Herbal Remedies For Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that occurs in all parts of the world and is caused by a fungus known as Histoplasma capsulatum. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that this fungus grows in the soil and that soil containing bat droppings may possess a significant concentration of the histoplasma fungus. Herbal remedies may help treat your histoplasmosis, but they should only be used after they are cleared by your family physician.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis usually affects your lungs, although it may target your other organs too, causing a potentially fatal condition known as disseminated histoplasmosis, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common signs and symptoms associated with histoplasmosis include chest pain, fever, chills, cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, sweating, headache, joint pain and rashes. If you develop histoplasmosis symptoms, they will usually manifest about three to 17 days following exposure to the fungus.

Useful Herbal Remedies

Several herbal remedies may be useful in treating your histoplasmosis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, the following herbs may be used as dried extracts, gylcerine extracts or tinctures in the treatment of histoplasmosis: cat's claw, garlic, cranberry, reishi mushroom and olive leaf. These herbal remedies may possess anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal action, and they may help boost your immune system functions. Some herbs traditionally used in treating histoplasmosis may not have been tested using contemporary scientific research methods.

A Helpful Botanical

Cat's claw may be a helpful botanical in the treatment of histoplasmosis. The UMMC states that cat's claw may help decrease inflammation and halt the growth of fungus in your body. Cat's claw purportedly enhances your immune response. Herbal medicine expert Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," reports that cat's claw helps support your immune system and possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. The UMMC recommends 20 mg of the standardized extract, three times per day. Always discuss dosage with your doctor before using this herb.

Considerations

Several possible complications are associated with histoplasmosis, including scarring in your chest, various inflammatory syndromes, enlarged lymph nodes in your chest cavity and side effects related to medications for this condition. If you develop the symptoms of histoplasmosis, meet with your doctor as soon as possible to be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Herbal remedies may best be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of histoplasmosis, but they should only be used under the supervision of a competent health care professional.