Antimicrobial herbs
Sources:
Antimicrobial herbs are recommended by many functional and integrative health experts for their ability to manage microbial imbalances without disrupting the entire gut microbiome, unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics. Here are some commonly mentioned antimicrobial herbs and their benefits:
-
Cat's Claw: Known for its strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Often used in managing bacterial overgrowth in conditions like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) 1.
-
Oregano Oil: A powerful broad-spectrum antimicrobial effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It's frequently used in both digestive and respiratory infections 2 1.
-
Garlic Extract: Specifically, allicin, a component of garlic, is potent against pathogens without containing fermentable sugars, making it suitable even when avoiding certain foods during gut healing 1 3.
-
Pau d'Arco: Often used in teas, this herb has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it effective in combating yeast and other fungi 1 3.
-
Neem: Known for its antiparasitic and antimicrobial effects, neem is used in various herbal protocols for managing parasites and other microbial imbalances 4.
-
Clove: Traditionally used for its antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, and anti-inflammatory effects, clove is another staple in natural medicine for microbial management 3 4.
-
Olive Leaf Extract: Recognized for its antiviral and antimicrobial capabilities, olive leaf extract is used in various formulations to support immune health 3.
-
Black Walnut and Wormwood: These herbs are well-known in herbal medicine for their effectiveness against parasites and microbial overgrowth 4.
These herbs are often rotated to prevent resistance and combined with other supportive measures like probiotics and biofilm disruptors for a comprehensive approach to managing microbial health 1 3.
-