(MindBodyScience.news) Mycoplasma is the smallest free-living disease agent found in humans and is unclassified as either a virus or a bacteria, but possesses characteristics of both. The microbes have no cell walls and were originally thought to be related only to several strains of pneumonia; however, researchers have now identified at least seven mycoplasma species, which may cause or be co-factors in other serious diseases. Due to their size and lack of cell walls, mycoplasma are capable of doing great damage to the body and treatment with antibiotics is generally ineffective. A variety of Western and Chinese herbs are helpful in killing mycoplasma and disabling the opportunistic infections.

Mullein

Mycoplasma pneumonia is especially common in children and those under age 40, being highly contagious and usually transmitted through coughing and sneezing. The herb mullein cures or brings relief from many symptoms. Mullein is astringent, acting as an expectorant to break up congestion in the lungs and airways, according to Health-Care-Clinic.org. It’s a potent germicide and reduces inflammation. They add that mullein soothes many upper respiratory conditions related to pneumonia. Prepare mullein as a tea by boiling 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 2 cups water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, cool and drink three to four times daily for relief.

Seneca snakeroot

Seneca snakeroot is another herb found to be efficacious in treatment for mycoplasma-related pneumonia. Similar to mullein in action, this herb relieves congestion in the airways, acting as an expectorant to help the patient cough up tough mucus and phlegm. Additionally, Seneca snakeroot is helpful for concomitant symptoms such as asthma or bronchitis. Make an infusion with 1 teaspoon of dried herb boiled in 2 cups water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink 1 to 2 cups throughout the day.

Green tea

Certain mycoplasma strains cause other diseases besides pneumonia. Urethritis – an inflammation of the inner lining of the urethra – affects both women and men, causing great disturbance to the urinary tract accompanied by pain. Antioxidants and other medicinal agents in green tea provide relief for urethritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Green tea reduces inflammation, strengthens the immune system, and protects against cancer, due to the high concentration of disease-fighting compounds, adds UMMC. Either drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily, or take 250mg to 500mg of standardized extract daily.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine reported on an in vitro study of 30 strains of Mycoplasma homonis that found it susceptible and reactive to a variety of Chinese herbs including, Herba Houttuyniae, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, Cortex Phellodendri, Fructus Kochiae, Radix Isatidis. Do not self treat with these herbs. Seek a trained professional in Chinese medicine for assistance.

• Radix Isatidis or Ban Lan Gen is antibacterial and treats mycoplasma-induced sore throat, fever, tonsillitis, Herpes simplex, hepatitis, chicken pox, and shingles. May cause stomach upset and thinning of the blood.

• Radix Angelicae Dahuricae or Bain Zhi is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and has analgesic effects on mice. It is used for mycoplasma-induced colds, respiratory infections, flu, headaches, sinusitis with yellow discharge, muscle pain, toothaches. Also reduces swelling, boils, abscesses, diarrhea.

• Cortex Phellodendri or Haung Bai is used for mycoplasma-related detoxing and treating the liver. It relieves pain in joints and bones, and urinary tract infections. Treats rashes, boils and other skin symptoms, tinnitus, irritability, menopause symptoms, uterine bleeding, and insomnia.

By JB Bardot, Natural News

Sources for this article include:

http://www.health-care-clinic.org/alternative-medicines/mullein.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15974478
http://www.bhia.org/pneumonia.htm
http://goodbyelyme.com/free-articles/coinfections/mycoplasma
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000082.htm
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/glossary.html
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/urethritis-000167.htm

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