The Staphylococcus aureus bacteria live on the skin and are the source of staph infections. If there is a break in the skin, the bacteria can invade the surrounding tissue, creating pus-filled lesions causing folliculitis, abscesses, boils, cellulitis and systemic toxic shock. Herbal remedies may be helpful in the treatment of staph infections; however, herbs can produce side effects. Consult your practitioner before using herbs to treat any staph infection.
Hochu-Ekki-To
Hochu-ekki-to is a mixture of potent herbs, including ginseng, its primary ingredient. The mix has its origin in Japan and is widely used in Eastern medicine for its antimicrobial properties. The "Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy" reports that hochu-ekki-to may reduce asymptomatic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, when used over an extended period. Additional research is necessary to confirm these results. Look for this herbal tonic in stores that specialize in Eastern herbal products or online. Consult a practitioner who is familiar with the use of hochu-ekki-to before employing it for the treatment of MRSA.
Pau d'Arco
Pau d'arco has been used for thousands of years by South American healers. The herb, which is from the bark of the pau d'arco tree, possesses medicinal compounds with antibiotic, anti-viral, antimicrobial and anti-fungal qualities, according to Paud'Arco.org. Native healers have used it to treat conditions ranging from Candida yeast to muskuloskeletal problems as well as serious infections. Although there is little scientific research, anecdotal evidence points to its efficacy in the treatment of staph infections as well as other bacterial infections. Pau d'arco contains high levels of lapachol, a compound found effective in destroying bacteria, notes the University of Colorado at Denver. Pau d'arco works best when taken as tea, and the dried herb is available at health food stores. Buy the loose herb if you can find it instead of tea bags. Pau d'arco may cause side effects such as stomachaches or diarrhea. Consult your herbal practitioner for dosage guidelines before using it. Pregnant and nursing mothers should only use this herb under medical supervision.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is useful in the treatment of many skin ailments. The herb may prove effective in the treatment of staph infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tea tree oil may be especially helpful in relieving staph infections that are the result of an initial fungal infection such as athlete's foot. Due to its strong odor and the intense nature of this volatile oil, some people may develop skin rashes. A reaction may be prevented by first mixing tea tree oil with a base oil like almond or olive oil to dilute it. If symptoms persist, stop using it and consult your health practitioner.
Precautions
Certain types of staph infections, specifically those caused by Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA, can become life-threatening. If you suspect you have a staph infection, even a small skin lesion, ask your doctor to test for MRSA to rule it out. Although antibiotics may help relieve most staph infections, they are not effective in all cases, notes UMMC. Supplemental treatment with herbs may alleviate certain symptoms. However, herbs may also cause serious side effects, so always seek medical advice in the case of a staph infection and do not self-treat your symptoms with herbs.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cellulitis
- Paudarco.org: Pau d'Arco Benefits
- University of Colorado at Denver: Pau d'Arco
- MedlinePlus: Ginseng
- PubMed: Effect of Hochu-Ekki-To on Asymptomatic MRSA Bacteriuria
