Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is a life-threatening condition that can occur when an infection spreads throughout the body. This condition triggers an inflammatory response, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including changes in body temperature, heart rate, mental status, abdominal pain, and decreased urine output. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent the condition from progressing and causing further harm to the body.
When treating a condition as serious as sepsis, a holistic approach combining conventional medical treatment with natural remedies can help support recovery. Natural remedies can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, crucial factors in treating sepsis.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is a potentially life-threatening complication that results from an infection. The condition occurs when chemicals that are released into the bloodstream to fight the initial infection cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation typically triggers a torrent of symptoms that compound the harm done to your body. Additional symptoms include a drastically increased or decreased body temperature, fast heart rate, high respiratory rate, changes in mental status, abdominal pain, and decreased urine output. It's crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible when experiencing symptoms of sepsis. Medical treatment is necessary to prevent the condition from progressing and causing further harm to the body.
Natural Remedies for Sepsis
Here are some natural remedies that can help support recovery from sepsis:
Turmeric
A study published by Oregon State University in 2012 presented an important finding that regular consumption of turmeric, or more importantly, the compound curcumin found in turmeric, causes an increase in protein levels in the blood. When your blood contains more protein, it can fight and prevent infection, making turmeric an effective option for treating septicemia. Additionally, turmeric helps reduce redness, swelling, and pain and functions well with antibiotics. Take 2 grams daily by mouth or dilute in water for the best results.
Garlic
Garlic is another effective treatment support for sepsis. This herb contains a compound known as allicin, which helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. It also helps fight infection and boost your immune system. To employ this remedy, peel a clove of garlic, chop it up, and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Eat this mixture each morning to improve your body’s ability to fight infection and treat your sepsis.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. A study by the University of Malaya found that honey acts as an immunomodulator, which can significantly improve treatments for sepsis.
Honey can be taken by mouth or applied topically to the affected wound.
Slippery Elm and Lobelia
Slippery elm and lobelia can be used as wound treatments. A paste made from equal parts of the herbs and water can be applied to a bandage and changed as required.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. It can be taken in supplement form or found in citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help fight infections. It can also help reduce nausea, a common symptom of sepsis. Ginger can be taken in supplement form or added to food as a spice.
Echinacea
Echinacea has immune-boosting properties and can help fight infections. It can be taken in supplement form or brewed into tea.
Andrographis
Andrographis has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help fight infections. It can be taken in supplement form or brewed into tea.
Conclusion
While sepsis is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention, a holistic approach that combines conventional medical treatment with natural remedies can support recovery and improve outcomes. Turmeric, garlic, honey, slippery elm, lobelia, vitamin C, ginger, echinacea, and andrographis are all natural remedies that can help support recovery from sepsis. It's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and use natural remedies as a complementary treatment option.
Continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers to learn which natural remedies and supplements helped them recover from sepsis. Please let us know if you have treated blood poisoning with a natural remedy.
Resources
- Turmeric: Oregon State University. (2012). Turmeric and Curcumin. Retrieved from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/curcumin
- Garlic: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Garlic. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic
- Honey: Kassim M, Mansor M, Achoui M, Yan OS, Devi S, Yusoff KM. Honey as an immunomodulator during sepsis in animal model. Crit Care. 2009;13(Suppl 4):P40. doi: 10.1186/cc8096. Epub 2009 Nov 11. PMCID: PMC2776213.
- Slippery Elm: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2021). Slippery Elm. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/slippery-elm
- Lobelia: Zheng Q, Wang Y, Zhang S. Beyond Alkaloids: Novel Bioactive Natural Products From Lobelia Species. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Mar 8;12:638210. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.638210. PMID: 33762957; PMCID: PMC7982472.
- Vitamin C: National Institutes of Health. (2021). Vitamin C. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/