The Antimicrobial Properties Of Herbs & Spices

Although antibiotics are needed for certain infections, for many years they were over prescribed, leading to the proliferation of superbugs. Overuse led to resistant strains, and a loss of efficacy for many antibiotics. This is not medical advice, just some preventative options that are available in your kitchen cupboard, or local grocery store.

The development of antibiotic resistant strains of superbugs developed gradually over several decades. This led to stronger antibiotics like Vancomycin, which can have adverse effects on the kidneys.

Most antibiotics are broad spectrum targeting both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. They are not effective against viruses, fungi, or many of the superbug resistant strains. In addition, they can cause fungal infections as a side effect. They disrupt the immune system in the gut, and can kill off normal bacteria in the mouth and throat.

Countless people take supplements, and find them to be very helpful. Vit D, especially in the winter, and occasional use of oregano oil, are probably the most common.

As it is with all pills, supplements require a certain amount of caution. Some of them cannot be mixed with prescription drugs. If taken to excess, some of them can cause problems with the liver, kidneys, or contribute to bleeding disorders.

In addition, supplements tend to be very expensive, and it is difficult to know the exact ingredients, or the amount of plant compound in each pill. If you want to take a range of herbs, it would mean you would have to buy fifteen or twenty bottles of supplements in capsule or pill form. Therefore, it makes more sense to just buy the herbs, and put them in your pantry for cooking, and for teas.

That way, you can regulate the amount, do not have to swallow a bunch of capsules, and can weed out anything you think might be causing gastric upset. For those who do have sensitivities, you can try the various herbs one tea at a time, before combining multiple herbs, and spices in a single teapot. 

You can also do very specific research depending on what you are hoping to target in your own system. With all the advanced research, genetic testing, and ability to isolate the various compounds, you can delve into some very detailed University abstracts, in order to increase your knowledge about the power of herbal plant compounds. 

The healthiest, and most cost effective option, might be to use herbs and spices in cooking, and in simmering teas, using a variety of beneficial herbs and spices.

If you Google each and every spice on this list, you will learn that each one contains unique properties. They are loaded with trace minerals, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials, anti-fungals, and even anti-viral potent plant compounds. Many also have immune boosting properties.

There is a list of fifteen anti-viral herbs on the healthline website. These are oregano, sage, basil, fennel, garlic, lemon balm, peppermint, rosemary, echinacea, sambucus (from elderberries), licorice, astragalus, ginger, ginseng, curcumin, and dandelion.

Other websites go into detailed research abstracts listing many more plants with antiviral compounds, and will also give a history of their uses in ayurvedic and ancient Chinese medicine.

Plants with anti-fungal compounds as listed on the Science Direct website include: turmeric, nutmeg, ginger, clove, oregano, cinnamon, anise, fennel, basil, black cumin, and black pepper.

Many of the herbs and spices have overlapping compounds that target various microbes.

There is a long list of antibacterial herbs and spices, along with more in-depth research on the efficacy against a wide range of bacteria. Some are more effective against food born pathogens, while others target a variety of infectious diseases, to include respiratory infections. 

If you research each of the individual plants and spices, you will find thyme, cardamon, parsley, nettle, chamomile, and many others that can help prevent, treat or stave off infections.

For topical applications, more and more research is coming out on the benefits of using castor oil, on everything from joint pain, to infections. If you add a few drops of antimicrobial essential oils, you will create a very effective, and inexpensive topical ointment.

In addition to the many health benefits, you can grow herbs, some of which turn into prolific bushes and shrubs. A sage plant will grow quite large in a container, and can be brought indoors for the winter. You just have to pluck off the leaves to use in teas, or for cooking.

To make a potent antimicrobial tea, I bought a small metal teapot with a strainer in the top of it to add all the herbs. I put a cinnamon stick in the main part of the teapot. In the top portion I put cloves, black peppercorn, cardamon, ginger, thyme, basil, parsley, oregano, nettle, peppermint, cumin, turmeric, rosemary, sage, cloves, and a small amount of nutmeg. After pouring boiling water to fill the teapot, it simmers on the stove for about ten or fifteen minutes.

Even though there is quite a mix of flavours, it is not unpleasant. Although I have not experienced any adverse effects, we are all unique. All people need to experiment, and avoid anything that causes allergies, stomach upset etc. I do not put astragalus in the tea, because I don’t like the taste of it.

It is also important to use a small quantity of each herb, and be extra cautious with nutmeg, licorice, cinnamon, and even ginger. If taken to excess they can cause toxicity, gastric distress, a strain on the liver, a drop in blood pressure, or cardiac arrhythmias.

For these reasons, an excess of any single plant compound, or the over use of supplements that contain high doses of specific plants, can be unhealthy. I use a small amount of each herb, similar to when cooking, and only drink a cup of the tea each day, after dental procedures, or to ward off colds and flus.

The use of garlic in cooking, as well as experimenting with the various herbs in food preparation can also enhance the health benefits.

A word of caution for those who take any prescription medications, or have allergies, do very careful research before adding anything to your diet. Be especially mindful of the fat soluble vitamins A-D-E-K. They dissolve in fats and oils, are absorbed by the body, and stored in fatty tissue and the liver. Vitamin K is an essential vitamin for clotting. 

Water soluble vitamins, which are all B vitamins as well as vitamin C, will dissolve in water, and if taken to excess will be excreted by the kidneys. A depletion, or excess of Potassium can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias. 

Foods rich in potassium include potatoes, spinach, bananas, avocados, lentils, cantaloupe, oranges, chicken, salmon, tomatoes, and nuts. So it is not hard to get adequate potassium in a whole food diet.

The reason black licorice can be dangerous, is because it contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which can alter sodium, potassium, and cortisol levels. If taken to excess, it can cause cardiac arrhythmias, and a significant increase in blood pressure. It has been used for centuries as a medicine with claims to aid digestion, as an anti-inflammatory, for coughs, and sore throats. It is important not to take it to excess.

Cinnamon can also be toxic if taken to excess, as it can mimic the effects of insulin, dropping the blood sugar. It can also cause liver damage due the coumarin in it. Coumarin is not to be confused with curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric. 

Turmeric should not be taken in excess either, as it too, can cause injury to the liver. Because of the anti-inflammatory benefits some supplement sellers will advise people to take large doses. But it is better to be cautious, and use in conjunction with other anti-inflammatories. 

Nutmeg is another potentially toxic spice. It is generally used in small amounts for flavouring eggnog, and in baked goods. If taken to excess it can cause tachycardia, nausea, agitation, and hallucinations. However, if taken in small amounts, it has benefits. It is an anti-inflammatory, has antioxidants, provides pain relief, and contributes to brain health. 

The interesting thing about herbs and spices, is that each one has very distinctive properties. The key is moderation. We tend to think if something helps inflammation or infection, and is natural, then more of it must be better. Nothing could be further from the truth. The potency of the plant compounds, and the many variants must always be considered. 

Some weight loss, and immune building health gurus will sell secret recipes, or make wild claims on the efficacy of certain herbal products. Avoid anything that does not provide a full, detailed list of what is in the tea, or supplement. Be wary of those who make claims of miracle healing, or rapid weight loss etc. Be very suspicious of anyone who promotes large or excessive doses of any plant compound, herb or spice. 

The problem with supplements in pill form, is not only in the concentrated high dosages, and potential for toxicity. There are similarities with Big Pharma in that there is a profit motive, which can erode the health benefits, and lead to worse, not better outcomes.

Supplements are big business, and also lead us to believe we just need to pop a handful of capsules to keep ourselves healthy. For years, women faithfully took calcium supplements, because of marketing hype claiming they prevented osteoporosis.

However, too much calcium can lead to heart issues, brain issues, kidney stones, muscle weakness, weaker bones, and digestive issues. Furthermore, it has been proven that taking calcium supplements does not prevent or reduce bone fractures in post menopausal women. So why take calcium supplements?

Calcium is abundant in many foods. It is in all dairy products, cheese, milk, yoghurt, etc. It is also abundant in canned fish, seeds (chia, sesame, flax), all leafy greens, soy milk, squash, okra, potatoes, canned tomatoes, tofu, broccoli, almonds, rhubarb, figs, oranges, and lentils, as just some examples. 

If you take a certain herb, and develop gastric upset, a headache, skin rash, fatigue, or any other adverse effect, stop taking it. For instance, probiotics can be harmful for some people. They can weaken the immune system, increase the chance for infections, give you headaches, and certain probiotics can cause harmful microorganisms to proliferate. 

Apple cider vinegar, if taken to excess can also be harmful, leading to the erosion of tooth enamel, and gastric upset. Yet you will see people promoting it as some kind of miracle cure. Personally, I do not like the idea of drinking vinegar. 

Nutrients do wonders for our health, but it is mostly based on whole foods, gut biome, and the judicious use of herbs, spices and essential oils.

To enhance the antimicrobial benefits, you can drink the tea of your choice, with a teaspoon of Manuka honey. Although it is expensive, it is also rich in antimicrobial properties, and can be used in wound healing as well.

The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is very applicable today, as we head into the Christmas season where the exposure, and the stress levels tend to increase.

None of this is intended to be medical advice. It is just a brief outline, and an encouragement to do some research, and learn about the many benefits of herbs and spices that are available in your kitchen cupboard.

Learning more about the benefits of plant compounds, helps to enhance our understanding, and many uses of the  wonderful, and aromatic herbs we can simmer in a pot of soup, and add to our culinary repertoire.