Natural Remedies for Certain Waterborne Illnesses
There are no shortage of pathogens in water that can make us sick, and there are others that can be fatal as well. While we can never understate the importance of using appropriate filtration whenever water quality may be in question, we also understand how easy it is to inadvertently ingest contaminated water as well. That’s why we want to mention a few natural remedies that may help the body fight off certain microorganisms while you’re out in the field and don’t have many other options available.
Keep in mind that these remedies are just suggestions, and worth considering, but they should never be used as an excuse to properly treating water before consumption.
Cholera
Cholera attacks the lower digestive tract and can cause serious and persistent diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, vomiting and place someone in danger of dehydration. It is most commonly found in fecal matter that has been introduced into the water that someone is drinking, and cholera can be introduced by animals as well as humans.
Some common remedies for cholera include the “Fool’s Parsley” plant and green tea. The Fool’s Parsley can be eaten whole, made into a tea or alcohol-based tincture. It is thought to soothe and calm the digestive system while also helping it to regulate itself more efficiently. People swear this remedy works, and it is noted for being safe for infants and children to use as well.
Compounds in green tea are also considered to be a first-line of defense against cholera, and they can be particularly effective when it comes to killing the cholera bacteria and boosting the immune system at the same time.
E. Coli
This nasty bug is responsible for some of the most common outbreaks of food poisoning, and it is also transmitted from fecal matter to water and food in most cases. It causes severe cramping and diarrhea that contributes to dehydration and fatigue due to electrolyte imbalances created as the microorganisms attack the digestive system. Green tea and oak tinctures or teas are highly recommended natural alternatives to traditional forms of treatment.
Hepatitis A
This is another common contaminant in water, particularly in the aftermath of crises that taint municipal water supplies. It is a virus that has a long incubation period before symptoms develop, and illnesses caused by hepatitis A can take months to recover from. It can also damage the liver and wreak havoc on our immune system. Herbal or natural treatments for hepatitis A include about 5 cups of coffee (yes, really) per day, and Celandine. The root and and stems of the plant are thought to contain the medicinal compounds, and the best way to extract them is to let the material slowly steep in hot water for about 10 minutes. Tinctures have also been reported to be effective in some cases as well.
Keep in mind that these are just a few of many herbal remedies that can be used to treat dozens of infections caused by tainted water. The trick is to use the right ones based on the condition that you have at the time, and that can be a challenge since the symptoms caused by different microorganisms may appear similar.
However, these and other remedies may be just what the doctor ordered if you end up getting sick from tainted water in the field. Do some research into these and other options available, and consider preparing some remedies to have on hand during a crisis. They may provide an additional layer of protection against becoming seriously ill or dehydrated in the field.
