Alternative Meningitis Treatments

Meningitis is a serious illness that generally requires hospitalization and careful medical care. However, alternatives to conventional meningitis treatments are available, such as herbal remedies that may aid in healing and recovery. A patient with meningitis should not depend entirely on herbal treatments, but should instead seek immediate medical advice. (See References 1.) It's important to note that the following treatments are for bacterial meningitis, which is caused by infection due to bacteria in the spinal fluid, as opposed to viral meningitis, a less severe form that is caused by a virus rather than bacteria.

Herbal Therapies

• Acidophilus is a friendly bacteria that can be used to replace the naturally occurring good bacterias that are destroyed by the antibiotics used to treat meningitis. Dimethylglycine, also known as DMG, will carry oxygen to the cells, which will help relieve the symptoms of meningitis. A potency combination of vitamins and minerals taken daily can achieve the same effect as DMG.

  Echinacea can be used to boost the immune system, thus decreasing the time it takes to recover from a meningitis infection. Colloidal silver can also fight off disease-causing organisms, which helps ease the strain on the immune system. (See References 2.)

Natural Cures

• Another cure involves making sure the patient gets complete bed rest and just the juice of an orange in a glass of tepid water for sustenance. This should be the only food the patient is given for the first several days of treatment; it increases urination, which helps flush toxins out of the system. It also provides energy and helps the immune system fight the infection. A daily warm-water enema is also suggested. After the first few days, the patient may be given fresh fruits, such as apples, oranges and grapes, and plain water or water with lemon. This should not be started until the fever has gone down.

  In the event of high fever, place cool packs all over the body, or wring a linen cloth in cold water and wrap it around the patient's body and legs. Wrap it at least twice, and then cover the patient with a light blanket. The patient should stay wrapped for at least an hour. Repeat this every three hours until the fever lowers.

  Once the patient is feeling stronger, he or she can eat fruits, grains, vegetables and nuts until a regular diet is possible again. (See References 3.)