Love your Gut - Herbs to Fight Pathogens & Restore Balance

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, working together to support digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. But sometimes, unwanted guests make themselves at home—gut infections like Candida overgrowth, Giardia, parasitic worms, and bacterial imbalances can lead to bloating, cramping, nausea, and chronic digestive issues, while also contributing to brain fog, anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings due to the gut-brain connection and the impact of microbial imbalances on neurotransmitter production. These infections can sneak in through contaminated food or water, exposure to pets, young children, or travel to new environments where your gut encounters unfamiliar microbes. Diets high in sugar and processed foods can also fuel certain gut imbalances. Thankfully, nature provides powerful herbal allies to help restore balance, fight infections, and soothe irritation—let’s explore how herbs can support your gut health from the inside out.

Herbs for Gut Health

Pau D'arco  (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

Pau D’arco has potent antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Traditionally used for Candida overgrowth, it helps combat fungal infections and supports overall immune function. It also has mild astringent properties that soothe inflamed gut tissues.

Mugwort (Artemisia verlotiorum) 

Mugwort has been used for centuries to address intestinal parasites and promote digestive function. Its bitter compounds stimulate bile flow, supporting the breakdown of fats and assisting in eliminating pathogenic organisms. It is also known for its ability to ease digestive cramping and bloating.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) 

Wormwood is one of the most effective herbs for intestinal parasites, particularly roundworms and pinworms. Its powerful bitter properties stimulate digestion, support liver function, and help expel parasites by creating an inhospitable environment in the gut.

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Cat’s claw is an immune-modulating herb that helps combat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It is particularly useful for gut-related infections, leaky gut syndrome, and inflammatory bowel conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties.

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)

Known as the 'King of Bitters', Andrographis is a powerful antimicrobial and immune-stimulating herb that helps the body fight off bacterial and viral infections. It also supports liver detoxification and is beneficial in cases of gut inflammation, dysbiosis, and traveler’s diarrhea. Heads up - this herb is super bitter as a tea, so you may want to put it in capsules, to make it easier to take. 

Activated Charcoal

Though not a herb, Activated Charcoal is a powerful natural remedy that binds to toxins, chemicals, and pathogenic microbes in the gut, helping to remove them through the digestive system. It is particularly useful for food poisoning, bloating, and detoxification, though it should be used sparingly to avoid depleting beneficial nutrients. This is a must-have for your medicine cabinet or travel first aid kit.

Other herbs

Berberine-rich herbs such as Goldenseal and Barberry have strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects. These herbs also support liver and gallbladder function by stimulating bile production, which aids digestion and promotes gut detoxification. 

Common spices such as Garlic and Ginger are powerful allies for gut infections, thanks to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Garlic contains allicin, a potent compound that helps combat harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites while supporting beneficial gut flora. It also has prebiotic properties, nourishing healthy microbes and promoting gut balance. Ginger, known for its warming and digestive-stimulating effects, has strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions that help fight infections, ease nausea, and soothe an irritated gut lining.

Oregano and Olive Leaf are also highly effective against gut infections. Oregano can help combat Candida overgrowth and bacterial imbalances while reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. Olive leaf has antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties, making it useful for bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. 

Diet and Lifestyle for a Healthier Gut

Herbs play a vital role in restoring gut health, but diet and lifestyle factors are just as important. Eating a whole-food, fiber-rich diet with plenty of vegetables, fermented foods, and healthy fats helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria while reducing the sugar and processed foods that feed harmful microbes. Staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting enough sleep support gut function, while practicing good hygiene—such as washing hands regularly and avoiding contaminated food or water—can help prevent infections. If you have pets or young children, be mindful of regular deworming and hygiene practices to minimize exposure to parasites. By combining these habits with powerful herbs, you can create a strong foundation for a balanced and thriving gut microbiome.

By eliminating harmful pathogens and supporting the body's natural defences, these herbs and lifestyle practices help restore balance to the gut, allowing beneficial microbes to flourish and maintain a healthy digestive system.