Though treatment methods for Tuberculosis
People suffering with TB will die, if not given medical treatment. However, certain herbs and supplements are becoming increasingly important in the fight against TB, especially in the case of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. These alternative supplements help to boost the body’s immune to fight the disease. Ironically, exposure to sunlight is the best way to fight TB.
photo credit – Berberis vulgaris by fotothing [dot] com
1. Barberry
Barberry or Berberis vulgaris is highly effective in relieving TB symptoms and is used to complement conventional treatment. The active ingredient in barberry is berberine which has bacterial properties and aids in killing the tuberculosis bacteria.
2. Horsetail
The scientific name of Horsetail is Equisetum arvense, and is available as an extract, powder or capsule. TB reduces silica content in the bones and horsetail can replenish this depletion as it contains large amounts of silica and smaller amounts of calcium. Fifteen types of bioflavonoids are also present in horsetail.
3. Garlic
Garlic has anti bacterial properties – it inhibits the mycobacterium tuberculae through the active ingredient Allicin. It also has anti fungal, anti parasitic and anti bacterial properties. One good way to prepare it is by boiling the garlic cloves in water and milk and drink it.
4. Ginseng
Ginseng contains compounds that strengthen pulmonary function, reduce coughing as well as strengthen the immune system. Ginseng has adaptogenic properties, which means it increases the body’s resistance to stress, fatigue and infections, and there are few side effects even if the dosage is exceeded.
5. Propolis
Propolis is actually the secretion of certain tree bark – the bees mix this with their own secretions and coat the hives with it. Propolis is great for strengthening the thymus gland, thus enhancing the body’s resistance to disease and also mitigating the effects of pulmonary tuberculosis.
6. Pineapple juice
This mixed with a dash of salt, pepper and honey, should be consumed once a day. This concoction helps dissolve the mucus in the lungs.
7. Licorice
Licorice soothes throat pain and alleviates coughing in TB patients. Licorice contains 10 antioxidants, at least 25 fungicides and 9 expectorant compounds!
8. Orange juice
A glass of orange juice with a spoonful of salt, a table spoon of honey and 3-4 mint leaves and be drunk each day, to help reduce expectoration and halt secondary infections. Vit C also helps to boost the immune system. Mint helps dissolve sputum and cleanses and nourishes the lungs. It detoxifies and cleanses the body from all the metabolites of anti-TB drugs as well.
9. Lactobacillus acidophilus
This and other similar cultures are great for maintaining the intestinal flora and prevent the disease from spreading to the gut and GI tract. Using anti bacterial medication also destroys thet GUT flora so lactobacillus helps to replenish and restore balance in the system.
10. Supplements
TB patients taking antibiotics over along period of time, will suffer from liver problems, This side effect can be rectified by consuming Vitamin B6 supplements. Chronic coughing weakens the mucus membrane – Vit A can help this condition. Additional minerals such as copper, zinc, selenium, magnesium and calcium are extra boosters that help the body in recovery. Don’t forget that all these supplements and herbs should be taken continuously till the body is free of the disease as verified by medical tests.
So these are 20 effective supplements and herbs that help in the battle against TB. Do you have a loved one suffering from TB? Have you tired any of these supplements or herbs and found them beneficial?
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