You have an infection. What do you do? Run to the doctor, get an antibiotic prescription, take it for a few days and then you feel better so you stop taking it. The worst part of this is actually the ‘stop taking it.’ Thats right- and that too from the “natural” doc! So what am I saying? Well, bacteria are living organisms that mostly live harmoniously with us. When it becomes a problem is that they gain power and energy and actually create symptoms within your physical being– a cold, flu, cough, diarrhea, etc.
Unfortunately, when people stop taking antibiotics without finishing the course, the bacteria may not be completely killed and the ones that survive, adapt and get stronger and more resistant. Hence, the rise in methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA).
There is another option, however. There are herbs that act as anti-bacterials. The most interesting things about these herbs is that they not only kill bacteria, they may also kill viruses/fungi/etc AND they are usually herbs that boost the immune system. So, in this way, there is generally no development of bacterial resistance. The herbs have so many chemical constituents that its not one ingredient that has one correlated action but on whole herb has many varied affects on one physical body. Its incredible!
Some great anti-bacterials/ virals/ fungals:
Licorice
One component of licorice- glycyrrhizin- is a potent antiviral. It is used topically for speeding healing from Herpes I and II. Also, one study showed it blocked Hep A replication in test tubes. In Japan, injected glycyrrhizin is used for treatment of Hep A- however, its unclear whether oral doses have the same effect.
Caution: Long periods of use may cause high blood pressure, water retention, potassium wasting, and breast enlargement in men.
Elderberry
Shown to be effective against many viruses (influenza A and B, HIV, HSV-1). Cuts flu time in half.
Safety: generally safe. Berries should not be eaten raw; all other parts are toxic.
Echinacea
- Shown to increase phagocytosis, NK cell activity and inc antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mediated by TNF-alpha (contraindicated in CFS and AIDS patients)
- mild antibiotic effect- probably from caffeic acid consitituent which is capable of inhibiting S.aureus
- polyacetylene constituents have been found to be bacteriostatic against E.coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- E.angustifolia was used by Eclectics to treat fungal and protozoan infections, most notably malaria and Trichomonas vaginalis
Berberine- a plant alkaloid found in golden seal, coptis, barberry, and Oregon grape
Studied in depth, berberine demonstrated the following actions: metabolic inhibition of certain organisms, inhibition of bacterial enterotoxin formation, inhibition of intestinal fluid accumulation and ion secretion, inhibition of smooth muscle contraction, reduction of inflammation, platelet aggregation inhibition, platelet count elevation in certain types of thrombocytopenia, stimulation of bile and bilirubin secretion, and inhibition of ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Turmeric
Inhibits the growth of a variety of bacteria, parasites, and pathogenic fungi. It has been used in India for centuries as a food spice. Its what gives ‘curry’ the yellow color.
Current focus has been in cancer research, where turmeric has gained quite some popularity.
Pau d’ arco
Lapachol, one of the many phytochemicals, like many napthoquinones (anti-malarial drugs) it interferes with the electron transport system and inhibits cell respiratory mechanism. Thus, Pau d’ arco is an effective anti-malarial.
-In addition to its reported anti-tumor activities, Pau d’arco clearly has demonstrated broad clinical actions against a number of disease-causing organisms, which supports its wide uses in herbal medicine. Antimicrobial properties of many active phytochemicals were demonstrated in several trials, in which they exhibited strong in vitro activity against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and yeast (including Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, cryptococcus neoformans ).
-Also it was found that lapachol has efficacy against MRSA, H.pylori, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus and Clostridium species
-Lately it is being studied for HIV and has shown promising results.
These are a few herbs that have been researched and found effective against micro-organisms. As seen above, herbs have many active components and hence have many affects. Making it even more complicated, each individual may react differently to an herb and combinations of herbs can also change individual actions of the herbs. The view that all herbs are “safe” may be an innocent one, in that there are toxic herbs and toxic dosages of otherwise safe herbs. It is important to consult with a knowledgeable herbalist to create a combination of herbs that may be most effective for you.
Posted on September 27, 2008
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