Clostridium difficile, also called C. diff, is a type of bacteria that can cause inflammation of the colon, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the colon inflammation caused by this bacterium can be fatal. Clostridium difficile infection commonly occurs after treatment involving prescription antibiotics, and typically affects older adults who have been hospitalized for extended periods or live in long-term care facilities, according to MayoClinic.com. Although herbs cannot cure a Clostridium difficile infection, certain herbs may help control infection and reduce symptoms.
Check with your doctor before taking any herb to treat a Clostridium difficile infection.
Garlic
Garlic has been used for more than 5,000 years as an herbal healer, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Ancient Egyptians prized this herb as a disease preventer, and World War I physicians used it to prevent wound infections. The antibiotic properties of garlic's primary chemical compound, called allicin, may help destroy Clostridium difficile infection. Contact your doctor before taking garlic as an herbal remedy for Clostridium difficile -- it may promote excessive wound bleeding by reducing your body's ability to produce blood platelets.
Catnip
Catnip is not widely used as an herbal remedy in the United States today; however, early Americans used this herb to treat depression, according to Castleman. Nepetalactone isomers, which are chemicals found in catnip, may offer antibiotic benefits. These chemicals may help control the growth and spread of Clostridium difficile, helping to relieve diarrhea and abdominal pain associated with infection. Talk to your doctor before treating a Clostridium difficle infection with catnip -- in rare cases, this herb may cause nausea.
Chamomile
Chamomile is primarily known in the United States as a mild sedative and tranquilizer, and is commonly used as an alternative to over-the-counter sleep aids. However, chamomile may also help treat Clostridium difficile infections, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This herb may have antibacterial properties, and may be particularly effective for relieving diarrhea. Consult your physician before using chamomile. It may occasionally cause nausea and vomiting.
Cayenne
Cayenne is well known as a culinary ingredient in hot sauces, meat marinades, curries and Asian stir-fry dishes. However, this hot pepper also has a long history of use in herbal medicine. Ancient Ayurvedic physicians recommended cayenne as a digestive aid, according to Castleman. Capsaicin, the primary chemical compound in cayenne, may also help destroy Clostridium difficile bacteria, reducing infection. Talk to your physician if you plan to treat a Clostridium difficile infection with cayenne -- handling fresh cayenne peppers may cause skin burns, and may irritate the mucous linings of your nose and eyes.
References
- MayoClinic.com; C. Difficile; November 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., et al.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
