Top 3 Antimicrobial Herbs
For centuries, antimicrobial herbs have been used to preserve food, treat infections, and support digestion. Thanks to naturally occurring antibiotic and antimicrobial compounds and phytochemicals, antimicrobial herbs have been an indispensable part of traditional medicinal practices around the world. In this article, we’ll explore: the benefits of antimicrobial herbal supplements and the top three antimicrobial herbs.
Benefits of Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements
The benefits of antimicrobial herbal supplements include:
- Boost immune function
- Soothe SIBO symptoms
- Fight candida overgrowth
- Helps the body overcome temporary illness and infection
- May help stomach illness and upset
Top 3 Antimicrobial Herbs
1. Wild Oregano
Have you heard of wild oregano? Much like cultivated or garden oregano, wild oregano contains powerful antimicrobial and antibiotic compounds including carvacrol and thymol. The difference is that wild oregano contains far more of these compounds, resulting in greater efficacy against digestive imbalances including candida overgrowth and SIBO.
Carvacrol is a powerful, naturally-occurring chemical compound present in a number of herbs including oregano, thyme, black cumin, and wild bergamot. Studies show that carvacrol is highly effective against multiple strains of candida yeasts including biofilm-forming C. albicans and C. aureus. Additionally, carvacrol has shown significant action against common foodborne pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas putida.
Looking for a high-quality wild oregano supplement with in-depth strain information? Try Physician’s Strength Wild Oregano Extra Strength, available here in our shop.
2. Thyme
Like oregano, thyme is extraordinarily high in thymol, a potent antibiotic, antimicrobial, and antifungal agent which has been used for centuries to preserve food. Thymol has been shown to be highly effective against infectious yeast strains, including fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans. In fact, one study found that as many as 24 strains of fluconazole-resistant yeast were susceptible to thymol.
Additionally, thymol has also demonstrated antiparasitic properties. One study found that the use of thymol significantly reduced the intestinal load of parasitic Cryptosporidium protozoa in poultry. Additional research has shown remarkable activity against a range of other protozoan parasites, including Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Entamoeba histolytica.
Our top thyme supplement recommendation: MediHerb ResCo®. Intended to support mucus membranes throughout the body, ResCo® contains a potent mix of powerful antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal botanicals including thyme oil, ginger, fennel, and licorice. Get it here in our shop.
3. Turmeric
You already know that turmeric can help boost metabolism, fight inflammation, and support joint health, but are you aware that it’s also great for gut health? In fact, one 2020 study found that curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, can help shift our microbiomes, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. Another study found potent antibacterial activity against common harmful bacteria including Bacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.
And that’s not all: using a fermented turmeric supplement can help replace bad gut bacteria with healthy, probiotic ones, magnifying the beneficial impacts. Our favorite? To get the most out of a turmeric supplement, we recommend Dr. Eric Snow’s Turmeric Power. Made with 100% organic fermented turmeric and 100% organic fermented ginger, Dr. Eric Snow’s Turmeric Power supports microbiome health with potent probiotic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Buy it now in our shop.
