Salmonella bacteria are responsible for typhoid fever and food-related illnesses, such as gastroenteritis. Salmonella infection may result from exposure to contaminated water, fruits and vegetables, as well as undercooked poultry, meat, seafood and eggs. Depending on the salmonella species and type of infection, you may experience diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, headache, bloody stool and intestinal inflammation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Conventional treatment may include antibiotics and antidiarrheals; however, herbs that kill salmonella may also be useful for treating an infection. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal therapy.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is a perennial shrub with white flowers and red berries. Indian Ayurvedic practitioners use the roots as a tonic and to treat rheumatism, stress, hypertension, fungal infections, cancers and anemia. Ashwagandha is called "Indian ginseng" because of its rejuvenating effects. The roots are rich in withanolides and alkaloids, and have immunomodulating and antimicrobial actions. A study by M. Owais and colleagues published in the March 2005 issue of "Phytomedicine" tested water and alcohol extracts of the roots and leaves on animals inoculated with several bacteria, including Salmonella typhimurium. The study found that the water extracts of both leaves and roots was more effective against Salmonella than the alcohol extract. The researchers state that the herb may work both by killing the bacteria and stimulating the immune system to eliminate invading pathogens. This study supports the use of ashwagandha water extracts for treating salmonella infections. You may experience some nausea or stomach upset with large doses of ashwagandha, so consult a qualified health care practitioner for proper dosage instructions.
Clove
Clove, or Syzygium spp. and Eugenia spp., is an aromatic herb native to southeast Asia and eastern regions of Africa. Traditional healers use the dried flower buds and essential oil to treat toothache, mouth and throat inflammations, rheumatism and indigestion. Cloves contain flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids and beta-caryophyllene, and eugenol is the main ingredient in the oil. A study by K. P. Devi and associates published in the July 2010 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" tested eugenol in vitro on Salmonella typhi bacteria. The study found that eugenol kills Salmonella by disrupting the cell membranes. The researchers suggest that eugenol from cloves eugenol can be used to prevent or treat Salmonella typhi infection. Talk to your doctor if you experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction to cloves.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, or Hydrastis canadensis, is a perennial herb native to North America. Native Americans and traditional herbalists used the roots and rhizomes as a tonic and to treat hemorrhage, diarrhea, constipation, poor blood circulation, coughs, colds, wounds, fevers, pneumonia, skin disorders and earaches. Goldenseal is high in the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine and canadine, which are potent antimicrobials. Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner notes that goldenseal is active against Salmonella typhimurium and S. paratyphi. He states that it is best when used for active infections, diarrhea and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant. Consult a qualified practitioner for dosage instructions.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Salmonella Symptoms
- "Phytomedicine": Antibacterial efficacy of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) an indigenous medicinal plant against experimental murine salmonellosis.
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology": Eugenol (an essential oil of clove) acts as an antibacterial agent against Salmonella typhi by disrupting the cellular membrane.
- "Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria"; Stephen Harrod Buhner; 1999
