Herbal Action: Antimicrobial

Bacterial | Viral | Fungal

Antimicrobial herbs help the body's immune system destroy or resist the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. They work in three main ways: destroy, inhibit, or resist. Depending on the herb, they may have a direct effect on the pathogen itself, or they may work by strengthening the body's immune system to improve its own resistance.

What they do:

• Destroy, inhibit, or resist the growth of harmful microorganisms

• Interfere with a pathogen's life cycle — disrupting cell walls, blocking nucleic acid activity, or stopping protein synthesis, depending on the herb

• Support and strengthen the immune system so the body can clear infection on its own

• Systemic antimicrobials can enter the bloodstream for a more far-reaching effect

Sub-categories

• Antibacterial — plant-derived antibiotics that target bacteria specifically

• Systemic Antibacterial - can enter the bloodstream for a deeper reaching affect

• Antiviral— best taken at the onset of symptoms

• Antifungal  — targets fungal overgrowth or infection

How they're used:

Herbal antimicrobials are typically taken over a longer period of time than pharmaceutical antibiotics — often weeks to months. It's a good idea to incorporate probiotic foods or supplements alongside these herbs, since they can affect gut flora.

When to consider them:

At the first sign of infection — bacterial, viral, or fungal. Antivirals in particular are most effective when started right as symptoms begin.

Herbs

• Antibacterial

• Antiviral

• Antifungal