Welcome to my Current topic
for Summer 2005
Avoiding Hospital Bugs (or MRSA
and all that!)
The best way to avoid hospital bugs is
to avoid hospital, but occasions do arise when it is necessary.
We Herbalists believe that many bugs (pathogens), only take hold
when the soil is right for them to breed. That is, when the immune
system is at a low ebb, or the different body functions such as
the circulatory system are in a poor state due to lifestyle or
hereditary factors. Infants and the elderly are particularly prone.
So the stage where a hospital stay is inevitable usually means
that the above factors are already present and the patient's health
is depleted. However, even a healthy person can fall prey to MRSA
if it is introduced directly into the bloodstream - see below.
The much publicised MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant
staphylococcus aureus, and this is the bug which has become resistant
to conventional antibiotics. There are many types of microbe in
hospitals such as those that adhere to intravenous tubes and prosthetic
apparatus like catheters; others that are already in the gut of
humans and animals and then those which are found in soil, water,
plants and animals which can cause pneumonia in certain cases.
Now, let's leave the scary bits and look
at positive ways of surviving a hospital visit:-
1. If possible, before you go into hospital, try and visit the
site or go on an organised tour. Alternatively, look up their
performance on the net. Particularly observe the standard of hygiene
and related vigilance of nursing and auxiliary staff.
2 When in Hospital, make sure your bed
and the space around it is kept clean. Also the WC and any communal
washing facilities. Don't be afraid to ask for it to be rectified
if it is unsatisfactory. Always wear slippers or shoes to prevent
debris being brought into your
bed.
3. Make sure you, your visitors and staff
wash hands with the bacterial soap provided, especially after
touching anyone, and use the oils mentioned below.
4. Don't use tissues more than once and
keep your toiletries clean and in your locker.
5. Don't get too near other patients or
borrow their belongings, even if offered.
6. Keep yourself well nourished - organic
grapes really are a vitality food!
7 Try to keep occupied and happy. This
will boost your immune system.
Your Own Bug-fighting Agents - here are
my suggestions:-
Herbs.
Garlic is antibiotic and antiviral. Promising
research shows it to be effective against MRSA when used internally
and externally. Take either three raw cloves or three garlic capsules
every day.
Echinacea is also antiviral and is very safe. Take a high dose
as prescribed.
Golden Seal is a broad spectrum antibiotic which also boosts the
immune system, but very costly.
Grapefruit seed extract is a potent antiseptic actually used in
hospitals and also in some swimming pools instead of chlorine.
Again, take a high dose as prescribed three times daily.
Frequent gargling with a tea made from garden thyme or sage helps
clean up the mouth and throat, as does tincture of Myrrh or Propolis
- dilute 10 drops to a cup of warm water.
Essential Oils.
To be used externally. Professional advice
must be sought for pregnant mums and babies.
Many essential oils are antimicrobial, but are very concentrated
and need diluting with a carrier oil such as sweet almond, olive
or sunflower oils. Choose from cinnamon, cloves, eucalyptus, marjoram,
lavender, lemon, pine, rosemary, tea tree or thyme.
Massage exposed areas of skin with 5-10 drops of ess. oil to 50
ml carrier oil.
In the bath. Mix 5-10 drops with 20 drops of an emulsifier such
as oilatum and add to bath water.
As a vaporiser, use 10 drops of ess. oil to 20 drops of water
and spray round your bed every two hours or so. Lavender is especially
nice for this and is both soothing and uplifting.
Also, a dab of tea tree oil under the nose helps to ward off infection.
If you are also taking medicine from your
GP, it is best to seek advice from a professional herbalist as
to their compatibility. All these tips are completely safe in
normal circumstances, but if you are uneasy about using the herbs
and oils, please feel free to contact me.
As usual, please email
me if you have any queries. Email: bett.les@virgin.net
Previous Topics:
- Avoiding Hospital Bugs (or MRSA and all that!)
Detox
Berries
- IBS
IRIDOLOGY
- Supplements
Email:- bett.les@virgin.net