Sepsis is the overwhelming of the body and life-threatening response to an infection which could lead to organ failure, tissue damage, and death. It happens when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. Sepsis can cause many changes, which can damage many organ systems, and this is causing them to fail. When the sepsis progresses to septic shock, then the blood pressure drops dramatically, and this can lead to death. It is known that every single person can develop sepsis, but people who have a weakened immune system and older adults are having highest chances of developing it. You should know that there are three stages of sepsis – sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Fungal, viral or bacterial infection can lead to sepsis, and the most common are bloodstream infection (bacteremia), kidney infection, abdominal infection, and pneumonia. There are some factors which can increase your risk of sepsis, such as having a compromised immune system; being very young or very old; being already very sick, often in a hospital’s intensive care unit; have invasive devices, such as breathing tubes or intravenous catheters; have wounds or injuries, such as burns. If the sepsis worsens, then the blood flow to vital organs, such as kidneys, heart, and brain, becomes impaired. This condition can lead to the formation of blood clots in your organs and in your toes, fingers, and arms, and this leads to varying degrees of organ failure and tissue death.
13 Natural cures for sepsis
Contents
Propolis
Propolis is also known as bee glue. This is a resin-like mixture which honey bees produce and they use to fill gaps in their hives. There was one animal study in 2011 in which was found that derivatives of propolis are a promising natural substance which can help in the prevention and treabtment of septic shock. You can easily find the propolis and use it as your natural treatment for sepsis. [1,2]
Caraway essential oil
This oil has antioxidant properties which can heal septic–related oxidative injuries like a liver injuries. You should add one or two drops of caraway essential oil to one glass of warm water. You should drink this home remedy on daily basis.
Lobelia and slippery elm
You can use both mentioned home remedies for external use on sepsis wounds. If the bacterial infection of a wound is the cause of sepsis, then the wound must be healed properly. Lobelia and slippery elm are very effective home remedies for sepsis. You should take these natural cures in equal quantities and make soft-paste by mixing them with water. You should apply this paste to the cut or wound and you should tie it with a surgical bandage. You should remove the bandage, clean the area with antiseptic and then apply the paste and tie it with another clean bandage. You should do this natural treatment until your wound is healed.
Potato
If you have sepsis inflammation, then you can use potato juice as a natural topical remedy. It is known that sepsis inflammations can happen on the skin. You should apply the potato juice or potato slices to the affected area. You should make thin slices of potato and keep them on the inflamed area. You should rub it slowly and then replace it with another slice and do it for fifteen to twenty minutes. Also, you can extract the potato juice and then apply this juice using cotton balls. You will notice that your sepsis inflammation pain will subside.
Garlic and honey
Garlic has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a sulfur compound allicin which can help to fight infections and boost immunity and this is a reason why it is a powerful home remedy for sepsis. It is known that honey modulates the immune system which is making it a very effective home remedy for sepsis. You should peal a large clove of garlic and shred it. You should add one teaspoon of honey and mix it well. You should eat this mixture on daily basis in the morning because it will increase your immunity. Also, it will help you to get out of sepsis in a very quick way.[3,4]
Tumeric
This natural cure has been used to fight against infections since ancient times and also it can be used as a natural treatment for sepsis. It is known that turmeric can increase the protein levels in the blood that fight against infections. This natural cure has anti-inflammatory properties so it can help to reduce redness, swelling, and pain. You should add one teaspoon of turmeric to one glass of warm water. You should mix it well. You should drink this home remedy on daily basis in the morning because it can help you to recover from sepsis in a very fast way.
Vitamin C
There was one study in 2010 in which was found that a heavy dose of Vitamin C injections can improve the survival rates of mice [5]. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid can fight against oxidative stresses and they do not allow blood to clot in small capillaries and vital organs. This will save the organ and its life. You should eat citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges because they can help you in the treatment of sepsis. You should drink a glass of fresh orange juice on daily basis. You should take Vitamin C supplements because they can improve your immunity and the survival rate of sepsis.
Zinc and selenium
Zinc and selenium are very important in immune function. If you have low levels of one or both of these important nutrients, then this can compromise your immunity. This is increasing your risk of infections. Out-of-control inflammation and oxidative stress are two signs that sepsis is present in the body. There are some studies which are shown that zinc and selenium concentrations are reduced in critically ill patients and they have increased oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, particularly in patients who have sepsis. Some studies are shown that zinc and selenium supplements are playing a therapeutic role in treating and preventing sepsis. You should eat foods that are rich in zinc and selenium on a daily basis because they will keep your immune system strong.
Carrot juice
It is known that raw carrot juice is rich in nutrients which can help to boost the ability of your body to fight against infection and minimize the severity of sepsis. This natural cure is considered very effective in fighting sepsis in new moms after giving birth. You can reduce the risk of puerperal sepsis if you drink a pint of carrot juice on daily basis.
Mung beans
These beans are widely used in China for their anti-inflammatory and nutritional benefits. Mung beans have therapeutic effects which are due to the presence of an aqueous extract in their coat and this can increase the survival rate against sepsis [6]. You will need ½ cup of cooked mung beans. You should consume half a cup of cooked mung beans. Also, you can consume mung beans directly or you can add them to your favorite dish.
Probiotics
It is very important to get enough probiotics on a regular basis because they can help to prevent and treat sepsis infection. When the good bacteria flourishes, then it can fight against the invading bacteria. We know that probiotics are bacteria which line the digestive tract and they support the ability of the body to absorb nutrients and fight against infections. Probiotics are very important for immune health because 80% of the entire immune system is in the digestive tract. There are many studies which are shown that probiotics can help to fight against sepsis. This can be very helpful for babies who are having an increased risk of developing sepsis. There was one study in 2016 in which was said that probiotic supplements can lower the risk of candida and it can help in the prevention of invasive fungal sepsis in preterm newborns. Doctors are recommending supplementing with probiotics and they can also consume probiotic-rich food on a regular basis. You should consume foods that are rich in probiotics, such as kombucha, coconut water kefir, and kimchi. [7]
Lemon juice
This natural cure is rich in Vitamin C which can help you in the fight against sepsis. It can improve immune function and it will reduce life-threatening immune reactions. It is known that this natural cure can help to inhibit the bacteria buildup and it will assist in detoxifying the blood.
Olive oil
This natural cure helps in suppressing the production of inflammatory medications which can trigger the life-threatening inflammatory reaction during sepsis. There are some studies in which are said that when we ingest the olive oil, then this will help to reduce the risk of organ dysfunction during sepsis.
Reference:
[1] Martinotti S, Ranzato E. Propolis: A new frontier for wound healing? Burns & Trauma. 2015;3(9).
[2] Barroso PR, Lopes-Rocha R, Pereira EM, et al. Effect of propolis on mast cells in wound healing. Inflammopharmacology. 2012;20(5):289-94.
[3] Mandal MD, Mandal S. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2011;1(2):154-160.
[4] Tattelman E. Health effects of garlic. American Family Physician. 2005;72(1):103-6.
[5] Yamamoto T, Kinoshita M, Shinomiya N, et al. Pretreatment with ascorbic acid prevents lethal gastrointestinal syndrome in mice receiving a massive amount of radiation. Journal of Radiation Research. 2010;51(2):145-56.
[6] Zhu S, Li W, Li J, et al. It is not just folklore: The aqueous extract of mung bean coat is protective against sepsis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012.
[7] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: In depth. 2016. Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htm.
