Bacterial infections are a common cause of health problems. Infectious bacteria reproduce quickly once inside your body, and some types of bacteria release toxins that may damage various tissues throughout your body. Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli are among the most common types of infectious bacteria. Natural supplements may help fight your bacterial infection, but you should always use supplements under the care of a licensed health care professional.
Bacterial Infections
There are thousands of different kinds of bacteria, notes MerckManuals.com. Bacteria live in every environment, including soil, seawater and deep within the earth's crust. Certain types of bacteria live in humans and animals without ever causing problems, and only a few types of bacteria referred to as pathogens cause illness in humans. Bacteria may be tough to kill because they use several different defense mechanisms, including an outer membrane and a capsule. Some types of bacteria produce spores, which allow them to survive extreme conditions.
Natural Supplements
Numerous natural supplements have historically been used in fighting bacterial infections. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," naturopathic physician and herbal medicine expert William A. Mitchell states that the following natural supplements possess antibacterial or antimicrobial action: monkshood, valerian, skullcap, peony, Roman chamomile, Peruvian bark, eucalyptus, garlic, lomatium, boneset, elecampane, Oregon grape root and burdock root. Some of these natural supplements may require further testing to determine their true effectiveness and mechanisms of action.
A Helpful Antibacterial Supplement
Lomatium may be a helpful antibacterial supplement. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, an herbal medicine expert, naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that this natural supplement has traditionally been used in treating bacterial infections, viral infections, fungal infections, colds and flu. The root of the lomatium plant -- a plant indigenous to western North America -- contains numerous medicinal ingredients that are incorporated into dietary supplements.
Considerations
Bacterial infections range in intensity from mild to severe. If you develop symptoms that might be attributable to a bacterial infection, visit your health care provider to be properly diagnosed and treated. A competent and skilled health care practitioner can create a customized treatment plan that incorporates natural therapies, such as nutritional supplements, to help treat your bacterial infection. In most cases, bacterial infections may best be treated using a combination of traditional and conventional therapeutic approaches.
References
- MedlinePlus: Bacterial Infections
- MerckManuals.com: Introduction
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
