Antibiotics are essential in treating bacterial infections, but their overuse, particularly for mild illnesses like colds and flus, has contributed to global antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics can negatively impact gut health and trigger other health issues. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that can be used effectively for treating minor infections, while supporting the immune system and gut health.
Echinacea: Boosting the immune system
Echinacea, or purple coneflower, has been used by Native Americans for centuries as a medicinal plant. It is the third most popular herbal remedy in the US today. Echinacea stimulates fibroblasts, immune cells that play a crucial role in repair, and activates phagocytosis, a process where bacteria are scavenged in the blood. It also enhances respiratory activity, which mobilizes immune cells.
This combination of actions makes echinacea an ideal solution for coughs, flus, colds, and upper respiratory tract infections. It can be taken as a remedy for acute viral attacks or for longer periods to maintain immune function. Research shows that taking echinacea as a preventive treatment throughout the winter can reduce the number of colds by 58%. Furthermore, unlike antibiotics that can harm the beneficial gut bacteria, Echinacea purpurea has been shown to increase Bifidobacterium, a probiotic supplement that is essential for gut health.
Echinacea can be used as an herbal tea, added to water in tincture form, or consumed as a supplement.
Pau D’arco: Selective bacterial fighter
Pau d’arco, or red lapacho, derived from the bark and heartwood of the Tabebuia impetiginosa tree, has been used to treat a wide range of medical conditions— from cancer to stomach disorders. One of its crucial benefits is its ability to selectively modulate gut bacteria. A study comparing pau d’arco to two antibiotics found that while antibiotics kill both good and bad intestinal bacteria, reducing immune function, pau d’arco maintains the good bacteria while killing the harmful ones, supporting immune health.
Historically, pau d’arco has been consumed as a tea (a strong decoction) two to four times per day. For cancer-fighting purposes, the recommended steep time is five to 10 minutes to extract the beneficial ingredients. Pau d’arco is also available in supplement form.
Consulting alternative health practitioners
Instead of relying on antibiotics for every illness, consider seeking advice from an integrative doctor, nutritionist, or alternative health practitioner. They can provide a wider range of alternative methods for enhancing immune function to address minor infections.
Conclusion
As concern around antibiotic resistance grows, natural alternatives like echinacea and pau d’arco can offer help for mild infections. These natural remedies can give your immune system a much-needed boost and help maintain good gut health, reducing the need for antibiotics.
Sources:
Izzo AA, et al. A Critical Approach to Evaluating Clinical Efficacy, Adverse Events and Drug Interactions of Herbal Remedies. — Phytother Res. 2016;30(5):691-700.
Ross SM. Echinacea purpurea: A Proprietary Extract of Echinacea purpurea Is Shown to be Safe and Effective in the Prevention of the Common Cold. — Holistic Nursing Practice. 2016;30(1):54–57.
WANG, Chongchong et al. Echinacea purpurea Extract Affects the Immune System, Global Metabolome, and Gut Microbiome in Wistar Rats — Journal of Agricultural Science, [S.l.], v. 9, n. 4, p. p1, mar. 2017. ISSN 1916-9760. Date accessed: 23 oct. 2017.
Richter M, et al. Pau d’arco activates Nrf2-dependent gene expression via the MEK/ERK-pathway. — J Toxicol Sci. 2014;39(2):353-61.
Byeoung-Soo P, et al. Selective Growth-Inhibiting Effects of Compounds Identified in Tabebuia impetiginosa Inner Bark on Human Intestinal Bacteria. — J Agric Food Chem. 2005;53:1152−1157.
Gómez Castellanos JR, et al. Red Lapacho (Tabebuia impetiginosa)–a global ethnopharmacological commodity?
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