Top 5 Herbs that fight infection

Top 5 Herbs that fight infection

Aiden van Wyk

For the past month I've been struggling with chest congestion - it just never went away. I also resisted taking an antibiotic, because my gut is so sensitive that one round would be a complete wipe out of my microbiome. I wanted to fight it clean, and it was taking FOREVER!

Until -

I was reading into Chinese Medicine and found that bitter herbs are great for fighting infection. Immediately a light went off in my head about one of the most bitter teas I have ever tasted in my life - Golden Seal - I still have the box in my cupboard.

I proceeded to drink that twice a day for 4 days with my usual supplements (MSM and Salt), and the congestion lifted away. No antibiotics. No cough medicine.

I was healed.

How do herbs fight infection?

Herbs have historically been a powerful and effective tool in combatting illnesses in most cultures around the world. While modern western medicine is incredibly powerful in its own right, herbs possess many properties (often with less side effects) that can help the body fight disease.

Here's how:

  • Antimicrobial:

Many herbs (and oils derived from said herbs) contain compounds that directly stop the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi by disrupting their cell walls or metabolic processes, like Garlic and Oregano.

  • Immune Support:

Often herbs can stimulate the production of immune cells and enhance their activity, thereby boosting the body's natural immune response and making it more effective at fighting off infections. Echinacea and Elderberry are often celebrated for reducing the severity and duration of viral infections.

  • Anti-Inflammatory:

Inflammation is a healthy natural bodily response to infection - but excessive inflammation can be harmful. Turmeric and Ginger are two of the herbs that can help in reducing inflammation, alleviating symptoms of illness and promoting healing.

  • Antioxidant:

Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals - often produced during infection. By neutralizing free radicals, herbs with antioxidant properties can support the body's ability to fight infection.

How did they figure out that bitter herbs fight infections?

In ancient history, medicine was (and in many ways still is) a collection of wisdom passed down from generation to generation. Healers and explorers turning the seeming chaos of the world into soothing salves and potent tonics, discovering through experience and respecting wisdom handed down from their ancestors. As they did not have the precision of scientific tools that we have today, they weren't able to ascertain that for example; it's the naturally occurring bitter compound berberine in Golden Seal Root that specifically assists in fighting infection.

What they instead noted was that plants that tasted bitter seemed to help fight infections.

Does this mean that you don't have to see a doctor?

I wouldn't suggest skipping a doctor's visit altogether. If you suspect an infection, it's always good to check in with a doctor - especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

You see, infections can escalate quickly and not all herbs are effective against every type of infection. A doctor can diagnose the infection accurately, determine its severity and advise if medical interventions (like antibiotics or antifungals) are necessary. Some infections can become life-threatening if not treated properly, and certain herbal remedies could interact with medications and / or have unintended effects. Combining professional medical advice with herbal support is the safest and most effective approach to healing.

Special Mention

Before we get into the top 5 herbs for fighting infections, here are a quick three special mentions that either help combat infections directly (but is not an herb) or support the body in an indirect way:

  1. Colloidal Silver: A somewhat controversial product, Colloidal Silver is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also reduces inflammation and boosts cell recovery - commonly used against highly infectious viruses and bacteria.
  2. Astragalus: This acts more as an immune modulator than a direct antimicrobial. Its extract was found helpful for long-term immune support rather than acute infection treatment.
  3. Pau D'arco: Though mainly known for its use in Candida, it contains lapachol and beta-lapachone - compounds with documented antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Top 5 herbs ranked for potency against infectious diseases

Garlic:

Garlic has the strongest evidence for broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects. It contains allicin and other sulphur compounds with documented activity against bacteria (including some antibiotic-resistant strains), viruses, and fungi.

Golden Seal (and Berberine rich herbs):

Berberine has impressive antimicrobial properties - particularly effective against bacterial infections and select parasites. It works through multiple mechanisms to disrupt microbial cell membranes.

Thyme and Oregano:

Yes, this seems like a cheat BUT they are often used together, containing Thymol and Carvacrol respectively, both of which shows potent antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies - even being effective against drug-resistant bacteria.

Elderberry:

Elderberry has been found to have significant antiviral properties, particularly against flu viruses. Note that this herb is actually sour, and tastes really nice in a smoothie

Echinacea:

Echinacea is particularly effective for respiratory infections, as it helps enhance the immune response and may sometimes reduce the duration of the infection.

But how do you drink something that tastes horrible?

Trust me - I get it.

And I hate it.

And I refuse to do it.

That's why I always suggest encapsulating your chosen herb/s. But if you don't have capsules lying around you could also try creating make-shift capsules out of bread (or something similar) and 'smuggle' the powder form of the herbs inside it to help conceal the taste. However, if you use this method do so very carefully; and avoid making your 'capsules' too big' as they could turn into a choking hazard.

Other ways that people suggest is:

  • Drink it like a shooter, a concentrated small amount shot to the back of your throat, followed by a strong chaser (particularly citrus, like a overpowering lemon drink). Some people say that before you take the shot breathe out, take the shot, drink the chaser and then breathe in - Don't ask me how I know this :)
  • Close your nose while drinking it.
  • Make a spearmint mouthwash and swish it around in your mouth immediately after drinking it (See how to make this below).
  • Make it extremely cold, as the cold can numb your taste buds.
  • Suck on an ice cube before drinking it.
  • Use a straw aimed at the back of your tongue, to bypass as many tastebuds as possible.

DIY Spearmint Mouthwash

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Bring the water to a near boil, then remove from heat.
  2. Add the spearmint leaves and cloves, cover, and steep for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture.
  4. Stir in xylitol (if using) and salt while the liquid is still warm.
  5. Let cool completely, then store in a clean glass bottle.

If stored in the fridge, this can last for up to 1 week. If you add preservatives, your mouthwash should last 2-3 months in the fridge. You should add about:

I hope this helps - And Good Luck!

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Aiden van Wyk

Aiden is an eccentric explorer of ideas, endlessly curious and always eager to share his discoveries. His mind is a maze of rabbit holes, each leading to new insights (and occasionally pure chaos). In all honesty - he's a little impulsive, he's easily distracted, delightfully scatterbrained, and unapologetically himself. But through every deep dive and misstep, his mission remains the same:

To make the world a teeny tiny little better, one lesson at a time :)


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