Meningitis can affect both adult and children. However, commonly it affects more children than adults. It is a dreaded disease as it affects both the spinal cord and the brain. Here the meninges, the membranous structure covering the brain and the spinal cord, become inflamed. This can have grave consequences for the brain. The inflammation is precipitated by microorganisms including virus and bacteria and sometimes also by some drugs. Headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, inability to tolerate loud noise and sound are some of the symptoms of meningitis.
This is a medical emergency. Whenever the symptoms are visible the patient should be rushed to the hospital. However, in children the symptoms are often nonspecific in nature. They may have only drowsiness and irritability. But there should be no lag in treatment. You can start with some herbs before going to the hospital. These herbs can also be taken along with corticosteroids and antiviral drugs. Let us take a walk down the herb garden and pick the most wonderful ones.
Herbal Remedies For Meningitis
Cat’s Claw
In meningitis the first task is to bring down the inflammation because an unbridled inflammation of the spine and brain may make the condition worse. For this you need strong anti-inflammatory elements.
In cat’s claw you will get such an element. Coupled with that cat’s claw has strong immune boosting properties. However, if you are suffering from leukemia or autoimmune disease you should refrain from taking this herb. You can take cat’s claw pills and capsules in the local pharmacy stores.
Garlic
Suppressing the inflammation is the primary step, but you also need to deactivate the microorganisms that have precipitated the disease. For that you need strong antibiotics.
Garlic is a strong antibiotic that has been used since time immemorial to treat a variety of infections. It contains compounds known as allicin which acts as antibiotic. Moreover, garlic has the ability to boost up the immune system. It is also anti-inflammatory in nature. So take at least two cloves of garlic every day to fight meningitis.
Olive Leaf
Along with suppressing the inflammation and deactivating the infecting agent you need to save the cells from oxidative stress. Cells are under oxidative stress when there is an infection. Saving them from oxidative stress and deactivating the free radicals can go a long way in assisting to heal the menace of meningitis.
This can be done with olive leaf. These leaves contain a chemical known as oleuropein which is an extremely good antioxidant. The antioxidant saves the cells from oxidative stress as well as nullify the free radicals. Take extracts of olive leaf regularly along with prescribed medicines.
Ginseng
It has been seen that many children suffering from meningitis get convulsions. It happens in course of the body’s fight against meningitis. To treat and prevent convulsions you can use ginseng. It has been seen that this ancient
Chinese herb is a good remedy for convulsions. Moreover, it acts as restorative tonic for the body in general and the brain in particular. It is also useful in distressing and relaxing the brain. Moreover, it will give you an energy boost. So take ginseng extracts regularly.
Hypericum
This herb contains a compound known as hyperforin. This compound is antibacterial and antiviral in nature. However, the most significant property of this herb is that it can cross the blood brain barrier.
Specifically because of this property hypericum can deliver the decisive punch to bacteria responsible for meningitis. You can take hypericum extract regularly.
Photo Credit: http://blogs.villagevoice.com/dailymusto/2013/04/getting_the_men.php
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.