As mentioned in the previous paragraph,
echinacea has some antiviral and antibacterial properties, though its ability to help people recover faster from infections seems to stem from immune enhancement. However, a recent study found that Echinaforce®, a special extract made from
Echinacea purpurea, inhibited some respiratory bacteria, including
Streptococcus pyogenes, the cause of “strep throat.” Studies have yet to evaluate the use of this product in treating “strep throat.” Because such infection can cause signification illness and complications such as rheumatic heart disease, antibiotics are recommended. That said, a number of studies have shown that good product, taken frequently in adequate amounts can shorten the course of viral respiratory infection.
Black elderberry (Sambucas nigra) and
licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are two other herbs to keep handy during the cold and flu season.
Elderberry has antiviral activity against influenza viruses and enhances immune function. A proprietary elderberry extract (Sambucol®) significantly shortens the severity and duration of influenza. Licorice root is demulcent (soothing), expectorant (expels respiratory mucus), antiviral, and immune enhancing. Because it acts on the kidneys to stimulate retention of sodium and water (and loss of potassium), it can’t be taken for more than a few days running. It should not be taken by pregnant women, nor people with heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure.
Berberine is an antimicrobial plant chemical present in herbs such as goldenseal (
Hydrastis Canadensis), Oregon grape (
Berberis aquifolium), barberry (
Berberis vulgaris), and coptis or goldenthread (
Coptis chinensis).
The bad news is that this chemical isn’t well absorbed from the intestinal tract. In other words, if you have a sinus infection, taking goldenseal or
Oregon grape root by mouth likely won’t deliver much berberine to your sinuses.
The good news is that berberine does a good job of treating intestinal infections. Studies show that it inhibits bacterial diarrhea caused by
Vibrio cholera and
Escherichia coli. Berberine is also antiparasitic against
Giardia lamblia,
Entamoeba histolytica (amoebas),
Trichomonas vaginalis, and
Leishmania donovani. Studies also show that berberine helps clear giardia in humans.
It’s also reasonable to apply root preparations topically to infected areas. For instance, a well-strained decoction (with ¼ teaspoon salt added for each cup) could be used as a nasal douche for sinusitis, a vaginal douche, or an eyewash for mild pinkeye. Studies have demonstrated success in treating a serious eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Nevertheless, you should see your doctor if the whites of one or both your eyes look inflamed, especially in the presence of a yellow-green discharge.
Cranberry (
Vaccinium macrocarpon), taken as a juice or concentrated in tablet form, interferes with bacterial adherence to bladder lining, thus preventing infection. Most of the research has been in women (elderly women, young sexually-active women, and pregnant women) prone to repeat bladder infections. Once infection begins, the bacteria have already attached to the bladder lining. At that point, antibiotics can clear the infection swiftly and prevent bacteria from ascending to the kidneys. For prevention, the juice dosage used in studies ranges from 4 to 32 ounces a day. Alternatively, concentrated juice extract can be taken at a dosage of one 300-400 milligram tablet, two to three times a day. Side effects can include gastrointestinal upset. Also, chemical constituents of cranberry may inhibit the enzymes that break down drugs, thereby raising blood levels of medications such as Coumadin, Valium, Elavil, Motrin, and others.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is an Australia native whose essential oil acts as a potent antimicrobial agent. Studies show that it’s active against the yeast
Candida albicans, and bacteria such as staph (
Staphylococcus aureus). In lab studies, tea tree oil kills methacillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Some, but not all, studies in humans show that topical applications can eliminate colonization of the bacteria in skin and nose. To my knowledge, no studies have investigated efficacy in treating MRSA.
Another tough-to-treat problem is fungal nail infections. However, one study found that 100% tea tree oil, applied twice a day for six months, improved symptoms in more than half of patients, and cured the infection in 18%. Topical applications of 25% or 50%
tea tree oil have also been shown to help clear athlete’s foot, which is caused by the fungus
Tinea pedis. And a 5% tea tree product helped clear acne. As with other essential oils,
tea tree oil should not be taken internally. Some sensitive people develop skin irritation after application.
Important note: This article is not intended as a substitute for the advise of a health care professional. Some microbes are incredibly virulent. And some people are more vulnerable than others. Microbes innocuous in hardier folk can be lead to life-threatening infections in people with compromised immunity. Newborn babies are vulnerable because their immune systems are immature. Elders face declining immune function. In the face of overwhelming infection, antibiotics can save lives. In other instances, antibiotic treatment may help prevent complications.
When to call the doctor. If you feel very ill, contact your health-care provider. If two to three days of home care haven’t led to improvement of your symptoms, call for an appointment. Also, seek medical attention if a skin lesion grows larger, becomes red, hot and swollen, produces pus or honey-colored crusts, produces red streaks (that stretch toward the heart), or enlarges lymph nodes (usually in groin or armpit). If you have sick infant, call your doctor right away.
-- Linda B. White, M.D. is a freelance writer, lecturer, and assistant professor in the Integrative Therapeutic Practices Program at Metropolitan State College of Denver.