The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies (5 page)

Herbs with antimicrobial or antibiotic action destroy or inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.

Technically speaking, antibiotics are living cultures (like penicillin) or synthetic versions of live cultures that can kill or neutralize pathogens—in other words, they’re not herbs. But several herbs have demonstrated an antibiotic-like effect in the body, making them viable options in the fight against infections.

Using herbs to fight microbial infections is a smart move. Research has shown that pharmaceutical germ-killers are overused and might contribute to the development and spread of drug-resistant microorganisms. What’s more, even the best prescription antibiotics won’t help a viral infection, as they’re effective against bacteria only.

Antibiotics also carry lots of potential side effects, like stomach upset, headaches, and sensitivity to sunlight.

Herbs can treat viral infections like colds and flu, as well as coughs, cold sores, and sore throats. Herbal antifungals can combat yeast infections and other infections caused by fungi, such as athlete’s foot. Antibacterial herbs are useful for treating bacterial skin infections and acne.

Many herbs can also combat infectious protozoa, single-celled organisms like
Cryptosporidium
or
Giardia
that can cause foodborne illness and diseases such as malaria. Here are some of the best-known antimicrobial herbs:

• Barberry
  (Berberis vulgaris)
  
• Grape
  (Vitis vinifera)
  
• Elderberry
  (Sambucus nigra)
  
• Rosemary
  (Rosmarinus officinalis)
  
• Garlic
  (Allium sativum)
  
• Tea tree
  (Melaleuca alternifolia)
  
• Ginger
  (Zingiber officinale)
  
• Thyme
  (Thymus vulgaris)
  
• Goldenseal
  (Hydrastis canadensis)
  

Antioxidants have been the darling of the health media for several years now, and the studies demonstrating their disease-fighting powers continue to pile up. Research has also shown that plants—both edible fruits and vegetables and medicinal herbs—are the richest sources of antioxidant compounds.

An
antioxidant
is a molecule that can slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules.

Oxidation
is a natural chemical reaction that happens when one substance (known as an
oxidizing agent)
transfers electrons to another. It’s a real paradox: Oxygen is crucial for survival, but it’s a highly reactive element that can also cause problems.

Oxidation produces molecules called
free radicals,
which can damage cells through a process termed
oxidative stress.
And oxidative stress has been implicated in many diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Many plants—including medicinal herbs, culinary herbs, and plants eaten as food—are loaded with antioxidants. Some of the best-known plant-derived antioxidant compounds are:

• Vitamin C
  (in cayenne, citrus fruits, and walnuts)
  
• Polyphenols like resveratrol (in blueberries, grapes, and peanuts) and flavonoids (in citrus fruits, chocolate, and tea)
  
• Vitamin E
  (in sunflower and flax oils)
  
• Carotenoids
  (in carrots and spinach)
  

Here are some of the more popular antioxidant herbs, many of which are eaten as foods or used as flavorings:

• Fennel
  (Foeniculum vulgare)
  
• Grapefruit
  (Citrus paradisi)
  
• Garlic
  (Allium sativum)
  
• Pomegranate
  (Punica granatum)
  
• Grape
  (Vitis vinifera)
  
• Turmeric
  (Curcuma longa)
  

Herbalists have a remedy for practically any digestive woe you could have, from indigestion and nausea to diarrhea and gas.

Herbal medicine offers several options for improving overall digestion. These herbs, generally known as digestives, stimulate the production of digestive fluids and encourage regular elimination. The best-known digestive herbs include these:

• Chamomile
  (Matricaria recutita)
  
• Fennel
  (Foeniculum vulgare)
  
• Cinnamon
  (Cinnamomum verum, C. aromaticum)
  
• Peppermint
  (Mentha x piperita)
  
• Pineapple
  (Ananas comosus)
  

Another group of herbs are classified as carminatives, meaning they work to dispel gas and relieve cramping. Carminatives have antispasmodic (anticramping) action on the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. Here are some of the better-known carminatives:

• Barberry
  (Berberis vulgaris)
  
• Rosemary
  (Rosmarinus officinalis)
  
• Fennel
  (Foeniculum vulgare)
  
• Tea
  (Camellia sinensis)
  
• Licorice
  (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  

Herbal remedies for diarrhea slow the transit of fluids through your GI tract to return your digestion to its normal pace. They include:

• Barberry
  (Berberis vulgaris)
  
• Marshmallow
  (Althaea officinalis)
  
• Bilberry
  (Vaccinium myrtillus)
  
• Psyllium
  (Plantago ovata, P. psyllium)
  
• Fenugreek
  (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
  
• Sangre de grado
  (Croton lechleri)
  
• Juniper
  (Juniperus communis)
  

A group of herbs known as antiemetics work to combat nausea and stop vomiting. Herbal remedies for nausea and vomiting include these:

• American ginseng
  (Panax quinquefolius)
  
• Mate
  (Ilex paraguariensis)
  
• Dill
  (Anethum graveolens)
  
• Tea
  (Camellia sinensis)
  
• Ginger
  (Zingiber officinale)
  

Herbal demulcents soothe inflammation in the digestive tract:

• Alfalfa
  (Medicago sativa)
  
• Licorice
  (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  
• Flax
  (Linum usitatissimum)
  
• Marshmallow
  (Althaea officinalis)
  
• Gentian
  (Gentiana lutea)
  

Several medicinal plants aid in the elimination of bodily waste. Herbal purgatives (or laxatives) have been used for centuries to relieve constipation and speed the transit of food through the digestive system; diuretics are used to relieve water retention and treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and urinary tract infections. Herbal laxatives include:

• Aloe
  (Aloe vera)
  
• Fenugreek
  (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
  
• Flax
  (Linum usitatissimum)
  
• Psyllium
  (Plantago ovata, P. psyllium)
  

Some popular herbal diuretics are:

• Alfalfa
  (Medicago sativa)
  
• Nettle
  (Urtica dioica)
  
• Dandelion
  (Taraxacum officinale)
  
• Tea
  (Camellia sinensis)
  

Many herbs can function as natural cough syrups, aiding in the elimination of mucus and phlegm from the airways.

As with many medications, herbal options trump the pharmaceuticals in this area, as well, because they lack most of the side effects (and safety concerns) associated with the drugs.

In most cases, the herbs used as expectorants are safe for anyone out of diapers—something that can’t be said for OTC expectorants, which the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t recommend for anyone under the age of eleven. The FDA recently announced that it’s looking into the matter after a spate of accidents involving kids and cough syrup.

Doctors recommend using an expectorant to help rid yourself of phlegm—you use it to help along a “productive” cough. Some herbal expectorants are:

• Ginger
  (Zingiber officinale)
  
• Peppermint
  (Mentha xpiperita)
  
• Licorice
  (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  
• Rosemary
  (Rosmarinus officinalis)