Bacterial Infection Herbal Remedy

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can multiply quickly in your body and cause serious health consequences if not treated in a timely and appropriate manner. One of the most common indications that an infection is caused by bacteria is localized pain. Herbs may help treat a bacterial infection, but consult your doctor prior to incorporating holistic medicinal remedies to treat any condition.

Bacterial Infections

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, bacteria are one of the most common causes of foodborne illnesses. Harmful bacteria that are ingested along with your food can cause many symptoms that last anywhere from a few hours to several days, including abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and dehydration. Other examples of bacterial infections, notes the Merck Manuals website, include brucellosis, cat-scratch disease, gonorrhea, erysipeloid and relapsing fever.

Antibacterial Herbal Remedies

Certain herbal remedies possess antibacterial action, which is the ability to eliminate bacteria or curb their growth within your body. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician and herbalist Sharol Tilgner states that the following herbs have antibacterial action: chaparral, myrrh, paracress, pau d'arco, sage, usnea, yerba mansa, wild indigo, burdock, arnica, pipsissewa, prickly ash and thuja. Other herbal remedies that may possess antibacterial action include echinacea, goldenseal and poplar.

Featured Herb

Uva ursi is an herb that is often used in treating bacterial infections. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," uva ursi helps fight bacteria, encourages the excretion of fluids and improves the strength of your heart muscle. Uva ursi, sometimes called bearberry, has been used in treating disorders of the spleen, liver, pancreas and other organs. The leaves of the uva ursi plant are used in herbal preparations.

Warning

Some herbs, including uva ursi, are not recommended if you are pregnant, nursing or under the age of 12. When using herbs, if you notice any unusual side effects, immediately stop using the herb and contact your physician. In most cases, bacterial infections respond to treatment, however, some bacterial infections can cause long-term health complications if they are not treated immediately. If you experience any signs or symptoms of a bacterial infection, visit your doctor as soon as possible for a full evaluation.