Combating bouts of cellulitis (The Sunday Times, 26 February 2006)
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I frequently get bouts of cellulitis, and the last one landed me in hospital on two courses of antibiotics. Is there anything you recommend that I take to help me combat this? I am 85, and I also suffer from severe osteoarthritis and angina (both of which I take medication for).
Name and address withheld
A. Cellulitis (no relation to cellulite) is an infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath that arises when bacteria (usually group A streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus) invade the skin and spread, resulting in inflammation and infection.
The orthodox treatment is antibiotics. Herbs that are traditionally used include echinacea, goldenseal root and calendula, but the naturopathic physician Dr Harald Gaier, president of the General Council and Register of Naturopaths (GCRN), normally recommends barberry (Berberis vulgaris) tincture or extract, which has a broad antimicrobial action. However, as you are on medication, you should consult a qualified naturopath for an individual prescription.
Dr Gaier practises in London and Ireland (020 7612 9800), or call the GCRN on 0870 745 6984 to find a naturopath near you.
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