Impetigo is a contagious skin infection usually caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. It can occur in adults and children and appears as itchy, fluid-filled blisters anywhere on your body, but more commonly on your face, arms, legs and feet. Conventional treatment may include oral or topical antibiotics, but these can have unpleasant side effects. Herbal medicine for impetigo may help relieve the itching and fight the infection. Consult with your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Myrrh
Myrrh, or Commiphora molmol, is the gum resin from a small shrub native to parts of Africa. Traditional healers use myrrh to treat infections, wounds, ulcers and inflammations. Myrrh is rich in polysaccharides, triterpenoids and sesquiterpenes and has astringent and antiseptic actions. Herbalist David Hoffmann recommends applying myrrh tincture topically for impetigo. You can also combine it with goldenseal tincture to enhance the antibacterial effects. For children, Hoffmann advises mixing the dried herbs in an ointment or lotion base instead of using alcohol tinctures. Consult with your doctor if you are diabetic before taking myrrh internally.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, or Hydrastis canadensis, is a perennial herb native to North America. Herbalists use the roots and rhizomes to treat diarrhea, constipation and hemorrhage. Active ingredients include the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine and canadine, and the plant has potent antibacterial properties. Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner notes that goldenseal is active against staph and strep bacteria, which cause impetigo. Hoffmann recommends applying a tincture topically or adding the herb to a lotion or ointment. Goldenseal dried herb can also be ground into a powder, mixed with water and applied topically to dry up oozing sores. Do not use goldenseal internally if you have hypertension, are pregnant or nursing.
Tea Tree
Tea tree, or melaleuca alternifolia, is an evergreen native to Australia. Healers use the essential oil topically for wounds, insect bites, skin diseases, acne and fungal infections. Tea tree oil has potent action against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Hoffmann recommends tea tree oil for impetigo because of its antibacterial effects. Aromatherapies.net states that the oil dissolves pus from oozing sores, cleaning the infected areas. You can add it to creams, use tea tree oil soaps or dilute the oil in water and apply it directly to your skin. Do not use the oil internally. If you develop a rash or experience burning, discontinue use.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria"; Stephen Harrod Buhner; 1999
- Aromatherapies.net: Impetigo
Member Comments