We have been seeing more and more cases of antibiotic resistance infections pooping up. Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is accelerating the process. A growing number of infections – such as MRSA, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and salmonellosis – are becoming harder to treat as the antibiotics used to treat them become less effective. Anytime you go to the doctor with the SLIGHTEST sign of an infection, you are immediately prescribed a heavy antibiotic or antifungal. While these are extremally useful and necessary in certain instances, no one can deny that they are not overprescribed. As a result, we are getting more adapted and more resilient strains of microbes causing very difficult to treat infections. the best way to avoid this is to try using natural antimicrobials first and if it is not doing the job, then trying something stronger.
It would be great if doctors could recommend the use of natural antibiotic and antiviral herbs FIRST before prescription of antibiotics in mild cases. There are hundreds of studies on the effectiveness of the use of herbs as antimicrobials against infections.
Vaginal yeast infections are a common example of over-prescribed antifungals that most often don’t work and cause major gut and liver strain. The yeast infection keeps returning as well and so more antifungals are prescribed.
Natural remedies are an excellent choice in many situations and can spare prevent the need for strong antibiotics which inflame the gut, kill probiotics and stress the liver.
Below are 10 of my FAVOUROTE and GO-TO remedies for viruses, fungus, mold, bacteria and parasites in my practice. There are hundreds of studies backing up the effectiveness of these remedies.
- Berberine: This is a broad spectrum antimicrobial, antifungal and biofilm disrupter. I use this in my practice to upregulate Th1 immune cells and to improve immune balance. it helps to encourage the immune system to fight against pathogens, therefore not only making it an extremally effective antimicrobial but also a fabulous immune stimulator. “Berberine has been proven to have broad antibacterial and antifungal activity.” (Anderson Ramos da Silva et al. 2016). I use this in autoimmune cases very often, especially psoriasis.
- Neem: Is an antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, and biofilm disrupting agent (Barua et al. 2017). This is so incredible and powerful against so many pathogens and helps improve digestion also. I mainly use this when there is a viral/bacterial component to the infection.
- Black Walnut: This is antifungal, antiparasitic and antimicrobial (Khanh-Van Ho et al. 2018). I use this in almost every case of dysbiosis (alongside other herbs) to improve not only candida but also parasitic overgrowth. It is also a bitter herb therefor aiding in the digestive process.
- Olive Leaf: Antifungal especially against candida albicans (Z Nasrollahi et al. 2015). This herb is also anti viral and I use this with so many clients who have stubborn overgrowth and a viral component as well as H. pylori.
- Caprylic Acid: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral. “Caprylic acid is superior to & less expensive than Diflucan…” (Yoshiaki Omura et al. 2011). This is my go-to remedy (alongside black walnut) for yeast infections and candida related infections.
- Oregano oil: This is powerful for H. pylori as well as boosting immunity and working against parasites.
- Berberis: Berberine is the active component of this powerful herb. Berberis is fantastic for fungal overgrowth and is used when berberine is not given (Hossein Mahmoudvand et al. 2014).
- Pau d’arco: This herb has gentle and mild antifungal properties which is great for mild overgrowth. I use this in eczema cases as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal. Fábio Guilherme Gonçalves de Miranda et al. 2001)
- Wormwood: This is extremally antiparasitic. “Pharmacological studies, in turn, have provided evidence of new, previously unknown directions of biological activity of extracts from the herb and/or leaves, and/or essential oil of the plant—antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiallergic effects. Some studies also indicate the possibility of using the plant in the prevention of diseases spread by insects, due to the repellent properties of the essential oil. This creates prospects for the medicinal use of the plant to an even greater extent.” Halina Ekiert et al. 2021.
- Clove: volatile vapour of clove essential oil demonstrated to be an effective antifungal agent against several human pathogenic fungi. Therefore, using volatile vapour of essential oils as an antifungal agent may provide a wide and useful application for several aspects including aromatherapy, lense preservation, and the treatment of Athelet’s foot disease. Hee Youn Chee et al. 2007.
I love using herbs in tincture form as I find them to be more therapeutic however capsule form is great for those who cannot have alcohol. Always check with your practitioner on how to use these herbs safely and what dose to take for effective results.