Herbal Treatment for Cellulitis

Cellulitis affects the skin and the tissue immediately underneath when a number of different bacteria spread to the area. It most commonly shows up on the legs, but cases have shown it to appear in almost all parts of the human body. The biggest repeat offender bacteria is Streptococci, which disables the tissue`s infection-confining powers. These bacteria are rife when a person is bit (by animals or humans) or gets hurt in the water or dirt.

Symptoms

• Redness, pain and tender skin that are characteristic of cellulite is caused and worsened by both the offending bacteria and the system attempting to stop the infection.This results in the skin appearing pitted and being hot and swollen. In some cases, blisters filled with excess fluid appear. When a person develops Erysipelas from streptococci bacteria, the skin`s lymphatic vessels are blocked, the infected area rises and the other symptoms worsen. This can all be accompanied by low blood pressure, chills, fever, rapid heart rate and headaches.

Supplements

• Antibiotics, including dicloxacillin and cephalexin, are thought to be effective against streptococci and staphylococci and prevent spread of the disease to the vital organ areas and blood stream. Most people can receive these medications orally but in severe cases can be treated with an IV. The damaged area should be kept elevated and still to ward off swelling and cool, wet rags can aid in discomfort. When the bacteria are killed, tissue-eating cells are released and the body still reacts as if the bacteria are thriving. A diet featuring orange, yellow and green vegetables is thought to increase natural immunity. Ten glasses of water a day can clear out unwanted organisms. A balance of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and zinc help both the immune system and skin strength. These vitals can come from Bromwlain (taken between meals) or a probiotic supplement (a bacteria-balance restoring agent.)

Herbs

• An antiseptic with a moist rag applied for a half hour several times throughout the day can help. Herbal remedies believed to help are garlic in clove or oil capsule form when symptoms first show. Cleavers are an anti-inflammatory that can be taken internally to aid lymph nodes welling or applied as a compress directly to the area. Goldenseal can be taken orally or as a paste with water and powdered goldenseal root and covered with a bandage, left overnight. Thyme, lavender and bergamot oils possibly prevent scarring if added to water and a compress. Tea tree oil and the herb echinacea also come recommended by advocates.