Impetigo
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Heather
Posted on: May 6, 2001

My daughter is 20 months old. She is experiencing her 2nd bout of impetigo in 4 months and we are not having any luck in getting rid of it. We have tried the medical route (antibiotics and Bactroban cream) without success. The first time it finally went away with goldenseal applied as a paste, but that is not getting rid of it this time. Is there anything else I can use?

Impetigo is a skin disease caused by bacterial infection. Herbs that are helpful are: Echinacea to increase immune resistance; Burdock (leaf for teas, root for tinctures), especially effective against staphylococcus bacteria; Clivers to support the lymphatic system to clear the bacteria. These may be given in the form of tinctures or teas. The tincture dosage would be 10 drops of the mixed tinctures, three times a day. Tinctures can be disguised in a favourite drink. The tea can be mixed with a little honey or maple syrup. The tea dosage would be one teaspoon of dried mixed herbs per cup of boiling water, steeped for 15 minutes; one half cup daily, given in teaspoons throughout the day.

Myrrh is a strong antibiotic that is used in impetigo: 1 drop, twice a day.

A fresh clove of Garlic, an antibiotic, can be crushed, mixed with honey and taken three times a day.

Externally, you can apply a mixture of three drops of Tea Tree essential oil for each teaspoon of water, and lightly cleanse the affected area.

Diet recommendations: dairy-free (use soy milk or goat’s milk); avoid sugar, all food additives, preservatives and colouring and foods containing refined flour .

Externally, you can apply a mixture of three drops of Tea Tree essential oil for each teaspoon of water, and lightly cleanse the affected area.

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