Natural Herbs for Staph

Staph, or Staphylococcus, is a group of bacteria that can cause a range of disorders, including boils, skin infections, food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, gastroenteritis, meningitis and septicemia. A major problem with staph bacteria is their increasing resistance to antibiotics, according to a study published in the April 2001 issue of "Emerging Infectious Diseases." Natural herbs may have a role to play in curbing antibiotic use and treating staph infections. Consult your health care practitioner before using herbal treatments for staph.

Herbal Actions

Herbs for staph are chemically complex, containing hundreds of ingredients, such as alkaloids, saponins and polyphenols, with antibacterial actions. In his 1999 book, "Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria," herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner states that it is more difficult for staph bacteria to develop a resistance to complex herbs than to antibiotics, which are simple chemicals. Herbs may take longer to work, however, so if your staph infection is life-threatening see a health care professional immediately.

English Walnut

English walnut, or Juglans regia, is a tall deciduous tree that produces the walnut. Traditional healers use teas and lotions made from the tree's leaves to treat skin diseases, mouth infections and gastrointestinal problems. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that active antibacterial ingredients in the leaves are tannins, essential oil and juglone, a polyphenol. For mild staph infections, you can make a tea from the leaves, or use walnut extract lotions and poultices topically for staph skin infections. Do not ingest walnuts if you have an allergy to nuts. Consult a qualified practitioner for advice on dosage and use, since long-term use may cause toxicity.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus, or Eucalyptus globulus, is an evergreen tree also known as bluegum. The tree's distinctive aroma comes from the essential oil, which contains anti- Staphylococcus chemicals, such as aromadendrene, eucalyptol and globulol. In a study published in the November 2010 issue of "Phytomedicine," researchers from Heidelberg University found that the essential oil from the nut was active against Staphylococcus aureus, a resistant species often found in hospitals. You can make a tea, tincture, powder or steam inhalant from the leaves, or you can apply the diluted oil topically. Do not ingest eucalyptus oil and always dilute it before applying topically. Discontinue internal use of teas if you develop cramps.

Juniper

Juniper, or Juniperus spp., is an aromatic evergreen shrub in the Cypress family. Traditionally, herbalists use a tea made from the berries to heal urinary tract infections, or UTIs, which can be caused by staph and other bacteria. Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner states that the essential oil from the berries is effective even against antibiotic-resistant strains of these bacteria. The diluted essential oil also works as an inhalant for upper respiratory infections. If you have a staph infection on your skin, apply the cooled tea topically. Do not ingest the essential oil. Consult your doctor before using juniper if you have kidney disease, are pregnant or have gastrointestinal problems. Long-term use of juniper may irritate healthy kidneys, so check with a knowledgeable practitioner for dosage and use instructions.