Herbal remedies have been traditionally used for thousands of years to treat all kinds of illnesses and maladies. Our ancestors quickly discovered the efficacy of herbs to treat pain, nausea, headaches, sores, and even to heal wounds more rapidly. The use of herbs has persisted through the centuries and even today, people rely on natural remedies to ease mild conditions.
Kava has recently gained popularity among many people in the US. In fact, kava bars are opening in many places around the country. The ambiance in kava bars is totally different from regular alcohol bars. People in kava bars like to enjoy their kava drink in a chilled manner. The fact is that kava has relaxing and calming properties, and that is what kava drinkers look for.
But kava has many other uses and properties. Perhaps one of the least known properties of kava is its traditional use to treat gonorrhea. In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about kava for gonorrhea and other natural remedies for this common STI.
What Is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It can affect the urethra, rectum, or throat of both males and females. Although it is commonly spread during sex, it can also affect newborns during childbirth if the mother is infected. In babies, the bacteria usually affect the eyes, joints and can even cause blood infection. On the other hand, gonorrhea can cause miscarriages in pregnant women.
Infection is one of the most common STI’s, especially among young people. Although most times it doesn’t cause any symptoms, it shouldn’t be left untreated, as it can be a risk factor for more serious diseases.
Causes and Symptoms of Gonorrhea
The bacteria that cause gonorrhea grows in warm, moist areas of the body. The following factors may increase the risk of infection:
- Not using a condom during any type of sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Having sexual contact with an infected partner.
- Heavy alcohol or drug use (although this is infrequent).
In women, the symptoms of gonorrhea can be felt after 2-5 days of infection. Conversely, men can take up to 1 month to feel any symptom.
Common symptoms in females include:
- abdominal pain
- yellowish vaginal discharge
- spotting (bleeding between periods)
- painful urination
- painful sexual intercourse
- urge to urinate frequently
- fever
- irregular periods
- vaginal swelling
- nausea
The most common symptoms in males are:
- painful urination
- pus-like discharge from the penis
- urge to urinate
- testicle pain or swelling
If you suffer from gonorrhea, it is recommended not to have sexual intercourse until at least 7 days after the treatment is completed and the symptoms have totally disappeared.
What Is Kava?
Kava or Piper methysticum is a plant on the pepper family that grows in the South Pacific islands. It has been traditionally used to ease stress, improve relaxation, and promote better sleep. Additionally, the Polynesian cultures have used the plant in social gatherings and ceremonies for centuries.
The root of the plant contains kavalactones, which are the active compounds that give kava its properties. It is traditionally ground and pound to get a powder. Then, the powder is placed in a strainer or cheesecloth and mixed with water in a process that involves the kneading of the cloth for a few minutes to extract all the kavalactones from the kava powder. The resulting water is what we know as the kava drink.
Kava for Gonorrhea
Although kava relaxing properties are quite popular, many people may not be familiar with the potential use of kava for gonorrhea. However, kava has been used to treat and relieve the symptoms of gonorrhea for centuries in its native areas. For instance, in Tahiti, a drink made from masticated rootstock was believed to be an effective remedy for gonorrhea. And in American Samoa, the plant is also used for this purpose.
Medical research of kava for gonorrhea goes back to the 19th century. And the modern pharmacologic usage of kava in Europe started around 1900 as diuretics and for the treatment of gonorrhea and nervous disorders. Studies from those years showed the efficacy of kava extract in the treatment of sub-acute and persistent forms of gonorrhea, although it also showed effects in acute gonorrhea.
Kava for gonorrhea works by increasing the tone of the sexual and urinary apparatus. Additionally, its diuretic effects help get rid of the bacteria more efficiently. Moreover, kava helps improve the general health condition of the patient.
Unfortunately, we can’t give a recommendation on how to use kava for gonorrhea. But if you suffer from this condition you can include a kava drink in your daily diet. However, mind that kava may have a negative impact on the liver, so you shouldn’t use it if you suffer from a liver condition.
Also, consider that the FDA recommends that the daily kava dose must not exceed 290mg.
Other Natural Remedies for Gonorrhea
Aside from kava, there are other natural remedies that can help you alleviate the symptoms of gonorrhea. Let’s see some of the most popular below:
- Turmeric has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the pain caused by gonorrhea. You can brew it as a tea or simply take turmeric capsules.
- Magnesium acts upon the nervous system by relaxing your blood vessels. It can also help you combat pain.
- Oregano oil and olive leaf extract contain potent antibacterial properties. You can mix both and add 3-4 drops to 6oz water to prepare an antibacterial drink.
- Garlic poses antibacterial properties thanks to its high allicin content. This compound will help you get rid of gonorrhea and restore your health. To feel its properties, simply add more garlic in your diet.
Consider that, although the above natural remedies can help accelerate the healing process, they won’t cure gonorrhea on their own. So, if you suffer from this condition, visit your doctor who will prescribe a remedy for you.
Where to Buy Kava?
As we said, kava’s popularity has risen significantly in recent years and you can even visit kava bars to enjoy the herb in many cities. But if you rather have your kava drink at home, there are many options in the market.
Typically, kava can be found in headshops and in many online vendors and it’s sold in various formats. If you choose to buy your kava online, you can easily find it in vendors who specialize in ethnobotanicals. But, before you purchase kava (or anything else) online, make sure that you buy from a reputable source. So, pay attention to the following items:
- Does the site look professional to you? You should stay away from poorly designed or maintained sites.
- Look up independent online reviews.
- Find out if the vendor displays their address and different methods of contact.
- Pay attention to the vendor’s shipping methods and return policies.
And, if you are happy enough with what you see, go ahead and purchase your kava.
