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DESCRIPTION
Gangrene is a condition in which body tissues die, and ultimately decay, as a result of inadequate oxygen supply. It can affect any body part, but most frequently affects extremities such as the toes, feet, fingers, hands, and arms. Gangrene of the internal organs is especially dangerous.
There are two types of gangrene: wet gangrene and dry gangrene. See "Causes" for a description of the two types of gangrene.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Wet Gangrene:
- Swelling in infected part.
- Tenderness in infected part.
- Severe and rapidly worsening pain.
- As infection progresses, the affected tissue changes color, usually from pink to deep red to gray-green or purple.
Dry Gangrene:
- Dull, aching pain in affected area.
- Coldness in the affected area.
- Pain and pallor of the affected area are early signs.
CAUSES
Wet Gangrene:
- Wet gangrene is the result of a wound or injury that becomes infected. The infection prevents adequate venous drainage, depriving the area of needed blood supply and oxygen. The disruption in oxygen supply in turn promotes the infection. (See symptoms above.) If left untreated, wet gangrene can lead to shock and death in a matter of days. Fortunately, careful hygiene can usually prevent this type of gangrene.
- Dry gangrene does not involve bacterial infection. It is caused by stopped or reduced blood flow, which results in oxygen-deprived tissue. Reduced blood flow may be caused by injury, hardening of the arteries, poor circulation, diabetes, or blockage in a blood vessel. The condition most often occurs in the feet and toes. (See symptoms above.)
- Sometimes gangrene is caused by frostbite. In frostbite, the oxygen-deprived area dies, but the gangrene does not spread to any other area. As the flesh dies, it may be painful, but once the skin is dead, it becomes numb and slowly darkens.
GANGRENE RISKS
The risk of developing gangrene is higher than normal for people with diabetes, who smoke or drink excessively or who have poor circulation in general. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle decrease the likelihood of developing gangrene and also aid in recovery should you require surgery for this condition.
TREATMENT
CONSIDERATIONS
The only treatment for established gangrene is surgical removal of the affected area.
For Wet gangrene, treatment with antibiotics and surgical removal of the dead tissue are usually necessary. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be employed as well. See Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for more information.
Slowly developing dry gangrene may be reversed by arterial surgery. Chelation is an alternative. See Chelation Therapy for more information. If an acute arterial obstruction is involved, emergency surgery must be performed.
See Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis and Circulation Disorders for more information.
Raynaud's syndrome, a condition that affects the small arteries of the fingers and toes, can lead to gangrene if not treated. See Raynaud's Disease / Raynaud's Phenomenon for a more complete discussion of this condition.
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
Butcher's Broom is important for circulation.
Bromelain and Turmeric (curcumin) are good for reducing swelling and inflammation.
Olive Leaf is good for fighting infections.
Other beneficial herbs include Bayberry, Cayenne (capsicum), Echinacea, Ginkgo Biloba, and Goldenseal.
Goldenseal made into a poultice can be directly applied to the abscess. Or apply alcohol-free Goldenseal Extract to sterile gauze and place the gauze over the abscess.
CAUTION! Do not take Goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and DO NOT USE IT DURING PREGNANCY. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a health care provider's supervision.
Goldenseal Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Echinacea Goldenseal Tincture, Nature's Way, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz.
A poultice that combines Lobelia and Slippery Elm bark is soothing and fights infection.
Milk Thistle, taken in capsule form, is good for the liver and aids in cleansing the bloodstream.
Tea Tree Oil, applied externally, is a potent natural antiseptic that kills infectious organisms without harming healthy cells. Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 4 parts water and apply the mixture with a cotton ball 3 times daily. It will destroy bacteria, hasten healing, and prevent infection from spreading.
MoonDragon's Health Therapy - Using A Poultice
RECOMMENDATIONS
Eat fresh pineapple daily. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that fights inflammation and aids healing.
Bromelain 2000 GDU Supplement, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 90 Tabs
NOW Foods Bromelain 2000 GDU, Bromelain Supplement, is a proteolytic digestive enzyme that can enhance absorption of protein. It may also affect protein turnover in the body including proteins found in joint tissue. Bromelain has been the subject of over 200 scientific studies in medicine, dentistry, and animal research over the past 30 years. As a dietary supplement, take one tablet with or between meals. Bromelain (2000 GDU), 500 mg, [GDU - Gelatin Digesting Units - a measure of proteolytic (protein digesting) activity.
Add kelp to the diet for beneficial minerals.
Kelp Supplement, Nature's Way, Certified, 650 mg, 100 Caps
Kelp Seaweed, Norwegian, NOW Foods, 100% Natural, 550 mg, 250 Caps
Kelp Seaweed, Norwegian Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Perform a liquid fast using juices for 24 to 72 hours.
For an external abscess, apply honey to the affected area. Honey destroys bacteria and viruses, apparently by drawing all the moisture out of them.
Manuka Honey. Bio Active 10+, 500 g
Pure Manuka Honey, UMF 5+, New Zealand Manuka Honey, 16 oz.
Our New Zealand Manuka Honey is pure, raw, natural, organic honey collected from the flower to the Tea Tree of New Zealand and is used for sore throats, colds, canker sores, fever blisters or on toast with peanut butter! This New Zealand Manuka Honey has medicinal qualities not found in other honeys and seems to have the ability to naturally destroy staph aureus and streptococcus. Staph, and strep bacteria are typically involved in the common sore throat, cold, canker sore and fever blister. Manuka Honey is also applied to minor cuts, pimples and scratches. Manuka honey also tastes great on toast, mixed with butter, peanut butter or to sweeten tea. Pure Organic Honey direct from New Zealand. Made from the Manuka flower to produce a honey rich in natural taste and healing qualities that are only created from the Manuka.
To cleanse the affected area, apply chlorophyll liquid mixed with water several times a day.
ChloroFresh Liquid Chlorophyll, Mint Flavored, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.
ChloroFresh Liquid Chlorophyll, Natural, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.
Chlorofresh is a special liquid chlorophyll complex, derived from premium alfalfa leaves. Chlorofresh is used chiefly as an aid to reduce odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and to reduce fecal odor due to incontinence. Chlorofresh liquid is also a good mouthwash and internal breath freshener. Recommended Daily Dosage: Adults and children 12 years of age and over: Take two tablespoonfuls, one to two times daily. If odor is not controlled take an additional two tablespoonfuls per day. The smallest effective dosage should be used. Children under 12 years of age: Consult a doctor before use. For use as a mouthwash, rinse or gargle: Use full strength or add one to two tablespoonfuls of Chlorofresh Liquid to one-half glass of water. Rinse mouth thoroughly and repeat.
If you take antibiotics, supplement your diet with the B-vitamins and products containing "friendly" bacteria, such as acidophilus and yogurt. See "Supplements" for more detailed information and links to products.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
The following nutrients are important for healing once appropriate local treatment has been administered. Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for those over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years old, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Essential Dimethylglycine (DMG) 100 mg 3 times daily. Enhances oxygen utilization by affected tissue.
DMG Supplement N,N Dimethyl Glycine, NOW Foods, 125 mg, 100 CapsDioxychlor As directed on label. Antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial. Assists the immune system in defending against invading microorganisms, with little or no toxicity to normal tissues. Garlic
(Kyolic)Fresh: 2-3 cloves.
with meals 3 times daily.
Fresh garlic can be added to vegetable drinks and juices and taken in liquid form.
As directed on label.Speeds healing and increases circulation. Cleanses the blood. Use the liquid form of Kyolic. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) As directed on label. Aids in the healing of injuries and can help to detoxify the body on a cellular level. It has also been found to be an aid to the organs, connective tissue, and immune functions.
MSM Supplement (Methylsulfonylmethane), Pure Lignisul, 1000 mg, 120 Caps With Free 4 oz. Lotion,
MSM Supplement (Methylsulfonylmethane) Liquid, Pure Lignisul, 16 fl. oz.,
MSM Supplement (Methylsulfonylmethane) Lotion, 15%, 8 fl. oz.,
MSM Supplement (Methylsulfonylmethane) Powder, Pure Lignisul, 4 oz.,
MSM Supplement (Methylsulfonylmethane) Cream, 2 oz.Plus
Vitamin C With Bioflavonoids5,000-20,000 mg daily.
See Ascorbic Acid Flush for more information.For tissue repair and improved circulation. Improves the benefits of MSM.
Vitamin C Liquid w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.,
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs,
Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps,
The Right C, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 120 Tabssilicon As directed on label. Needed for skin and tissue repair.
Silica Complex Supplement, 8% Extract, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 90 Tabs,
Cellfood Silica Liquid Drops, Cellfood, 4 fl. oz.,
Original Silica Gel Supplement, Nature's Way, Vegetarian, 90 VCaps,
Horsetail Herb Grass, Nature's Way, 440 mg, 100 Caps,Very Important AE Mulsion Forte
(Biotics)As directed on label, to supply 50,000 IU vitamin A and 400-1,600 IU vitamin E daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU vitamin A daily. Vitamin A is essential for tissue repair; vitamin E improves circulation. Both enhance immune function. Use this emulsion form for easier assimilation and safety at higher doses. Chlorophyll As directed on label 4 times daily. A blood cleanser. A source of minerals, enzymes, and vitamins. Also used as a blood detoxifier and nutrient.
Chlorofresh Liquid Chlorophyll, Mint Flavor, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.
Chlorofresh Liquid, Natural, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.,
Barlean's Greens Superfood Supplement, 9.3 oz.,
Chlorella Green Algae, Nature's Way, 410 mg, 100 Caps,
Chlorella Powder, NOW Foods, 100% Pure, 4 oz.Coenzyme Q-10 100 mg twice daily. Powerful antioxidants that help to improve circulation and boost the immune system
CoQ10, Vegetarian Coenzyme, NOW Foods, 30 mg, 60 VCaps,
CoQ10, Now Foods, 400 mg, 60 SoftgelsCoenzyme A As directed on label. Powerful antioxidants that help to improve circulation and can streamline metabolism, increase energy, support adrenal glands, process fats, remove toxins from the body, boost the immune system, and improve overall physical and mental processes.
Pantethine (Coenzyme A Precursor), Highly Active Form of Vitamin B-5, 300 mg, NOW Foods, 60 SoftgelsEssential Fatty Acids
(Flaxseed Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Primrose Oil, and Salmon Oil are all good sources.)As directed on label. Protects and aids in the repair of new tissues and cells.
Ultimate Oil, Essential Fatty Acids Supplement, Nature's Secret, 90 SoftGels,
Barlean's Flax Oil, 100% Highest Lignan Content, Organic, Pesticide & Herbicide Free, 16 fl. oz.,
Barlean's Flax Oil, Highest Lignan, 1000 mg, 250 Caps,
Black Currant Oil, 500 mg, NOW Foods, 100 SoftGels,
Barlean's Primrose Oil, With Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), 1300 mg, 120 SoftGels,
Wild Salmon Oil, 2000 mg, 120 EPA/ 80 DHA, NOW Foods, 250 SoftGelsFree-Form Amino Acid Complex As directed on label. For repair of tissues.
AMINO 1000 Complete, NOW Foods, 120 Caps,
Branched Chain Amino Acid Powder, NOW Foods, 12 oz.,
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Predigested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs,
Branched Chain Amino Acids, Free Form, 120 CapsPlus Extra
L-ArginineAs directed on label. Facilitates natural synthesis of nitric oxide, which promotes healthy food vessels. Note: Do not use if you are pregnant or have cataracts, colitis, or a viral infection such as herpes. See Amino Acids for more information.
L-Arginine, Pharmaceutical Grade, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 120 Tabs"Green Drinks"
Fresh Wheatgrass Juice
Such as Kyo-Green from WakunagaAs directed on label. Concentrated barley and wheatgrass juice; contains nutrients needed for healing. Acts as a blood cleanser and builds up the blood supply. Use liquid or tablet form. Also prepare fresh "green drinks" from green leafy vegetables.
Wheat Grass Powder, Single Serving Packets, 15 Packets,
Wheat Grass, Organic, 1000 mg, 200 Tabs,
Wheat Grass Powder, Organic, 10 oz.,
Kamut Wheat Grass (Medicago Sativa) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk,
ProGreens Powder With Advanced Probiotic, Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 9.3 oz.,
Ultimate Green Superfood Supplement, Nature's Secret, 300 Tabs,Vitamin A
Or
Micellized Vitamin A Emulsion
(American Biologics)25,000-50,000 IU daily. Caution: If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.
Micellized Vitamin A Emulsion: As directed on label.Antioxidants that aid in controlling infection and in repair of the intestinal tract. Use emulsion forms for easier assimilation.
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels,With
Mixed Carotenoid ComplexAs directed on label. Powerful free radical scavengers that protect the cells and enhance immune function to fight infections.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 SoftgelsProteolytic Enzymes As directed on label. Take with meals and between meals. Aids in damaged tissue "cleanup" and repair. Caution: Do not give this supplement to a child under 16 years of age.
MetabolicZyme (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 900 Tabs,
Plant Enzymes, NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 120 VCaps,
Enzymes, All Complete, 250 mg, 90 CapsPotassium 99 mg daily. Aids in reducing tissue swelling.
Potassium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 340 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Potassium Chelate, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 99 mg, 100 Caps,
Potassium Chloride Powder, NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 8 oz.Vitamin E Start with 200 IU daily and increase slowly, adding 100 IU each week until the dosage is 800-1,000 IU daily. Consult your health care provider if you are taking anticoagulant medication. Strengthens the immune system and improves circulation, and destroys free radicals. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form.
Ester E Natural Vitamin E, California Natural, 400 IU, 60 Softgels,
Vitamin E, 400 IU, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 100 Gels,
Vitamin E-1000, NOW Foods, 1000 IU, 100 Gels,
Vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 Softgels
Important Kelp 1,000-1,500 mg daily with meals. A rich source of chlorophyll, important vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Good for circulation. A blood cleanser.
Kelp Supplement, Nature's Way, Certified, 650 mg, 100 Caps,
Kelp Seaweed, Norwegian, NOW Foods, 100% Natural, 550 mg, 250 Caps,
Kelp Seaweed, Norwegian Powder, 4 oz. BulkHelpful Aerobic 07
(Aerobic Life Industries)As directed on label. Also apply a few drops directly on the affected area. A stabilized oxygen product. Kills infecting bacteria. Calcium 2,000 mg daily. For connective tissue repair. Dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow.
Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Liquid Calcium W/ConcenTrace, Orange Vanilla, Trace Minerals, 1000 mg, 32 fl. oz.,
Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 GelcapsMagnesium 1,000 mg daily. Needed to balance calcium. Connected to over 300 enzyme actions controlling glucose, proteins, and fats.
Magnesium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 350 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Just An Ounce Calcium & Magnesium Liquid, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz.,
Calcium & Magnesium Mineral Complex, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg / 250 mg, 250 CapsBeta-1,3-Glucan As directed on label. Helps to recruit immune T-Cells to the site of infection and aids in the growth of new blood vessels. Multi-vitamin & Mineral Complex As directed on label. All nutrients are necessary for healing.
Super Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral, Pure Vital Earth, 32 fl. oz. (98% Bio-Available for Absorption),
Damage Control Master Formula, High Potency, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral, 60 Packets (30 Day Supply)Zinc 50-80 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Speeds healing. Necessary for tissue repair and immune function. Use zinc gluconate lozenges or zinc methionate (OptiZinc) for best absorption.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, Silva Solution, 90 Lozenges,
Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges,
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
GANGRENE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for help with gangrene, a condition which leads to the death of body tissues as a result of insufficient oxygen supply.
Black Seed Theramune Ultimate With Garlic, 100 Caps
Promotes healthy circulation, useful for arthritis and cardiovascular & respiratory support. It also supports digestion and is a natural remedy for ulcers. Garlic is known to lower cholesterol naturally.Burdock Root (Arctium Lappa) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Burdock Root is traditionally used for skin disorders associated with adolescence. It is also one of the most effective herbs for cleaning the blood without the side effect of nausea.Butcher's Broom, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Butcher's Broom is a laxative and diuretic and it is also used to improve circulation problems, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, arteriosclerosis, and blood clots.Chlorofresh Liquid, Natural, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.
Chlorofresh is a special liquid chlorophyll complex, derived from premium alfalfa leaves. Chlorofresh is used chiefly as an aid to reduce odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and to reduce fecal odor due to incontinence.Comfrey Leaf Herb Skin Poultice, 2.5 oz.
Comfrey leaf contains allantoin, which promotes the growth of connective tissue, bone, cartilage, and is easily absorbed through the skin.Comfrey Leaf Powder, 100% Organic, 4 oz. Bulk
One of the most well-known healing plants, especially for its ability to heal tissue and bone.CoQ10 With Vitamin E, NOW Foods, 200 mg, 90 Lozenges
This new orange flavored chewable CoQ10 is formulated with 100 IU of Vitamin E in a base of non-genetically engineered Soy Lecithin.DMG Supplement N,N Dimethyl Glycine, NOW Foods, 125 mg, 100 Caps
NOW Foods DMG Supplement is a methylated amino acid found in all cells. DMG is an antioxidant and methyl donor that has a number of beneficial effects. It has shown to have potential in increasing immune response to the flu and salmonella.Garlic Oil Tincture, Alcohol Free, Nature's Way, 1 fl. oz.
Garlic oil is often used to soothe the ear and as an antibiotic but most often used as a food and herb and also to lower serum cholesterol and blood pressure and to improve circulation as well as possibly inhibiting the growth of ulcer causing bacteria.Hydrogen Peroxide & Ozone By Conrad LeBeau
Reveals documented details of the use of hydrogen peroxide as a successful treatment for many disorders, including arthritis, cancer, and AIDS.Marshmallow Root (Althaea Officinalis) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
The German Commission E approved the internal use of marshmallow root for irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and associated dry cough, and for mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa.Olive Leaf Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Standardized Olive Leaf extract is a technically advanced herbal product. Standardization assures specific measurable levels of important compounds that provide beneficial activity in the body.Silica Complex, 8% Extract, Silica Supplement, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 90 Tabs.
NOW Foods Silica Supplement is a vegetarian supplement that will help build strong and healthy hair, skin and nails.Stabilized Oxygen OxyDrops, Liquid Electrolytes, Sodium Chloride Solution, 4 fl. oz.
WaterOz stabilized oxygen is the highest quality, strongest and most stable of all the liquid electrolytes of oxygen available on the market.
Herbal Remedies: Gangrene Information
Herbal Remedies: Gangrene Supplements, Information & Products
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have any symptoms of gangrene and/or symptoms that do not improve with treatment measures. Always consult with your health care provider if you have signs of tissue damage and gangrene.
You have any increase in pain, swelling, inflammation or other signs of infection.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. Some people may have sensitivity, allergies, or other health conditions which would prevent them from using certain herbs or other treatments.
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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