5. The power of plants in treating infections

Plant remedies can be effective in managing many symptoms associated with bacterial, fungal and viral infections. These approaches combine first hand experience with what fits with modern research.

Plants can provide a supportive adjunct treatment to prescriptions when they are needed. Many of us will have taken a course of antibiotics in our lifetime. Plant remedies can make a great impact in the prevention of infections, relieve thir impact, and can even help reduce the growing antibiotic-resistance crisis. 

Plant medicine can support the overall health of the immune system, and can be tailored to suit individual body systems affected. To read more about supporting overall immunity head to Issue 1 – Immunity. 

Upper respiratory 

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are the most common conditions requiring primary care, and antibiotics are often prescribed as treatment. As most URTIs are viral these are often worse than useless. Studies have shown that even when caused by bacteria these can be resistant to the antibiotic within one month and sometimes up to 12 months post infection.

Flavonoids: an increase in dietary flavonoids has been shown to decrease incidences, duration and severity of URTIs. Flavonoids rich foods include green tea, dark chocolate, berries, citrus fruit and leafy green vegetables. 

Andrographis: This herb has antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions and has been shown in clinical trials to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of acute URTIs.

Echinacea: Echinacea has antiviral, antimicrobial and immunostimulating properties. It has also been shown to be effective in increasing white blood cell count with prolonged use, suggesting it can be used effectively as a preventative. A trial found it effective in reducing severity and duration of URTIs.  

Thymol (active constituent from thyme): thymol acts as a ‘membrane stabiliser’ – allowing antibiotics to penetrate gram-negative bacteria. 

Garlic: It has antimicrobial and antiviral effects, which may either be attributed to its compound allicin which has shown antimicrobial effects in vitro. Another compound ajoene which is a derivative of allicin has exhibited antiplatelet and antimicrobial activities in vitro. 

Probiotics. Once again, we come to the importance of gut health. Studies have shown probiotics reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections in children. Further trials suggest oral probiotics can stimulate the immune response against pathogens in the respiratory tract. 

Cough 

Any recurrent or persistent cough should first and foremost be examined by a medical doctor to ascertain the cause before proceeding with herbal treatment.

The form of herbal treatment will depend on the nature of the cough. 

Propolis: One study showed that propolis reduced the symptoms of cough better than no treatment, placebo and medications including (salbutamol and diphenhydramine). 

Wet or productive coughs

This is caused by excess mucus and is most likely due to an infection such as bronchitis. Herbal treatment can help to speed recovery, reduce incidences of coughing and relieve symptoms. In these cases, heating and drying herbs are used including ginger and cinnamon. Other remedies include swallowing whole garlic cloves, and angelica root, elecampane root, aniseed and fennel. 

Dry or non productive coughs

This arises when an irritation causes a tacky type of mucus or no mucus production at all. This can be as a result of an infection in the upper passages including pharyngitis, laryngitis and tracheitis; spasm in the bronchial muscle such as with asthma or a tickly cough as a result of a dry irritation. In these cases, moistening and soothing expectorants are used. These plants often have mucilaginous effects and help to soothe the lining of the respiratory tract including mullein, plantain, marshmallow and liquorice.

Steam inhalations. These are a simple and effective home treatments that have been shown to manage symptoms of sinusitis and respiratory infections as well as helping to aid airway decongestion. A steam inhalation can be made at home by boiling water and pouring this into to a large pot; then add a couple of drops of essential oil (lavender, pine or eucalyptus) or fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary); place a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. Do not to overdo the steaming as it can be scalding and be especially careful not to inhale or spill the boiling water. 

Vapour rubs. These have been shown to reduce symptoms of cough, congestion and sleep difficulty associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Proprietary ointments and oils based on menthol and eucalyptus are most often used.

Urinary 

Uva ursi: Also known as bear berry, its use is well documented and used widely across Europe as a medicinal product. It is used for treatment of symptoms associated with urinary tract infections including burning sensations during urination and frequent urination. It is best to rule out any serious condition with a doctor before considering the use of Uva ursi. 

Cranberry: Clinical results have shown cranberry can reduce the risk of an UTI by up to 26%, and can prevent UTI recurrence. Results also show that cranberry extract is more effective than the juice. Cranberry has been shown to reduce the adhesion of pathogenic organisms to the urinary wall (including E.coli).