One of the most contagious and enduring Staphylococcus infections, MRSA is very dangerous, but there are also numerous home remedies for this infection, including the use of tea tree oil, garlic, olive leaf extract, turmeric, eucalyptus oil, aloe vera, manuka honey, oregano oil, and Pascalite, among others.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a skin infection that is caused by staph bacteria. In more severe cases, it may also become a serious skin infection or even infections of the blood, lungs, or the urinary tract. It spreads through touch and can prove to be deadly for the old and infirm. [1]
The reason it is so feared is that this hardy bacteria has become resistant to a range of antibiotics. Unfortunately, MRSA is being seen more and more often in healthy individuals, typically in the form of mild skin infections or irritation, but with the difficulty of treating this bacterium with antibiotics, this still presents a real problem. Fortunately, there are several home remedies and preventative measures for MRSA that can keep you and your family safe! [2]
MRSA is difficult to treat because it is resistant to most antibiotics. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Home Remedies for MRSA
MRSA can be treated using natural home remedies that are antibacterial like the following:
Tea Tree Oil
When it comes to natural antibacterial remedies, tea tree oil can quickly help to eliminate any infections, particularly those like MRSA that are located on the skin. You do not need to use much tea tree oil, as it is highly concentrated, and it should always be diluted in a carrier oil before use. Therapeutic-grade tea tree oil should be used for this purpose, as it has proven to perform better than many traditional antibiotics on this resistant infection. [3]
Garlic
This useful natural remedy is widely available, inexpensive, and one of the most effective topical remedies for infections within the body, including those that affect the skin. To use garlic for the treatment of MRSA, you can mash fresh cloves after soaking them in water overnight. Apply the garlic mash to the affected area where you have observed the symptoms of MRSA (raised, inflamed, white or pink irritation, often accompanied by pain). [4]
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is a powerful antibacterial substance that can be applied directly to the MRSA infection. When an MRSA strain is resistant to a certain type of antibiotics, this remedy is very popular and effective. [5]
Olive Leaf Extract
Oleuropein, found in olive leaf, is very beneficial in the treatment of MRSA and other resistant bacterial strains, as it is very good for detoxifying the body and strengthening the immune system against such pathogens. You can apply olive leaf extract topically to the infection site, or you can use it in various oral remedies and for cooking. [6]
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which means it can help to relieve some symptoms of MRSA, while also eliminating the underlying infections. This unassuming oil has been shown to battle some difficult bacterial types, including flesh-eating bacteria, E. coli, and Salmonella. [7]
Turmeric
The powerful immune-boosting properties of turmeric are well known, and can mainly be attributed to the effects of curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric. You can create a paste from turmeric powder mixed with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the infected area to stop it from spreading, and you will quickly see a reduction in the severity of the MRSA sore. [8]
Aloe Vera
For generations, aloe vera has been used as an antibiotic remedy, particularly those on the skin that are commonly antibiotic-resistant. Aloe vera can be applied topically and left on, allowing it to soak into the skin to do its work. It can also speed healing of the infection and reduce redness, while also relieving the associated pain. [9]
Eucalyptus
Like many other antibacterial essential oils, eucalyptus oil has powerful antibacterial properties that make it an excellent remedy for skin infections like MRSA. Eucalyptus in other forms (leaves made into tea) can be consumed to promote a healthy immune system from within. [10]
Pascalite
This type of bentonite clay has long been known as a traditional remedy for skin infections like MRSA. The unique combination of minerals and other beneficial organic compounds helps to draw out infections and eliminate the signs of these afflictions very quickly. Simply prepare a clay pack of Pascalite and apply it to the affected area. [11]
Word of Caution: While these home remedies have been proven through anecdotal evidence to be very effective in the prevention and treatment of MRSA, this can still be a very serious and life-threatening infection, and should not be taken lightly. If the MRSA infection spreads to other parts of the body, it can quickly become a potentially fatal complication. Any observation of MRSA symptoms should be reported to and examined by a doctor, and proper precautions to avoid infecting others should be taken immediately.
