Oral Herbal Remedies For Mrsa

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a strain of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics normally used to treat staph infections. An MRSA infection may start on your skin, and then migrate to your organs and blood, where it may become life threatening. Herbs taken orally may help your body fight the infection naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.

Herbal Actions

Herbs that may be taken orally and are effective against MRSA usually contain potent chemicals, such as essential oils, flavonoids or acids. They attack the membranes of the pathogen's cell wall and either kill or weaken it. These herbs are not for everyday or prolonged use. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of oral herbal remedies for MRSA.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus, or Eucalyptus globulus, is an evergreen tree native to Australia. Herbalists traditionally use the leaves, which are covered with oil glands and produce a medicinal essential oil, to treat upper respiratory infections. A study published in the November 2010 issue of "Phytomedicine" found that the fruits of this tree are also rich in essential oil. The main components are aromadendrene and 1,8-cineole, and together they were significantly effective against MRSA. Do not ingest high doses of the essential oil.

Juniper

Juniper, or Juniperus communis, is a small evergreen that produces a tiny aromatic berry. The berries are rich in essential oil, particularly alpha- and beta-pinene, and they have antibacterial action. In his authoritative work, "Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria," herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner notes that juniper is effective against many antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially MRSA. High doses of juniper may irritate your kidneys.

Downy Rose Myrtle

Downy rose myrtle, or Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, is a Southeast Asian evergreen shrub. The leaves have antibacterial action, and traditional healers use them to treat diarrhea, urinary tract infections and pelvic inflammation. A study published in the June 2009 issue of "Phytomedicine" found that rhodomyrtone, a chemical in the plant, has significant anti-MRSA action. The researchers found that rhodomyrtone was more effective than the antibiotic drug vancomycin, which is used conventionally for MRSA infections. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant.