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Natural Alternative Treatments for Gangrene

The death of a body tissue is known as tissue necrosis or gangrene. According to the NCBI (the National Center for Biotechnology Information) gangrene occurs when circulation to a certain part of the body is disrupted, usually because of traumatic injury, infection, or medical problems such as diabetes, HIV, or blood vessel disease. Gangrene herbal remedies can help decrease tissue decay and death. But one should always consult first with a doctor to talk about herb-related topics prior to pursuing this natural mode of treatment.

Gangrene

The Mayo Clinic website states that gangrene often develops in the extremities, including the toes, fingers, hands, feet, and limbs. However, gangrene can also develop in your internal organs and muscles. This condition can be caused by frostbite or may be associated with a bacterial infection. You are at high risk for developing gangrene if you suffer from poor blood flow, abuse alcohol, or smoke. You can prevent this disease or help in your recovery by living a healthy lifestyle and following the right nutrition.

Herbal Therapies

For the treatment of gangrene there may be several herbs that can be useful. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” author and nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, says that an herb known as butcher’s broom can significantly improve circulation, while turmeric, bromelain and other herbal treatments can help lessen inflammation and swelling associated with gangrene. Infections can be fought off with olive leaf. Other herbs that can treat gangrene include red seal, goldenseal, ginkgo biloba, Echinacea, cayenne, and bayberry. Essential fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 and other non-herbal supplements can also be useful.

Highlighted Herb

For the treatment of gangrene, doctors and healthcare practitioners usually prescribe Butcher’s broom. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Butcher’s broom, has been known to treat various types of ailments including varicose veins, lymphedema, leg cramps, inflammation, hemorrhoids, constipation, and circulatory problems. This herb is famous for its capacity to resolve carpal tunnel syndrome, thrombophlebitis, treat obesity, Meniere’s disease, lessen inflammation, and boost circulation. Butcher’s broom is indigenous to Asia and Europe and is derived from an evergreen in those regions.

Warning

Surgery is the standard Western treatment for gangrene and is meant to extract the diseased tissue from the body before it infects other healthy tissues. Gangrene can result in the amputation of several parts of your body and hence is a very serious condition. The gangrene can quickly spread to your internal organs if it becomes infected with bacteria. When this happens and left untreated, it can be fatal. For correct treatment approaches to gangrene, always consult with your doctor. The herbs that can be useful for your condition can be determined by a qualified health care professional.

Gigi Terinoni is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in Louisville, CO. She is also a certified massage therapist, yoga instructor and the founder of Dova Center for Health and Healing.