Staph is a bacteria responsible for causing a variety of serious infections. The Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is responsible for causing MRSA, which can be life-threatening if it is left untreated. Because MRSA is not responsive to most antibiotics, some people choose to use herbs and other natural remedies for treatment. Herbs can cause side effects, so before using them to treat MRSA and other staph infections, consult your health practitioner.
Staph Infections
A staph infection can cause cellulitis, the first stage in a bacterial infection on the skin. It may appear as a boil or a group of boils, pus-filled, swollen, edematous, red, inflamed and painful. As the infection progresses, you may develop a fever and chills. It severe cases, the infection may spread to your lymph nodes and throughout the system. Antibiotics can be helpful in for some staph infections; however, in the case of MRSA, the bacterium is resistant to most antibiotics. A simple boil can turn into a fast-moving skin infection that can destroy skin, muscle and other soft tissue as it spreads throughout your body. Certain herbs have been used to slow down and, in some cases, stop the advance of cellulitis.
Hochu-ekki-to
Hochu-ekki-to is a proprietary mixture of herbs containing Panax ginseng as well as other herbs used in Eastern medicine. Medline Plus notes that patients experiencing MRSA infection of the urinary tract took Hochu-ekki-to for 10 weeks. They reported a significant reduction in symptoms. More studies of the effects of Panax ginseng are necessary, as this is the main ingredient in the tonic. Ginseng is an ancient herb known to enhance the immune system and used for a variety of treatments in China and the East. It may produce side effects such as insomnia, increased heart rate and low blood pressure. Contact a doctor of Oriental medicine to discuss whether this herbal tonic would be best for you.
Turmeric
Turmeric is used primarily in Indian medicine by Ayurvedic practitioners for a wide range of ailments. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is an antibacterial and anti-viral agent, according to "Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice." Anecdotal evidence shows that topical applications of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can stop the progression of a MRSA infection and act as an astringent, drying up pus and shrinking boils. Turmeric can thin the blood. If you take blood-thinning medicines, consult your doctor before using turmeric in medicinal doses.
Echinacea
Echinacea is used extensively for the treatment of colds and flu because of its immune-enhancing properties; however, traditionally, it was used to treat life-threatening diseases such as blood-poisoning, cellulitis, malaria and supperating, or pus-filled, wounds, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They add that echinacea has antibacterial and anti-viral properties that can clear the blood and restore health by strengthening the immune system. Echinacea is available in several forms ranging from powdered capsules to standardized extract. The recommended dose is 500 mg to 1000 mg by mouth, three times daily. However, if you have MRSA, consult a health practitioner familiar with using echinacea to treat MRSA for the best dose for your case. Echinacea is considered safe, but may produce an allergic reaction in some people. If you experience a reaction stop taking it and call your health practitioner.
References
- MedLine Plus: Ginseng
- "Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice"; Sebastian Pole: 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cellulitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Echinacea
