Blood poisoning ( Septicemia )

Blood poisoning, or septicemia, is a life-threatening condition. As the term implies, bacteria "poison" or overrun the bloodstream, causing serious illness. Characteristic symptoms are shallow breathing, rapid pulse and a high fever with chills. The face looks pale, clammy and drawn. The person becomes confused and loses consciousness, suggesting septic shock. Lymphangitis is the bacterial infection of a lymph vessel and becomes obvious when a red stripe seems to run from a wound or abscess towards the trunk of the body. It is not blood poisoning, though it can quickly lead to this condition. If you suspect either infection or poisoning, immediate medical attention is required.

Septicemia is caused by a highly virulent infection and/or a compromised immune system. The infection can also result from a poorly cleansed wound or an abscess which has not been contained by the immune system, allowing bacteria to spill into the lymph vessels and causing an inflammation which gives rise to the red stripe. Lymph vessels lead to lymph nodes and finally into the bloodstream. For anyone with a very poor immune system, the mildest infection results in blood poisoning. Septicemia can also occur as a result of a more serious illness, as in pneumonia or severe tonsillitis. More rarely, a fungal infection is the source.

Supplements and herbs

Supplements help purify the blood and combat the effects of toxins. Vitamin C is most helpful to support the body's defenses. If stools become loose, the dosage should be reduced. Add B vitamins to support red blood cell development and liver function. Green food supplements (such as barley grass, wheatgrass or blue-green algae), which contain high amounts of chlorophyll are cleansing. They also build the blood. When taking antibiotics, Lactobacillus bacteria such as acidophilus should be supplemented both during, and a few weeks following, antibiotic use. The acidophilus and other similar bacteria are essential ingredients in the bowel flora, supporting the immune system and preventing digestive imbalances and candida infections. Acidophilus occurs in natural yogurt. Charcoal capsules also help absorb toxins.

Herbs are effective cleansing agents, helping to remove toxins and heal the body.

• For first-aid treatment, if no medical help is available, birchwood coal placed on the wound will absorb ninety percent of its own weight of pus and toxic matter.
• For blood cleansing and to rid the body of toxins, take infusions of stinging nettle, horsetail, birch leaves and dandelion leaves, made from 1 tsp. herbs in 1 cup boiling water. These leaves are also excellent when mixed into a salad.
• A cleansing juice fast of stinging nettle leaves, dandelion and celery is advisable during convalescence. Take 1 tbsp. juice three times daily.
• To help the body rid itself of microbial infections, make a decoction of 2 tsp. Echinacea root powder in 1 cup water. Simmer for fifteen minutes and take three times daily for two days. To eliminate toxins, stimulate the kidneys by taking a combination of horse chestnut, witch hazel and yellow melilot.

What else you can do

• A clay pack is helpful to draw out toxins.

How much to take

• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000-2,000 mg every few hours.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1 capsule before each meal.
• Vitamin B complex, 100 mg three times daily.
• Green food supplements, 1 tbsp.
• Charcoal, 2 capsules every thirty to sixty minutes for acute poisoning.

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