Infection
Infections are caused by microorganisms, usually
bacteria or viruses. Not all microorganisms cause
infections in the body, and exposure to a disease-causing
microorganism does not always result in symptoms.
The body's immune system plays a large role in
determining whether the body will fight off infection.
Refer to the immune function page for
more detailed information about the role of the
immune system in infection. Other useful topics to
refer to are common cold / sore throat,
influenza, cough, recurrent
ear infections, urinary tract infection,
yeast infection, athlete's foot,
cold sores, HIV,
shingles, and parasites.
Stress can depress the immune system, thus increasing
the body's susceptibility to infection. Coping more
effectively with stress is important. Exercise increases
natural killer cell activity, which may help prevent
infections.
Supplements and herbs
The
skin and mucous membranes act as barriers to
microorganisms; without adequate amounts of
vitamin A, infections are more likely.
Zinc supplements taken in moderate amounts
may increase immune function. Some nutritionally
oriented doctors recommend zinc supplements for
individuals experiencing recurrent infections, suggesting
25 mg per day for adults and lower amounts for
children (depending on body weight).
Vitamin C has antiviral activity, helping to
prevent virus infections or, in the case of the common
cold, reducing the severity and duration of an
infection. Lactobacillus acidophilus
(the friendly bacteria found in yogurt) produces acids that kill
invading bacteria.
Echinacea promotes healthy short-term
immune response and may thereby shorten the
duration of infection. Garlic has natural
antibiotic abilities.
Complex polysaccharides present in astragalus and the maitake mushroom have the
unique ability to act as immunomodulators.
Pau d'arco, according to laboratory tests, has
antifungal properties to prevent fungus infections.
Sandalwood, as an essential oil applied
topically, possesses antibacterial properties.
Many herbs have a traditional role in boosting
resistance to infection, including elderberry,
green tea,
American ginseng,
Asian ginseng, eleuthero,
ligustrum, ashwagandha, schisandra, lomatium,
Oregon grape,
rosemary, usnea, and
blue flag.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies can help the body work efficiently to fight acute
infections, and also help improve immune response if a person's resistance is low.
- Aconitum napellus
This remedy is often indicated when fever and
inflammation come on suddenly, sometimes after exposure
to wind and cold, or after a traumatic experience. The
person may be very thirsty and often feels fearful or anxious.
- Belladonna
Intense heat, redness, swelling, throbbing, and
pulsation indicate a need for this remedy. The person's face
may be flushed and hot (though hands and feet may
be cold) and the eyes are often sensitive to light. Thirst
may be lower than expected during fever. Discomfort
is worse from motion or jarring, and relieved by cold
applications.
- Bryonia
Feeling worse from even the slightest motion is a
strong indication for this remedy. When ill, the person
wants to stay completely still-to be left alone and not
interfered with in any way. Fever with chills, a very
dry mouth, and thirst are also likely. Local infections
may be accompanied by tearing pains that feel worse
from any motion, but improve from pressure if it adds
stability.
- Calcarea carb
People who need this remedy tire easily and have low
stamina. They tend to feel chilly and sluggish, with
clammy hands and feet (though their feet may heat up
in bed at night, and their heads may perspire during
sleep). Swollen lymph nodes, frequent colds, sore
throats, ear infections, and skin eruptions are
common. Children who need this remedy are often slow to
walk and may have teething problems, frequent colds,
and ear infections.
- Calendula
This remedy is useful as a topical application for cuts,
scrapes, and skin eruptions, to prevent and combat
infection. It is usually used in unpotentized herbal
form, as an ointment or tincture. Calendula can also
be helpful potentized, when taken internally for boils
or infections.
- Ferrum phos.
This remedy is indicated in the early stages of many
inflammations. Taken at the very first sign of a cold or
sore throat, it often helps a person throw the infection
off and not get ill. Fever, pink-flushed cheeks, a
general weariness, thirst, and moderate pain and swelling
are typical symptoms suggesting Ferrum phos in
illness or infection.
- Graphites
This remedy may be useful when a person has
unhealthy skin that tends toward cracking, oozing
honey-colored discharge and crusts. Impetigo,
herpes
simplex, or infections involving the skin around the
ears, the eyelids, nose, and sinuses are common-as
are tendencies toward recurring colds and earaches. A
feeling of sluggishness, slow waking, and difficulty
concentrating are other indications for Graphites.
- Hepar sulf.
A person who needs this remedy may feel extremely
sensitive and vulnerable when ill, especially if exposed
to cold or drafts. Ear infections, sore throats, sinusitis,
bronchitis, and skin eruptions are often seen, and
cheesy-smelling discharge or offensive pus may be
produced. Areas of inflammation can be very sore and
sensitive, and splinter-like pains are often felt (in the
tonsils, when swallowing, in a boil when the skin is
touched, etc.).
- Mercurius sol.
This remedy is needed when a person has swollen
lymph nodes, offensive breath, and is extremely
sensitive to any change in temperature. A tendency toward
night sweats and profuse salivation during sleep are
other indications. Infections of the gums, ears,
sinuses, throat, and skin often respond to this remedy when
the other symptoms fit.
- Silicea
A person who needs this remedy can be sensitive and
nervous, with low stamina and poor resistance to
infection-leading to swollen lymph nodes, frequent
colds, sore throats, tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis,
and other illnesses. Boils, easy infection of wounds,
and abscessed teeth are often seen. Although very
chilly in general, the person may often perspire during
sleep. Offensive foot sweat with an inclination toward
fungal infections is also common.
- Sulphur
This remedy is useful in many kinds of infection
characterized by irritation, burning pain, redness of
mucous membranes, and offensive odors and
discharges. Skin problems are very common-eczema,
acne, boils, lymphangitis, and inflammations on or
around the genitals. Symptoms are often worse from
warmth and worse after bathing. Colds, bronchitis,
and other illnesses that have been neglected, or
infections that drag on for a very long time, may be helped
with this remedy
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