Tuberculosis

Definition

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infection in the lungs but it can also occur in other body parts. TB can be chronic and severe but it can also be short lived. It can occur in childhood or adulthood.

Symptoms

TB most commonly affects the lung area and frequently has no symptoms. Eventually lesions on the lung, in which the TB bacteria are actually growing, become large enough to create problems and can be seen on an X-ray. The first symptoms of TB are usually hacking, coughing, and flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, blood, reduced appetite, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. In the worst cases, fluid becomes trapped between the lung and chest wall causing a pleural effusion, air collects in the same space and pneumothorax occurs, or even death.

Note: TB signs and symptoms may not appear for two years following the initial infection, although experiences vary in different patients.

Types
There are two types of TB: Pulmonary Tuberculosis, which occurs in the actual lungs; and Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis, which affects other body parts.

Cause
TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. TB causes eight hundred deaths per year and over 20,000 new cases are reported annually. High-risk groups tend to be older African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. Also at greater risk are people with reduced immune systems due to malnutrition, diabetics, HIV, or other diseases.

Caution: Medicines that suppresses the immune system, such as adrenal cortical steroids, can retrigger tuberculosis.

Natural Cures

Be aware: Prevention is the key to dealing with and minimizing the spread of TB. This is achieved through vaccinations, such as the Bacilli Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine. Contact tracing utilizing skin screening and an X-ray should be performed on relatives and friends of sufferers with TB as an effective way to detect early instances of TB.

Diet: Consume an organic, whole-foods diet with uncooked vegetables and pure filtered water. Pears, pear liquid, and pear sauce may also be helpful, because they help speed healing of the lungs. Other helpful foods consist of fenugreek and alfalfa seedlings, garlic, pomegranate extract, and all forms of fermented whole milk such as natural yogurt and kefir.

Herbs: Combine the tinctures of Echinacea, elecampane, and mullein in equal parts and take one teaspoon three times per day. This treatment is very effective for soothing the lung area.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you. *Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Juice Treatment: Combine uncooked potato juice with an equal amount of carrot juice. Include one teaspoon of olive or almond oil and one teaspoon of honey. Drink three glasses each day.

Lifestyle: Get plenty of fresh air, rest, light, exercise, and relaxation.

Nutritional Supplementation: These supplements are recommended for TB treatment: Vitamin A, carotene, vitamin B, ascorbic acid, Vitamin E, multivitamins, essential fatty acids, zinc oxide, garlic capsules, citrus seed extract, lipotropic formula, deglycerinated licorice, and lung gladulars.

Topical Treatment: Eucalyptus oil packs applied topically on the skin over the lungs might help break up blockage and collected fluids.

Alternative Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite taking the above steps, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional treatments have all been shown to be useful for treating TB: Acupuncture, Detoxification Therapy, Power Medicine, Homeopathy, Light Therapy, Magnetic Field Treatment, Oxygen Treatment, Qigong, as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine. (See the glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)