Natural Remedies for Infections

Dear Friends,

This is in response to requests I’ve been receiving for some natural ways to help with some infections.

I often hear from patients that they prefer not to use antibiotics.  I completely respect that decision.  However, when dealing with infections of the head, I like to remind my patients that chronic issues should be handled with chronic solutions and acute issues often require acute interventions.  So while I believe antibiotics for chronic issues are not appropriate, they can be a life-saving intervention when a bacterial condition is overwhelming the body’s immune system.  Please keep this in mind as you proceed with these if your condition should get worse, lead to swelling, fevers, etc.  As your dentist, I can prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections.  And as responsibly calculated interventions, the risks can be worth the reward—even the difference between life and death.  

Having said that, my personal preference (for me—not necessarily my personal preference for you) is to use the simplest of natural remedies.  Here are some personal go-tos for when my family is dealing with issues.  Keep in mind, natural remedies support the body’s natural immune system which often doesn’t work as quickly as pharmaceuticals.  So you shouldn’t get discouraged if you don’t notice improvement after just a couple tries.  The body generally tends to heal (as well as to deteriorate) in a slow and steady fashion.       

Disclaimer: This does not constitute professional medical/dental advice. This is for educational purposes only. I am simply sharing what I have learned from my personal experiences. If you are a patient of mine, please reach out so I can assess your issue, review your medical history, and provide specific guidance for your situation. If you are not a patient of Rest Dentistry, consult your physician/dentist/professional about your condition.

Natural “Antibiotic” Concoction 

-1/4 onion, medium

-4 cloves garlic

-1 thumb ginger

-1/8 tsp cayenne powder

-1 T honey (or to taste–more makes it taste more palatable)

-1/2 cup squeezed lemon juice

-Enough water to make the total volume 4 cups 


Blend it all together (not too long or its consistency will turn like applesauce and it gets hard to drink).  I don’t like all the onion pulp, so I use a sieve to strain out the pulp and just drink the liquid.  We drink about 8 oz, 2-3 times throughout the day.  There’s no specific prescription for this so we just use our best judgment.

Because of the acidity of the lemon juice, I don’t brush my teeth after drinking this.  I wait until the “chalky, gritty” texture on my teeth is replaced by the normal smooth, “slick” feeling before I will brush.

Tip:  

I usually double this recipe so we don't have to make it twice in one day for the whole family, but fresher is better if you don’t mind making it in single batches.


Contrast showers

I don’t have a history of fainting, but if I did, I would be cautious; I would also be cautious if do not tolerate changes in my blood pressure well.  In that case, it would be advisable to have someone present nearby ( just in case) or perhaps not try this at all.  Also a “use your best judgment” situation.  If my history of fainting were due to hyperventilating in these types of circumstances, the breathing suggestions below may be helpful in some instances (specific to hyperventilation).

The first many times I tried this, it was very difficult to handle the cold.  Don’t give up like I did.  When I was finally sick enough that I was willing to try this to completion, I found that as I progressed through each cycle, I could handle hotter hots and the colds became more of a relief than a shock.  

Tip:  

If I need to shower anyway, I’ll go through my normal shower routine before starting the contrast shower.  Because once you finish the contrast shower, you want to go straight 

from the cold water to towel-dried to bundled-and-under-the-covers.  Going through your normal shower routine after the contrast shower won’t be as effective.

All 3 cycles done without stopping in between:

  • Cycle 1:  

    • 2-3 minutes hot.  Get the water as hot as I can tolerate it (without burning myself!).  My skin usually turns a bit red, but I’m careful not to burn myself. 

    • 30-60 seconds cold.  I go from hot to as cold as I can get the water.  This is very uncomfortable if done right.  I hang on for 30 seconds, but 60 is even better.

  • Cycle 2:

    • Repeat cycle 1.  I can usually go a little hotter than the first cycle to rebound from the cold. If I can’t go hotter, it’s usually a sign that my cold wasn’t cold enough.  The cold may also feel a little less uncomfortable.

  • Cycle 3:

    • Repeat cycle 2.  You may notice you can go even hotter.  And you may also find that the cold actually feels slightly enjoyable after the previous hot cycle.  

    • This third round ENDS ON COLD. And you’re done with this part.  

  • I towel dry and get bundled into pajamas, sweats, whatever warm, comfortable clothing.  

  • I get under the covers and REST for an hour.  I avoid getting on any devices or distracting myself with electronics.  Just REST.  This is a VERY IMPORTANT STEP.  I usually end up taking a nap.

  • I sweat a LOT.  After an hour, I dry myself off and change into dry clothes.

I repeat this as many times throughout the day I’m able.  Often, my schedule only allows me to do this once in the evening.  That’s fine.  I just prepare myself to have to change out of my sweaty clothes if I do this before going to bed for the night.  

If you want me to explain the science behind why this works, feel free to reach out. 

Also, if you want to hear a cool biblical story about a healing that was done with just water, click here and ask.  I love sharing this story so I’m happy to share–especially before you start these contrast showers!


Onion & Garlic Broth Irrigation

-1 large onion (halved or quartered)

-4 cloves of garlic

-4 cups of water 

Put all into a pot and bring to a boil.  Keep on medium heat for about 10 minutes, then reduce heat and let simmer until the onion becomes translucent (around 30 minutes).   

Use the liquid only.  After it has cooled off so it’s mildly warm, swish around in your mouth.  Sometimes, this type of solution is used to irrigate wounds out in the field.  So swishing can help to cleanse the more superficial issues of the soft tissues.

You can also drink this throughout the day to hydrate, if you’d like. Did you know onions are high in quercetin?   

Oil of Oregano Steam Inhalation

This is especially helpful if you have upper respiratory congestion.  

-Medium pot of water and lid

-Undiluted oil of oregano

-Large towel

  • Bring the covered pot of water to a good rolling boil

  • Take the lidded pot to an area where you can place your head over the pot (like the dinner table or nook)

  • Situate the towel over your head (and pot)

  • Carefully remove the lid slightly and place a drop or two of oregano oil into the water

  • You can control the amount of direct steam by how much of the lid covers the pot

  • Stay under the towel and do this steam inhalation for about 30 minutes, re-heating the water and adding more oil as you need.

The key is to get close enough to inhale without hurting yourself with the heat or strength of the oil (it’s strong).  One thing that always happens to me is when I get close enough to the steam is that I’ll sneeze.  Don’t know why.

Caution!  

If you haven’t done this before, the oil of oregano steam can be quite strong–strong enough to feel like you may have burned your nostrils.  So don’t dive your head right over the pot.  Ease in slowly until you find your spot.  

Breathing (if susceptible to hyperventilation)

  • Breathing should be diaphragmatic (abdominal) breaths

  • Inhalations should be slow and quiet.  About 4 seconds.  If you can’t do this at first, it’s ok.  You’ll be able to do it with some practice.

  • Exhalations should also be slow and quiet.  About 5-6 seconds.  

  • Small pause after finishing exhaling.  Then allow your diaphragm to start the next inhale (this will feel like air is gently being pulled back into your lungs)

  • All breathing should be silent.  Totally understandable that it may not be if under the cold water!

  • As you breathe slower (4 seconds inhale, 6 seconds exhale), keep in mind that you're not trying to increase the volume.  The volume should be about the same as with normal breathing (unless you are a shallow breather); it's just that you're doing it more slowly.

 

Wishing you prosperity and health,

Dr C