Anti-microbials
What is an Anti-microbial?
The anti-microbial herbs can help the body to destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms. In all forms of natural medicine it would be a mistake to talk about remedies as being 'anti-biotic' as this literally means anti-life. With herbal remedies there is the possibility to help the body strengthen its own resistance to infective organisms and throw off the illness. While some of our plant remedies contain chemicals which are strongly anti-septic or specific poisons to certain organisms, in general we are talking about plants that aid the natural immune processes.
Many of the plants that have this action are also anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, etc. This has to be seen as an atribute of the general action of the herb which in most cases will be to augment the integrity of the individual's own defence system. There will be times when the use of anti-biotic drugs is essential and life saving; however, this is not as often as has become customary. The body can benefit from supportive and preventative help that bypasses the need for chemical intervention in an emergency. However, when an emergency arises, let us be thankful for the existence of antibiotics.
How Anti-microbials Work
Some research work has been done on these anti-microbial remedies and in such cases an active ingredient has occasionally been found. An example is German research into the excellent remedy Echinacea where a chemical with anti-bacterial properties has been discovered. It is called echinacein. There is also a volatile oil that is anti-staphylococcal, an amide of the echinacein that is insecticidal, others that are anti-fungal and a polypeptide that attacks bacteria. It also has action against viruses, apparently by inhibiting an enzyme used by viruses to break down cell walls. All of which is held together within a therapeutic matrix of immunological modulation.
Other ways in which herbs can work to remove infection is by direct or indirect stimulation of the body's own immune system. Myrrh is an example of this. Herbs rich in volatile oils are often directly effective by killing the micro-organism. Examples would be Garlic, Thyme, and Eucalyptus. Specifics of the individual modes of action of the various unique anti-microbials is discussed under the entry for each herb.
Anti-microbials for Different Parts of the Body
Each system of the body has plants that are particularly suited to it, some of which are anti-microbial. Here we shall see which anti-microbial remedies may be best suited for each of these systems. By the nature of infection and the body's immune response to it, a general systemic treatment is always appropriate; even if done in conjunction with specific local remedies. How they can be used will be considered in the sections on each system.
Circulatory system: Garlic is appropriate because of its value for the C-V system in general.
Respiratory system: In addition to the main remedies mentioned, i.e. Echinacea, Wild Indigo and Myrrh, we can add Aniseed, Balsam of Peru, Clove, Elecampane and Thyme, which also possess different varieties of expectorant effects.
Digestive system: Many of the volatile oil containing aromatic remedies & some digestive bitters have an anti-microbial effect in the intestines. Ones to consider are Echinacea, Garlic, Gentian, Sage, Marigold, Myrrh & Wormwood amongst others.
Respiratory system: In addition to the main remedies mentioned, i.e. Echinacea, Wild Indigo and Myrrh, we can add Aniseed, Balsam of Peru, Clove, Elecampane and Thyme, which also possess different varieties of expectorant effects.
Digestive system: Many of the volatile oil containing aromatic remedies & some digestive bitters have an anti-microbial effect in the intestines. Ones to consider are Echinacea, Garlic, Gentian, Sage, Marigold, Myrrh & Wormwood amongst others.
Urinary system: Some of the urinary anti-microbial remedies can be too strong if there is any suggestion of kidney disease. Effective remedies are Bearberry, Juniper berries, Eucalyptus, Yarrow & Echinacea.
Reproductive system: Here you could use Echinacea, Garlic, Southernwood, Nasturtium, as well as the urinary anti-microbials.
Muscles and skeleton: Echinacea and Wild Indigo will provide a good basis for treatment.
Nervous system: St. John's Wort or Pasque flower in combination with nervines and other anti-microbials will help deal with the intransigent infections that can effect the nervous system.
Reproductive system: Here you could use Echinacea, Garlic, Southernwood, Nasturtium, as well as the urinary anti-microbials.
Muscles and skeleton: Echinacea and Wild Indigo will provide a good basis for treatment.
Nervous system: St. John's Wort or Pasque flower in combination with nervines and other anti-microbials will help deal with the intransigent infections that can effect the nervous system.
Skin: There are many anti-microbial herbs that can be used on the skin. A wash of Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram or Garlic can be most effective. Myrrh is one of the strongest external remedies.
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