to give birth prematurely and have babies with a low birth weight.[/pullquote]
Women with this infection may experience a burning or itchy sensation in their genitals and greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge with a fishy smell. Men may have a discharge from the penis, have a burning sensation after ejaculation or urination, or experience an itchy sensation in the penis. However, around 70% of people suffering from this infection don’t experience any symptoms. Your doctor can conduct tests to determine if you have this condition.
Home Remedies To Treat Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is usually treated with antibiotics, but some herbal remedies may also be helpful. Check with your doctor before adopting herbal remedies, and remember to do a patch test to ensure that your skin isn’t sensitive to a herbal solution before applying it topically.
Here are some herbs that can help ease you of your trichomoniasis woes:
1. Wash With A Myrrh Solution
Myrrh is a resin obtained from the tree Commiphora molmol. It has been widely used for its healing properties across the world – in ancient medicinal systems like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as by Sumerians and Greeks. One study found that it was effective in treating women who had vaginal trichomoniasis but weren’t responding to antibiotics.2 The women took 2 capsules of a myrrh extract on an empty stomach for 6 to 8 consecutive days.
How To Use:
Add half a teaspoon of myrrh and half a teaspoon of goldenseal to a pint of water on the stove, and simmer for around 10 minutes. After it cools down, strain and you have your anti-protozoal solution. Use it as a douche twice a day for 2 weeks. Men can also use the solution to wash their penis twice a day.3
2. Insert A Garlic Suppository
Garlic is commonly used to deal with trichomoniasis. Lab studies have found that it has a significantly adverse effect on the protozoa that causes this condition.4 It is believed that diallyl trisulfide, a compound present in garlic, is mainly responsible for garlic’s antiprotozoal activity.5
How To Use:
You can make a garlic suppository by wrapping a peeled garlic clove in gauze, dipping it in vegetable oil, and inserting it into your vagina.6 Using a garlic suppository for 3 to 5 days should make a difference, but make sure you change out the suppository every 12 hours. Adding garlic to the diet can also be helpful for women as well as men.
3. Prepare A Tea Of Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a plant with medicinal properties that grows in North America. Berberine, a plant compound present in goldenseal, has been found to be effective against Trichomonas vaginalis.7
How To Use:
Make a tea of a goldenseal and myrrh, and use it to wash your genitals as described in the section on myrrh.8
4. Cleanse With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been found to exhibit anti-protozoal properties against trichomonas. Beneficial compounds like terpinen-4-ol, gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinene, and alpha-terpineol present in this antifungal, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal essential oil are thought to account for this capacity.9
How To Use:
Douche daily with a solution of 0.4% concentration of tea tree oil in a quart of water till the infection lasts.10
5. Try A Polyherbal Douche
Many experts recommend exploring the combined power of various beneficial herbs to fight trichomonas. A combination of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) along with calendula (Calendula officinalis) and echinacea (Echinacea spp.), which have also been found effective against trichomonas can be useful. 11
How To Use:
Alternate a herbal douche of goldenseal, calendula, and echinacea in the morning with a douche of yogurt containing live cultures of acidophilus at night. The herbal douche will fight the protozoa while the yogurt douche will re-establish beneficial bacteria in your vagina.12
Also remember, practicing safe sex by using a condom can lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis.13 Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner where both of you have been tested for STIs before having sex can also be helpful.
References
