Cellulitis is a skin infection that occurs when the normal bacterial flora on the skin enters the body through cuts and breaks on the skin and causes inflammation of the skin tissue. Staphylococcus and streptococcus are the most common bacteria that cause cellulitis, which is characterized by red, hot, irritating and painful areas on the skin along with fever, chills and fatigue. Severe cases of cellulitis may require hospitalization and treatment with oral antibiotics. Several herbs may also help treat and manage symptoms of cellulitis.
Oral Herb Treatments
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends herbs such as echinacea, pycnogenol, thyme and gotu kola to treat cellulitis. These herbs can be taken orally. While echinacea promotes healthy immune function, thyme and gotu kola have antibacterial and antifungal properties and also help heal wounds. Pycnogenol is the bark of the pine tree that helps promote healthy skin.
Topical Herbal Treatments
Extracts of yarrow, goldenseal root and calendula flower can be applied topically to prevent infections of open wounds. Tea tree oil extract, according to Medline Plus, can also be used as an antiseptic and antifungal agent to prevent infections of cuts, abrasions, burns and insect bites. Echinacea creams and fenugreek seed paste can also be used in some places to treat skin infections.
How to Use the Herbs
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 500 to 1,000mg of echinacea extract should be used three times a day to promote the proper functioning of the immune system, while 60mg of gotu kola can be taken two times a day. A dose of 100g of yarrow can be added per 5 gallons of water during bath to help prevent skin infections. Fenugreek seed paste can be prepared by mixing 50g of fenugreek seed powder in 1 quart of hot water.
Side Effects
Most herbs are generally safe to use. However, thyme may increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided by patients taking blood-thinning medications. Gotu kola may also interact with blood pressure medications. Drugs.com states that contact dermatitis is the most common side effect of yarrow, and Medline Plus says that tea tree oil must not be used in pre-pubescent boys because it may lead to hormonal abnormalities. Echinacea may reduce the effect of immune suppressant drugs and should not be taken by some allergy and transplantation patients.
Precautions
Herbs should not be used as a substitute for prescription medications. Most herbs have not been scientifically analyzed, and it is important to talk to a doctor before taking any herbs for dosage instructions and to avoid possible drug interactions and adverse reactions.
