Infections are only part of the PANS/PANDAS equation—there’s often a larger, hidden burden that complicates healing. Antimicrobial herbs provide a targeted yet holistic approach. They don’t just eliminate harmful microbes; they also support the body’s natural defense systems, reduce inflammation, and help restore harmony to a dysregulated immune response.
Antibacterial action: the active compound in Chinese skullcap, has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It disrupts bacterial cell walls and inhibits bacterial DNA replication.
Additional Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Baicalin reduces cytokine storms and neuroinflammation, two major contributors to PANS/PANDAS flares.
- Liver Support: It enhances liver detoxification pathways, aiding the body in eliminating toxins.
- Nervous System Support: By calming the nervous system, Chinese skullcap promotes relaxation and better sleep, vital for recovery.
Antibacterial Mechanism: Cordyceps, also an adaptogen, inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis, halting bacterial growth.
Additional Benefits
- Immune Modulation: Cordyceps supports balanced immune responses, particularly helpful in immune dysfunction linked to PANS/PANDAS.
- Energy Boost: It aids mitochondrial function, improving energy production and reducing fatigue during recovery.
- Physical Recovery: Known for enhancing endurance, cordyceps supports recovery from infections and physical exertion.
Antibacterial Mechanism: Cryptolepis disrupts bacterial membranes and inhibits critical processes necessary for bacterial growth and replication. It is particularly effective against Lyme disease and co-infections like Bartonella and Mycoplasma.
Additional Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory Properties:Cryptolepis reduces systemic inflammation, helping mitigate symptoms of chronic infections.
- Resistant Strains:Its efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains makes it a cornerstone herb in chronic infection management.
- Immune Balance:It helps regulate immune function, supporting recovery in PANS/PANDAS.
Antibacterial Mechanism: Echinacea improves and modulates the immune function, enhancing the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells to eliminate bacterial infections.
Additional Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: By modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, Echinacea supports healing while mitigating long term damage caused by persistent infections.
- Antiviral Properties: Studies suggest it can inhibit viral replication and reduces the severity and duration of viral infections, like the flu and common cold.
* Look for Echinacea angustifolia; another species, Echinacea purpurea is more widely sold, but Angustifolia is much more potent
Antibacterial Mechanism: Goldenseal contains berberine, a compound that disrupts bacterial metabolism and inhibits biofilm formation, which protects bacteria from antibiotics and immune responses.
Additional Benefits
- Gut Health:Goldenseal selectively targets harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial gut flora, promoting a balanced microbiome.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects:It soothes inflamed tissues, particularly in the digestive and respiratory systems.
Antibacterial Mechanism: Goldenseal contains berberine, a compound that disrupts bacterial metabolism and inhibits biofilm formation, which protects bacteria from antibiotics and immune responses.
Additional Benefits:
- Respiratory Support:Known for its effectiveness in addressing respiratory infections, Thyme clears mucus, improves breathing and reduces congestion.
- Antifungal Activity:Thyme’s active compounds, thymol and carvacrol, exert its antifungal effects by disrupting the integrity of fungal cell membranes. This action not only inhibits the growth of molds but also neutralizes the toxins (mycotoxins) they produce.
Antibacterial Mechanism: By targeting bacterial cell membranes, oregano disrupts essential processes that are vital for bacterial survival. Additionally, it breaks down biofilms—protective structures that bacteria use to shield themselves from treatments. This not only inhibits bacterial growth but also makes bacteria more susceptible to other interventions.
Additional Benefits
- Gut Health: Oregano soothes the gut lining, reducing inflammation and promoting a balanced microbiome.
- Antifungal: A strong antifungal, Oregano inhibits fungal growth and destructs fungal cells. It can penetrate and disrupt biofilms.
- Detoxification: It aids in cleansing the body of toxins and supports recovery.
Antibacterial Mechanism
The resveratrol in Japanese knotweed inhibits bacterial growth and biofilm formation. It is particularly effective against Lyme disease pathogens and co-infections like Bartonella.
Additional Benefits
- Neuroprotective Effects:Japanese knotweed reduces brain inflammation, supporting cognitive and emotional well-being.
- Vascular Health:By improving blood flow, it enhances detoxification and reduces inflammation in tissues.
Antibacterial Mechanism
Like goldenseal, Oregon grape contains berberine, which disrupts bacterial cellular processes and biofilm formation, making it highly effective against infections.
Additional Benefits
- Gut Support: It promotes healthy gut flora and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Liver Detoxification:Oregon grape enhances the liver’s ability to process toxins, aiding recovery.
- Anti–Inflammatory:It calms inflamed tissues, particularly beneficial for children with digestive symptoms.
Usnea, commonly referred to as Old Man’s Beard, is a lichen with strong antimicrobial and immune supportive properties. This unassuming yet powerful remedy thrives in symbiosis between fungus and algae, offering unique bioactive compounds that are especially effective in combating bacterial infections.
Antibacterial Mechanism
The active compound usnic acid in Usnea disrupts bacterial energy production and cell wall synthesis, showing strong activity against gram-positive bacteria like Staph and Strep.
Usnea is highly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staph and Strept. Usnea disrupts bacterial energy production by inhibiting key enzymes involved in cellular respiration and interfering with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls.
Usnea is a must have if strep is going around!
- Antifungal Properties
Usnea also has antifungal activity, targeting molds, yeasts, and other fungal pathogens, like Candida - Respiratory Health
Usnea is a natural support for respiratory infections, soothing irritated mucous membranes and addressing infections in the upper respiratory tract.