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There are a few things to notice from this staph infection. Importantly, there are many small bumps above the large obvious infection that are about to erupt asinfections. His staph is very active and is quickly spreading. This means he will need to be under constant care and surveillance.Also, the large wound on his ankle is where shoes will rub and irritate, this has to be addressed, and enough padding has to be applied.You cannot see it here, but both of his legs have infections. I spent a fair amount of time discussing his options and what my concerns were. We decided to giveit a maximum of 5 days, and if he continued to worsen, then he would get antibiotics. I believed he would follow through on this, if not, I might have tried adifferent tactic.

It is important to sometimes set these time limits, which can bring a sense of relief for both health care practitioner and patient. Of course the antibiotics might not work or not starting them right away might give the staph a chance to spread and weaken him, but as said, all of this was discussed in detail with hischoices laid out for him.And when I say choices, I mean we clearly discussed what possible outcomes couldhappen if the staph got worse. I did not subtly hint for him to stay with holistic treatments. I leaned towards him going to a local clinic as his staph was worrisome. But he chose to work with us, and I felt that with the schedule we setup, it was reasonable, and he understood his options.This patient was very cooperative and came in at least 2 times daily for about 4

days for wound washing, treating and dressing. He did not have any predisposingconditions (diabetes, immune-compromised, etc) that would have made it more difficult. In fact, this gentleman was a hale as they come.At no time did he show any signs of internal infection, such as fever, body pains (besides local) or lethargy.I should say now we eventually sent him to the local hospital for antibiotics. As we would get a few of the infections under control, others would then sprout.We talked about how much it might cost and any legal considerations. Some of thepeople I work with have had many difficulties with the legal authorities, and avoid public institutions (including hospitals) due to this.

You might note here (and be annoyed by it) that I have not yet discussed herbs.That is not an accident as I feel we as herbalist are ~way too quick~ to move ri

ght into the herbal treatment realm without considering all the personal and social aspects involved in helping someone. If only it were so simple as just giving herbs or drugs. But consider, this man has a highly communicable disease whichwill limit his physical interaction with other people, how does this make him feel?And many people who have staph infections (or lice, or STIs) feel like they havedone something wrong which affects feelings of self-worth. That is poppycock. While these conditions do alter some of their interactions, it does not change their worth as a person, and they should be reminded of this.So simultaneously letting them know, yes, staph infections are very communicableand not to share clothing, and avoid physical contact while they are having anoutbreak, but this does not alter who they are and ANYBODY can get these problems.

Now before folks go storming off feeling cheated about not getting herbal information, I have treated staph infections successfully many times and will cover the protocols, but I want to instill some clinical, non-treatment aspects of health care.

(Photo-multiple staph infections on upper arm, 2004 Rainbow Gathering N. California. The black on his arm is from activated charcoal.)

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This is the third part of a series discussing staph (Staphylococcus aureus) infections. Now that some basic diagnosis and considerations were covered, time to move onto treatment. This series will continue later with discussion on internalmedicines, and activated charcoal.

Treatment consists of;1) Internal and external herbal medicines2) Cleanliness and proper hygiene habits3) General health considerations, personal and community

This is a contagious infection and it is imperative for health care practitioners to take care of themselves, by washing thoroughly and diligently along with sterilizing equipment, so they do not contract the infection themselves or/and spread it to others. And let the patient know that it is transmissible and how theycan avoid passing it along.It is important to keep the infected area clean by washing it at least one timedaily with warm water and soap. Also wash any area(s) the might become potentially infected such as small cuts or bites anywhere near the infection site. If anill-formed scab appears it should be removed so the infection underneath can becleaned thoroughly. By ill-formed I mean it is not attached to the surrounding tissue, and when pressed on (gloves please) obvious pus comes up around the side.To remove, use hot water compresses. Put hot/warm water on a cloth or gauze andlet sit on the scab until it loosens. You may need to reapply the warm water compresses a few times. You can take the scabs off without doing this but the compr

esses will reduce the pain considerably.Remember to look around the infection for other infections emerging and do a body scan as well to see if the staph is erupting elsewhere.

TreatmentNow that the infection is clean and exposed, time to apply medicines. Locally onthe infection there are two main preparations. The first are disinfecting herbal medicines and the second is activated charcoal compresses. Internal herbal medicines are also helpful.Try to avoid applying powdered herbs directly on the wound, as while they may bedisinfecting, the skin will have a harder time mending with the herbs in placeas an obstacle. If you do use powdered herbs, wash them off well some time afterapplying.

Tinctures work well here as there is no granular herbal matter to inhibit skin growth and the alcohol itself is disinfecting (though too much also inhibits wound closure). There are a number of plants that can be used, but consider the categories of herbal treatments so you have more options. They include disinfectingplants (antimicrobials), astringents and vulneraries (wound healing agents). Also consider pain remedies for both the physical and emotional that accompany staph infections.Below are just a few of the options per category.

Antimicrobials include; Berberis/Mahonia (Barberry/Oregon graperoot), Achillea (Yarrow), Propolis, Commiphora (Myrrh), Larrea (Chaparral), and Allium sativum(Garlic).

Astringents; Hamamelis (Witch hazel), Quercus (Oak), Rosaceae (Agrimony, Rose, Blackberry, Potentilla, Ladies mantle), Krameria (Rhatany), Geranium root.

Vulneraries; Calendula (combines skin mending and antiinfective qualities)

Pain Remedies; Piscidia (Jamaican dogwood), Lactuca (Wild lettuce), Scutellaria(Skullcap), Valeriana (Valerian), Humulus (Hops), Eschscholtzia (California poppy), Anemone.

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Suggestions1. Avoid comfrey as you want to make sure the bacteria is dead before quick skingrowth seals it in2. Avoid salves initially, as the oil can create a more hospitable environment for the staph bacteria

This staph series will continue later with discussion on internal medicines, activated charcoal, and other considerations. As usual, please let me know if thishas been helpful~7Song

Activated Charcoal part 1(Photo; Vet-wrap (Self-adhesive wrap) covering many bandages which themselves are covering multiple staph infections. California Rainbow Gathering 2004.)Activated charcoal is a mainstay of first aid and one of the few medicines thatI suggest all travelers carry with them as it is very light, and covers a numberof medical needs.Charcoal (the word carbon can be substituted) is burnt organic matter. The difference between regular charcoal and activated charcoal is the process. If you justburn wood on a campfire or toast on a stove, you get charcoal. Activated charcoa

l required additional processing and is usually made from hardwood, coconut hulls and other ingredients, and is not easy to make. I purchase mine.

Both charcoal and activated charcoal share medicinal characteristics, but activated charcoal works better and it is what I am suggesting here for medical use. In a pinch, charcoal (NOT charcoal briquettes which are often treated with otheragents such as petroleum) left over from a fire or prepared from burnt toast canbe used. Read on.The main function of activated charcoal is as an adsorbent. The simple definition of adsorption is the process of a substance adhering to a surface (solid). Inthis case the activated charcoal is the surface and grabbing onto whatever sticks to it.What this translates to is that many different substances adhere to charcoal. Th

is includes a wide range of toxins and poisons. So charcoal is used both internally and externally to hold fast things that we dont want in or on our bodies. This includes bacteria like staph, and the waste products of digestive endoparasites such as the protozoa Giardia or the bacteria Shigella.

We do not absorb charcoal, so any taken internally passes from mouth to anus, soall that you swallow, you will eventually defecate. One of the reasons I am writing this is to say charcoal is not a blood purifier (whatever that means) as it does not move from a wound, nor from the digestive system to the bloodstream. Itdoes not work on viral infections for instance as viruses invade our cells and charcoal cannot reach these places. So it is not useful for one of the most common stomach ailments, viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu). But the fact that it isnot absorbed makes it very useful as it means that anything it grabs onto and h

olds tight can either be washed out of an infected wound or will come out in a bowel movement.

Now for the difference between regular charcoal and activated charcoal. The part of charcoal that adsorbs the unwanted substances are within the pores, which looka bit like the dimples on a golf ball. The more pores the greater the ability to adsorb substances. While regular and activated charcoal share medicinal qualities, activated has a much greater degree of pores and hence is more efficient atabsorbing whatever it comes into contact. It is not merely a matter of quantity, so taking more regular charcoal does not necessarily do the trick, but again,

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much better than nothing.

Another important aspect of charcoal is that it makes a weak bond with water andsome nutrients, but makes a strong bond with some venoms and toxins. This is important otherwise it would form tight bonds with water and not much else. Instead, if you mix it with water, it will release its water bond and make a strongerbond with less wanted substances, adsorb them, and move them out of your body when you have a bowel movement or wash it out of a wound.

Activated charcoal is used both internally and externally for its properties. Itis taken internally as capsules or as a powder mixed with water and drank. Thelast one is the method I primarily use as it is the easiest and least expensivemanner to take it. Bulk activated charcoal is not too expensive online, about $60 for 4 pounds, which is a good quantity as it is light stuff. You can make capsules, which are not expensive, but time-consuming to make. Store bought capsulesare very expensive. A bottle of 100 capsules costs approximately $7, which contains 260mg. (.009 oz).There are advantages to capsules, they are easier to transport and take internally, with less flavor. And they are a lot less messy, as activated charcoal is very light. And if not careful while pouring, it flies in the wind (and onto yourclothes). Try to make your own capsules, as it will be much less expensive. Butremember that if you use it externally, you will have to open each capsule separately, which is time consuming and a potential waste of money.

Activated charcoal powder is messy stuff and it will temporarily stain your clothing and skin. The problem is the small granules get caught in skin pores and take a while before being shed off. There is no health risk, but to keep clean while working first aid, try to avoid being overly blackened by being careful whenpouring and applying charcoal.This is a roundup on what activated charcoal does and how, next section will beon how to use apply it.

I purchase my activated charcoal from (this is really their name) Buyactivatedcharcoal.com. I buy the hardwood powder form.