Infection
This information is sourced from Natural Cures.
Definition: ?Infection is a condition caused by the growth of disease-causing pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) in the body. These infectious agents grow in colonies that are invasive and multiply, damaging cells by various means, including directly, through release of toxins, or through allergic reaction. ??
Symptoms: ?Symptoms of infection include redness, inflammation, pain, swelling, and pus formation (abscess) at the site of the infection. Fever, cough, sneezing, fatigue, and bowel dysfunction (diarrhea) can also arise due to infection. ??
Note: Antibiotics do not protect against viral infection or inflammatory conditions, although they are often prescribed for such conditions. Although antibiotics can be effective when used appropriately, especially for serious or life-threatening bacterial infections, their indiscriminate use is not advised. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has produced multiple-drug-resistant bacterial strains of “super bugs” and is in danger of rendering antibiotics ineffective against life-threatening infections. ?? Moreover, antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and the beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing digestive and gastrointestinal problems and systemic yeast (Candida albicans) overgrowth. ??If you suspect you have a bacterial infection, ask your doctor to take a culture of saliva or tissues or fluids from the infected area. If it is a bacterial infection, samples of different antibiotics can be placed in the growing bacteria to determine which will be the most effective in killing that specific bacteria; this is called a sensitivity test. If you do take antibiotics, be sure to supplement with acidophilus during and after the course of treatment.
??Caution: If fever and painful joints occur, this may be a sign of an infectious disease that is spreading throughout the body. To be sure, seek immediate medical attention.?
Natural Cures
Aromatherapy: For fungicidal infections, cedarwood is effective, while for infected wounds, frankincense, tea tree, and/or patchouli can be useful.
Diet: NO GMOs Increase your intake of garlic and unflavored yogurt, and add infection fighting foods, such as diluted and organic (no sugar added) orange juice, apples and apple juice, grapes and grape juice, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, figs, cabbage, onion, kelp, and raw honey to your diet. Avoid sugar in any form, and drink plenty of filtered water.
Herbs: Herbs that act as anti-infectious agents include echinacea, goldenseal, garlic, Oregon grape, barberry, and adaptogenic herbs such as Siberian ginseng. Grapefruit seed extract also has strong antibiotic-like properties and can be applied topically or taken orally. Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it useful for a wide range of infections.
Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. We suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before undergoing these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.
Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia involves artificially creating fever in the body for the purpose of boosting immune function. Hyperthermia can be a highly effective method of eliminating toxins and heavy metals, as well as infectious bacteria and viruses that cannot survive in elevated body temperatures. We suggest several at-home hyperthermia treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before undergoing these sweat-inducing procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.
*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy or hyperthermia treatment. Remedies for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water offers clear instructions and recommendations.
Juice Therapy: Combining the juices of carrot, celery, beet, cantaloupe, and ginger can be helpful.
Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutritional alternative to antibiotics is often effective in treating infection, particularly in the initial stages: vitamin A (400,000 IU daily for five days), liquid garlic extract (up to two 4-ounce bottles a day) or the equivalent of high-quality garlic in capsules or tablets, and vitamin C to bowel tolerance.??
Note: This protocol should only be used only under your doctor`s guidance. The dosages are for an average 150-pound adult and should be scaled down proportionately according to weight. The vitamin A should be taken for a period of at least three days, but no more than five days. In addition, vitamin A in these doses can cause headaches in about 1% of those who use it. Should this occur, decrease the dose. ??Other useful nutrients for dealing with infection include: colloidal silver, essential fatty acids (EFAs), bromelain (an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties), calcium, magnesium, vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, and zinc.??
Alternative Professional Care: ?If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating infection: Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, Detoxification Therapy, Environmental Medicine, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Oxygen Therapy, Reflexology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
