Alison Odey

Tetanus is caused by an exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani – which is a gram positive, anaerobic bacillus. It forms spores which remain viable in the soil for years and can enter the body via trivial as well as deep contaminated wounds.

However it is more likely to occur where there is a lower if oxygen level in the tissues (as it is an anaerobic baccillus) as in drug addicts, burn patients, surgical wounds or people who are older or otherwise unwell or rundown.

Incubation period is 2 -50 days, but usually 5 – 10days. The most frequent symptom is a stiff jaw, but difficulty swallowing, restlessness, stiff neck/arms/legs, headache, fever, sore throat, chilliness and spasms occur as well.
Spasms can also be localised near the sight of the infection.

A clean bleeding wound and/or thorough cleaning of a wound makes multiplication of the bacillus less likely.
Antibiotics such as penicillin and tetracycline can be effective if given at the time of the wound, as can an immediate vaccination.

Natural remedies would include Clostridium tetani 30c, which can be used as a prophylactic given once or twice weekly for three weeks after any wound or Ledum 30c, which can also be used three times weekly after any animal bite or wound.

I have heard that Hypercium (St. John’s Wort) can be effective against Clostridium tetani, but as yet have seen no scientific evidence to back this up.

There are also differing views on the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies – I do not profess to be an expert in this field, so will make no comment.

However, it is important to remember to properly clean any wound, no matter how small, and to keep the body’s oxygen levels as high as possible.