Antibiotic use has become a double-edged sword for modern medicine. It can be revolutionary, life saving yet increasingly ineffective. Their misuse has fuelled the development of antibiotic-resistant super bugs and left us looking to more natural alternatives, ones free from the perils of over-prescription and safe for our fragile tummies.
Herbal Tinctures for common infections:
Echinacea is a herb we immediately associate with the common cold, and rightly so. In Germany (where herbs are regulated by the government), the above-ground parts of Echinacea purpurea are approved to treat colds, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and slow healing wounds. The root of the Echinacea pallida plant is also approved for the treatment of flu-like infections.
Andrographis is used for the prevention and treatment of common cold in Scandinavia and is well known as an anti inflammatory and antiviral agent. It also stimulates the immune system and is indicated for bacterial respiratory infections including the common cold, tonsillitis, gastro enteritis and urinary complaints.
Manuka, traditionally found in the form of honey, this New Zealand native herb is effective against a broad range of pathogens, and is a mucous membrane tonic. Manuka is a broad spectrum antiseptic and astringent and has widespread applications both systemically and topically, which relate strongly to these actions.
Food for common colds:
Garlic. Early evidence suggests garlic may help prevent colds. In one study, people took either garlic supplements or placebo for 12 weeks during “cold season” between November and February. Those who took garlic had fewer colds than those who took the placebo. Plus, when they did get a cold, the people taking garlic saw their symptoms improve faster than those taking placebo. The effective dose is 2 – 4 grams per day of fresh, minced organic garlic cloves (each clove is approximately 1 gram).
Celtic sea salt water gargle made from half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water. Good quality salt is anti-catarrhal (anti-mucus), a natural anti-histamine, effective for dry coughs, contains many electrolytes and is fortifying for the immune system.
Chicken soup. Chicken soup is a wives tale with substance! It may help to relieve cold symptoms by acting as an anti-inflammatory, inhibiting the movement of neutrophils (immune system cells that participate in the body’s inflammatory response). It also temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus, possibly helping to relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining. It is also high in absorbable minerals for supporting recovery, is a digestive aid and is rich in love and care (especially if your mother made it!).
Wild crafted Gubinge (Kakadu Plum) powder from the Kimberleys in Western Australia is a natural source of Vitamin C (13%). Harvested by the Nyul Nyul people, all profits from this product are sent to them (it supports both physical and community health!). Vitamin C is often touted as a panacea for every ailment, however the scientific evidence remains conflicting for the common cold. It is certainly involved in the immune process and its historical use during times of infection gives us clues as to its importance. Use it in conjunction with supportive remedies, but don’t put all your immune faith in one basket!
Action steps whilst taking antibiotics!
If all else fails and you find yourself with a prescription for antibiotics despite your best herbal and nutritional efforts, never fear! Studies have shown that supporting the health of the gut by supplementing with probiotics and/or eating fermented foods will help mitigate nasty side-effects such as diarrhea. A variety of probiotic-rich foods such as kefir, whole yogurt, pickled vegetables and fermented drinks provide a spectrum of friendly bacteria and help re-establish your gut garden after a course of antibiotics.
Note:
Herbal tinctures are concentrated herbs in a liquid form and are only available with a prescription from your Naturopath or Herbalist. A qualified practitioner will assure your medication, supplements or disease state does not interact with the herbs, and always remember to tell you practitioner if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
by Anthia Koullouros www.ovvioorganics.com.au | Facebook | Twitter
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References:
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics – Volume 29, Issue 1, pages 37–45, February 2004, “Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trials”.
https://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/echinacea-000239.htm#ixzz2CLmN6xuD
https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cold-remedies/ID00036
https://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/garlic-000245.htm#ixzz2CLr6NwdI
https://www.lovingearth.net/products/18/wild-crafted-gubinge-powder
Sally Fallon 2000, ‘Broth is Beautiful’, Weston A. Price foundation, https://tinyurl.com/dyk4f4k. ‘Anti-mycobacterial activity of garlic (Allium sativum) against multi-drug resistant and non-multi-drug resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis’ Pak J Pharm Sci. 2011 Jan;24(1):81-5. Hannan A, Ikram Ullah M, Usman M, Hussain S, Absar M, Javed K.
‘Probiotics Effective in Combating Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea, Studies Find; ‘Good Bugs’ Look Promising as Anti-Inflammatory Agents’ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114951.htm
