Supplements and herbs that may be beneficial in combating TB

Supplements and herbs that may be beneficial in combating TB:

(Source:http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/tuberculosis.htm)

The body needs to be strengthened through nutritional supplements-so that it can regain strength and fight the illness effectively-some of these supplements will boost the immune system and help deal with the disease. The friendly bacteria known as the Lactobacillus acidophilus and other similar cultures must be supplemented in regular amounts so as to increase and maintain the intestinal flora and prevent the disease from spreading to the gastrointestinal tract. The use of antibiotics for a long period of time disrupts the populations of the natural bacteria in the gut and the supplements of the acidophilus will help replenish the natural bacterial populations in the intestines. Supplements of the vitamin C are also necessary to support the body's fight against bacteria and other symptoms. Strength and energy levels in the body can be maintained by regular supplements of the B vitamins-supplements of such vitamins keep the body at optimal performance and help the immune system deal with disease and other physical symptoms. The prolonged treatment with antibiotics can result in certain liver problems; this can be rectified with vitamin B6 supplements carried out on a regular basis. Weakened mucus membranes due to constant coughing can be strengthened by supplement - the vitamin A along with a natural compound known as beta-carotene. For full and complete recovery, all the supplements must be taken continuously till the body is completely free of the disease.

Many tuberculosis patients show a total absence of silica in the bones over a period of time. The formation of scar tissues is prevented by silica-this mineral also increases the resistance of the person to diseases of many kinds. For adequate silica supplies in the diet, take a single tbsp. of the herbal horsetail juice every day-this herb is very rich in its silica content, alternately you can also take a vegetal silica aqueous extract powder, dosage can be about three to four capsules along with the daily meals thrice every day. The herbal nettle juice taken in a raw form is a rich source for the mineral calcium. This herbal remedy can be taken in the diet, for example, use some new nettle shoots, finely chop them up and sprinkle them on soups and salads, you can also sauté them with some onions for variety and eat these along with the meals. The herb can be rendered more appetizing by mixing the nettle juice with some carrot juice. Dosage of this herbal juice mix can be a tbsp. daily with the meals. A herbal tea can be prepared using one portion each of herbs such as the mullein, the bugleweed, the knotgrass and the sage, about three parts each of herbs such as the chamomile and the horsetail can also be added to help relieve the coughing which is often persistent in TB patients. Prepare this tea by suing about three cups of boiling water to steep a tsp. of the herb mix and daily drink three to four cups of this tea. Intestinal health is promoted by garlic, which is an excellent antibacterial agent-it can be used in the long term to provide relief from many of the symptoms of the disease. Use about three capsules thrice a day. The resistance of the body to infection can be increased by taking some natural antibiotics such as the horseradish, the watercress and the juice of the nasturtium herb. Dosage of these herbs can be a tbsp. of herbal juice daily; alternately you can add some pesticide-free watercress and nasturtiums to a freshly prepared garden salad-all these natural remedies are without side effects.

What else you can do
Tuberculosis can be successfully healed by exposure to lots of fresh air, to adequate sunshine, and to regular participation in physical exercises along with deep breathing techniques. It is important to keep the bedroom of the patient well ventilated and cool with a flow of air at all times of the day and night. It is ideal for all TB patients to spend an extended period of time in the cool and fresh mountain air-a good environment is very important in recovery from TB. Patients should avoid staying for long periods of time in stuffy and air-conditioned rooms. To avoid spreading the germs of tuberculosis around the home, whenever coughing, use a tissue held up to the face-cover the mouth and nose with this when you cough.

Usual dosage
Garlic, three capsules thrice a day.
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every few hours, up to 5,000-10,000 mg a day up to bowel tolerance.
Vitamin B6, 50-100 mg.
Vitamin B complex, 100 mg thrice a day.
Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (should be avoided during pregnancy) or beta-carotene, 50,000 IU.
Copper, 4 mg.
Zinc, 50 mg or more.
Selenium, 600 mcg.
Calcium, 1,000 mg, with 500 mg magnesium.
Pycnogenols like grape seed extract, pine bark extract and quercetin, bilberry, catechin, hesperidin, 300 mg or more.
Lactobacillus acidophilus, three capsules or one tsp.
Parathyroid glandular extract, one to two capsules.
Halibut liver or cod oil, three to six capsules, for vitamin D.
Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg thrice a day.
Green food supplements, one tbsp.