Antibacterial Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs have been employed for centuries for their broad spectrum healing properties. Herbs such as garlic and echinacea are known worldwide as antibacterial treatments for a number of diseases. Some people choose herbs over conventional medicines to treat infections, preferring to use a more natural approach for their health care. However, herbs can cause side effects, so check with your herbalist or practitioner before trying new herbal treatments for bacterial infections.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is used in China for several conditions, with clearing the blood of toxins being one, according to the City University of New York. Chrysanthemum tea is frequently used for relieving headaches and fevers, which may be the result of excess toxins in the blood or infection, adds CUNY. Certain antibiotic properties may make chrysanthemum effective for treating both staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria in MRSA infections, according to the "Helio Acupuncture Book, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica." Additional research is needed to substantiate this claim. Chrysanthemum is best consumed as an herbal tea. It is available from health food stores and Asian herbal apothecaries. Chrysanthemum may cause allergic reactions for some people in the form of rashes or stomach upsets. If you develop a reaction, stop drinking the tea and contact your health practitioner.

Pau D'Arco Tea

Pau d'arco is a South American herb used to enhance the immune system and for the treatment of a number of ailments. It is especially well known among herbalists for its power to treat infections. Anecdotal evidence points to its having antibacterial properties as well as being useful as an anti-fungal and antiviral remedy. The University of Colorado at Denver notes the efficacy of Pau d'arco for the treatment of MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Pau d'arco may thin the blood, so always check first with your health practitioner if you take blood thinners before using the tea. Pau d'arco tea should not be used if you are nursing or pregnant.

Garlic

It is commonly accepted among herbalists and other health care practitioners that allicin, the active ingredient in garlic, possesses antibacterial and other medicinal properties. Garlic is often used to fight infections, both internal and external. It is best to use fresh garlic as opposed to dried, bottled or powdered because these other forms tend to lose their potency after being heated during the manufacturing process. You can eat raw garlic or make an herbal tea from the cloves to best benefit from its curative compounds. Garlic may thin the blood, so contact your health practitioner if you take blood-thinning medicines before using garlic for medicinal purposes.

Echinacea

Echinacea is generally used to enhance the immune system and to fight infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Traditionally, echinacea was used for wound care and to treat such conditions as diphtheria, syphilitic sores, blood poisoning and skin lesions leading to MRSA, adds UMMC. Although echinacea is mostly used today for the treatment of colds and flu, anecdotal evidence from many years of use indicate its efficacy as an antibacterial treatment for any number of ailments. It's important to buy echinacea that is fresh and potent to obtain its greatest benefits. Only buy the echinacea extracts from recognized companies and well-known health food stores or apothecaries. Contact a health practitioner for dosing guidelines.