Staph infections can occur anywhere in the body and include diseases like boils, impetigo, food poisoning, mastitis, pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome. Staphylococcus bacteria are generally part of the normal flora that live on the skin and in the mucus membranes. If the skin or membranes are damaged, the bacteria can penetrate and become toxic.
Conventional treatment includes antibiotics, but many staph species have become resistant, according to Mayoclinic.com. Herbs may be effective home treatments for some forms of staph infections. It is important to consult a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis, since some staph infections can be life-threatening.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, or Hydrastis canadensis, is a perennial herb with an inedible red fruit. It is used traditionally to stop excessive bleeding, stimulate digestion, alleviate constipation and fight bacterial infections. The active ingredients include alkaloids and polyphenols, and the plant has astringent, laxative and antimicrobial actions. Botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and pharmaceutical biologist Michael Wink attribute the antimicrobial actions to the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine, but reticuline and berberastine are also antibacterial. Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner notes that goldenseal is active against Staphylococcus aureus and acts directly on the mucus membranes, helping to fight bacterial infections that originate there. He also states that it can be used externally as a powder or wash to relieve staph skin infections. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and Dr. James F. Balch recommend alcohol-free goldenseal extract as soon as signs of food poisoning appear. They state that the extract will act as an antibacterial to destroy bacteria in the colon. Goldenseal should not be taken during pregnancy or used for more than one week at a time.
Aloe
Aloe, or Aloe vera, is a fleshy green succulent that contains a gel used in commercial skin-care products and tonic drinks. Herbalists apply the gel topically to treat wounds and burns. It contains polysaccharides, glycoproteins and salicylic acid, and has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner finds the gel particularly useful for treating burns, which are prone to staph infections. He states that aloe gel soothes burned tissue and keeps it moist, and that it is nearly impossible for a staph infection to develop if aloe is applied to burned skin. He also recommends aloe for any type of staph skin infection. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend aloe for burns and scalds to fight bacterial infection and relieve the pain. Aloe gel is considered safe for topical use, but taken internally it may cause irritation in cases of hemorrhoids and gastrointestinal tract inflammation. It should not be used internally during pregnancy.
Usnea
Usnea, or Usnea spp., is a lichen, which is an organism that develops from a mutual relationship between a fungus and a green alga. It is also called "old man's beard" because of its web-like appearance when it hangs from tree branches. Usnea has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, Native American medicine and among European herbalists. The active ingredient is usnic acid, which is a potent antibiotic against gram positive bacteria like staphylococcus, streptococcus and pneumococcus. It works by disrupting the metabolic pathway that bacteria need for their energy supply. Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner recommends a topical application of the powder or diluted tincture for staph skin infections. Usnea should not be used on children or during pregnancy. It may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people. Usnea should not be taken internally except under the supervision of a health care professional, since it may cause liver damage.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Staph Infection
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria"; Stephen Harrod Buhner; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
