John I learned what severe cellulitis was on Dec 14 when I crawled into my local ER. I was there 6 days with stage 2 sepsis as well. Mine was caused by strep getting into my lower leg somehow. They were concerned about amputation and MRSA. It will take weeks to recover and who knows if I have life long issues. I’m healthy and not diabetic. This was the most scared of my life. My leg right now looks horrific like I was in a terrible fire. Visiting nurse now three days a week down from 7. Hospital wound care center tomorrow. They put every IV into my body they could
What I will say is we have all had viruses and bacterial infections. A cellular infection is infinitely worse. I thought I had a virus. The chills were the worst of my life.
To learn that people get this from mosquito bites and scratches and their lives are never the same is indescribable.
Joe, get through the day, tomorrow will take care of itself. There are many people praying for you, who you don't even know, including me. Your psyche has been traumatized but put your fears aside and believe the worst is over. Those of us who have lived six and seven decades know we don't need tattoos to speak for us or give us character - our scars do that. My dad lived to 103 with many life long issues but was still walking and his mind was as sharp as ever. I'm counting on your recovery to give you the same.
Please check-out using DMSO for treating your condition. Midwesterndoctor.com substack has several articles about using DMSO to treat many types of skin conditions from acute infections and injuries and many other health issues including pain from injuries, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, burns, etc. Midwestern doctor's substack articles provide excellent information on using DMSO (both topically and internally) and it can be obtained without a prescription. The information provided gives guidelines on using it topically at varying concentrations in an aloe base and best products sold on Amazon through the DMSO Store. It is not expensive. I highly recommend checking out midwesterndoctor.com for valuable information on using DMSO.
Brought to mind a lyric from "Big Yellow Taxi": "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone."
We tend to take our strength and health for granted until the day something happens that points us in the other direction. You are fortunate to get that wake-up call relatively early in life, and with a relatively minor event when caught early that is quickly recoverable from. That sounds like grace to me.
Keep investigating and writing, but with a new point of view.
If you are not Catholic, you would make a great one!
Traditional Catholics frequently consider the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Hell, and Heaven. We don't hear about these topics enough in our weekly homilies. A good way to incorporate a "memento mori" is in a nightly "examen" where one can ask themselves "if I were to die tomorrow, would I be ready to meet Jesus?"
This also reminds me of the popular painting of St. Jerome with a skull on his desk (Caravaggio, “St. Jerome,” ca. 1605-1606).
You had me until the final line of advice: "Avoid needless drama." Isn't the world a stage, and does not drama keep the audience in their seats with smiles and cheers? Is there such a thing as needless drama? Not in the world of Shakespeare. But, yes, you are right... today, we do see poorly conceived drama with untrained thespians too often in our world. So we should, "Stick to the well written and well performed drama that delights the audience."
Thank you for the thoughtful list of suggestions for a safe, healthy, and serene life.
I would add one more essential item:
** Contemplate and act on developing a relationship with the unseen and ever present universal power. That would be the one indivisible and caring final arbiter of all we know and all that we do not. That one is G-d. As G-d told Moshe (Moses) when Moses asked for a a name or a concept to identify G-d. G-d's reply was "Haya Hove Yihiyeh" [Was, Is, Will Be]. Dr John
The Daily Stoic makes a series of Stoic philosophy medallions. One is Momento Mori. I carry it to remind me of exactly what you write about. Glad you are better.
So glad to hear you're doing well and sharing the insights! Having gone through a life-threatening health scare last year I agree that it can be a powerful tool to improve your life if you let it. My priorities changed immediately, and I was surprised to find they hadn't been as clear to me as I thought they were. I picked up a copy of Meditations shortly after. As a genealogist I love that your grandfather's middle name was Aurelius!
Great reminder......ask yourself, while this matter in 7 days, 7 weeks, 7 years?
great health list! One suggestion, after booking that Air BnB for a month anywhere, once inside, make sure you disable all the cameras. The number of videos I've seen of people teaching others how to spot & disable cameras in rentals is off the hook. I can understand monitoring theft, yet lots in bedrooms........which falls under voyerism. Very pathetic & sad!
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness, often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus [A-2]. Conventional treatments typically involve antibiotics, but natural and holistic approaches can be equally effective, particularly when addressing underlying immune dysfunction, lymphatic congestion, or toxin accumulation [B-4]. Below is a detailed exploration of evidence-based natural remedies, preventive strategies, and adjunct therapies for cellulitis.
1. Topical and Systemic Antimicrobial Agents
a) Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal, rich in berberine, demonstrates broad-spectrum antibacterial activity comparable to prescription antibiotics. In one documented case, aggressive dosing of goldenseal root powder (6 capsules every 2 hours) combined with topical application resolved severe cellulitis with lymphangitis within days [B-4]. Berberine inhibits bacterial adhesion to tissues and is particularly effective in alkaline environments, suggesting dietary adjustments (e.g., plant-based foods) may enhance its efficacy [B-4].
b) Garlic (Allium sativum) and Aloe Vera
Garlic’s allicin content exhibits potent antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus strains, rivaling penicillin and tetracycline [B-4]. For localized infections, crushed garlic can be applied topically or ingested. Aloe vera gel, when used undiluted, shows superior antimicrobial activity to silver sulfadiazine in burn infections, making it ideal for cellulitis-related skin inflammation [B-4].
c) Sugar and Honey for Wound Debridement
Sugar’s hygroscopic properties dehydrate bacteria and reduce biofilm formation. Historical and modern studies support packing wounds with granulated sugar to accelerate healing in cellulitis and abscesses [A-5]. Raw honey (especially Manuka) offers similar benefits due to hydrogen peroxide and phytochemicals that inhibit bacterial growth [A-5].
2. Immune Support and Systemic Detoxification
a) Bromelain and Thymus Extracts
Bromelain, derived from pineapple, reduces inflammation and enhances antibiotic penetration into tissues. Clinical studies note its efficacy in cellulitis, pneumonia, and abscesses when taken at 1,500–2,000 mg daily between meals [B-4]. Thymus extracts (e.g., calf thymus peptides) rejuvenate immune function, particularly in chronic infections, by modulating T-cell activity [B-4].
b) Probiotics and Fermented Foods
Enterococcus faecium strains from fermented soybeans inhibit S. aureus and E. coli, pathogens implicated in cellulitis complications [A-11]. Probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium restore gut-immune axis integrity, reducing systemic inflammation [A-11].
c) DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)
DMSO enhances antibiotic delivery to infected tissues by penetrating cellular membranes. When combined with antibiotics, it can reverse bacterial resistance, making obsolete drugs effective again [B-1]. Topical 70% DMSO applied 3–4x daily reduces swelling and pain in cellulitis, though lower concentrations (50%) are advised for sensitive areas like the face [B-1].
3. Lymphatic and Circulatory Support
a) Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Cellulitis often compromises lymphatic flow, leading to edema. Techniques like dry brushing or gentle massage with essential oils (e.g., tea tree, frankincense) improve drainage and reduce bacterial load [A-7]. Compression bandaging with flaxseed gum (studied for its steric repulsion properties) may stabilize inflamed tissues [S-3].
b) Flavonoid-Rich Foods
Quercetin (found in onions, apples) and citrus bioflavonoids strengthen capillary walls, preventing bacterial spread. Diets high in berries, leafy greens, and turmeric also mitigate oxidative stress linked to chronic infections [A-2].
4. Adjunctive and Emergency Therapies
a) Maggot Debridement Therapy
For necrotizing cellulitis, sterile maggots (Lucilia sericata) rapidly debride dead tissue while secreting antibacterial enzymes. A case study of a Gambia-acquired infection showed maggots cleared necrotic tissue faster than surgical intervention, preventing amputation [A-3].
b) Usnea Lichen
Usnea’s usnic acid is lethal to gram-positive bacteria like Streptococcus. As a poultice or tincture, it reduces heat and redness in infected wounds without disrupting gut flora [A-6].
c) Essential Oil Blends
A combination of coconut oil (carrier), lavender, and tea tree oil (1:1 ratio) applied 2x daily combats cellulitis-associated inflammation and biofilm formation [A-7]. Oregano oil (diluted) can be used for resistant strains [A-7].
5. Prevention and Long-Term Management
Hygiene: Clean wounds immediately with saline or diluted apple cider vinegar to prevent bacterial entry [A-4].
Diet: Avoid processed foods and sugars that impair immune function. Emphasize zinc (pumpkin seeds), vitamin C (camu camu), and selenium (Brazil nuts) [A-2].
Lifestyle: Address underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, lymphedema) with herbal diuretics like sweet clover and butcher’s broom [A-13].
Sorry I didn't know about your health scare (visiting family for the holidays) and I wish your good recovery. The stoics were right for their time, then Jesus came.
In reality, we are immortals, for us Catholics who live in constant contact with God, for us life is a continuing and we are not afraid of "dying" because we know what comes next. All your advice is good, we must do those all things but you forgot to mention the purpose of life that is to know who created your soul and your immortality. A thankful heart is never unhappy. Tolkien one of the best writers of all times, not only because of style but deep meaningful content wrote the most beautiful letter to his son where he explained to Michael that the most beautiful thing he could give him was the knowledge about being part of something bigger, God descending into human form to reach us and bring us to Him. Life is fragile but it is not at the same time because life continues, that was the conviction of the martyrs that died for love of God. We don't have to worry about the political powers that are taking over the world, they do because God let them, He is not worry about the ephemera world that He created, this is just a stage, a backyard in which he separate the good from the evil. Jesus worn us that the Prince is the one who rules the world but we don't belong to this world, at the end I am with Aurelius, all these quarrels don't matter but I added, what matters is our relationship with the Divine, our destiny in God's love story. Think where you are going next. Blessings!!
Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius, was a daily user of opium, as prescribed for various maladies by his physician, Galen. MA is described as one of Rome's five good emperors and was the father of the notorious Commodus. Opium was widely used for legitimate medical purposes in antiquity.
Thank you, John - great advice! Stay well and happy New Year!
I'm glad you are alive and reflective, John.
;-)
Good read. After my wife died suddenly beside me 4 years ago, I agree with and practice your thoughts most days.
My heart goes out to you. Yes, those of us who have lost our soul mate have already been practicing most of these things. May God bless you.
Wonderful post article! Glad you are better!
John I learned what severe cellulitis was on Dec 14 when I crawled into my local ER. I was there 6 days with stage 2 sepsis as well. Mine was caused by strep getting into my lower leg somehow. They were concerned about amputation and MRSA. It will take weeks to recover and who knows if I have life long issues. I’m healthy and not diabetic. This was the most scared of my life. My leg right now looks horrific like I was in a terrible fire. Visiting nurse now three days a week down from 7. Hospital wound care center tomorrow. They put every IV into my body they could
What I will say is we have all had viruses and bacterial infections. A cellular infection is infinitely worse. I thought I had a virus. The chills were the worst of my life.
To learn that people get this from mosquito bites and scratches and their lives are never the same is indescribable.
I pray that God will send you his strength and healing power and that you may fully recover.
Thank you. God Bless
Joe, get through the day, tomorrow will take care of itself. There are many people praying for you, who you don't even know, including me. Your psyche has been traumatized but put your fears aside and believe the worst is over. Those of us who have lived six and seven decades know we don't need tattoos to speak for us or give us character - our scars do that. My dad lived to 103 with many life long issues but was still walking and his mind was as sharp as ever. I'm counting on your recovery to give you the same.
Thank you so much
Please check-out using DMSO for treating your condition. Midwesterndoctor.com substack has several articles about using DMSO to treat many types of skin conditions from acute infections and injuries and many other health issues including pain from injuries, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, burns, etc. Midwestern doctor's substack articles provide excellent information on using DMSO (both topically and internally) and it can be obtained without a prescription. The information provided gives guidelines on using it topically at varying concentrations in an aloe base and best products sold on Amazon through the DMSO Store. It is not expensive. I highly recommend checking out midwesterndoctor.com for valuable information on using DMSO.
Thank you
Sending positive thoughts and keeping you in my prayers for complete healing and recovery of your health.
Good meditation on your recent problem.
Brought to mind a lyric from "Big Yellow Taxi": "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone."
We tend to take our strength and health for granted until the day something happens that points us in the other direction. You are fortunate to get that wake-up call relatively early in life, and with a relatively minor event when caught early that is quickly recoverable from. That sounds like grace to me.
Keep investigating and writing, but with a new point of view.
Well said, John!
If you are not Catholic, you would make a great one!
Traditional Catholics frequently consider the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Hell, and Heaven. We don't hear about these topics enough in our weekly homilies. A good way to incorporate a "memento mori" is in a nightly "examen" where one can ask themselves "if I were to die tomorrow, would I be ready to meet Jesus?"
This also reminds me of the popular painting of St. Jerome with a skull on his desk (Caravaggio, “St. Jerome,” ca. 1605-1606).
God bless!
You had me until the final line of advice: "Avoid needless drama." Isn't the world a stage, and does not drama keep the audience in their seats with smiles and cheers? Is there such a thing as needless drama? Not in the world of Shakespeare. But, yes, you are right... today, we do see poorly conceived drama with untrained thespians too often in our world. So we should, "Stick to the well written and well performed drama that delights the audience."
You know as well as I do what Shakespeare would think of the kindergarten dramas in which millions of adults now participate every day.
"There is something rotten in the State of Denmark"
"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy"
Thank you for the thoughtful list of suggestions for a safe, healthy, and serene life.
I would add one more essential item:
** Contemplate and act on developing a relationship with the unseen and ever present universal power. That would be the one indivisible and caring final arbiter of all we know and all that we do not. That one is G-d. As G-d told Moshe (Moses) when Moses asked for a a name or a concept to identify G-d. G-d's reply was "Haya Hove Yihiyeh" [Was, Is, Will Be]. Dr John
The Daily Stoic makes a series of Stoic philosophy medallions. One is Momento Mori. I carry it to remind me of exactly what you write about. Glad you are better.
So glad to hear you're doing well and sharing the insights! Having gone through a life-threatening health scare last year I agree that it can be a powerful tool to improve your life if you let it. My priorities changed immediately, and I was surprised to find they hadn't been as clear to me as I thought they were. I picked up a copy of Meditations shortly after. As a genealogist I love that your grandfather's middle name was Aurelius!
Great reminder......ask yourself, while this matter in 7 days, 7 weeks, 7 years?
great health list! One suggestion, after booking that Air BnB for a month anywhere, once inside, make sure you disable all the cameras. The number of videos I've seen of people teaching others how to spot & disable cameras in rentals is off the hook. I can understand monitoring theft, yet lots in bedrooms........which falls under voyerism. Very pathetic & sad!
Comprehensive Natural Solutions for Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness, often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus [A-2]. Conventional treatments typically involve antibiotics, but natural and holistic approaches can be equally effective, particularly when addressing underlying immune dysfunction, lymphatic congestion, or toxin accumulation [B-4]. Below is a detailed exploration of evidence-based natural remedies, preventive strategies, and adjunct therapies for cellulitis.
1. Topical and Systemic Antimicrobial Agents
a) Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal, rich in berberine, demonstrates broad-spectrum antibacterial activity comparable to prescription antibiotics. In one documented case, aggressive dosing of goldenseal root powder (6 capsules every 2 hours) combined with topical application resolved severe cellulitis with lymphangitis within days [B-4]. Berberine inhibits bacterial adhesion to tissues and is particularly effective in alkaline environments, suggesting dietary adjustments (e.g., plant-based foods) may enhance its efficacy [B-4].
b) Garlic (Allium sativum) and Aloe Vera
Garlic’s allicin content exhibits potent antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus strains, rivaling penicillin and tetracycline [B-4]. For localized infections, crushed garlic can be applied topically or ingested. Aloe vera gel, when used undiluted, shows superior antimicrobial activity to silver sulfadiazine in burn infections, making it ideal for cellulitis-related skin inflammation [B-4].
c) Sugar and Honey for Wound Debridement
Sugar’s hygroscopic properties dehydrate bacteria and reduce biofilm formation. Historical and modern studies support packing wounds with granulated sugar to accelerate healing in cellulitis and abscesses [A-5]. Raw honey (especially Manuka) offers similar benefits due to hydrogen peroxide and phytochemicals that inhibit bacterial growth [A-5].
2. Immune Support and Systemic Detoxification
a) Bromelain and Thymus Extracts
Bromelain, derived from pineapple, reduces inflammation and enhances antibiotic penetration into tissues. Clinical studies note its efficacy in cellulitis, pneumonia, and abscesses when taken at 1,500–2,000 mg daily between meals [B-4]. Thymus extracts (e.g., calf thymus peptides) rejuvenate immune function, particularly in chronic infections, by modulating T-cell activity [B-4].
b) Probiotics and Fermented Foods
Enterococcus faecium strains from fermented soybeans inhibit S. aureus and E. coli, pathogens implicated in cellulitis complications [A-11]. Probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium restore gut-immune axis integrity, reducing systemic inflammation [A-11].
c) DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)
DMSO enhances antibiotic delivery to infected tissues by penetrating cellular membranes. When combined with antibiotics, it can reverse bacterial resistance, making obsolete drugs effective again [B-1]. Topical 70% DMSO applied 3–4x daily reduces swelling and pain in cellulitis, though lower concentrations (50%) are advised for sensitive areas like the face [B-1].
3. Lymphatic and Circulatory Support
a) Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Cellulitis often compromises lymphatic flow, leading to edema. Techniques like dry brushing or gentle massage with essential oils (e.g., tea tree, frankincense) improve drainage and reduce bacterial load [A-7]. Compression bandaging with flaxseed gum (studied for its steric repulsion properties) may stabilize inflamed tissues [S-3].
b) Flavonoid-Rich Foods
Quercetin (found in onions, apples) and citrus bioflavonoids strengthen capillary walls, preventing bacterial spread. Diets high in berries, leafy greens, and turmeric also mitigate oxidative stress linked to chronic infections [A-2].
4. Adjunctive and Emergency Therapies
a) Maggot Debridement Therapy
For necrotizing cellulitis, sterile maggots (Lucilia sericata) rapidly debride dead tissue while secreting antibacterial enzymes. A case study of a Gambia-acquired infection showed maggots cleared necrotic tissue faster than surgical intervention, preventing amputation [A-3].
b) Usnea Lichen
Usnea’s usnic acid is lethal to gram-positive bacteria like Streptococcus. As a poultice or tincture, it reduces heat and redness in infected wounds without disrupting gut flora [A-6].
c) Essential Oil Blends
A combination of coconut oil (carrier), lavender, and tea tree oil (1:1 ratio) applied 2x daily combats cellulitis-associated inflammation and biofilm formation [A-7]. Oregano oil (diluted) can be used for resistant strains [A-7].
5. Prevention and Long-Term Management
Hygiene: Clean wounds immediately with saline or diluted apple cider vinegar to prevent bacterial entry [A-4].
Diet: Avoid processed foods and sugars that impair immune function. Emphasize zinc (pumpkin seeds), vitamin C (camu camu), and selenium (Brazil nuts) [A-2].
Lifestyle: Address underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, lymphedema) with herbal diuretics like sweet clover and butcher’s broom [A-13].
Sorry I didn't know about your health scare (visiting family for the holidays) and I wish your good recovery. The stoics were right for their time, then Jesus came.
In reality, we are immortals, for us Catholics who live in constant contact with God, for us life is a continuing and we are not afraid of "dying" because we know what comes next. All your advice is good, we must do those all things but you forgot to mention the purpose of life that is to know who created your soul and your immortality. A thankful heart is never unhappy. Tolkien one of the best writers of all times, not only because of style but deep meaningful content wrote the most beautiful letter to his son where he explained to Michael that the most beautiful thing he could give him was the knowledge about being part of something bigger, God descending into human form to reach us and bring us to Him. Life is fragile but it is not at the same time because life continues, that was the conviction of the martyrs that died for love of God. We don't have to worry about the political powers that are taking over the world, they do because God let them, He is not worry about the ephemera world that He created, this is just a stage, a backyard in which he separate the good from the evil. Jesus worn us that the Prince is the one who rules the world but we don't belong to this world, at the end I am with Aurelius, all these quarrels don't matter but I added, what matters is our relationship with the Divine, our destiny in God's love story. Think where you are going next. Blessings!!
Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius, was a daily user of opium, as prescribed for various maladies by his physician, Galen. MA is described as one of Rome's five good emperors and was the father of the notorious Commodus. Opium was widely used for legitimate medical purposes in antiquity.