Tuberculosis is a respiratory disease caused by a bacterial infection. According to the U.K. health information website NetDoctor, 25 percent of deaths in Europe during the 19th century were caused by tuberculosis. Although the number of deaths fell as standards of living improved, 3 million people, mainly in developing countries, die from tuberculosis every year. Antibiotics including pyrazinamide and streptomycin are the mainstay of tuberculosis treatment, although the disease is often difficult to treat. Some herbs may be helpful when used alongside medical treatment. However, you should consult your doctor before using them, as they may cause side effects.
Examples
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes garlic and astralagus may be used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Garlic, also known as Allium sativum, has antibacterial properties and may stimulate the immune system. Like garlic, astralagus, often used as a traditional remedy in Chinese medicine, may boost immunity.
Efficacy
The results of an early laboratory study published in the April 1985 issue of "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy" showed that garlic inhibited the effects of bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis. Findings of a study published in the June 2010 issue of "Indian Journal of Medical Research" also showed that garlic exhibits activity against drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Evidence to support the role of astralagus in the treatment of tuberculosis is limited; however, data published in the May 2001 issue of "Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine" showed that astralagus boosted immunity in tuberculosis patients.
Use
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 600 to 1200 mg of aged garlic daily. Alternatively, you may wish to take 250 mg to 500 mg of a standardized extract of astralagus three or four times times daily. These doses are only a guideline; ask your doctor how much of each herb to use and when you should take them.
Side Effects
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, known side effects are associated with astralagus use. Eating raw garlic may cause bad breath, heartburn, body odor and vomiting, although MedlinePlus notes you can reduce these effects by taking a garlic supplement instead.
Contraindications
Do not use garlic if you have a digestive disorder, as garlic may irritate your digestive tract. Also avoid this herb if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking anticoagulants, since garlic may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. For this reason, you should stop taking garlic two weeks before undergoing a surgical procedure. Do not take astralagus if you are taking immunosupressants such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, as it may reduce their effectiveness. Also avoid using astralagus alongside the drugs aldesleukin and cyclophosphamide. Talk to your doctor before using herbal medicine to treat tuberculosis.
References
- NetDoctor: Tuberculosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tuberculosis
- MedlinePlus: Garlic
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Astralagus
- PubMed: Inhibition of mycobacteria by garlic extract (allium sativum)
- PubMed: Anti-tuberculosis activity of selected medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates
