Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is referred to as MRSA. It is a particular strain of staph bacteria that is antibiotic-resistant. Methicillin is one of these antibiotics, along with some others that are more widely used, like oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin.
MRSA symptoms vary depending on where you are infected. It frequently causes minor skin infections such as sores or boils. It can, however, cause more serious skin infections as well as infect surgical wounds, the bloodstream, the lungs, or the urinary tract.
A swab test is typically used to diagnose MRSA. A sample of the infected area is collected and sent to a lab for testing. The test will determine whether you have MRSA or a staph infection.
Antibiotics are the most widely used and accepted form of treatment for MRSA because it is a bacteria-based illness. Sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim, clindamycin, vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, tedizolid, doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline, and delafloxacin are common antibiotics used to treat MRSA. Antibiotics may not be required in some cases.
Some home remedies, herbs, and medicinal plants can help treat MRSA infections since the pathogen does not respond well to antibiotics. Here are some natural remedies that can manage MRSA infections naturally:
- Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
- Chocolate (Theobroma cacao)
- Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) leaf oil
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Cranberry juice and aloe vera juice are both filled with antimicrobial compounds that can help stop bacterial growth in the body. When used together, they can be pretty beneficial for patients with MRSA infections.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can aid in the prevention of infection spread. Green tea contains antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate, which have been shown in clinical studies to help fight respiratory MRSA infections1. Tea (Camellia sinensis) extracts can also reverse methicillin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and, to a lesser extent, penicillin resistance in beta-lactamase-producing S. aureus .
Chocolate (Theobroma cacao)
Chocolate (Theobroma cacao) contains significant levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and other important molecules found in tea. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider consuming **2-4 oz of dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa solids, but probably greater than 75% would be ideal)** daily to reduce antibiotic resistance in MRSA 12.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) leaf oil
The antimicrobial properties of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) leaf oil are well known. It can also be safely applied to the nose without causing any major side effects. Several research studies on the benefits of using tea tree oil to treat MRSA infections have been conducted.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used as an antibacterial agent in India and Southeast Asia for centuries. Garlic has antibacterial properties and has been scientifically proven to be effective against bacterial infections. Garlic has an antibiofilm and synergistic antibacterial effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), according to one study.
Cranberry juice and aloe vera juice
Both cranberry juice and aloe vera juice contain antimicrobial compounds that can inhibit bacterial growth in the body. They can be quite beneficial when used together in patients with MRSA infections.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 2.4.2023
(1) MRSA Treatments & Medications | SingleCare. https://www.singlecare.com/conditions/mrsa-treatment-and-medications Accessed 2.4.2023.
(2) MRSA – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mrsa/ Accessed 2.4.2023.
(3) MRSA infection – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mrsa/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375340 Accessed 2.4.2023.
(4) . https://bing.com/search?q=treatments+for+mrsa Accessed 2.4.2023. (5) MRSA | CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/index.html Accessed 2.4.2023.
(5) How to Manage an MRSA Infection: Home Remedies and Treatments – eMediHealth. https://www.emedihealth.com/skin-beauty/more-skin-conditions/manage-mrsa-infection Accessed 2.4.2023.
(6) MRSA: The Natural Cure When Antibiotics Fail You – Joybilee® Farm. https://joybileefarm.com/mrsa-natural-cure/ Accessed 2.4.2023.
(7) 5 Wondrous Home Remedies for How to treat MRSA – How to Cure. https://howtocure.com/how-to-treat-mrsa/ Accessed 2.4.2023.
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