When it comes to addressing fungal infections, prescription antifungals can be extremely harsh on the body, often placing a significant burden on the liver and potential serious side effects.
Fortunately, natural antifungals offer a gentler, safer alternative. Many natural antifungals work by disrupting fungal cells, restoring balance to the body, and supporting critical detoxification pathways—without the toxic load or liver strain associated with pharmaceutical options. Below are some of the most effective whole-body antifungals to consider.
Thyme
- Disrupts fungal cell membranes.
- Has an affinity for the lungs.
- Can be taken in capsule, glycerite, or inhaled through steam inhalation.
Sage
- Contains antifungal compounds like carnosol, carnosic acid, and rosmarinic acid.
- Effective against systemic fungal infections, including Candida albicans.
- Supports the immune system and reduces inflammation, ideal for fungal infections of the sinuses or respiratory tract.
- Can be used as tea, tincture, or in steam inhalation to help clear mold or fungal spores from the sinuses.
- Rich in antioxidants, which protect tissues from damage caused by mycotoxins.
Olive Leaf
- A potent antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral agent.
- Fights Candidaand other systemic fungal infections.
- Works to restore the innate immune system.
- Protects the gut lining from the damaging effects of mycotoxins.
- Supports antioxidant pathways.
- Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces a sweet tooth.
Usnea
- A lichen known for its strong antimicrobial and antifungal actions.
- Best used in tincture form, it provides robust support against fungal pathogens.
- Combats opportunistic fungal infections.
- Helpful for allergies, frequent sniffles, and sore throat.
- Not to be used long-term.
Pau D’Arco
- Traditionally used to fight fungal infections of the lungs and skin.
- Targets systemic fungal infections.
- Supports immune modulation and detoxification.
Oil of Oregano
- Potent and highly concentrated antifungal with proven efficacy against fungal overgrowth.
- Destroys fungal cells and inhibits growth.
- Helps regulate microbial balance.
The sinuses are a common reservoir for mold and mycotoxins. Dr. Jill Crista and Dr. Neil Nathan both emphasize how essential it is to treat the nasal passages.
Hydrosol Silver (Argentyn 23)
- A powerful antimicrobial that targets bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its small particle size allows it to penetrate biofilms and reach the mold colonies in the nasal passages.
Xylitol
- A natural sugar alcohol that inhibits fungal growth and biofilm formation.
- Used as an ingredient in nasal sprays, xylitol helps break biofilms and clear fungal colonies.
Steam Therapy
- Add a few drops of essential oil or fresh herb, to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale deeply for 5–10 minutes.
- Recommended: Rosemary, tea tree, thyme, clove, frankincense, and eucalyptus.
Breaking Down Biofilm
Addressing biofilm is a must in tackling chronic infections. Biofilm is a protective matrix created by pathogens—bacteria, viruses, and fungi—to shield themselves from the immune system and antimicrobial agents. This matrix can make infections persist, even when other treatments are used. The solution? Breaking down biofilm and exposing these hidden threats to targeted interventions.
The key to breaking down biofilm involves using specific interventions known as “biofilm busters.” These substances disrupt the protective matrix of the biofilm, exposing the hidden pathogens. Once exposed, these pathogens are vulnerable to antimicrobial treatments or “kill agents.”
However, because biofilm may conceal a variety of pathogens—bacteria, viruses, mold, or even a combination—a broad-spectrum antimicrobial is critical. A well-chosen strong antimicrobial ensures that all potential culprits are addressed effectively.
A binder should be taken several hours after the kill agent. This captures and removes the toxins, cellular debris, and microbial byproducts released during biofilm disruption, preventing reabsorption, and encouraging detoxification.
Here are some of the commonly used biofilm busters
Herbs:
Neem
Oregano
Garlic
Thyme or Sage
Nutraceuticals and Enzymes
- Biocidin
A broad-spectrum botanical formula known for its biofilm-disrupting and antimicrobial properties. - Allergy Research Group’s Biofilm Neutralizer
Specifically formulated to target and dismantle the biofilm matrix, enhancing the immune system’s ability to eliminate hidden infections. - Enzymes:
- Serrapeptase: Breaks down non-living tissue, such as scar tissue and biofilm, while reducing inflammation.
- Nattokinase and Lumbrokinase: Highly effective in breaking down fibrin, a key component of biofilm.
- InterFase by Klaire Labs
A specialized enzyme blend that works synergistically with other treatments to expose pathogens buried within the biofilm matrix. - Biofilm Defense by Kirkman
This enzyme-based product directly targets biofilm structures, breaking them down to help the body deal with lingering infections.
Herbal Interventions “Kill Agent” for Targeting Infections
These herbs should taken an hour or so after you take the biofilm buster.
Once the biofilm has been disrupted, the next step is to target the exposed pathogens. A broad-spectrum antimicrobial ensures that any bacteria, viruses, or molds hidden within the biofilm are effectively neutralized. Potent herbal antimicrobials such as oregano, neem, garlic, or thyme can be taken about an hour after a biofilm buster to maximize their impact.
Detoxification with Binders
Binders should be taken several hours after the antimicrobial agent. Binders, such as activated charcoal, bentonite clay, or chlorella, absorb the toxins and microbial debris released during biofilm disruption. This prevents reabsorption, supports the detox pathways, and reduces die-off symptoms, allowing the body to focus on healing.
Rotating Herbal Protocols
To outsmart infections and prevent them from adapting to treatment, it’s effective to rotate your herbal remedies. Pathogens can develop resistance if exposed to the same treatment over time, so alternating between different herbs can keep them off balance and prevent them from forming new biofilm structures.
For example, you might start with Chinese Skullcap and Neem for a few month, then switch to another set of herbs like Japanese Knotweed and Berberine. This rotation disrupts the pathogens’ ability to adapt, increasing the effectiveness of your treatment and helping to ensure a more thorough eradication of the infection.
Patience and Persistence
Depending on your individual health, the severity of the infection, and your body’s detoxification capabilities, it can take several months to a couple of years to fully address these issues.
Remember, healing is a journey, not a race.
For a greater breakdown of this topic, see the Root Causes & Triggers page.