The overuse of antibiotics has meant that our pharmaceutical antibiotics do not work as well as they used to. However herbs can work fantastically, and this article shares which are best.
The antibiotics crisis
Most of us have probably been prescribed a course of antibiotics at some point in our lives (if not more than once!). Whilst antibiotics can be helpful in the case of serious infections (of bacterial origin, since antibiotics do not work against viruses), their use does not come without risk. After more than a century of ‘modern’ antibiotics, the repercussions of their use are only now beginning to be understood. In this article we share 5 herbs which can be safely used in place of antibiotics for some conditions.
The discovery of antibiotics (as we know them now) in the early 1900’s undoubtedly changed the course of human health. Antibiotics have, over the years, been life-saving medicine, treating serious infectious diseases (pneumonia and tuberculosis to name a few). They have also provided the possibility for advances in new medical interventions such as organ transplants and open-heart surgery (1).
The prescription of antibiotics boomed from the 1940s onwards, initially with little restriction as they were considered a ‘wonder drug’. However, times change and most pharmaceutical drugs have consequences aside from any potential beneficial effects on the condition they are targeting. The benefit to risk must always be considered. The word antibiotic translates directly to mean ‘against life’. Although they were only considered against bacteria by those who coined the phrase, its deeper meaning seems to have rung truer than ever imagined.
The overprescribing of antibiotics for conditions which will usually get better in their own time (such as common cold and simple coughs) has been prolific, and this has led to what we now face as an ‘antibiotic resistance crisis’ (1). Unfortunately, antibiotics have been called upon to treat conditions which were not dangerous and did not warrant their use, as we are learning more now they must be used very selectively to preserve their efficacy.
Overuse has seen many strains of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, so that when they are used they no longer work. There has been a rise in antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs’, such as MRSA. Some infections are now simply untreatable by antibiotics, even in cases where they are really needed. This is an unsurprising ‘backlash’ from nature, i.e. bacteria which have evolved to become stronger in order to overcome the ‘attack’ of antibiotic drugs.
Humans and bacteria
We can consider the impact of antibiotics from a broader, more holistic view. As humans, we live in an ecosystem, we are an integral part of nature and our relationship with it affects our health (2). Bacteria is an important part of this natural ecosystem. There is a symbiotic relationship between humans and the surrounding bacterial environment, which actually helps to sustain our health (3). One example of this is that as young children become exposed to a variety of pathogens this allows development of a strong and healthy immune system which can effectively defend and protect against pathogens.
More specifically, our ‘microbiota’ (our internal bacterial environment) plays a fundamental role in the evolution and healthy function of our immune systems (3). The health of our microbiome is directly affected by the diversity of bacteria from nature that we encounter in our environment (for example in soil, trees, plants, animals, etc), as well as from other sources such as food.
The use of antibiotics inevitably means the destruction of healthy bacteria (as well as pathogenic bacteria), which results in imbalances in the microbiota and subsequently in immune responses.
Whilst antibiotic use is not the only reason for a less diverse and resilient microbiota, in high-income countries it is certainly seen as a major contributing factor. It has been proposed that these effects on our symbiotic relationship with the microbiota through overuse of antibiotics (amongst other things), may account for the dramatic rise in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders in these parts of the world (3). You can read about how pollution and pesticides affect our microbiome in our article “Pollutants, pesticides and our microbiome: How they all affect allergies“.
Although antibiotics can in some cases be life-saving, their overuse seems to be linked to increased risks to human health from bacteria, which suggests that the more we meddle with the balance of nature, the more compromised our health becomes.
How can herbs help?
Current ideas from the medical profession for solutions to the antibiotic resistance crisis are to look for new strains of anti-infective drugs, namely from natural products (including plant sources) because of their chemical diversity and effectiveness as antibiotics (1,4). Afterall, plants and fungi have been combatting bacteria since their inception.
The good news is that there are already herbs which work extremely well as natural antibiotics (and better than in many cases). The unique thing about herbs and their antibacterial properties is that not only do they work bypreventing and helping the body to recover from infections, they work with the body’s immune system and can also improve the diversity of the microbiome, all without the detrimental effects of antibiotics.
Herbs contain a complex and diverse range of chemical compounds which work in harmony with natural immune responses. They can encourage the body to activate its own immune defences, contributing to a healthier and more resilient immune system, and can complement the use of antibiotics if they are really needed, enhancing their effectiveness against potentially resistant bacteria. Additionally, herbs like turmeric can also help to re-establish a healthier balance in our internal microbiome.
Herbs instead of antibiotics
Here are five herbs you may consider instead of antibiotics…
Andrographis
Andrographis is an intensely bitter tasting, immune-enhancing herb which helps to protect against infections of viral, bacterial, and parasitic origin.
It has been used traditionally in both Indian and Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of coughs, colds, and flus, suggesting its affinity for treating respiratory tract infections (5).
A recent systematic review of literature looked at 33 randomized controlled trials (of over 7000 patients) where Andrographis was given in cases of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI). Andrographis significantly improved symptoms of ARTI compared to placebo, usual care, or other herbal therapies, and shortened the time to recovery (5). The study showed promising outcomes which suggest that Andrographis may be protective in reducing the longevity of infections and therefore the likelihood of antibiotics being prescribed due to secondary infection complications. A limitation of the study was that there wasn’t a standardised quality control or manufacturing procedures and so extracts will have varied. Nonetheless good evidence was presented for using Andrographis for respiratory tract infections.
A recent review of literature looking at Andrographis as a treatment option for infectious diseases found over 33 types of bacteria were inhibited by different andrographis extracts. Aqueous extracts were effective against anti-biotic resistant strains including MRSA, and against bacillary dysentery caused by Shigella. Other types of extract including hexane and aqueous / ethanol extracts were effective against E.coli. The authors also suggested that as well as being antibacterial, Andrographis also plays an important role in regulating the immune system, meaning that there is less chance of drug resistance, and the reducing problems associated with antibiotic resistance. The conclusion was that Andrographis is effective for the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria or viruses (6).
Andrographis is also helpful in cases of urinary tract infections.
Traditionally Andrographis is considered energetically cooling, and so can be combined with warming herbs such as ginger or used in cases of excess heat in the body.
In Thailand, the government approved trials of using Andrographis to treat early symptoms of COVID-19 (7).
Echinacea
Prior to the second world war and the introduction of antibiotics, echinacea was the most popular remedy in the USA for managing infections.
Echinacea tends to strengthen the immune system; it supports balanced immune responses by boosting low immunity and moderating overactive immune responses. Although echinacea works against viral infections, in many cases these viral infections can lead to bacterial upper respiratory tract infections (RTI’s) (especially in children).
A randomized, blinded, controlled, clinical trial examined the efficacy of echinacea for prevention of development of secondary bacterial complications, and for reducing the rates of antibiotic prescriptions in a group of 150 children aged 4 to 12 years old. Over a 4-month period the study group were given a 400mg dose of echinacea purpurea extract 3 times daily, and the control group a 50mg dose of vitamin C three times daily.
The results showed that the echinacea group had 32.5% fewer days of colds compared to the control group. This immediately reduces the likelihood of developing complications such as bacterial infections. Additionally, there was a 65% reduction in respiratory tract infection complications, and antibiotic prescriptions were reduced by 76.3% in children taking echinacea for 4 months (8).
Due to its effect of strengthening the immune system, echinacea is excellent for aiding the body in overcoming infections, especially when prone to repeated infections, or when run-down due to stress. This can be taken at the first sign of a cold or infection, or as a preventative for those who are prone to infections for example during the winter months or ‘cold and flu season’.
As well as working to improve systemic immune function, echinacea also has an effect locally and can be used as a mouthwash or gargle for mouth or throat infections, and as a douche for vaginal infections.
An indicator of good quality echinacea is a tingling on the tongue when taking the liquid extract. This indicates the presence of constituents called isobuthylamides which are a type of alkylamide. It is suggested that alkylamides influence immune cell function close to mucosal surfaces. It is best to buy echinacea from a reputable supplier to ensure the quality.
Thyme
Thyme is a powerful antimicrobial/ antibacterial herb effective against a range of causes for respiratory infections.
It also has as an expectorant action, meaning it assists in the removal of mucous from the respiratory system, making it an excellent choice for coughs with thick catarrh, dry coughs, and for respiratory infections.
One of the key active compounds in thyme is thymol. Thymol is a strong antibacterial which has an affinity with the lung tissue where it can help to clear infections. Thymol has been found to assist antibiotic therapy tetracyline against certain bacterial infections; because of its inhibitory action on a gene expression which acts as a pump in the cell wall it allows a build-up of the antibiotic within the cells, where they can become effective (9).
The whole herb of thyme is commonly used as a culinary ingredient and is thought to act as a probiotic in the gut and to be beneficial for re-establishing a healthy balance in the gut microbiome. These effects on the gut microbiome are likely to be due to the presence of antimicrobial essential oil compounds.
Both aqueous extracts of thyme (such as a herbal infusion) and the essential oil of thyme have antibacterial effects, therefore it can be taken as a simple herbal tea, it is commonly used as a syrup for coughs, and the essential oil is also an effective antibacterial for the skin when diluted in a carrier oil at 2% dilution.
Green tea
Green tea is a well-known and popular herbal drink with a huge range of health benefits. Its main constituent EGCG is a powerful antioxidant, which seems to optimize the body’s natural antioxidant defences. It is EGCG which has anti-infective properties against viruses, and acts as an antibacterial.
A mechanism of action is suggested that EGCG disrupts lipid layers of bacterial cell walls (10) making green tea a helpful antibacterial herb.
The combination of antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of green tea make it an excellent preventative for infections, and the subsequent need for antibiotics.
The best way to work with green tea is to include it as a daily beverage as part of a healthy lifestyle, rather than as a treatment as and when problems arise.
Energetically green tea is cooling, and even when drunk as a hot beverage it can have a cooling effect on the body.
Garlic
Garlic is a classic kitchen remedy which offers a medicine chest of benefits for health. It has potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it an excellent choice in cases of infection or as a preventative to infections.
The aromatic compounds in garlic which quickly produce its unmistakable smell on the breath are responsible for its powerful anti-bacterial effects. It has an affinity for the lungs and is a helpful remedy for upper respiratory infections, catarrh, coughs, colds, and mild chest infections, as it helps to clear mucous from the lungs and improve overall lung function.
Garlic also has an impact on the gut microbiome as a prebiotic it helps to increase diversity of the gut microbiome, which can be helpful for reestablishing a healthier microbiome for anyone who has taken antibiotics, and therefore potentially improving overall immune responses.
Energetically, garlic is considered to be heating, and to enhance vital energy.
References
- Hutchings M, Truman AW, Wilkinson B. Antibiotics: past, present and future. Current Opinion in Microbiology. 2019;51:72-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2019.10.008.
- Jimenez MP, DeVille NV, Elliott EG, et al. Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(9):4790. https://doi:10.3390/ijerph18094790.
- Belkaid Y, Hand TW. Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell. 2014;157(1):121-141. https://doi:10.1016/j.cell.2014.03.011.
- Leonard Katz , Richard H Baltz, Natural product discovery: past, present, and future. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2016;43(2-3):155–176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10295-015-1723-5.
- Hu XY, Wu RH, Logue M, Blondel C, Lai LYW, Stuart B, Flower A, Fei YT, Moore M, Shepherd J. et al. 2017. Andrographis paniculata (Chuan Xin Lian) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 12(8):e0181780.
- Hossain S, Urbi Z, Karuniawati H, et al. Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees: An Updated Review of Phytochemistry, Antimicrobial Pharmacology, and Clinical Safety and Efficacy. Life (Basel). 2021;11(4):348. https://doi:10.3390/life11040348.
- www.herbalgram.org. (n.d.). Thailand Approves Asian Herb Andrographis to Treat COVID-19 – American Botanical Council. [online] Available at: https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalegram/volumes/volume-18/issue-1-january-2021/thailand-approves-asian-herb-andrographis-to-treat-covid-19/thailand-approves-asian-herb-andrographis-to-treat-covid-19/.
- Ogal, M., Johnston, S.L., Klein, P. et al. Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. Eur J Med Res 26, 33 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-021-00499-6.
- Nagy, Maria M., “Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Activities of Various Folk-Medicinal Plants and the Thyme-tetracycline Effect..” Dissertation, Georgia State University. 2010. doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/1673093.
- Steinmann J, Buer J, Pietschmann T, Steinmann E. Anti-infective properties of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea. Br J Pharmacol. 2013;168(5):1059-1073. https://doi:10.1111/bph.12009.
