Because of the fear of anthrax many people have been stocking up on the expensive antibiotic, Cipro. Protecting yourself from anthrax like you would from other infections -- boost your immune system.

Much concern has surrounded the fear of anthrax lately. While the risk of contracting anthrax is extremely rare, it can be deadly. Anthrax is typically a disease of animals and it is not unheard of for farm workers and those working with hides and wool to become infected with anthrax. Just like any infection agent though, those at highest risk are those with a weakened immune system, so staying healthy is the most important protection.

There are three types of anthrax: pulmonary, cutaneous and gastrointestinal. Pulmonary is by far the most dangerous, but also the most difficult to catch. It is a type of pneumonia that occurs when the anthrax spores are able to settle into the smallest parts of the lung. The gastrointestinal type is transmitted from eating meat that is infected with anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax is an infection of the skin and is rarely fatal.

Because of the danger involved in doing anthrax research, we know little of agents that affect and kill the anthrax bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, other than standard antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline and the newer ciprofloxacin or Cipro. Older literature, however, does give us some clues as to how it was once treated. Several herbs that were used in the past to treat anthrax either in humans or animals include garlic, coriander, pau d’ arco, rhubarb root, and thyme. Any of these are safe to use either externally on the skin or internally as a tea. Essential oil of thyme is thought to be extremely toxic to the anthrax bacteria and is also a traditional treatment for pneumonia. This oil can be highly toxic and must be used in small amounts; 2-4 drops three times daily diluted in water. It can also be used diluted on the skin to treat an abrasion or infected area.

You may have heard the story of the four thieves who plundered graves of those who died from the plague (Yersinia pestis) in France during the 1720’s. To keep from getting the plague themselves they bathed in what is now called Four Thieves Vinegar. The recipe for this vinegar is similar to this:

1 tablespoon each dried lavender, rosemary, sage, rue, wormwood and peppermint
2-4 cloves of garlic
2 1/2 cups cider vinegar
Let set for two weeks to infuse, then strain

The most important part of this concoction is probably the garlic. Besides antimicrobial activity, garlic enhances the immune system. This vinegar could be used to bath the skin to prevent many types of infection. If taken internally however, the rue and wormwood should be left out, as these are toxic when taken internally. Rue should also not be used by pregnant women.

Because of the seriousness of anthrax and other diseases such as smallpox and the plague, if you suspect you have been exposed to one of them you should see a physician immediately to receive the appropriate antibiotic treatment. However, if for some reason that is impossible it may be helpful to have some of these herbs on hand to treat infections. Any of these herbs can also be taken in conjunction with antibiotics to boost the therapeutic potential.