CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* All types of infection, with or without fever, inflammation, redness and swelling

* All excess conditions, with fire, heat, damp-heat, or toxic heat

* Conditions with red tongue, yellow or greasy yellow tongue coating or forceful, rapid pulse

* This combination is used as an adjunct formula to clear heat

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Broad spectrum antibiotic functions

* Antibacterial effects 

* Antiviral effects 

* Antifungal effects 

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Clears fire, damp-heat and toxic heat

* Reduces swelling and redness

 

DOSAGE

Take 3 to 4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach, with warm water. Dosage may be increased to 6 to 8 capsules three times daily, if necessary. The herbs should be taken with meals for those with a sensitive stomach.

 

INGREDIENTS

Cha Chi Huang (Herba Stellariae Aquaticae)

Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis)

Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris)

Hu Yao Huang (Herba Leucas Mollissimae)

Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis)

Liu Zhi Huang (Herba Solidaginis)

Pao Zai Cao (Herba Physalis Angulatae)

Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci)

Shu Wei Huang (Herba Rostellulariae)

Xian Feng Cao (Herba Bidentis)

Ya She Huang (Herba Lippiae)

 

BACKGROUND

A healthy person has numerous defense mechanisms that protect against the invasion of micro-organisms. These host defense mechanisms include natural barriers (i.e., skin), non-specific immunity (i.e., phagocytic cells) and specific immunity (i.e., antibodies). However, if the host defenses are defective or becomes disrupted, the micro-organisms may enter and affect various parts of the body. Therefore, optimal treatment of infective disorders requires use of treatment agents to kill the micro-organisms and preventative agents that restore the host defense mechanisms.

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

Herbal ABX is designed specifically as an antibiotic formula for the treatment of infections. According to traditional Chinese medicine, infection is characterized by the presentation of fire, damp-heat and/or toxic heat attacking various parts of the body. Therefore, treatment requires use of herbs that eliminate the offending pathogens. Furthermore, it is important to also treat the complications of infection, such as swelling, inflammation, and fever.

        Many herbs in this formula focus on eliminating the fire, damp-heat or toxic heat causes of infection. Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) clears heat, sedates fire, and eliminates toxic heat. Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis) clears heat, eliminates toxins and cools the blood. Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci) enters the Liver, detoxifies and helps promote the Liver¡¦s function to clear toxins. Xian Feng Cao (Herba Bidentis) reduces inflammation, clears heat, reduces swelling, drains pus, and promotes urination. Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris) clears heat, drains dampness, reduces inflammation, cools the blood, and detoxifies. Shu Wei Huang (Herba Rostellulariae) invigorates the blood and reduces inflammation. Ya She Huang (Herba Lippiae) reduces inflammation. Liu Zhi Huang (Herba Solidaginis) relieves pain, reduces inflammation and swelling, and eliminates toxins. Hu Yao Huang (Herba Leucas Mollissimae) clears heat, eliminates toxins, and invigorates blood circulation. Cha Chi Huang (Herba Stellariae Aquaticae) clears heat, detoxifies, invigorates blood, and reduces swelling. Pao Zai Cao (Herba Physalis Angulatae) reduces inflammation and eliminates toxins.

 

SPECIFIC INDICATIONS

Herbal ABX has a broad spectrum of antibiotic effect, and is used to treat respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, hepatic disorders, reproductive system infections, sexually-transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, and other infectious disease.

        Respiratory tract infections: Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis), Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris), Ya She Huang (Herba Lippiae), Pao Zai Cao (Herba Physalis Angulatae) and Shu Wei Huang (Herba Rostellulariae) treat respiratory infections. Clinical presentations include common cold, influenza, bacterial or viral infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, encephalitis, upper respiratory tract infection, fever, sore and swollen throat, laryngitis, middle-ear infections, oral sores, parotitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and cough with yellow sputum.

        Gastrointestinal infections: Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Hu Yao Huang (Herba Leucas Mollissimae), Pao Zai Cao (Herba Physalis Angulatae), Cha Chi Huang (Herba Stellariae Aquaticae), Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris), and Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci) clear fire and damp-heat in the digestive tract. These toxins cause gastritis, peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, enteritis, dysentery, colitis, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn¡¦s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, acute and chronic appendicitis, hemorrhoids, vomiting, foul breath, swollen or bleeding gums, and abdominal pain.

        Hepatic disorders: Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis), Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci), Hu Yao Huang (Herba Leucas Mollissimae), Cha Chi Huang (Herba Stellariae Aquaticae), Xian Feng Cao (Herba Bidentis), and Liu Zhi Huang (Herba Solidaginis) enter the Liver channel to treat Liver fire. Manifestations of Liver fire include hepatitis, cholecystitis, jaundice, erysipelas, herpes zoster, fibrocystic breast disorder, migraine, acid reflux, conjunctivitis, bitter taste in the mouth, tinnitus, irritability, and hypochondriac pain.

        Reproductive system infections: Pao Zai Cao (Herba Physalis Angulatae), Ya She Huang (Herba Lippiae), Cha Chi Huang (Herba Stellariae Aquaticae), Hu Yao Huang (Herba Leucas Mollissimae), and Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris) treat inflammation or infections of the reproductive organs. In women, symptoms include vaginitis, foul-smelling yellow or white leukorrhea, inflammation of the pelvis, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, inflammation or infection following abortion or delivery, lower abdominal pain, genital itching, cervicitis, hypermenorrhea, yeast infections, prolapse of the uterus with inflammation and infection. In men, disorders include prostatitis, genital itching, and orchitis.

        Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs): This formula is a useful adjunct formula to clear toxic or damp-heat associated with STDs such as gonorrhea, genital herpes, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and chancroid lesions.

        Urinary tract infections (UTI): Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Ya She Huang (Herba Lippiae), Shu Wei Huang (Herba Rostellulariae), Pao Zai Cao (Herba Physalis Angulatae), Hu Yao Huang (Herba Leucas Mollissimae), Xian Feng Cao (Herba Bidentis), and Cha Chi Huang (Herba Stellariae Aquaticae) treat infection of the urinary system manifesting in dysuria and frequent urges to urinate. In such cases, the urine is mostly yellow and turbid. Disorders include nephritis, cystitis, UTI and kidney stones.

        Other: This formula is effective for treatment of Lyme disease, cellulitis, sores, carbuncles, hypertension, environmental poisoning, pericarditis, arteritis, gout, paronychia, phlebitis, toxic insect bites, hordeolum, keratitis, trachomata, ear infection, perichondritis, aural eczematoid dermatitis, conjunctivitis and external otitis.

        In summary, Herbal ABX consists of a wide array of herbs with marked antibiotic properties, beneficial for the treatment of various infections.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* This formula is contraindicated in cases of deficiency and coldness. It should be used with caution for those who have weak digestive systems.

* This formula is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.

* Because antibiotic therapy may decrease the absorption of birth control pills by interfering with the normal flora in the intestines, women should use additional prophylactics if they are on antibiotic therapy and birth control pills concurrently.

 

CLINICAL NOTES

* In individuals with constipation, purgative herbs such as Gentle Lax (Excess) should be used first before selecting an appropriate formula.

* Herbal ABX should be taken for at least seven to ten days to ensure complete eradication of micro-organisms. Early discontinuation may increase the risk of mutation and subsequent resistance by the micro-organisms.

* Many herbs in Herbal ABX are indigenous herbs from the island of Taiwan. Because of their geographic isolation, they maintain potent antibiotic effect without any tolerance or resistance of micro-organisms. Therefore, for infections that do not respond to antibiotic drugs or classic herbal formulas, Herbal ABX will often provide excellent clinical results.

* If the condition does not improve after seven to ten days, re-evaluate the condition and modify the formula or select another formula as needed.

* This herbal combination is designed as a supplementary formula for treatment of various infections. In traditional Chinese medicine, such infectious diseases are characterized by heat, fire, damp-heat or toxic heat with elevated temperatures and/or inflammation.

* In gynecological disorders, this formula should be continued for two or three days more, after the symptoms subside.

* There is no evidence thus far that use of heat-clearing herbs may permit secondary infections to arise (as is the case with antibiotics). However, those who have recurrent infections should take acidophilus prophylactically, especially if they have a history of repeated antibiotic usage.

* When boils or cysts break and are draining, keep the local area clean to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body. After handling a boil, hands should be washed thoroughly, as staph bacteria may infect other areas or cause food poisoning.

* Use of a yin tonic formula, such as Nourish, is recommended after the use of antibiotics to restore the normal balance of yin and yang in the body.

* Herbal ABX incorporates numerous antibiotic herbs for two important reasons. First, the use of multiple herbs within an herbal formula has been shown to increase the antibiotic effect more than ten-fold. Second, isolated use of single ingredients is often ineffective and increases the risk of development of bacterial and viral resistance.[1] Given these two reasons, it is necessary to combine herbs with appropriate properties to ensure effectiveness in treating the infection and minimizing the potential risk of the micro-organisms developing resistance and/or mutation.

* Patients with encephalitis or meningitis should be sent to the emergency room for immediate medical treatment. Warning signs and symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, sore throat, vomiting, and mental confusion. In addition to soreness, the stiffness is also characterized by severe pain with gentle taps to the neck, and extreme stiffness and immobility when the patient tries to lower the chin to the chest.

 

Pulse Diagnosis by Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang:

* Superficial, thick, and forceful pulse on any of the pulse position depending on the location of the inflammation and infection.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

* For viral infections, add Herbal AVR.

* For infection of the ear, nose, and throat, add Herbal ENT.

* For common cold or influenza with sore throat, combine with Lonicera Complex.

* For sinus infections, use with Magnolia Clear Sinus or Pueraria Clear Sinus.

* For respiratory tract infections, add Respitrol (Heat) or Respitrol (Cold).

* For cough, add Respitrol (CF).

* For inflammation and swelling, add Resolve (AI) or Astringent Complex

* For yellow phlegm due to respiratory tract infections, use with Pinellia XPT.

* For damp and phlegm accumulation, add Pinellia Complex.

* For genital infections, use with Gentiana Complex or V-Support.

* For gastric or duodenal ulcers with H. pylori infection, use with GI Care .

* For hepatitis, add Liver DTX.

* For chronic nephritis or nephritic syndrome, add Kidney DTX.

* For kidney or bladder stones, use with Dissolve (KS).

* For shingles, use with Dermatrol (HZ).

* For dermatological disorders that appear wet, add Dermatrol (Damp).

* For dermatological disorders that appear dry, add Dermatrol (Dry).

* For chemical or heavy metal poisoning, add Herbal DTX.

* For gallstones, combine with Dissolve (GS).

* For infection from external injuries or surgeries, use with Flex (TMX).

* For unknown condition with blood stagnation, add Circulation (SJ).

* For bleeding, use Notoginseng 9.

* For high blood pressure and fast heart rate due to excess fire, add Gardenia Complex.

* This formula can be combined with other herbal formulas to enhance its heat clearing, fire purging and detoxifying actions.

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Quchi (LI 11), Neiguan (PC 6), Shousanli (LI 10), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Sanyinjiao (SP 6)

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* Left side: Houxi (SI 3), Xiaohai (SI 8), Taichong (LR 3), Ququan (LR 8)

* Right side: Shaohai (HT 3), Shenmen (HT 7), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zulinqi (GB 41)

* Left and right sides can be alternated from treatment to treatment.

* The above acupuncture prescription is for general inflammation. Please refer to other formulas for acupuncture points depending on each specific condition.

 

Ear Acupuncture:

* Chronic middle ear infection: Eustachian Tube, Middle Ear, Mastoid Process, Kidney

* Acute conjunctivitis: Bleed protruding vein in the back of the ear once a day. Needle for 30 minutes the following points: Eyes, Shenmen, and apex of tragus.

* Acute tonsillitis: Bleed the protruding vein in the back of the ear, and apex of the tragus once a day. Needle and strongly stimulate the Throat, Pharynx and Tonsil.

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Reduce fever: Thalamus, Brain Stem, Lung, Sympathetic, Endocrine, corresponding points to infection. Bleed Ear Apex, Tragic Apex and Adrenal Gland.

* Erysipelas: Lung, Allergic Area, Liver, Spleen, Adrenal Gland, Endocrine. Bleed Ear Apex.

 

NUTRITION

* Avoid spicy, fried or greasy foods.

* Be sure to include foods and beverages that are cool or cold in nature. Among these are watermelon, lotus nodes, melon, seaweed, cranberries, celery, cucumber, cactus and winter melon.

* Drink plenty of water and urinate often.

* Increase supplementation with Vitamin C and B complex.

* Increase intake of nourishing, cooling foods/roots such as Mexican yam, yam, radishes, potatoes, carrots, melons, cucumbers, beets, turnips, malanga, celeriac, taro, and rutabaga.

* Avoid spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables such as pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, funnel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, and wasabi.

 

The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease:

* Yeast infection/candidiasis: eat a steamed artichoke daily for two weeks.

* Vaginal infection: boil a bulb of garlic, cool to lukewarm, then douche with the liquid.

* Bladder infection: drink one cup cranberry juice, unsweetened and diluted, along with 1,000 mg vitamin C every three to four hours a day. Drink an additional 5 to 6 cups of water daily.

* Chronic bladder infection:

¡± Drink watermelon and pear juice three times daily.

¡± Drink carrot and celery juice three times daily.

¡± Eat squash soup for at least seven days.

¡± Eat steamed lotus root and water chestnuts twice daily.

¡± Drink blended mung bean juice.

¡± Drink tea made from wheat and pearl barley.

* Chronic sinus infection:

¡± Make tea from magnolia flower, basil, ginger, and green onion. Drink three times daily for at least one week.

¡± Combine magnolia flowers and eggs, cook and eat.

¡± Make tea from mulberry leaves and chrysanthemums, then cook rice porridge in the tea, adding apricot kernels.

¡± Boil tea of mint, basil, and ginger. While boiling the tea, inhale the steam through the nose, three times daily for at least two months.

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

* Sleep by 10:00 p.m. In TCM, 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. is when the yin shifts to yang. It is crucial for the body to be at rest during this time for optimal health. There is no better way to restore or enhance the immune system other than resting and sleeping before 10:00 p.m.

* Afternoon naps for about 30 minutes are also recommended.

 

CASE STUDIES

* S.O., a 3-year-old female, presented with constant coughing for two weeks. After being taken to the emergency room, she was diagnosed with whooping cough; however, no medication was prescribed. Other assessments included veins seen on her chest. The TCM diagnosis was Lung heat and the parents were instructed to give her Respitrol (Heat) and Herbal ABX mixed with juice. Initially there was no change noted. However, after two days the symptoms began to lessen and she was back to normal within a week. Submitted by A.I., Hilo, Hawaii.

* N.T., a 36-year old female patient, presented with a painful rash located on the center of her abdomen. She had been experiencing emotional stress as well. Her Western doctor had already diagnosed her with shingles and prescribed her an antiviral, which didn¡¦t seem to help and created lung pain. The TCM diagnosis was damp-heat, which the practitioner treated with Herbal ABX. After taking the herbs daily and receiving acupuncture twice a week, the patient¡¦s rash and pain disappeared in seven days. To maintain these results, the patient took Immune + to boost her immune system. Submitted by S.R., Waterbury, Connecticut.

* L.R., a 53-year-old female patient, who was a smoker and a fast-paced business woman, presented with frequent urinary tract infections (UTI) and herpes breakouts. Her eating habits consisted of spicy food, coffee, and wine. The patient had been experiencing burning and pressure, and had been taking antibiotics. The practitioner diagnosed the condition as damp-heat in the lower jiao. She was treated with Herbal ABX three pills four times daily along with V-Support at the same dosage. For topical treatment to the affected area, Yin Care was applied three times daily at 50% the recommended amount. After the infection had cleared, the patient was then directed to take Nourish three pills three times daily. The patient healed quickly, complete relief of pain was present, and she had committed to eliminate smoking, coffee, and spicy food from her lifestyle. Submitted by L.W., Arroyo Grande, California.

* M.I., a 29-year-old female, presented with pus-filled sores located on her scalp. It had been occurring for a week along with symptoms of pain, slight itching, and fever. The cause was unknown. The sores were described as filled with white pus and 3 to 4 mm width. Her Western diagnosis was seborrheic dermatitis (capiti) and the TCM diagnosis was blood heat with wind dryness. The patient was prescribed the combination of Resolve (AI) and Herbal ABX both at three pills three times a day. After three days the inflammation and sores had gone down and within one week the sores had completely resolved. Submitted by A.I., Hilo, Hawaii.

* D.D., a 37-year-old male, presented with severe ongoing autoimmune reactions from a spider bite which had occurred six months prior to his first treatment. He had been suffering from psoriasis the past years and episodes occurred where his entire body swelled up which made it hard for him to breathe. The patient also reported that he had just recently recovered from pink eye as well. He was desperate for relief as he had been on prednisone for three months, 20 mg a day. Additional medication he had been recently placed on was methotrexate at 2.5 mg to stop the symptoms. Objective findings included fang marks present near the olecranon, although the spider had not been identified as the patient was sleeping in bed. The area was red and inflamed still after six months of the incident. The TCM diagnosis was toxic heat and the practitioner prescribed Herbal ABX initially to rid the toxin. After only two weeks of taking Herbal ABX and receiving acupuncture, the patient reported he was no longer experiencing any episodes of autoimmune response. After a month he was no longer taking Western drugs and there has been no re-occurrence of the symptoms. Submitted by M.M., Burlington, Wisconsin.

* J.O., a 34-year-old male, presented with sinus drainage with thin watery consistency. Ear clogging and pressure were also present. Blood pressure was 122/72 mmHg and heart rate was 84 beats per minute. The practitioner diagnosed the condition as wind-cold invasion, phlegm damp in the San Jiao and Stomach channels, and Spleen qi and Kidney yin deficiencies with damp constitution. The patient was given Herbal ABX and Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) at three capsules four times a day for seven days. With Herbal ABX the sinus drainage resolved and the ears cleared within four days. The patient continued taking the herbs for an additional seven days. Submitted by L.M., Lafayette, Colorado.

* M.B., a 37-year-old male, had presented with pain located on the forehead that had been occurring for three days. Additional symptoms included thick yellow mucus and a fever of 102ºF. Pain was also found upon palpation of his sinus cavities. His Western diagnosis was sinusitis and the TCM diagnosis was wind-heat. Upon the diagnosis, the patient was administered Pueraria Clear Sinus and Herbal ABX both at four pills three times a day. In one day the fever had cleared followed by decreased in pain in two days. The sinuses finally resolved within a week. Submitted by A.I., Hilo, Hawaii.

* M.C., a 60-year-old male, presented with cough and nasal congestion with yellow discharge. He had been previously diagnosed with sinusitis and bronchitis and was currently taking antibiotics. There had been a chronic case of allergies triggering repeated episodes of his sinus infections and bronchitis. The patient would get an episode every two to three months and had been on a lot of antihistamine and cortisone medications. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as exterior wind-heat with phlegm heat. Upon diagnosis, the patient was prescribed Pueraria Clear Sinus and Herbal ABX. With taking the herbs, the patient reported his sinusitis and bronchitis had cleared, the discharge lessened in the amount and the color became clear. Submitted by B.L., Fort Myers, Florida.

* J.V., a 56-year-old female patient with diabetes and obesity, presented with sores located in the genital region. The sores were affected by her blood sugar levels. The TCM diagnoses included wind and damp-heat. Resolve (AI) and Herbal ABX at four pills three times a day were prescribed. This condition is ongoing and occurs each time the patient doesn¡¦t control her diet or blood sugar level. The Resolve (AI) and Herbal ABX greatly reduced the sores and alleviated the discomfort when needed. She kept this combination on hand and they always work for her. Submitted by A.I., Hilo, Hawaii.

* C.K., a 61-year-old female, presented with pelvic pain during intercourse at a level of 8 out of 10. Additional symptoms were digestive symptoms such as gas and bloating, nail fungus, and bad breath. She had a history of candida, low libido, and fatigue. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as Liver and Gallbladder heat, damp-heat in the lower jiao, and Spleen qi deficiency. For treatment the patient was given a combination of Gentiana Complex, Herbal ABX, and Yin Care for one week; secondly, V-Support and Herbal ABX for the week after. Within 20 days the patient reported no more pain with intercourse or digestive issues. The patient continues to use the Yin Care for her nails as they are still healing. Submitted by T.W., Perrysburg, Ohio.

* M.H., a 34-year-old female, presented with a rash located on the inner thigh that had been in existence for three days. Additional symptoms included pustules, redness, and itchiness. Objective findings were raised, oozing patches beginning to spread upward towards the trunk. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as wind-heat with dampness; her Western diagnosis was a staph infection. Herbal ABX was prescribed at 5 grams four times a day. The patient was also directed to apply a mix of Herbal ABX with water on gauze to the effected area. After one day of taking the herbs, less oozing and redness was present. After three days, the ulcer had healed and there was no longer oozing. Following 21 days the rash had resolved. He was very thankful for the effects of the Herbal ABX. Submitted by M.R., Santa Cruz, California.

* M.C., a 60-year-old male, presented with chronic sinusitis, consisting of yellow green discharge. Additional symptoms included sensation of heat in the upper neck area, some tightness in the chest, and a tickling of the throat but no cough. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as Lung qi deficiency and Kidney yin deficiency. Patient was given Herbal ABX when the discharge was present and Immune + when the discharge wasn¡¦t present. After taking the herbs, the patient stopped having sinus infections and bronchitis. The patient still came in for follow ups occasionally. Submitted by B.L., Fort Myers, Florida.

* A.G., a 36-year-old male, presented with a combination of symptoms, including fever, chills, sore throat, and malaise. He was also experiencing ear pain and sinus congestion. It was also noted that the patient was allergic to sulfur drugs and was weary of taking Western medication. Pulse was superficial and rapid; tongue was swollen with a red tip. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as toxic heat. His Western diagnosis was laryngitis. After taking two bottles Herbal ABX and Herbal ENT, the patient¡¦s symptoms had resolved. He still continued to use Herbal ABX periodically as it had worked well for him. Submitted by V.G., Virginia Beach, Virginia.

* M.V., a 48-year-old female, presented with a cut on her foot which had occurred while showering. The following day she had noticed redness, swelling, and soreness to the touch. It was clear that she had an infection. Herbal ABX was prescribed at 6 capsules three times per day. As a result, the redness and inflammation had begun to recede. She continued taking the herbs for the full ten days. The TCM diagnosis was heat in the blood. Herbal ABX successfully reversed the course of the infection, while clearing the toxic heat in the blood completely. Submitted by N.V., Muir Beach, California.

* A 35-year-old female presented with an ear infection with pain. The patient was given ten days of antibiotics with no relief. After antibiotic therapy, she continued to have a slight fever and body aches. Her medical doctor diagnosed her with an ear infection, but upon examination, not much fluid was observed. The practitioner diagnosed the patient¡¦s condition as phlegm heat in the Lung and San Jiao. After taking Herbal ABX, her ear pain, congestion and infection all cleared up. The practitioner has found Herbal ABX quite effective in treating other patients for ear infections. Submitted by M.K., Sherman Oaks, California.

* A 42-year-old midwife presented with sinus infection (for ten days) with yellow green discharge, increased pressure and pain in the sinus cavity and the ears, and severe pain. Upon examination, it was found that there was also lymph node swelling and pain. The TCM diagnosis was phlegm heat in the Lung and toxic heat in the throat. The patient was instructed to take Pueraria Clear Sinus (4 capsules three times daily) and Herbal ABX (4 capsules three times daily). Within one day, the patient responded that there was a lot less pain and marked decrease in swelling. She continued to improve with each dose and stated that she felt ¡§all better¡¨ by the third day. The practitioner commented the formulas were ¡§very amazing and powerful.¡¨ Submitted by M.N., Knoxville, Tennessee.

* B.F., a 55-year-old male, presented with cough, thick nasal discharge, headache and fatigue. The tongue was pale, flabby and slightly purple. The pulse was slow. He was diagnosed with common cold and wind-cold invasion. Magnolia Clear Sinus, Respitrol (Cold) and Herbal ABX were prescribed. The patient reported that the sinus cleared in three days. Submitted by B.F., Newport Beach, California.

* H.M., a 59-year-old female, presented with seasonal nasal allergies, rhinitis, stuffy sinuses, and profuse, clear, nasal mucus. She was allergic to mold and mildew. Herbal ABX and Magnolia Clear Sinus were prescribed. They brought about relief after ten days, when the patient would usually be battling the symptoms for months and would have to take antibiotics. Submitted by H.C., Stephens City, Virginia.

* The owner brought in a male cat that had oozing sores and ulcers filled with yellow pus that started after a fight with another cat. The TCM diagnosis was toxic damp-heat at the skin level. Herbal ABX was prescribed topically. The cat licked it off, so it worked internally as well. After one day, the condition became much better as the sores began drying up. After three days, the cat was 90% better. After five days, all sores healed completely. Submitted by M.C., Sarasota, Florida.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Herbal ABX is an herbal antibiotic formula to treat infections. Pharmacological effects of this formula include antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects.

        Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) is one of the most commonly used and effective herbs for many infections. Pharmacologically, it has potent, broad-spectrum antibacterial action against Bacillus dysenteriae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Diplococcus meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bordetella pertussis, Bacillus anthracis, and Leptospira. The aqueous extracts of Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) also exhibited strong inhibition on cariogenic bacteria.[2] Furthermore, berberine, a compound from Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), shows antimicrobial activity against numerous strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Berberine markedly lowers the minimum inhibition concentrations of ampicillin and oxacillin against MRSA. Berberine and ampicillin exhibit additive effect, and berberine and oxacillin show a synergistic effect against MRSA. These results suggest that berberine may have antimicrobial activity and the potential to restore the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics against MRSA.[3] In addition to its antibacterial properties, Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) has antifungal and antiviral actions.[4] It is effective against numerous pathogenic fungi and dermatophytes.[5] According to another reference, the extracts and decoctions of Huang Lian have demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms including bacteria, influenza viruses, hepatitis viruses, fungi, protozoans, helminths, and chlamydia.[6]^,[7]

        Clinically, Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) has been used to treat a wide variety of infections. It showed excellent results in treating bacterial dysentery in over 1,000 patients, with short course of treatment and low incidence of side effects.[8] It was shown to be effective in treating acute gastroenteritis or enteritis in over 100 patients.[9] Good results were reported when a constituent of Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) was used to treat over 100 patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.[10] Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) is also effective when used topically in treating suppurative otitis media.[11]

        Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis) has broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal applications. It is effective against Staphylococcus aureus, £\-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus meningitidis, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, and leptospirosis.[12] Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis) also has a significant activity in a concentration-dependent manner against Trichophyton schoen leinii, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Trichophyton simii, and Macrophomina phaseolina.[13] The effectiveness of Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis) is reflected in numerous clinical research reports. In one study, 168 children with upper respiratory infections were treated, with great results.[14] In another study, 51 children between the ages of one and thirteen were treated for encephalitis B, with marked effectiveness.[15]

        Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci) has a bactericidal effect in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Diplococcus meningitidis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus dysenteriae and Salmonella typhi.[16] Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci) also has a highly effective antiviral effect, especially against herpes simplex virus.[17] Clinical research has shown this herb to be 83% effective against acute tonsillitis,[18] and 98% effective for sore throat.[19] Similar successes were reported using Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci) for topical treatment of parotitis or of burn patients with concurrent infection.[20]^,[21]

        In summary, Herbal ABX is an excellent formula with marked antibiotic properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. It can be used individually, or in combination with another formula to treat the infection and the related complications.

 

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Discovery of antibiotic drugs is one of the major breakthroughs in modern medicine. It enables doctors to effectively treat many different types of infections. Unfortunately, decades of misuse and abuse have led to growing problems of bacterial mutation and resistance. At this moment, many of these ¡§super bugs¡¨ can only be treated with the newest and most potent antibiotic drugs, and unfortunately, many of them have potent side effects as well. Due to the number of antibiotic drugs, and the various species of micro-organisms, it is beyond the scope of this monograph to discuss the benefits and risks of each individual drug. As a category, antibiotic drugs are extremely effective against most types of bacterial infections. The key points are to select the correct antibiotic drug with least potential side effects, and make sure that the patient finishes the entire course of therapy.

        Herbs are also extremely effective for treatment of various infections. In fact, many modern pharmaceutical drugs were originally derived from natural sources, including penicillin [the oldest antibiotic] and gentamicin [one of the most potent]. One of the main benefits of using herbs is their wide spectrum of antibiotic effect, with indications for bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Furthermore, most of these herbs are extremely safe, and do not have the same harsh side effects as drugs.

        Both drugs and herbs are effective to treat mild to moderate cases of bacterial infections. However, drugs are more appropriate for life-threatening infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, because drugs are more immediately potent and can be prescribed with more laboratory precision (via cultures and sensitivity tests). On the other hand, use of herbs is far more effective than drugs for treating certain viral infections, such as the common cold and influenza, as drugs are essentially ineffective for these conditions. Most importantly, herbs are much gentler to the body and safer than drugs. In other words, herbs treat infection without damaging the patient¡¦s underlying constitution. This allows the patient to recover faster, and become more resistant to re-current or secondary infections.