Salmonella food poisoning symptoms usually appear within 24 to 48 hours after eating tainted food and contracting the bacteria. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting, bloody diarrhea and, in some cases, may develop into Reiter's syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by an unusual constellation of symptoms manifesting in the eyes, joints and uro-genital tract. There are a variety of things you can do to help yourself heal quickly from salmonella.
Step 1
Stay hydrated. Because of the persistent diarrhea accompanying salmonella, it's important to drink water frequently. Replace lost electrolytes with drinks like Gatorade, but water it down. The most important thing for hydration is water.
Step 2
Wash hands frequently and use very warm water and lots of soap, especially after attacks of diarrhea. Salmonella is contagious and, while you are sick, so are you. Therefore, attention to cleanliness is very important for yourself and those in contact with you.
Step 3
Use activated charcoal at the earliest onset of food poisoning symptoms. Keep some at home, at all times, in the medicine cabinet. Activated charcoal is a natural substance derived from the burnt remains of certain plants, and treated to make it extremely porous--enabling it to be extremely absorptive. When consumed at the earliest signs of symptoms, it helps to absorb the toxins and lessen the illness. Earthclinic.com recommends it for stopping attacks of severe diarrhea and avoiding dehydration.
Step 4
Eat raw garlic to help clear the salmonella from your system. The active ingredient in garlic, known as allicin, has been shown to be able to stop the bacterial growth of salmonella; according to O. Peter Snyder of the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management; St. Paul, Minnesota.
Step 5
Use oil of Oregano, a potent anti-microbial agent. The active compounds in oregano, Thymol and Carvacrol, contain the chemical phenol, which has been shown to destroy salmonella bacteria, says Snyder. Both the oil and the powdered spice contain these chemicals, but the essential oil is more powerful. It is available at health food stores. Ask the herbal representative for directions and dosing information.
Step 6
Use homeopathic Arsenicum Album to relieve symptoms of food poisoning. This remedy is used to treat all kinds of diarrhea, especially if it is accompanied with burning feelings in the anus and the abdomen. The stool may be yellowish. It helps vomiting and cramping. The person needing Arsenicum may be restless and anxious, fearful and thirsty, all concomitant symptoms that will resolve with a few doses of Arsenicum.
Step 7
Try homeopathic Nux Vomica, if Arsenicum Album doesn't help. Nux is used to treat the severe diarrhea and cramping that doubles a person over. It helps with vomiting and dry heaves, fever and painful aches in the muscles and joints. The person with food poisoning may be very cold and unable to warm up, irritable and bossy. The Nux will help reduce these concomitant symptoms, as well.
Tips and Warnings
- Use raw garlic instead of the dried product for greatest efficacy. The recommended dose is one clove three or four times a day. Make a tea by crushing one clove of garlic in boiling water and steeping for 15 minutes. Then sip throughout the day. Homeopathic remedies are available in health food stores. Ask the herbal expert where you buy them for directions and dosing information. Or you might want to buy a book about homeopathic first aid, to keep at home.
- The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice. If your symptoms remain after using the above treatments, see a doctor for additional help.
Things You'll Need
- Activated charcoal
- Raw Garlic
- Oil of Oregano
- Arsenicum Album
- Nux Vomica
References
- Antimicrobial Effects of Spices and Herbs, O. Peter Snyder
- Earth Clinic: Food Poisoning: Activated Charcoal
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines", Stephen Cummings, F.N.P. and Dana Ullman, M.P.H. 1984
