Can Garlic Cure Chlamydia?

In order to understand whether garlic can cure chlamydia, it is imperative to understand what Chlamydia is, in the first place.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease or STD that is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. As the name implies it is a sexually transmitted disease and is transmitted from person to person through sexual contact through vagina, oral or anus. In some instances, Chlamydia disease can be transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth that bears risk of lung and eye infection in the child.

How Will You Know That You Have Chlamydia?

Chlamydia, on most occasions, is asymptomatic, which means that in about 80% of women and 50% of men, it does not present with any signs or symptoms; therefore, it is known as “silent infection.” In today’s modern world, 40% Chlamydia cases are found in young people between the age of 15 to 25 due to unsafe sexual practice and lack of sexual knowledge regarding safe sexual practice. However, most of the times there are no symptoms and infected people continue living with Chlamydia without being aware of it, but sometimes it presents with symptoms that should not be overlooked and doctor should be consulted immediately.

The symptoms usually show 2 to 3 weeks after Chlamydia exposure and in women it presents with abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal or rectal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, dysuria, vaginal/vulvar pain or itching. In men, it usually presents as abnormal penile discharge, rectal or scrotal pain, pain or burning sensation on urination, testicular swelling, and/or inflammation around penis. The symptoms when present vary from individual to individual, so it becomes difficult to self-diagnose and requires professional help in diagnosing the disease.

Chlamydia is diagnosed taking into consideration the sexual history along with signs and symptoms and clinical exam. It is confirmed when STD panel comes positive after sending genital swab or urine sample for laboratory testing.

Can Garlic Cure Chlamydia?

Can you cure chlamydia with garlic? Generally, the first line of treatment for Chlamydia is conventional antibiotics depending upon severity of infection. The preferred antibiotics are high dose azithromycin for a day or a course of doxycycline/erythromycin for 7 to 10 days depending upon the severity of infection. However, not all people prefer taking antibiotics due to many reasons. They want to avoid side effects related to them, some are allergic to the prescribed antibiotics, some prefer natural treatment, some are intolerant to antibiotics and also some would want to avoid embarrassment for treatment of an STD. People prefer home remedies for the treatment of their disease and as such for Chlamydia; also, garlic has become a popular alternative treatment.

For centuries, garlic is been used due to its medicinal benefits and anti-oxidant properties, which includes treating heart diseases, cancer, hypertension, diabetes and other infections. It is a household material that is found in all Indian kitchens. Research shows that garlic contains allicin that is responsible for its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal effect. It is been shown to boost immune system and is consumed before/during every meal (2 to 3 cloves). It is also available in pills, capsules; juice and powder form, but of course is preferable to take it in raw form. It can also be taken along with antibiotics as an adjuvant therapy.

Garlic has gained popularity as an alternative treatment due to its therapeutic benefits, but it is always advisable to consult a doctor before starting it, as its been known to cause blood-clotting problem in diabetics. It also has some side effects, which include bad breath, body odor, nausea and diarrhea if taken in excess. Some people do not prefer raw form due to its obnoxious odor and bad breath and take pill, powder, liquid or capsule form.

Garlic has shown significant potential in the treatment of Chlamydia either alone or as an adjunct; however, there is still lack of research and experiment regarding its dosage, active ingredient and beneficial effects. Although, it is safe, but further studies and research will provide more information regarding its efficacy and side effects.

Also Read:

Can Garlic Cure Chlamydia?

How Will You Know That You Have Chlamydia?