Natural treatments for cellulitis – turmeric and coconut oil

Cellulitis is a very common condition, but it is a potentially serious skin infection that is happening on the deeper layers of your skin and the subcutaneous tissues.

Streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria are the most common causes of cellulitis, but also other types of bacteria can lead to cellulitis. This condition happens in the areas when the skin has broken open such as surgical wound, burn, ulcer, insect bite, scrape, cut, or where the skin is breaking down from conditions such as fungal infection, psoriasis, and eczema.

Bacteria are present on our skin, but they do not cause any harm unless they are able to go deep into your skin. Breaks in your skin allow the bacteria to get under your skin and cause infection.

There are some factors which are increasing your risk of getting cellulitis such as a history of cellulitis, drug misuse, lymphedema, blood circulation problems, obesity, diabetes, chicken pox or shingles, and weakened immune system.

This infection is happening at most on the lower legs, but it can happen anywhere on your body. The affected area usually looks red and swollen. Also, it feels hot, tender, and painful. In most cases, cellulitis is mild, and it tends to be resolved within several days or a few weeks, but also there are some cases when it can progress to a more serious infection or other dangerous problem. If you let it untreated, then it can be potentially fatal for you. You need to talk with your doctor about the proper treatment and diagnosis, especially if your infection is severe and it does not get better within a few days or if you suffer from other medical problems.

9 Treating cellulitis naturally

Manuka honey

This natural cure is native to New Zealand. It is rich in phytochemicals which are very effective in controlling staph infections. Also, it has been found that this active compound inhibits antibiotic-resistant MRSA. This natural cure can also speed up wound healing. You should spread manuka honey on the affected area. You should let it stay there for a few hours before you wash it off. You should do this natural treatment a few times per day until you are satisfied with these results. [1]

Echinacea

This natural cure can be used as a natural treatment for cellulitis because it strengthens the immune system. It has flavonoids that have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties [2].

You can take this herb internally, or you can apply it topically on your skin in the form of cream or gel to treat skin inflammation and irritation. You should talk with your doctor about the proper dosage before you use it as your natural treatment. People who suffer from autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus shouldn’t use Echinacea as their natural treatment.

Oil of oregano

Oil of oregano is a natural antibiotic. This is also a very effective home remedy that can help you in the treatment of cellulitis. Also, it has phenolic compounds such as thymol and carvacrol, which have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

There was one study that was published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, it was found that the application of a 3% oregano ointment reduced bacterial contamination and subsequent infection in people who have post-surgical wounds [3].

You should dilute ten to twelve drops of oil of oregano in 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or any other carrier oil. You should apply this natural cure to the affected area and let it stay there for a few hours. You should wash it off. Reapply several times a day.

Also, you can take this oil internally. You should mix 3 drops of oil of oregano with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Also, you can add one teaspoon of honey. You should consume this natural cure 5 times per day for a period of 3 – 4 days. Then, you should take this natural cure 3 times per day for a period of 7 – 10 days.

Also, there is another option, and that is to mix 5 drops of oil of oregano in one glass of fruit juice or water. You should drink it 3 – 5 times per day in a period of a few days, and then you should reduce the dosage to 3 drops as a maintenance dose for about ten days. You should not use full–strength oil of oregano if you have broken skin. Also, pregnant women shouldn’t use oil of oregano as their natural treatment for cellulitis because it can induce menstruation and stimulate the uterus.

Turmeric

This natural cure is a powerful antiseptic and antibiotic which can help you to prevent and treat cellulitis. It has an active ingredient which is known as curcumin, and this element provides anti-inflammatory properties [4].

You should mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one glass of milk, and you should boil it. Also, you can add a small amount of honey to it. You should drink this turmeric milk once or twice per day until the infection clears.

Also, you can take 400 – 600 mg of standardized curcumin powder 3 times per day for several weeks to a couple of months. Also, you can make a turmeric poultice by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder, three drops of tea tree oil, and one tablespoon of raw honey in one or two teaspoons of bentonite clay, enough to make a paste. You should apply this home remedy to the affected area and let it stay there for 15 – 20 minutes before you rinse it off. You should use this home remedy on a daily basis for a period of a few days.

Coconut oil

This oil has medium–chained fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which can help to fight bacteria. Also, this oil has healing properties, and it is soothing for the skin [5]. You should apply coconut oil to the affected area. Let it stay there for a few hours, and then you should wash it off. You should reapply several times per day until your problem is cured.

Calendula

This natural cure is soothing for inflamed and tender skin, and also it fights infections. Also, it increases the blood flow to the affected areas, and it can stimulate the production of collagen, which promotes wound healing [2].

You should steep 2 teaspoons of calendula flowers in one cup of hot water for about ten minutes. You should dip a clean piece of cloth in this infusion, and you should apply it to the affected area. Let it stay there for 15 – 20 minutes. Repeat 3 or 4 times per day for a period of a few weeks. Also, you can apply calendula cream a few times per day until you see improvement in your condition.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which can help you in the treatment of cellulitis [6]. You should moisten a cotton swab with water, and you should put 1 or 2 drops of tea tree essential oil in it. You should dab it on the site of the infection. You should let it stay there for a few hours before you wash it off.

Also, you can mix a couple of drops of tea tree oil in one teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel or raw honey. You should apply it to your skin and let it stay there for a few hours before you rinse it off. You should use some of the mentioned natural treatments once or twice per day until you are satisfied with the results.

Garlic

This is also a very effective natural treatment for fighting infections because it has the active compound allicin, which has strong antimicrobial properties [7]. Also, it reduces inflammation due to anti-inflammatory activity.

You should eat 3 or 4 crushed raw garlic cloves per day for a period of several weeks. If you are bothered by the strong taste and smell of garlic, then you should drink a glass of milk afterward.

Also, you can fry 2 crushed garlic cloves in coconut oil. Cool it and strain it. You should apply it to the affected area. Let it stay in the affected area for several hours before you wash it off. You should use this natural treatment once or twice per day. Also, you can apply crushed garlic cloves to the infected site for a few minutes. This will also help you. But people who have sensitive skin shouldn’t use it.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are packed with flavonoids. They can be used externally on your skin to reduce skin infections and inflammation [8]. You should soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in warm water for a period of a few hours. You should grind them along with a little water to make a paste. You should apply this paste to the affected area. You should let it stay there for a few hours before you wash it off. You should repeat this natural treatment until you rid of the cellulitis.

References

[1] McLoone P, Warnock M, Fyfe L. Honey: A realistic antimicrobial for disorders of the skin. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection. 2016;49(2):161-167.

[2] Tabassum N, Hamdani M. Plants used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacognosy Review. 2014;8(15):52-60.

[3] Ragi J, Pappert A, Rao B, et al. Oregano extract ointment for wound healing: a randomized, double-blind, petrolatum-controlled study evaluating efficacy. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2011;10(10):1168-72.

[4] Moghadamtousi SZ, Kadir HA, Hassandarvish P, et al. A review on antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity of curcumin. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014:186864.

[5] Ayyanar M, Ignacimuthu S. Herbal medicines for wound healing among tribal
people in Southern India: Ethnobotanical and scientific evidences. International Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products. 2009;2(3):29-42.

[6] Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2006;19(1):50-62.

[7] Li G, Ma X, Deng L, et al. Fresh garlic extract enhances the antimicrobial activities of antibiotics on resistant strains in vitro. Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology. 2015;8(5):e14814.

[8] Pundarikakshudu K, Shah DH, Panchal AH, Bhavsar GC. Anti-inflammatory activity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn) seed petroleum ether extract. Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 2016;48(4):441-444.