Soft tissue infections are often caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, a bacterium, found to be highly resistant to many antibiotics. Either the infection starts internally in the soft tissue or it may appear because of an injury to the skin. MRSA can rapidly destroy large portions of the skin and underlying tissue, becoming life-threatening. Several herbs have shown efficacy in the treatment of MRSA infections; however, herbs can cause side effects. Consult your health practitioner before using herbal preparations.
Description
Soft tissue infections often begin with cellulitis invading the skin, underlying tendons and muscle. The infection spreads rapidly through the system commonly causing blood poisoning, or sepsis. Boils are a common starting point for many MRSA infections, as are injuries to the skin leaving an open wound. If you experience an infection site that is painful -- red and hot with red lines extending away from the infection -- there is a good chance you may be developing blood poisoning. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
Turmeric
Ayurvedic practitioners have used the Indian spice turmeric to fight inflammation and infection for centuries. Anecdotal evidence indicates it may be effective in destroying MRSA and preventing its spread, according to Sebastian Pole in his book, titled "Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice." Turmeric has antibiotic properties, making it useful for soft tissue infections of all kinds. You can take turmeric as a fresh herbal decoction or tea, or take it in capsule form. Consult your health practitioner for guidance on specific doses depending on your condition. Turmeric can thin the blood, so it should be avoided by people taking blood-thinning medicines unless under the supervision of a health practitioner.
Pau D'Arco Tea
Pau d'arco is a potent immune-building herb from South America. The active ingredient, lapachol, may offer relief for a variety of infections threatening the immune system. Pau d'arco has antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which may destroy a variety of diseases including MRSA, according to the University of Colorado at Denver. Pau d'arco is best consumed as a tea by boiling 1 tsp. of dried herb in 1 cup of water for five to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for another 15 minutes. Strain, cool and drink from 5 to 8 cups of tea daily to fight soft tissue infections. Consult your health practitioner for the exact dosage that best meets your needs. Pregnant and nursing moms should consult their health practitioners before using pau d'arco tea. The herbal tea can thin the blood, so if you take blood-thinning medicines, you should avoid using pau d'arco.
Echinacea
Echinacea is used to strengthen the immune system and fight a variety of infections, including MRSA, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Traditionally used as a blood purifier, echinacea was employed to treat open wounds, blood poisoning, boils, syphilitic lesions and other bacterial-based infections, adds UMMC. Although echinacea is primarily used today for lesser ailments such as flu or colds, the extract is still effective for treating soft tissue infections. The extract can be prepared for both internal and external use. Consult your health practitioner for directions. It may cause allergic reactions to the skin in the form of a rash. Do not use echinacea if you take immunosuppressive medicines.
References
- University of Colorado at Denver: Pau D'Arco
- Paudarco.org: Pau d'Arco Benefits
- University of Maryland Medical Center: MRSA Treatment
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Echinacea
- "Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice"; Sebastian Pole; 2006
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
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