Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It's spread mainly through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. This disease can also be passed from a pregnant person to their baby, known as congenital syphilis.
Syphilis progresses through several stages with varying symptoms:
Primary Syphilis: The first sign is a small, non-invasive sore referred to as a chancre, which is situated at the spot of bacterial entry into the body (for instance, anus, genitals, or mouth). This sore may go unnoticed because it is not painful and may heal without treatment on its own. However, the bacteria stay in the body.
Secondary Syphilis: Weeks to months after the first sore, you may develop a rash on the body that may spread over the entire body, including the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet. Some other signs might include moderate fever, exhaustion, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. Like the first stage, these signs can resolve without treatment but the infection remains.
Latent Syphilis: If untreated, the infection progresses to a hidden stage without any noticeable symptoms. This stage may last for years and the bacteria continue to live in the body.
Late (Tertiary) Syphilis: Occurring years after the initial infection, this stage can damage the heart, brain, along with other organs years after the initial infection.
The early diagnosis and treatment of this condition using Ayurvedic remedies can cure Syphilis and prevent serious health problems. If you believe you could be at risk, it is important to get tested and treated early.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that impacts a lot of people every year in India. Knowing how it spreads can help you prevent the disease and protect your health. Using protection during sex, getting regular STI screenings and avoiding sharing needles may reduce Syphilis risk.
The most common causes of Syphilis are:
Sexual Contact: The most usual method of transmission is through contact with a Syphilis sore in the course of vaginal, oral or anal sexual intercourse. The bacteria get into the body via minor abrasions or cuts in the mucous membranes or skin.
Congenital Syphilis: Pregnant individuals with syphilis can pass the infection to their unborn child. This transmission is referred to as Congenital Syphilis. It may take place at any stage of pregnancy and could cause severe health issues or even death of the infant.
Close Physical Contact: Less common but still prevalent, Syphilis can spread by physical contact if there is direct exposure to an active sore. This includes kissing someone who has a sore on their lips or mouth.
Shared Needles: Sharing needles with a Syphilis-infected person can spread the bacteria through blood.
As many of its symptoms might resemble those of other illnesses, Syphilis is also called the "great imitator." Recognising the Syphilis symptoms is important for earlier detection and treatment to avoid a more severe stage of the illness.
Here are the signs and symptoms of syphilis by stage:
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Syphilis using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: They are scientifically developed blends that help to balance the doshas and promote emotional well-being.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These calming practices promote mental health and complete well-being.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Procedures like Panchakarma and various massage therapies to detox the body and stabilise emotional health.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert recommendations on changing your diet and lifestyle choices for better health.
Ayurvedic treatment of Syphilis focuses on restoring balance and strengthening the body's natural defences. Ayurvedic medicine uses natural herbs to detox the blood, strengthen immunity and treat Syphilis symptoms.
The following are Ayurvedic herbs traditionally used for treating Syphilis:
Chopchini (Smilax China): The herb Chopchini is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic compound. It is believed to repair damaged cells and also rids the body of toxins, which is why it's used in the advanced stages of Syphilis.
Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis): Amalaki or Indian Gooseberry is high in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Amalaki can support the immune system and balance the body's doshas to promote healing.
Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem possesses antiviral and antibacterial properties and is utilised for treating infections like Syphilis. It is also a blood purifier and may lower inflammation in the body.
Guggul (Commiphora Mukul): Guggul improves circulation and metabolism in the body. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties and could heal syphilitic sores and help control other symptoms.
Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula): Haritaki is considered a rejuvenating compound in Ayurveda. It is especially useful in balancing the Vata and Pitta doshas and for its antibacterial action.
Indian Echinacea (Andrographis Paniculata): Known as Kalmegh, this is a popular immune-boosting and blood-purifying herb, used to fight infections like Syphilis.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): The active component in turmeric (curcumin) has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping with Syphilis symptoms and to promote skin health.
Sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus Indicus): This herb is used for its cooling and purifying properties. It's thought to cleanse the blood and lower inflammation to help manage syphilitic symptoms.
Syphilis is the result of the bacteria Treponema pallidum, which propagates through direct contact with syphilitic sores during sexual activities.
Yes, with proper Ayurvedic treatment, Syphilis can be cured completely. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are essential.
Symptoms may begin as early as two to three weeks after exposure, starting with the primary stage where a chancre sore may develop.
Syphilis is most contagious during its primary and secondary stages due to presence of sores and rashes in these stages.
Nonsexual transmission of Syphilis might be via blood transfusions or from mother to child during childbirth or pregnancy.
Ayurveda can help prevent Syphilis with practices like eating right, having safe sex and using herbal medicines to strengthen the immune system.
The Ayurvedic diagnosis of Syphilis is based on assessment of physical symptoms, doshic imbalances and detailed patient history, sometimes supplemented by modern diagnostic tests.
Yes, lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments, stress management, and regular exercise support the healing process and help manage symptoms.
Herbs like Amalaki, Neem and Guggul promote immunity and resistance to infections like Syphilis.
Untreated Syphilis could cause eye injury, nerve injury, heart failure, and irreversible brain injury, in addition to dementia, loss of sight and many other severe consequences.
Syphilis doesn't recur by itself after being treated and cured. But a person can be reinfected if exposed to the bacteria again.