Anti-fungal Herbs and Essential Oils

(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday it found "greenish black foreign matter" and other contaminants in an injectable steroid produced by the New England Compounding Center, the pharmacy at the heart of a deadly U.S. meningitis outbreak.

WASHINGTON - The black mold creeping into the spines of hundreds of people who got tainted shots for back pain marks uncharted medical territory. Never before has this particular fungus been found to cause meningitis. It's incredibly hard to diagnose, and to kill — requiring at least three months of a treatment that can cause hallucinations. There's no good way to predict survival, or when it's safe to stop treating, or exactly how to monitor those who fear the fungus may be festering silently in their bodies. "I don't think there is a precedent for this kind of thing," said Dr. Arjun Srinivasan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I am very interested in the individuals receiving the contaminated steroid injections. I definitely personalize this very sad situation because I had tried steroid injections for back pain about a year ago—it could have been me. More than ever I am glad that I made the proactive choice to study alternative wellness approaches and herbal therapeutics. What would I do for myself, or someone I love?

I am a conservative herbalist. When I read the statement, “this particular fungus been found to cause meningitis. It's incredibly hard to diagnose, and to kill — requiring at least three months of a treatment that can cause hallucinations” I wonder what can these individuals do that is not so systemically damaging to the body. Of course if one is on the edge of a stroke, you should not leave the hospital. Hospitals work best for critical care and life threatening situations. I have no opinion on the standard of medical treatment for the individuals suffering the effects of the fungus contaminated steroid injections. 

However if the fungal infection were a chronic issue, I would have a talk with my physician about incorporating adjunctive therapies. In fact if I were in the hospital, I would find a way to incorporate essential oil massage, aromatherapy, and herbal teas into my program.

The three traditional uses of essential oils in aromatherapy are inhalation, topical application, and ingestion.  I presume a standard physician would be most concerned about the ingestion of the essential oil, or herb. I would opt for using an essential oil through inhalation or topically.

 Herbal products usually contain pieces of the actual plant in a dried form…[while] Essential oils contain the concentrated essence of the plant …When an essential oil is produced, distillation is used to extract the compounds and constituents of the plant… [the] process concentrates the benefits so only a tiny bit of essential oils are needed http://modernessentialoils.com/the-difference-between-essential-oils-and-herbs

Essential oils are lipotropic (fat soluble) and tend to pass through the skin easily. Because of the fairly small molecular structure, essential oils can pass into the bloodstream and surrounding tissues easily allowing their possible effects can be targeted. Many acupressure points that correspond to different parts of the body have been identified on the feet, hands and ears. Using reflexology and massaging the feet, hand, or ears with essential oils can positively affect the corresponding internal organs. You can obtain reflexology charts online. http://www.diy-stress-relief.com/foot-reflexology-massage.html

Essential Oils can be absorbed and have positive effects on these body systems glandular, skin, respiratory, and circulation. Essential oil fragrances are absorbed through blood circulation and nerve pathways from the sinuses into the central glands of the brain, which control emotional, neurological, and immunological functions. Essential oils have direct, powerful pharmacological systemic effect via the blood supply to the brain while there is an indirect effect via the olfactory nerve pathways to the brain. Essential oils inhaled during treatment directly affect the sinuses, throat, and lungs. Essential oils have beneficial effects on circulatory problems. When properly used essential oils are quite safe and highly beneficial. However, individuals can hurt themselves by using these highly concentrated oils improperly.

Topical Application tends to be more common than inhalation and is the preferred method of use for many essential oils. Since essential oils can cause skin irritation they require significant dilution. It is a good idea to try a small skin test of the essential oil to check for skin sensitivity. Lavender Oil and Chamomile Oil are two essential oils that can be applied 'neat' or without dilution to the skin. Cinnamon Oil and Oregano Oil may be applied once highly diluted to the bottoms of the feet. The best idea would be to consult an aroma therapist or herbalist to recommend an essential oil for your needs and to receive instruction on the best application technique.

A diffuser or oil lamp (sometimes called a 'burner') passes a continuous stream of air over your oil source, often simply straight from the bottle, and creates a fine evaporated mist without heating. A candle lamp incorporates a small bowel to which a small amount of water and a few drops of essential oils are added and are gently heated by the candle. Do not over do it---the essential oils are highly concentrated. If you notice a dislike for the smell or mild headache coming on the concentration of certain oils in the air has gotten too high. The effects are very personal - if you don't like the smell of a particular essential oil or combination of oils, there's probably a reason 1. Your intake could be too high or 2. The oil(s) may not be compatible with your body chemistry at that time. 



I do not recommend ingestion of essential oils. However, if you purchase the oil at food grade potency from a grocery store it is great addition to a healthy diet. Also if the idea of using a potent essential oil is intimidating, one can drink the herbal tea. Be sure to allow the tea to steep—follow the directions on the box.

Seven techniques for using Essential Oils

1) Inhalations: On hot compress, Diffusers, In hot water for inhalation. Standard dose is 1-3 drops of essential oil. Best for respiratory and sinus, headaches. Caution: prolonged inhalation of concentrated essential oils can cause headaches, vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and lethargy.

2) Baths: A generally safe does is 5 - 10 drops of milder oils mixed with 1/2 to 1 cup sesame oil or milk then poured into bath. Put oil on water immediately before entering bath, disperse. Caution: overuse of essential oils in the bath can cause irritation. Use only mild, non-irritating oils for bath, such as lavender and clary sage.

3) Compresses: 
10 drops oil in 4 oz hot water, soak cloth, wrap. Good for bruises, wounds, muscular aches and pains, dysmenorrhea, skin problems.

4) Facial steam: 
1 - 5 drops on hot water in a pot, cover head with a towel, steam face. Excellent for opening sinuses, headaches, skin treatment.

5) Massage: 
Be sure to dilute the essential oil typically 2% - 10%. For adults, a 2.5% dilution is recommended for most purposes. For children under 12, 1% is generally safe.

6) Direct Palm Inhalation: Caution this method of use should only be done with oils that can be safely applied to the skin (ask an aroma therapist for an oil recommendation). Apply 1-2 drops of oil to the palms, rub together gently and inhale deeply. This is an excellent method of use for a quick and easy exposure to the anti-microbial and other therapeutic uses of essential oils. Over the counter Tea Tree oil would be appropriate.

7) Diffusers: Candle diffusers, 
 Electric heat diffusers. Cool air nebulizing diffusers. Each has advantages and disadvantages

Safety Recommendations--• Do not use essential oils internally.
• Do not apply directly to skin; always dilute with carrier oil.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Do not use citrus oils before exposure to UV light.
• Use only pure essential oils; avoid synthetic fragrances.
• Do not use essential oils on infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with serious health problems, without advanced medical study.
• Avoid prolonged exposure without ventilation.
• Store essential oils and carrier oils properly to avoid degradation and rancidity.

In case of accidental essential oil ingestion immediately call your local Poison Control Center. Do not induce vomiting. Do not give water if breathing or swallowing is difficult.

Herbs and Essential Oils with Anti-fungal Properties

Oil of Oregano is considered one of the strongest inhibitors of internal yeast infection (Candida). 

Unlike manufactured antibiotics; there is no known tendency for microbes to develop resistance to the effectiveness of oregano. The oil can kill or halt the growth of virtually any fungus and a great majority of bacteria.

Garlic--immune-system booster--causes your body to create more natural killer cells--advisable in the case of fungal infection—use it raw--anyone who can’t take the taste of raw garlic – Puree it in a blender with a little water or oil and apply it to the bottom of the feet. This is an age-old method, which allows the beneficial agents of the garlic to absorb into the body via the tender skin

Pau d'Arco Tea--reported antifungal properties, and in "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," Dr. Geovanni Espinosa suggests that you drink two cups a day for the maximum benefit.

Tea Tree Oil--Tea tree oil is very commonly used for skin conditions--acts as a fungicide against Malassezia furfur, the fungus that causes pityriasis versicolor, folliculitis, intertrigo, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff

Black Walnut (hull)-- Black Walnut Hull is one of the most common ingredients in antifungal antiparasitic, antibacterial and herbal formulations, a natural antiseptic.

Barberry – one of the three most common western medicinal roots containing berberine, which has potent antifungal properties--demonstrates significant antifungal activity while leaving beneficial microflora in the gut intact.

Calendula –commonly known as marigold-- antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-

Chamomile – Chamomile has antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s widely known for its natural sedative qualities. Two of its most common uses are to treat wounds and as a sleep aid.

Cinnamon (Bark) – Cinnamon shows antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It

Cloves - Cloves contain some of the same phenols as Oil of Oregano, namely carvacrol and thymol, among others, which are highly antifungal in nature, as well as antimicrobial,

Geranium - Geranium exhibits antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, and antibacterial properties.

Goldenseal – Goldenseal is another of the three most common western medicinal roots containing berberine, which has potent antifungal properties.--Berberine demonstrates significant anti-fungal activity while leaving beneficial microflora in the gut intact.

Lavender – Lavender has antifungal and antibacterial qualities, which make it all the more reason to have some around the house.

Turmeric - Turmeric is demonstrated to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties--a blood purifier, and seems to have blood sugar lowering effects--shown to inhibit the growth of intestinal parasites H. Pylori and Giardia Lambria.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/fda-finds-contaminants-drug-linked-meningitis-outbreak-181927321.html

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/healthbeat-doctors-grapple-treating-meningitis-caused-first-time-161138626.html

http://www.anandaapothecary.com/using-essential-oils.html

http://www.naturesgift.com/methods.htm

http://www.naha.org/articles/How%20To%20Use%20Essential%20Oils%20Effectively.htm

http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/wellness/about-essential-oils/using-essential-oils.html

http://www.natural-medicinal-herbs.com/herbs/black-walnut.htm

http://www.candida-cure-recipes.com/antifungal-herbs.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/95661-natural-antifungal-herbs/#ixzz2AVyIlDCI