Meningitis is inflammation of meninges (thin membranes covering brain and spinal cord). Meningitis occurs most commonly due to viral infection. But bacterial and fungal infection can also cause meningitis. Viral meningitis is generally benign, clearing up within a few days without causing any complications. Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, can cause learning disabilities, brain damage, deafness, and even death if not treated properly.
Other causes of meningitis include drug allergies, chemical reactions, certain cancers, and some inflammatory disorders. Main symptoms of meningitis are severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, and nausea or vomiting. Other symptoms that can be present are drowsiness, sensitivity to light, skin rash, seizures, confusion, and loss or clouding of consciousness.
In older adults, sometimes the symptoms are only lethargy and altered mental state. Meningitis needs to be taken seriously since it can cause severe complications. Consult a doctor immediately if you suspect meningitis. You can take the following herbal remedies under the doctor’s supervision.
5 Herbal Remedies For Meningitis
Cat’s Claw
The root and bark of Uncaria tomentosa are used to make the cat’s claw extract. The extract has many chemicals that fight inflammation and viral infections, such as tannins, sterols, glycosides, and quinovic acid.
It can be taken as tea or capsules. Its dose is 100-350 mg daily. It is generally safe and causes very few side effects. Some of the side effects are nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take it.
Reishi Mushroom
The mycelium and fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum are used to make the extract. The extract contains many bioactive compounds that boost your immune system and help fight infection and inflammation. These include polysaccharides and triterpenoids.
It can be taken as capsules or tincture. The dose is 150-300 mg 2-3 times daily or 30-60 drops of its tincture twice or thrice daily. Its side effects can include dry throat and mouth, allergic reactions in some people, and lowering of blood pressure.
Olive Leaf
The olive extract prepared from the leaves of Olea europaea is useful in meningitis. The extract has several active compounds that boost the immune system and fight infection and inflammation.
They include polyphenols, flavonoids, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein. Its dose is 250-500 mg twice or thrice daily. It is generally safe to use. Some of its side effects are headache and stomach pain. Pregnant and breastfeeding women would do well to avoid it.
Garlic
The cloves of Allium sativum are used to derive the garlic extract. The extract contains the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic chemical called allicin. Its dose is 600-1200 mg of standardized extract thrice daily. Some of its side effects include burning sensation in stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Garlic increases the risk of bleeding. Some people may have allergic reactions to it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women would do well to avoid it.
Astragalus
The root of Astragalus membranaceus is used medicinally. The extract of Astragalus contains the active ingredients that possess antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredients deliver these benefits by boosting the immune system. It can be taken as tea, tincture, or capsules.
The dose is 250-500 mg thrice daily or 20-60 drops of its tincture thrice daily. It is by and large safe, though enough is not known about its side effects.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.