Staph infections are bacterial in origin and conventionally treated with antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a type of staph bacteria that does not respond to antibiotics called beta-lactams. MRSA is a serious concern of the medical community, although the Centers for Disease Control note that reported cases are on the decline. Scientists have conducted research on herbal treatments for MRSA, including garlic. Contact a physician immediately if you suspect you have MRSA.
Health Care-Associated MRSA
Most serious MRSA infections occur in nursing homes, long-term acute care centers, dialysis facilities and hospitals. People with health care-associated MRSA, abbreviated as HA-MRSA, often have compromised immune systems and have experienced invasive surgeries or joint replacements. Frequently, the bacteria cause an abscess that needs to be drained by a doctor or nurse. In addition, pneumonia and surgical incision infections are possible complications. Symptoms may become life-threatening if the infection spreads into the bones, lungs or blood stream, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Community-Associated MRSA
When MRSA is contracted outside of a health-care setting, it is called Community-Associated MRSA, or CA-MRSA. Anyone can contract CA-MRSA, especially those who have frequent skin-to-skin contact with others, such as athletes or child-care workers. Moreover, living in close quarters, such as a dormitory or prison, can increase the possibility of contracting CA-MRSA. Usually, the infection begins in an open cut, a pimple or boil. The CDC advises that a health-care professional treat suspected MRSA skin infections.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the oldest botanical remedies, harking back as far as the ancient Egyptians. Traditional medical uses include lowering blood pressure, coronary heart disease and cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is also a high-powered antibiotic and antiseptic, and it may be able to neutralize various toxic bacteria and fungi, according to Andrew Weil in "8 Weeks to Optimum Health." Ask a qualified health-care practitioner whether garlic is appropriate for your condition.
Scientific Research
One animal study published in the July 2001 issue of "Journal of Medical Microbiology" looked at the effects of garlic oil and leek oil on MRSA and other microbes. Garlic and leek oil have four diallyl sulphides in common. Scientists found that both plant oils were effective against some of the microbes, although garlic oil had a stronger antimicrobial effect. The researchers conjectured that these sulphides and oils may be able to prevent and cure infections. Weil recommends that whole fresh garlic is the most efficacious method of ingesting garlic for medicinal purposes. Consult your doctor fοr diagnosis οr treatment.
References
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- "8 Weeks to Optimum Health"; Andrew Weil; 2006
- "Journal of Medical Microbiology"; In-vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Four Diallyl Sulphides Occurring Naturally in Garlic and Chinese Leek Oils; Shyh-Ming Tsao et al.; July 2001
- Mayo Clinic: MRSA Infections: Symptoms
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