Herbal Synergy

So what's the best way to use antifungal herbs? James Duke, one of the great ethnobotanists and ecologists today, writes wonderfully and knowledgeably on antifungal remedies in his book, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook.

Duke, who served some three decades with U.S. Department of Agriculture, has lived with various primitive peoples, and worked on assignments relating to crop diversification, medicinal plants, and energy plant studies in developing countries. His online botanical database is one of the most widely consulted in the world.

One of the keys, he says, is to combine herbs. Do not use just one-even if it is as good as garlic, he says. "The research is quite clear: Mixtures of antifungal herbs almost always work better than single herbs," he writes. "The synergy-the harmonious working together-of antifungal herbs has been demonstrated in several studies. In one test of 10 plant species whose oils were antifungal, researchers noted that ‘combinations of the antifungal essential oils increased their activity remarkably.' In a similar study, researchers noted that ‘in all the oil combinations, the antifungal potency was found to increase over individual oils.' "

Especially in a world where fungal strains can morph into so many pleomorphic forms and life stages, the use of a variety of herbs is critical. But, interestingly, Duke also acknowledges a powerful role for doctor's medications. Indeed, he shows how to use herbs and medication, if necessary-and this was most instructive.

"Currently, many pharmaceutical ‘magic bullet' antifungals are more potent than herbal approaches, and sometimes when I have a bad fungal infection, I use them. But even then, I often combine them with herbs for an extra antifungal boost. If your doctor concurs, try this the next time you have a fungal infection and see how synergy works for you."

Among the herbs he recommends is garlic. He says that, "one of its chemical constituents, ajoene, was almost as effective against mildew fungus as several pharmaceutical antifungals. Several other studies have shown similar results."

Duke's recommendations for herbal remedies come at a time when more and more Americans are discovering fungal conditions are linked with a wide range of maladies, including cholesterol problems, diabetes, and even cancer.

One reason fungi and their related illnesses are also becoming a high-profile health media villain is the pervasive flooding occurring throughout regions of the country. Black mold growth in water-logged homes leads to production of mycotoxins (fungal toxins), and their inhalation and skin absorption can cause serious symptoms ranging from the physical to the emotional, according to experts like Doug Kaufmann, a highly regarded fungal expert.

However, on a more mundane level, athlete's foot, vaginal yeast infections, jock itch, candida, and fungal toenail infections are also common fungal problems when an herbal approach might be useful.

Unfortunately, not everybody lives on a six-acre herb farm like Duke. But even for the more urbane shopper, gathering these same herbs on your own at stores can be a test of patience, endurance, and your budget; some stores might have one and not the other herb or nutrient, and when purchased separately, their cost can be prohibitive. Still, with this caveat in mind, Duke's book is a wonderful educational tool that belongs in every home.

BioActive Nutrients' Antifungal Kit is based on Duke's same theory of herbal synergy and provides more than half a dozen of the best-tested herbs and nutrients known to help the body defend itself from fungal invaders, plus probiotics, an antioxidant multivitamin, and a good fiber source. These antifungal herbs include not only garlic, as Duke recommends, but also neem, olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract, caprylic acid, and undecylenic acid-and the kit is manufactured according to strict Food and Drug Administration good manufacturing practices.

There are some great things about this kit. First of all, as the public and medical establishment become more educated about the fungal link to disease, people will want to take specific health-support formulas to provide a well-rounded and preventive approach.

The kit makes it easy. Plus, it is priced great, and comes with a complete protocol that guides you through how to use these supplements and when to take them.

The Kit includes BioPLUS, Probiotic-CSP, Caprylic Acid, Olive Leaf Extract, UGN (Undecylenic Acid, Grapefruit Seed Extract and Neem), Apple Cider Vinegar & Odorless Garlic, and Flaxium, Psyllium Powder capsules, or Green Sweep.