Natural Treatments for MRSA and Staph

By: Dr Michelle Honda Ph.D.

Entering an environment such as a hospital today is no longer the safe haven it once was. While visiting medical clinics or during a hospital stay, patients now struggle to stay healthy while being treated for an entirely different disorder. The bacterium strain Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA) is responsible for the rise of many difficult to treat infections in humans. A new reality in this area has curbed our use of antibiotics. Research has found that different strains of bacteria such as MRSA can actually survive by eating antibiotics “alone”.

New strategies and alternative approaches have become necessary to destroy and prevent recurring infections from suberbugs and staph bacterium. There are a number of natural remedies available to treat MRSA with highly successful results while being cost effective.

General Protocol
Initially, upon suspicion of MRSA, go to your doctor for an evaluation of the inflammation or lesion. Practice extreme personal hygiene – do not use any personal items such as razors other than your own. Keep infected areas clean. A core prerequisite to good health lies in supporting and enhancing our immune system response. Boost your immune system with a natural immune boosting diet, rich in the colours yellow, orange, red and green. For extra support look to supplements like astragalus, colostrum, zinc, vitamins C, A, beta-carotene, antioxidants and beta glucans found in medicinal mushroom such as Agaricus Blazei, Reishi and Maitake.

Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is not a new comer to medical circles. Since ancient times, silver has been used as an antibiotic to treat a myriad of conditions. Currently silver boasts a stellar record where not a single case of antibiotic resistant bacteria has surfaced as it works by smothering the bacteria. Colloidal silver works as a catalyst during the healing process as well as a disinfectant. It essentially suffocates the invaders by disabling the enzyme that bacteria and viruses require for the metabolism of oxygen. Another way silver incapacitates disease causing organisms is through negative charges which render the germs unable to reproduce. Along with taking silver internally, soak the affected area directly in the solution from fifteen minutes to an hour depending on the severity of the condition.

Silver Patches and Bandages
Clinical studies show that silver has powerful antibacterial agents that kill harmful germs reducing the risk of infection. These unique pads within the bandage contain silver ions that continually release during the healing process. Do not use ointments in combination with silver patches or bandages as they would block the silver ions.

Turmeric
Turmeric contains antibacterial properties and other medicinal elements proven beneficial as a treatment for MRSA. By simply observing a country known for its unsanitary living conditions such as India and yet conversely, superbugs are not running rampant. The reason is regular ingestion of turmeric. In addition, a US study of 300 people whom were all infected with MRSA, showed very promising results - upon being surveyed, over 262 subjects said that they had completely recovered using a simple spice from the supermarket – Turmeric.

Garlic and Oil of Oregano
To simply state that garlic and oil of oregano are versatile is a gross understatement. These herbs both have an impressive healing profile. A potent chemical called allicin is the compound extracted from garlic that has become a staple among health conscious people. Allicin holds an amazing tract record at destroying even the most antibiotic-resistant strains of MRSA, but also the new strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to the more powerful antibiotics Vancomycin and Glycopeptides normally recommended.

Oil of Oregano
The naturally occurring compound carvocrol in oregano has been found to contain potent antibacterial and antifungal properties with a range of medicinal applications including wiping out MRSA. A research team at the University of the West of England in Bristol found that even minute quantities of carvocrol is a more effective anti-microbial agent than 18 pharmaceutical drugs it was compared against. The disinfectant agents within oregano are still viable even at boiling temperatures. This increases its use into the areas of cleaning and laundry to prevent the spread of superbugs.

Manuka honey
The manuka bush (leptospermum scoparium) is native to New Zealand, the source of manuka honey. Dr. Peter Molan MBE, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at the University of Waikato N.Z. has shown that most honeys have varying degrees of healing properties due to a naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide agent. Dr. Molan and his research team have discovered that manuka honey possesses an extra antibacterial component not found in other honey. Manuka honey has shown to be effective against MRSA strains of bacteria without harming our guts good bacteria., Look for the UMF (unique manuka factor) when purchasing manuka honey - a measurement standard of the antibacterial potency within the honey. (UMF 10+-16+)

Sutherlandia frutescens – Herb
The plant Sutherlandia is a well known medicinal herb also called the Cancer bush in South Africa. Sutherlandia’s application in treating MRSA would be through its antiviral, anticancer and immune boosting qualities. A few of its main chemical components are L- Canavanine, Pinitol and GABA.

Probiotics
Acidophilus and bifida have the unique ability to increase our body’s built in defense mechanisms. Probiotics assist in fighting superbugs like MRSA. Vancomycin and teicoplanin are common drugs used to treat MRSA infections which upset the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics help counter these uncomfortable side effects.

Other Suggestions
Tea tree oil and Olive leaf extract are essential oils with similar capabilities to that of oregano, both showing resistance to micro-organisms. Pau de’Arco is an herb found in Mexico that also kills viruses, fungi and bacteria. Oxygen therapies are worth considering. MRSA has an aversion to oxygen.

Conclusion
In light of MRSA’s ability to target the immune system so aggressively even through the smallest break on the skin – focus on disrupting MRSA internally and externally.
A primary way to halt aggressive bugs is through immune system support and a thorough meticulous cleansing of the body and wounds with gentle antibacterial soaps to cripple MRSA colonization.

References

• Garlic, University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Index (CAM) 2008. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/garlic.000245#Supporting20%Research. 
• J. Voyich et al. Insights into mechanisms used by staphylococcus aureus to avoid destruction by human neutrophils. The Journal of Immunology 175 (6):3907-19 (2005)
• Eric Yarnall, Kathy Abascal, Herbal Support for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections. August 2009, Vol. 15.No. 4-189-195
• Allen, P, LANCET 2001, 358(9289)1245:Janssen AM et al,. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils. Planta Med 53(5)395-398
• Dr. Keith Courtenay (Metaphysics U.L.C.,U.S.A.) Colloidal Silver: The Hidden Truths 2007.
• Allen K.L.:Hutchinson, G.:Molan, P.C. The potential for using honey to treat wounds, infected with MRSA and URE (8kb PDF file) 10-13, Sept.2000.
• Retrieved Feb. 2. 2010. Published:Nov.25 2008, Telegraph Media Group, UK. Health Alternative Medicine Oregano could help eradicate MRSA superbug.

Michelle Honda PhD is a holistic doctor practicing at Renew You Holistic Health located in Ancaster Meadowlands. In addition to her doctorate, she holds an advanced degree in nutrition (RNCP), is a Master Herbalist and an IIPA Certified Iridologist. Visit her website at: www.renewyou.ca and www.michellehonda.com Call: (905) 304-0111