Following my earlier post, Dealing with Leaky Gut Syndrome of Rheumatoid Arthritis – Parasites, Pathogenic Bacteria & Fungi (Part 1), I’ve discussed how halting Rheumatoid Arthritis inflammation at its source represents an important component of a Leaky Gut treatment protocol. In today’s post, I’ll list out an non-exhaustive list of antiparasitic, antibacterial and antifungal agents that can be applied in the process. If we think about how quickly pathogens evolve around antibiotic and antiviral drugs, it is more than amazing that they are unable to do so against most of these antipathogens. These natural substances are anything but one dimensional, often comprising biochemicals that are potent against microbes.
Antiparasitic, Antibacterial & Antifungal Remedies
(1) Garlic
Garlic is a powerful vermifuge which does not only expel parasites, but also one of the best fighters for bacterial and viral infections, with an antibacterial action equivalent to 1% penicillin. With a great property of better stimulating the immune system, it also promotes activities of white blood cells and T-cells to fight off against the foreign organisms.
To prepare garlic for cleansing purpose, you can take about 15 large garlic cloves, peel the skin and place them whole in about 2 cups of water. Boil for approximately 30 minutes and drink the soup (Eat the garlic cloves if desired). Alternatively, you can juice fresh garlic juice and mix it with your green smoothies or add to your food.
(2) Pau D’Arco
Pau D’Arco is a great anti-fungal that can be taken either as a tea or in form of capsules. The bark of this rainforest tree is inherently antifungal. Despite the high humidity levels in the rainforest where the Pau D’arco tree grows, there is no mold or mildew on its bark.
There are two active components in Pau D’arco bark, the beta-lapachone and lapachol. Beta-lapachone has demonstrated to be anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-tumorous, anti-leukemic, anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory; while Lapachol contains properties that are anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorous, anti-viral, antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal, among others.
(3) Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is a wide-spectrum, antipathogenic agent that is thought to kill an average of 650 different organisms, compared to the 6 of a standard antibiotic. Although I do not think that one should frequently use colloidal silver since silver is by far one of the most controversial agent in the realm of ‘natural antipathogens’ and may be somewhat toxic, however, more research of this agent should be conducted to ascertain effectiveness and safety of its uses.
Dr Jonathan Wright research has shown that bacteria have an enzyme system that is disrupted by the presence of silver ions, causing the organism to die. Silver attacks all three of the organism’s vulnerable targets at once. It easily ruptures its outer membrane when present in right amounts, causing the organism’s internal components to be exposed to our white blood cells, which then attack these components.
The word ‘colloid’ is significant in the sense that it means very tiny amounts of the substance. In a form of very tiny particles, the smaller the size of the silver particle, the more likely it is to kill germs. Silver which is tiny enough can readily be absorbed into our gut so that they can easily penetrate the microorganisms while protecting the good bacteria in our digestive tract.
Generally, one can start off with at least half a teaspoon or more (at 40 parts per million) three or four times daily for two to three weeks. This is necessary to interrupt the pathogens’ entire reproductive cycle, which often lasts two weeks. Preferably, take colloidal silver about one-half hour away from food for maximum absorption. Although tiny amounts of silvers are cited to be safe for humans, you must stop the treatment once infection is gone. Long term usage may raise concerns of heavy metal accumulation and a condition called argyria, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin.
(4) Coconut oil & oil pulling
Coconut oil remedy is a potent, nonprescription, all-purpose, antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal remedy that is completely safe to consume and has no side effects for an extended periods of time. The active ingredients in coconut oil are Caprylic Acid, Capric Acid and Lauric Acid. The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in coconut oil only kills harmful bacteria and leave good ones alone. It also kills off candida, supergerms that are resistant to drugs as well as viruses; and is also known to have anti-tumor properties.
You can basically ingest virgin coconut oil (VCO) by the spoon or it can be used for cooking. Cooking oil does not break down at high temperatures like olive oil and it has a long shelf life. When ingested, lauric acid is then converted to monolaurin and inactivates protozoa and several species of ringworm and Giardia lamblia. Alternatively, you can drink the coconut juice and eat the flesh of one fresh coconut first thing in the morning.
Coconut oil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic approach of cleansing the body and promotes healing through removal of systematic infections that occur in our body. It involves swishing a few tablespoons of coconut oil around the mouth for several minutes and spit out. Swishing activates the enzymes and the enzymes draw toxins out of the blood. The oil must not be swallowed, for it has become toxic. As the process continues, the oil gets thinner and white. Finally, thoroughly rinse and wash the mouth. The intense movement of oil in the oral cavity is able to clean out germplay and inflammatory foci that tend to stick to the teeth and their roots in many chronic disorders.
(5) Red Infrared Heat Lamp for Some Parasite or TDP Lamp (The ‘Miracle’ Lamp)
A red, infrared heat lamp can be shone on the body areas especially brain, where some parasites such as trichina ova and cysts often 
lodge themselves onto. Through heating up the specific area, it increases circulation and weakens the parasites.
For RA specifically, my preference is the TDP Lamp. TDP is an abbrevition for Te-ding Dian-ci-bo Pu, and in translation, it means special electromagnetic spectrum lamp. TDP lamp is approved by FDA and is scientifically proven to have effects in diminishing inflammation, relieving pain, promoting blood circulation, improving microcirculation as well as capable in enhancing white blood cell function, thereby increasing immune response in eliminating foreign pathogens and cellular waste products. In a way, TDP lamp is similar to FIR lamp, but TDP lamp excels in the sense that it contains a curing plate, which is coated with proprietary mineral formulation of 33 essential elements that treat numerous conditions and very often used to treat RA and its ailments.
Direct the healing lamp onto the trauma area at a distance of 25 to 30cm for 20 to 40 minutes. Continue treatment for at least 2 weeks.
(6) Colon Cleanse
Colon cleanse is an effective method of digging out or eliminating the accumulation of old debris that are collected in our colon for many years. This approach is discussed in my earlier post, Constipation – A Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom – Originates in the Colon, where I recommend a formula which is highly capable of drawing old, hardened fecal matter off the walls of colon and out of any diverticula. Parasites thrive in fecal decay and often become embedded in the intestinal wall. As antiparasitic agent cannot reach them unless the mucoid plague has been softened and peeled off the intestines, a good colon cleanser is needed and this usually comprises a quality fiber mix, a herbal formula to kill parasites and their eggs, as well as one that increases peristalsis such that waste can be moved out of the body.
(7) Other Effective Herbal or Natural Formulae
(a) Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract was originally developed as an antiparasitic but gradually, studies have shown that it is also capable of inhibiting growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria. The process of extracting the active component from the seed and pulp of grapefruit converts the bioflavonoids into a potent ingredient.
(b) Olive Leaf Extract
This substance originates from the plant Olea Europaea. It was studied that in vitro (in a test tube), an extract of olive leaf (compound known as calcium elenolate) has been effective in eliminating a broad range of organisms including bacteria, viruses, parasites and yeast/fungi. Moreover, olive leaf is well known as an antioxidant.
(c) Oil of Oregano
Oil from the wild mountain oregano is found to be a potent antimicrobial, effective in rivaling against viruses, bacteria, fungi/yeast. It is important to be aware not to confuse Oil of Oregano with the common oregano that is used as a spice for cooking.
(d) Berberine
Berberine is a bitter tasting and yellow-coloured plant alkaloid that has been traditionally used in TCM and Ayuverdic medicine. Present in roots, rhizomes and stem bark of various plants such as goldenseal, it is a natural form of antibiotic of celebrated repute, useful against bacteria, protozoa and fungi. Other than its ability to inhibit Candida overgrowth, it exhibits strong antimicrobial effects. Aside from these, berberine is also effective in firming the stool, but can loosen obstructions while eliminating toxins in the lower tract.
(e) Combination of Black Walnut Hulls, Wormwood & Cloves
This combination of herbal formulae is formulated by the famous Dr Hulda Clark’s parasite cleanse program (which I will feature in my upcoming blog post). Black walnut hull and wormwood can kill adults and developmental stages of 100 parasites; while cloves kill the eggs. These three herbs are usually used together in a single treatment.
(8) Devices that Decimate Pathogens via Frequencies or Current
Two popular devices that act as transducers that deliver weak electric current or frequencies to the body for destructing all organisms that live on a microscope slide are the Rife machine and zapper.
Rife machine makes use of specific electro-magnetic frequencies to kill bacteria, viruses or parasites without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. It works on the principle of sympathetic resonance to physically vibrate the cells of the organisms resulting in possible elimination. The Rife machine is said to de-vitalize pathogens while strengthen the body’s natural immune response.
Zapper, originally invented by Dr Hulda Clark, also works via introduction of a weak electric current to destroy parasites by reversing their polarity. Healthy tissues are negatively charged, hence negative ions are added to encourage diseased tissues to heal. Parasites cannot defend their positive polarity against the current will hence be disintegrated. More information on Zapper will be discussed in my upcoming blog post.
(9) Anti-parasitic Orthodox Drugs and Medications
Some commonly used anti-parasitic drugs used are Metronidazole, Clotrimazole, Ornidazole, Nimorazole, Tinidazole, Fluconizole, Itraconazole and perhaps others.
Personally, I do not favour these conventional pharmaceutical drugs over the above alternative natural remedies since they are often accompanied with temporary side effects which are harmful for the liver, and accordingly lead to slow healing of the body. My first attempt will always be to try out one or a few of the many natural remedies available out there.
Beware of Sources of Parasitic Exposures
It is impossible to eliminate all parasites in our body since they are basically found everywhere: our foods, the water, the surface that we are in contact with, wood, carpet flooring, or even in the air. Therefore, it is necessary that we need to perform pathogens cleanse from time to time as our maintenance program for general wellness and healing of RA. Beware of the following sources of parasites exposures that we are susceptible to:
(1) Food and water supplies – Avoid all raw or poorly cooked meats and seafood if possible, in particular pig products. Irregardless of how well cooked a pork product is, it tends to contain trichina cysts that are not killed off in the normal process of cooking. Foods and water in nations with poor hygiene are sources of parasitic exposure. Never drink directly from tap sources because they are usually contaminated.
(2) Toilet seats and contact surfaces – Public places including public toilet, transport, theaters etc are usually unhygienic. Hence, frequent washing is an essential hygienic measure.
(3) Pets, animals, ticks and insects – Pets and animals are often infected with parasites such as worms that can spread to people easily, especially if they live indoors. Ticks and insect bites are also known to have caused Lyme disease, yellow fever, malaria and other parasitic diseases. Thus, it is necessary that pets and animals are de-wormed frequently.
Thoughts on Successful Pathogenic Cleanse
Pathogens, be it bacteria, parasites or fungi, are opportunists and known to show resistance over time. Therefore, while removing sources of inflammation caused by these microorganisms represents an important first step in our journey to heal the Leaky Gut, we must remember that strengthening our body is equally vital to achieve this goal. If our body is not significantly strong enough, it is basically not possible to completely remove these pathogens.
In other words, if there are significant debris, infection, inflammation and undigested food particles that enter the GI tract, removing all parasites can be difficult. Moreover, if our liver activity becomes sluggish with low bile secretion and the pH of our GI is out of balance, or if we are constantly eating inflammatory foods, I highly doubt that the pathogens are going anywhere else other than sticking to their favourite environment and sucking our lives out from within.
On the contrary, if we radically change our diet to one that is highly anti-inflammatory, supplemented with necessary nutritional support that strengthen the body, removals of these pathogens can be easily accomplished with good results. These crucial components of the Leaky Gut treatment protocol will also be discussed in a separate blog post to follow.
If you are asking me, which of the natural remedies above work better? I cannot readily answer this question because all above remedies work well and it is difficult to pinpoint which specific remedies will work best for individuals. Different people have different levels of reactivity to different products, which also determine the effectiveness that may be apparent in one but not the other. As I mentioned before, as RA patient always suffers from food allergies or intolerance, it does matter to gauge if any of these herbs are actually suitable for his or her uses.
Take myself as example, I am tolerant to black walnut and grapefruit seed extract but I am allergic to clove. Similar to the concept behind food rotation diet, I also practice switching natural remedies from time to time to avoid building allergic reaction towards one type of frequently used herb/remedy. Overall, it does not affect my cleanse effort because together, these remedies have worked well for me (so far). Some positive noticeable signs are the absence of thick white coating on my tongue, the stools movements are no longer foul in smell, subside in swellings, minimal joint pains and flare-ups, to list a few.
The following are some (not all) most recent products that I have used for my pathogenic cleanse throughout the past year:
- TDP Lamp
- Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)
- Coffee Enema for lower intestinal cleanse
- Yoshino Colon Cleanse Formula
- Homeopathic Desbio Parasite Complex & Condylomata Series Therapy
- AllergyResearchGroup’s ParaMicrocidin 250: Grapefruit seed extract
- Terminator II Zapper
More parasite cleanse information coming in the upcoming post, Dealing with Leaky Gut Syndrome of Rheumatoid Arthritis – Parasites Cleanse: The Hulda Clark’s Protocol (Part 3) . In the mean time, what other natural antiparasite, antibacterial and antifungal remedies have you used before? What have worked and not worked well for you? Do share your experiences, thoughts and comments on your cleanses!
References:
http://drlwilson.com/Articles/PARASITES.HTM
http://www.colloidalsilvergel.com/silver_bullet.htm
http://www.tdplamps.net/TDP-intro.pdf
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