Help! I’ve got an Infection!

How many times have you heard about someone going to the hospital for one thing and coming home with another?  Maybe it has even happened to you. You go to the hospital for simple “procedure” and come home with a near fatal staph infection that you did not sign up for?  Of course, the first thing your doctor will do is put you on a serious round of antibiotics and then journey begins.  Before we discuss ways to combat these types of infections, let’s talk a little bit more about what these infections are. Take Staph for instance. Staph is the shortened name for Staphylococcus, a type of bacteria. These bacteria can live harmlessly on many skin surfaces, especially around the nose, mouth, genitals, and anus. But when the skin is punctured or broken for any reason, staph bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. So, we are “ok” until we break the skin barrier by cutting it open as is the case when you have surgery.

There are more than 30 species in the staph family of bacteria, and they can cause different kinds of illnesses — for example, one kind of staph can cause urinary tract infections. But most staph infections are caused by the species Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). S. aureus most commonly causes skin infections like folliculitis, boils, impetigo, and cellulitis that are limited to a small area of a person’s skin. S. aureus can also release toxins (poisons) that may lead to illnesses like food poisoning or toxic shock syndrome. We have all come in contact with some or maybe all of these types of bacteria in our lifetime, and have done various things to remedy them from downing the antibiotics, to simply riding it out when possible. The following is a general list of ways in which you can support your body’s own immune system in fighting infections. Our bodies have the means to fight off infections when they have the tools necessary. Sadly, most of us have not taken the best care of our fighting apparatus and for this reason, are easy prey to infections.  Take a look at the following and see how you measure up.

Natural Aids for Fighting Infection

General Aids

Whatever the cause or whatever the disease, we can address the problem by certain general standards which help the body generally.
For starters, certain emotions can depress your immune system. Depression is one.
Excessive stress is another. Fear, worry and anger likewise deplete our immune response.
Eating junk food weakens every part of the body, including our immune system. Eating refined sugar, for example, can increase our susceptibility to infectious microbes for several hours.
Lack of sleep and exercise may also increase our susceptibility to disease. Mild exercise keeps the lymphatic circulation going, which is vital to the immune system.

Of course, external cleanliness is also important. Warm or hot showers (depending on a person’s strength to endure heat) cause the pores to open and various body toxins to be removed through the perspiration and washed away. An internal “washing” in the form of an enema is often helpful as well. You can make a mild herbal tea with organic herbs such as chickweed or plantain to help with the toxin removal and speed up the healing process.

Once you have recovered, you’ll want to maintain your immune system’s ability to keep you well. Most important right at first is not to overexert yourself. This is extremely dangerous, causing you to wind up sicker than before. People go back to regular activities and stresses when there may be residual pockets of infection still in the system. These may break out again and in the person’s weakened state they may completely overwhelm the immune system and even kill the host. This is a good time to implement a top notch immune booster such as Active Immune Tonic by Crooked House Herbals. This tonic contains several of Nature’s natural antibiotics as well as cayenne pepper and other herbs to stimulate circulation and purification of the blood.

Single Herbs

All of the above help the body fight the war and repair the damage quickly. But what can we specifically use to kill the germs? There are three single herbs which stand out as aids in infection.
Here they are:

Golden Seal has been one of the most popular infection-fighting herbs for years. It was recognized at one time as an “official” remedy for mucous infections, inflammatory conditions, infectious diarrhea and other ailments in the United States pharmacopoeia. It contains two major alkaloids, berberine and hydrastine, which have been used to combat a wide variety of infectious agents.
Goldenseal extracts have been shown to be effective against staph, strep and E. coli bacteria. It has also proven effective against giardia, a parasite which causes diarrhea. It is most effective when used temporarily for acute infections. Long term use of goldenseal may cause B-vitamins to be malabsorbed resulting in fatigue and listlessness. Excessive doses may also adversely affect friendly bacteria in the colon. Golden seal lowers blood sugar levels, so persons suffering from hypoglycemia would be better off choosing another herb. It is best to use these for designated periods of time and then give the body a rest.

A good alternative is Oregon grape root, which contains similar alkaloids and thus has similar infection-fighting qualities. Oregon grape has another advantage over golden seal—it is more plentiful and hence, cheaper.

Echinacea has been widely studied in Europe where it was found to have many benefits in enhancing immunity. Studies have shown that echinacea helps prevent the spread of infection, because it inhibits an enzyme secreted by bacteria to break down the “cement” which binds the cells of the body together. It promotes the production of white blood cells and stimulates Tcell activity. It may also stimulate interferon production and help to sedate viruses.This plant was also an “official” remedy in the U.S. until shortly after the turn of the century. It has been used to treat numerous infectious conditions, including abscesses, blood poisoning, gangrene and wounds. The best news is that this amazing herb has no known side effects.

Because the stimulating action of echinacea is short-lived, it is best taken in small, frequently repeated doses as often as every hour or two.

Another plant, Parthenium integrifolium, has been sold as echinacea for many years and people appear to have had good results with it. There has been at least one study which suggests that this plant may also have immuno-stimulant properties, but very little actual research has been done on parthenium. So, for general infection fighting, E. purpurea is the best choice.

Garlic is the last single herb in our infection-fighting arsenal. Garlic has been dubbed “nature’s penicillin.” It is more powerful against gramnegative bacteria than penicillin. One milligram of allicin, its major constituent, is equal to fifteen standard units of penicillin in strength. It has proven effective not only against bacteria like staph and strep, but also against parasites, viruses and even Candida albicans. Its aromatic components quickly reach all parts of the body cleansing and toning as they go.

Garlic is particularly effective in respiratory infections as its infection fighting volatile oils are readily secreted from the mucous membranes lining the lungs. Hence, if you cut a piece off the clove and put it in your shoe, within just a few minutes the odor will be detectable in your breath. This remarkable herb can help heal external wounds and draw pain. A mashed clove or garlic oil may be applied to wounds, abscesses, swellings, etc.
Raw garlic at full strength can burn, so it is best to apply olive oil to the skin before applying the garlic. Warm garlic oil has also been used in the ears for the pain and infection of earaches.
Many people are resistant to trying enemas, but garlic has been used very effectively in an enema solution to help combat amoebic dysentery, high fevers and even mononucleosis. Crush the clove, blend it in a quart of water, and then strain it carefully before putting in an enema bag.

Ah, but what can we do for that one side-effect of garlic—foul breath?
Chlorophyll is a natural deodorizer, helpful as a mouthwash or just to drink. It also has infection fighting qualities of its own, while building the blood at the same time. It is thought that the magnesium in the chlorophyll is the agent that neutralizes the strong sulfur compound that is not only offensive to the nose, but deadly to infections.

Parsley is rich in chlorophyll and is also known as a natural deodorizer.

Black Walnut Tincture

Bactericidal and Virucidal Effects of Black Walnut

One study from 2012 screened plant quinones for inhibiting effects on the bacterial fire blight pathogen. The most active compound discovered in walnuts was juglone. As the study said, “juglone has a potent and specific bactericidal effect on E. amylovora…Juglone is a promising candidate for the development of a new environmentally friendly plant protectant to replace the antibiotic streptomycin currently used in fire blight control.”

Another study published in Phytotherapy Research found that juglone showed significant inhibition of RNase H activity in the HIV virus. This is a big deal. HIV-1 replicates itself through reverse transcription, a process that produces new double-stranded DNA from the viral genome’s single-stranded RNA. During DNA synthesis, a DNA/RNA hybrid is formed as a replication intermediate and must be cleaved by RNase H before the process can continue. Inhibiting this inhibits replication of the HIV virus, and the study showed that juglone from black walnuts did just that.

Anti-parasitic and Anti-fungal Effects

In addition to the study cited above in support of black walnut’s benefits in helping to expel intestinal parasites, the following studies are strongly suggestive. For example, a 2008 study identified types of wood that were resistant to the Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an invasive pest that eats the inner bark of trees. The study found that ash borers that normally fed and developed on ash logs had no larvae and were not able to survive, grow, or develop on any black walnut trees or logs.

In truth, this is one case where experience trumps lack of studies. Any good herbalist who has used black walnut hull tincture, either internally or externally, can tell you how effective it is. Dr. John Christopher tells a great story about how when serving in the army, he used it to cure jungle rot in just four days.

It is also important to understand that many parasites do not confine themselves to our intestinal tracts. There are at least 1000 species of parasitic organisms that can live in humans, including Giardia, flatworms, hookworms, ringworms, nematodes, and a whole host of funguses. Incidentally, medical labs only check for about 50-60 of them. Some encamp in the liver, and others, such as Cryptococcus gatti, invade the lungs, nervous system, soft tissue, lymph nodes, and joints. Anti-parasitic and anti-fungal herbs such as black walnut (not to mention heavy doses of garlic) can help drive all of them out of the body.

Other Uses

Before vitamins and minerals were commonly used, herbalists were known to use black walnut for a variety of conditions including easing scrofula, ulcers, wounds, rickets, scurvy and as a gargle. In more recent times, Russian military hospitals also used the nut as a cleansing and quick healing medication for wounds and ulcers.

It may also help with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The black walnut hull’s tannin content is thought to help shrink the sweat glands and reduce excessive sweating. It may also help with menorrhagia and diarrhea. Other uses include:

• aiding digestion
• helping relieve colic
• helping relieve heartburn
• helping relieve flatulence
• stimulating bile flow
• easing pain in spleen
• balancing blood sugar levels
• warding off heart disease
• combatting malaria
• helping with syphilis
• helping with skin conditions such as boils and acne

Plantain – The purifier

One of the most amazing herbs of all is a common “weed” found in many yards and along the highways known as plantain. No, it is NOT the banana.  Plantain ranks at the top as a blood purifier and a rapid infection fighter.  For this reason products like our Plantain Spray and Plantain Ointment are the most useful household remedies to have in your medicine cabinet and first aid kit. When you are fighting an infection such as staph or other internal infection, and have an open wound, it is beneficial to use Plantain Spray or Plantain Ointment topically as well, as you absorb up to 80% more through your skin. It will go to work quickly fighting your infection and healing your wound back together.

Oregano Tincture

Finally, let’s quickly talk about the health benefits of Oregano. Most of you may know it as an ingredient in your favorite Italian seasoning blend but it is so much more than that! Here are just a few of Oregano’s beneficial properties:

The Top 5 Health Benefits of Oregano

1. Antioxidants for Immune System Support

One active agent in oregano is rosmarinic acid, which is a strong antioxidant that may support immune system health. Oregano has one of the highest antioxidant activity ratings, with 42 times the antioxidant punch of apples. According to one study:

“…intake of herbs [including oregano] may…contribute significantly to the total intake of plant antioxidants, and be an even better source of dietary antioxidants than many other food groups such as fruits, berries, cereals, and vegetables.” Dr. Mercola

2. Antifungal, Antibacterial, and May Even Kill MRSA

Carvacol and thymol, two phytochemicals in oregano, are powerful antimicrobials. Research has shown essential oils from oregano may kill the foodborne pathogen Listeria⁴ and the superbug MRSA (making it a useful addition to hand soaps and disinfectants). According to one of the researchers involved in the MRSA study:

“We have done a few preliminary tests and have found that the essential oil from the oregano kills MRSA at a dilution 1 to 1,000. The tests show that the oil kills MRSA both as a liquid and as a vapor and its antimicrobial activity is not diminished by heating in boiling water.” Mercola

Studies have also found essential oils of oregano to be useful against certain Candida species.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Oregano contains beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP), a substance that inhibits inflammation and may also be beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis, as well as metabolic syndrome.

4. Useful for Upper Respiratory Infections

Oregano also has potential anti-viral activity, and a spray containing aromatic essential oils from five plants, including oregano, was found to significantly relieve symptoms “immediately” in those with upper respiratory infections.

If you come down with a cold or the flu, oregano oil can also be useful. Generally, the higher the carvacrol concentration, the more effective it is. Interestingly, oregano encourages sweat production as a mode of detox, and ingesting it may help your body to get rid of unwanted phlegm in your lungs.

5. Cancer-Fighting Effects

Oregano extract has been shown to lead to growth arrest and cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner in colon cancer cells. A phytochemical in oregano, carnosol, has also been evaluated for anti-cancer property in prostate, breast, skin, leukemia, and colon cancer with promising results.

We have created an Immune Boosting, Infection Fighting Tincture Blend called Infection Invader which contains, Plantain, Black Walnut, Echinacea, Golden Seal and Oregano.  For more information please contact us at info@crookedhouseherbals.com.