Syphilis

Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by a corkscrew-shaped microbe, Treponema pallidum. In the United States, syphilis is the third most commonly reported infectious disease, and is most common in urban areas and in southern states.

Syphilis has three stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The first sign of primary syphilis is a small, usually solitary sore called a chancre that typically appears from ten days to six weeks after exposure. The chancre is firm and has clearly defined borders that are slightly raised. A chancre on the penis is easily visible. However, those that occur on the labia, cervix, anal area, or mouth are frequently unnoticed because they are usually (but not always) painless. There may also be swollen lymph glands.

Even without treatment, the chancre usually heals spontaneously within two months. This is not a sign that the disease is overcome, however, but rather that it has entered the secondary stage. Lesions that look like the original chancre are usually prominent on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. There may be a generalized rash accompanied by achy muscles and joints, and fever. Wart like patches may appear on the genitals. Like the chancre, these symptoms also go away. Throughout primary and secondary syphilis the infection continues to be highly contagious.

In tertiary syphilis, the infection may flare up after being dormant for many years. Soft tumors called gummas may form anywhere in the body, and the disease may damage the cardiovascular or nervous systems. At this stage, syphilis is no longer infectious.

Herbal treatment is highly effective in controlling inflammation and swelling, but not the underlying disease, which must be treated with antibiotics.

Supplements and herbs

• Astragalus capsules or tincture. Take as directed on the label.
  Protects the immune system.
• Butcher's broom Ruscogenin tablets. Take 100 mg once daily.
  Shrinks swollen lymph glands.
• Copaiba oil. Apply to lesions daily.
  Soothes inflammation; accelerates healing.
• Rooibos tea bags. Prepare and take as directed on the label.
  Stops generalized inflammation and pain.

What else you can do

• Always take the full course of any prescribed antibiotic. Taking only part of the prescribed medication wipes out the weakest bacteria but leaves stronger bacteria resistant to the antibiotic to multiply.
• To protect the helpful bacteria in your digestive tract, take antibiotics with a probiotic supplement such as Lactobacillus acidophilous or Bifidobacterium bifidus and for two weeks after the antibiotic prescription runs out. Take the probiotic as far apart in time from the antibiotic as possible.
• Avoid 5-HTP supplements. Syphilis alters the body's use of the amino acid tryptophan and related chemicals such as 5-HTP so that they form nerve toxins.
• Use a latex condom with nonoxynol-9 lubricant for sexual activity of any kind until the infection is gone completely, as syphilis is highly contagious. Be aware, though, that using a condom does not guarantee complete protection. The only form of complete protection is abstinence.

More useful herbs

• American Spikenard
• Blue Flag
• Lignum Vitae
• Mormon Tea
• Myrrh
• Queen's Delight
• Sarsaparilla
• Sassafras
• Yellow Dock

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