Natural Treatments for Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a painful skin condition in which the soft tissue under the skin is infected with bacteria. The bacteria cause inflammation and swelling and can be extremely painful. It is safe to say that bacteria is constantly on the skin and doesn’t cause harm. However, when there is a break in the skin, bacteria can get deep down under the skin and cause cellulitis. Insect bites, psoriasis, and eczema can also be contributing factors in getting cellulitis. Cellulitis causes pain and discomfort, but can be managed naturally by trying the following recommendations.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the best natural remedies for a cellulitis infection because of its medium-chain fatty acids content. The lauric acid it contains helps to fight the bacterial infection. In addition to its healing properties, coconut oil is great for moisturizing and softening the skin. You can liberally apply coconut oil directly to the areas affected by cellulitis several times per day until the condition is cleared up.

Manuka Honey

Honey has a reputation for being healthy when consumed or used for its medicinal properties. It has antibacterial properties that are great for healing wounds or burns. Often, cellulitis is a result of an open wound or burn. So, by using manuka honey, you’re essentially treating the root of the problem. Simply apply the honey to areas that are painful and swollen as a result of the cellulitis. Leave the honey for several hours and then rinse it off with warm water.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin which is responsible for many of the health benefits of turmeric. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which makes it a powerful ally in fighting a cellulitis infection. To use turmeric, add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of hot milk. You can also add honey to suit your taste, but it’s not necessary. After the mixture has cooled, you can consume it.

Garlic

Garlic is not only a great seasoning agent, but it can also boost the immune system which will help the body fight off a bacterial infection. Because of its antifungal, antibacterial and antibiotic properties, garlic can be used to reduce inflammation and destroy bacteria. Consuming fresh garlic is potent and will have the most desirable results. However, if you cannot stomach the smell or taste of garlic, you can take a garlic supplement. You can also fry crushed garlic with olive oil. Once the mixture has cooled, apply it to the affected skin.

Fenugreek

Packed full of flavonoids, fenugreek puts up a strong fight against inflammation and infection. Flavonoids have had a positive impact on everything from complicated cancer treatments to simple problems such as cellulitis. To get the full benefit of fenugreek, add two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds to water. Allow them to soak for several hours. Grind them up to form a paste. Apply that paste to the affected areas of your skin. You can leave the fenugreek paste on your skin for a couple of hours. Finally, wash the fenugreek paste off with some warm water.

Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb that has been used through the years for its medicinal properties. Because of its antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it has a positive impact on the immune system which can make it easier to fight a cellulitis infection. You can use echinacea in the form of a tea, or it can be purchased as a cream or gel and applied directly over the skin where cellulitis is a problem.

Dandelion

Dandelions are not only pretty to look at, but the leaves of dandelions contain powerful antioxidants that might stop the destruction of radicals in the body. Dandelions also contain healthy amounts of Vitamin C which can aid in treating cellulitis. You can consume dandelions directly or you can make a paste. To make the paste, grind the dandelion leaves and mix with just enough water to form the paste. Gently apply the paste to all areas affected by cellulitis. Allow the paste to stay on the skin for a few hours and then rinse off with warm water.

Calendula

Calendula is known for its soothing properties. This makes it perfect for use in providing relief from the inflammation caused by cellulitis. Calendula also stimulates blood flow and collagen release which encourages faster wound healing. Use calendula cream by applying it to affected areas two or three times per day. Alternatively, you can boil calendula leaves and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then, use a cotton swab and dip it in the tea and apply to the skin.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is great remedy for cellulitis because it contains anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial qualities. Although it may cause a slight burning sensation when applied to the skin, tea tree oil is completely safe to use on the skin. Apply the tea tree oil with a cotton swab over the areas affected by cellulitis. Allow it to stay on the skin for several hours before rinsing it off with warm water.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has many medicinal properties. It contains carvacrol and thymol which have strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano oil can be used alone or combined with another oil, such as coconut, to maximize the results. Apply it directly to the skin and leave it on for a few hours to achieve the best results.