ABSCESS
An abscess forms when a localized collection of pus accumulates in a tissue, organ, or cavity in the body as a result of an infection. Abscesses may result from an injury or a lowered resistance to infection and may be located externally or internally. An abscess can form in the brain, lungs, teeth, gums, abdominal wall, gastrointestinal tract, ears, tonsils, sinuses, breasts, kidneys, prostate gland, or almost any other body part. Infections are the most common human diseases and can be produced by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
The infected part becomes swollen, inflamed, and tender. The individual may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever and chills.
BENEFICIAL HERBS
- Cayenne (capsicum) and yellow dock root applied externally in poultices is a great remedy for treating an abscess
- Fresh burdock root inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi. Poultices of the leaves can be used on bruise, burns, and knee swellings
- Milk thistle, taken in capsule form, is good for the liver, helps a weakened immune system and is an antioxidant that is more potent than vitamins C and E
- Astragalus has been valued as a specific tonic for strengthening the body’s resistance to disease
- Burdock root is a great blood cleanser
- Sarsaparilla root attacks microbial substances in the blood stream, neutralizing them. This effect is due to its antibiotic properties.
- Kelp is a general nutritive tonic to the blood, supplying essential vitamins and mineral salts.
- Echinacea can facilitate wound healing with its antibacterial and antiviral effects
- External preparations of yarrow can reduce inflammation
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Increase your protein intake to 20-25% of total calories.
- Eat fresh pineapple daily. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that reduces inflammation and speeds healing.
- Add kelp to the diet for beneficial minerals
NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION
A well balanced diet is a more natural source of nutrients and it is best to get as much as possible from food. If you are not eating a varied mixture of the main food groups or foods high in a certain nutrient needed for your health situation then make up the remaining through vitamin and mineral supplementation.
- Vitamin C: 500 milligrams 2-3 times daily. Caution: Doses of vitamin C larger than 1,200 milligrams a day can produce diarrhea in some people.
- Vitamin A: 10,000 IU. Caution: If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.
- Zinc: 80 milligrams, especially if you take steroids. Caution: Do not exceed a total of 80 milligrams daily from all supplements. Zinc supplementation in excess can result in increase susceptibility to infection.
- Vitamin E: 400-600 IU. Caution: If you are taking anticoagulants, you should not take vitamin E supplements
Note: If you are taking antibiotics, supplement your diet with a vitamin B complex.
In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications. Such interactions can be dangerous. Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled. Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven. Consult your physician. Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking. Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.