Herbal Alternatives to Antibiotics

by Jyll Renee', Master Herbologist

Herbal Alternatives to Antibiotics: The Rise of Antibiotics

There was much excitement over the discovery and successful use of antibiotics in medicine in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.  Little did they know the unforeseen medical problems and development of powerful strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Many medical doctors and the medical association proclaimed it was the end of all time of Book on infectious diseases.”  Small pox was being eradiated and polio vaccines were showing astonishing success in preventing infections in Millions of people in the United States, Africa and Europe.  Tuberculosis and Malaria, it was predicted, would be gone by the year 2000.  With satisfaction David Moreau observed in an article in Vogue magazine that “the chemotherapeutic revolution (had) reduced nearly all non-viral disease to the significance of a bad cold.

They couldn’t have been more wrong!!

Moreaus’ optimism diminished, when his article appeared in 1976, infectious disease was on the rise.  By 1997, 3 million people a year in the US alone were being admitted to hospitals with difficult – to – treat antibiotics.  The Centers for Disease control and prevention estimated in 2002 that another 1.7 million became infected annually while visiting hospitals and an estimated 100,000 a year died after contracting a resistant infection in a hospital.  These folks came into hospitals for a medical issue, such as a heart attack, cancer, trauma from an accident and many other problems, ended up dying from an infectious disease.  This would make hospital-acquired resistant infections the 4^th leading cause of death in the US.

Herbal Alternatives to Antibiotics: The End of Miracle Drugs

Though penicillin was discovered in 1929, it was only after WWII that it was commercially developed and it wasn’t until after the war that its use became routine.  Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, noted early in 1929 in The British Journal of Experimental Pathology that there were many bacteria already resistant to this drug that he had discovered, and in a 1945 New York Times interview he WARNED that improper use of penicillin would inevitably lead to the development of resistant bacteria.

In 1995, an incredible 95% of staph was resistant to penicillin, by 1960; resistant staph had become the most common source of hospital acquired infections worldwide.  So, physicians began to use Methcillin, a beta – lactum antibiotic that they found to be effective against penicillin – resistant strains (in other words those that had become allergic to penicillin or the drug no longer worked for their indications).  Methicillin-resistant staph (MRSA) emerged within a year. 
Herbal Alternatives to Antibiotics: The  Importance of Friendly Bacteria

The bacteria that colonize in our bodies are friendly; you’ve heard the term “friendly bacteria”.  They take up all the space in our bodies on which “unfriendly bacteria” can grow, thus leaving no room for other less benign bacteria to grow.  For instance, the (streptococcus) bacteria that normally live in our throats produce large quantities of anti-bacterial substances that are specifically active against the streptococcus pyogens bacteria that cause strep throat.

Regular exposure to “bad” bacteria as we are growing teaches our bodies that our “good” bacteria how to respond more efficiently to diseases.  This will allow a higher level of health later in life.  Research continually finds children who are “protected” from bacteria by keeping them in an exceptionally clean environment where they are constantly exposed to anti-bacterial soaps and wipes are NOT in fact healthier but much sicker overall than children not so protected.  In other words when you suppress a child’s natural bacteria to fight infection with anti-bacterial cleansers this child will not be able to fight infections on their own.

 Herbal Alternatives to Antibiotics: The Herbal Antibiotics

These herbs can be effectively used for treating – antibiotic resistant organisms and have been used for decades by many practitoners.  Documented research by committed researchers from many countries around the world, and the history of use by these plants by local peoples over many centuries can be found in books, magazines, websites and libraries.

*note that most practioners become familiar with their favorite herbs, and use them successfully in their practice.  Here are a couple of my favorite –

Oregon Grape Root Tincture: Immune Boosting Formula

(2 fluid ounce)  Suggested Use:

30 – 40 drops in a little water, 1 – 3 times daily

Indications:

• Anti-microbial properties beneficial for infections


• Boost the immune system


• Detoxification aid

Proprietary Blend:

• Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)


• 40% alcohol by volume

Herbal description:

The plant is used medicinally by herbalists. Recent studies indicate that M. aquifolium contains a specific multidrug resistance pump inhibitor (MDR Inhibitor) named 5'methoxyhydnocarpin (5'MHC) which works to decrease bacterial resistance to antibiotics and antibacterial agents.

Oregon grape root is commonly used medicinally as an effective alternative to the threatened goldenseal. Both plants similarly contain the alkaloid berberine, known as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial used in the treatment of infection.

Berberine and other alkaloids present in Oregon grape root have been shown to kill a wide range of microbes and have been effective in speeding recovery from giardia, Candida, and viral diarrhea.

Oregon grape is also known to be capable in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as Eczema and Psoriasis.

Oregon grape root also has anticancer properties that are receiving more attention by researchers studying cancer alternatives.

Other actions may include alterative that improves anemia, diuretic, laxative and as a general dietary health tonic
Goldenseal Tincture: Natural Organic Anti-biotic (2 fluid ounce)

Suggested Use:15 – 20 drops in a little water, twice daily.

*Should not be used continually for longer than 3 weeks unless directed by health practitioner
*Not for use in pregnancy.

Indications:

• Immune booster with antibiotic properties


• Stimulates the body’s resistance to infection

Proprietary Formula**

• Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis Canadensis)


• Alcohol-free fluid extract 1:1*


• Contains Vegetable Glycerin

Herbal description: 

Historically, Native Americans have used goldenseal for various health conditions such as skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea.

The main active ingredients in goldenseal are the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine, along with lesser amounts of canadine. Berberine appears to have a wide range of antimicrobial activity against pathogens, including Chlamydia, E. coli, and Salmonella typhi, as well as viruses and protozoans. The herb appears to stimulate the activity of macrophages, the immune cells that attack harmful bacteria. The herb seems to work quickly to knock these pathogens out!

Goldenseal is an immensely popular as an immune booster and antibiotic  that is taken at the onset of a cold to help prevent further symptoms.  Often called echinacea's partner, Goldenseal, is said to help stimulate the body's resistance to infection . No home should be without this herb!

• Goldenseal helps to alleviate eczema


• Relieves Liver disorders


• Is a remedy for vaginitis and itching


• Acts as a natural antibiotic for urinary tract infections


• Add a few drops of the powder or the goldenseal tincture to your mouthwash to assist in the


• care of pyorrhea or any gum infection


• Eases middle ear infections


• Stimulates bile production and secretion of bile (this helps to digest fats

Lomatium Anti-Viral Tincture 2 fl oz 

Indications:

Lomatium has strong antiviral properties that make it effective against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The tincture is also used in treating colds, flu, and asthma.

Suggested use:

Use 15 – 20 drops (~ 1 inch) on the tongue 3 times daily until symptoms subside.

Lomatium may be used one dose per day as a good preventative during cold and flu season or to address underlying viral conditions such as herpes.

Ingredients:

• Lomatium Root (Lomatium Dissectum)


• 40% Alcohol by volume


• Not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.

Herbal description:

The anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties of Lomatium dissectum have attracted the interest of herbalists and Naturopathic physicians who are utilizing it in the treatment of today’s most difficult viral diseases.

Although not evaluated by the FDA, many herbalists may use Lomatium as part of a protocol in the treatment of Hepatitis-B, Hepatitis-C, Influenza, Chronic-fatigue, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Herpes simplex, Herpes Zoster, Shingles, sinusitis, and common colds; often as a compliment to traditional medications.

Anti-microbial actions: especially in the lungs and upper respiratory tract. It can be used for fast acting relief in all cases of viral or bacterial infection, particularly where there is a large amount of thick or sticky mucous and where infection is deep seated and persistent.

References:

1 & 3) Moore M. Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West. Santa Fe: Red Crane Books, 1993, 61–71.
2) Vanwagenen BC, Cardellina JH. Native American food and medicinal plants. 7. Antimicrobial tetronic acids from Lomatium dissectum.  Tetrahedron 1986;42:1117.



This article reference was adapted from Herbal Antibiotics by Stephan Harrod Buhner, courtesy Storey Publishing 2011 and Herbal Companion Magazine September 2012 issue.