Gangrene

When tissue is destroyed and is dead and begins deteriorating in an area of the body, it brings on a condition called gangrene. There are two type of gangrene as a condition: those in which the dead and the dying tissue turns completely black is known as dry gangrene. In this type of condition, as the gangrene sets in on the affected area extreme pain is usually the first sign of the appearance of gangrene; at this stage the affected skin become pale and cold to the touch. The color of the skin completely darkens and turns black as the tissues dies; numbness replaces the pain felt earlier. In the other type called “wet” gangrene, which is often caused by injuries, when bacteria infect the injured parts of the body, as the infection spreads and the bacteria multiply in the tissue, it becomes soft if left untreated and it starts to smell. Because the infection is spreading throughout the body via the blood, wet gangrene is considered more lethal and complicated, it is also hard to heal, as the toxins produced by the bacterial infection contaminates the blood and leads to blood poisoning of the affected person.

The ceasing or the slowing down of the circulation in the body is responsible for dry gangrene; this causes an acute lack and deprivation of oxygen in the tissues of the body. Other conditions and diseases in the body can also bring on this state of deprivation of oxygen in the tissues, disorders like arteriosclerosis, arterial complications in diabetes, or in rare cases due even an embolism might suddenly block an artery in the leg, and bring about tissue death due to the cessation of circulation. Injuries to tissue and subsequent tissue death from frostbite can lead to gangrene setting in, and this is a very easy way of getting gangrene. On the other hand, following a proper procedure and hygienic practices in cleaning and healing wounds, can prevent the occurrence of the wet type of gangrene.

Supplements and herbs

Supplementing the diet with an acidophilus bacterial complex, during and a few weeks after beginning medical therapy is a good idea, as most of the medications used will be antibiotics given to prevent the multiplication and spread of the bacteria in wet gangrene. This will prevent the incidence of fungal infections and many other disorders following antibiotic treatment, by restoring and replenishing the healthy and normal complement of intestinal flora and beneficial microbes.
Plants like wheatgrass and other green foods contain chlorophyll, this compound is active in eliminating and cleansing the blood. The many detrimental effects of the various toxic compounds in the body is eliminated by the use of vitamin C, which also supports and maintains the strength of the immune system and has a role in the restoration and repair of damaged tissues. The repair of skin tissue and the immune system can also be improved by using the vitamins A and E. Additionally the supply of oxygen to the tissue is also increased by using vitamin E as a supplement.

Many herbal based treatments and various herbal remedies speed healing times and are active in the promotion of circulation within the body, minimizing the chances of tissue isolation and death.

To stimulate blood circulation and to relax the blood vessels in the body, 25 drops of ginkgo extract can be consumed daily as herbal supplement. The extract of the Echinacea herb has antibiotic properties. This can be taken thrice a day with about 20 drops mixed in liquid. The process of healing of the tissues can be accelerated by using the horsetail herb in supplement form, this also strengthens skin and resistance to various other ailments of the skin is increased, for internal consumption use about 15-20 drops of horsetail tincture or a tbsp. of horsetail juice mixed in water, thrice a day, this dosage can also be used to infuse and moisten a compress for topical application, while the same dosage and proportion can be followed to add horsetail to the bathwater as an infusion. Moist compresses and bath infusions can also be made using other herbs such as arnica, or the bark of the oak tree. The application of an arnica or calendula salve, which speeds up healing, should be done only after drying the affected part. This ointment made from arnica should not be applied on open sores or broken skin if these is present on the affected region.

Additional things you may do

Apply sliced onions to speed healing and stimulate blood circulation.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin A, 25,000 lU (avoid during pregnancy).
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg 3 to 5 times a day.
• Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU two times a day.
• Green food supplement, such as barley grass or wheatgrass, one tbsp.
• Acidophilus complex, three capsules or one tsp.

Other beneficial herbs

• Trillium

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