Staph and Echinacea

Staphylococcus, or staph, infections are among the most common types of bacterial infection. Though there are more than 30 species of staph bacteria, most staph infections are caused by Staph aureus. Staph infections are usually passed from person to person through the sharing of bed linens, clothing or towels. Certain herbs, such as echinacea, may be helpful in treating your staph infection, although you should always discuss the use of herbs with your doctor.

Staph Infections

Staph infections may cause several symptoms, including skin infections that resemble pimples or boils, swelling, redness, pain and pus from the lesions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anybody can acquire a staph infection, although you may have a greater likelihood of developing this infection if you live in crowded conditions, have poor hygiene, have cuts and scrapes and come into contact with people or objects that are covered by staph bacteria.

Echinacea Description

Echinacea, also known as Echinacea purpurea, is a plant that possesses prickly scales, a large, conical seed head and pink flowers. Echinacea grows in both the eastern and central parts of North America, and its preferred growing habitat is clearings in wooded areas and prairies. Several parts of the plant have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, including the root, seeds and flowers. Echinacea contains many important plant chemicals, such as ferulic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin and vanillin.

Echinacea Uses

Echinacea has historically been used in treating many ailments, notes expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," including infections and conditions that challenge the immune system such as staph infections. Echinacea may also be beneficial in treating septicemia, or blood poisoning, and other bacterial or viral infections. Echinacea is known for its ability to cleanse the blood and lymph tissues. Smith recommends a dosage of 30 to 40 drops of the liquid extract two to five times per day. Always consult your physician about proper dosage before using this remedy. Though herbalists and other complementary alternative health care practitioners have long used echinacea to help treat various infections, its use for treating staph infections is not supported by scientific research evidence at this time.

Warning

Staph infections are a serious health problem that may lead to complications such as septic shock -- a life-threatening condition in which you experience severe low blood pressure. If you develop the common signs and symptoms of a staph infection, report to your primary care provider as soon as possible to be properly diagnosed and treated. Your physician can counsel you on the merits, drawbacks and limitations of herbal remedies, including echinacea.