Here are just a few of the most commonly available probiotic strains and their proven therapeutic power.
Bifidobacterium bifidum—the most dominant probiotic in infants and in the large intestine. Supports production of vitamins in gut, inhibits harmful bacteria, supports immune system response, and prevents diarrhea.23
Bifidobacterium longum—supports liver function, reduces inflammation, removes lead and heavy metals.24
Bifidobacterium breve—helps colonize healthy gut community and crowd out bad bacteria.25
Bifidobacterium infantis—alleviates IBS symptoms, diarrhea, and constipation.26
Lactobacillus casei—supports immunity, inhibits H. pylori, and helps fight infections.27
Lactobacillus acidophilus—relieves gas and bloating, improves lactose intolerance. Shown to reduce E. coli by 61 percent, lower cholesterol levels,28 and create vitamin K. Also important in GALT immune strength.
Lactobacillus bulgaricus—a powerful probiotic strain that has been shown to fight harmful bacteria that invade your digestive system and is stable enough to withstand the acidic digestive juices of the stomach. It also neutralizes toxins and naturally produces its own antibiotics.
Lactobacillus brevis—shown to survive the GI tract, boost cellular immunity, enhance natural T-killer cells, and kill H. pylori bacteria.29
Lactobacillus rhamnosus—supports bacterial balance and healthy skin.
Helps fight urinary tract infections and respiratory infections, and reduce anxiety by reducing stress hormones and GABA neurotransmitter receptors.30 Also survives GI tract.
Bacillus subtilis—an endospore probiotic that is heat resistant. Elicits a potent immune response and supports GALT.31, 32 Suppresses growth of
bad bacteria like salmonella and other pathogens.
Bacillus coagulans—an endospore probiotic that is heat resistant and improves nutrient absorption. Also has been shown to reduce inflammation and symptoms of arthritis.33
Saccharomyces boulardii—a yeast probiotic strain that restores natural flora in the large and small intestine and improves intestinal cell growth. It has proved effective in treating inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease.34 It’s also been shown to have antitoxin effects,35 be antimicrobial, and reduce inflammation.36
BONUS: If you want more advanced training on probiotics check out this bonus probiotic guide: www.draxe.com/probiotic-guide-bonus
Taking probiotic supplements can actually feel like you’re taking medication, because the method of delivery—capsules—seems so similar. That confidence in
“medicine” might be part of the reason why we have so much faith in them. But what about those remedies that are just as effective in the form that nature provided? A key aspect of what I hope to accomplish with Eat Dirt is to encourage us all to embrace the power of some natural remedies that actually have no corollary in Western medicine. Plants were our original medicines, after all, and nowhere is this link to ancient healing practices more real and tangible than with essential oils.
— Essential Oils for Healing —
We’ve talked about using essential oils in several different ways—as a home cleaner, in personal care products, even as a means of creating a serene environment. But as you learned in chapter 6, essential oils are some of humanity’s oldest remedies, and remain among the most effective. Essential oils have antibacterial and antifungal benefits that are so well documented that the oils continue to be used in medical settings. Many oils massaged on the skin can
heal or help treat skin conditions such as burns, cuts, or scrapes. Others may boost the immune system, help with insomnia, and aid with digestion.
All essential oils have unique compounds and healing properties, with many having multiple benefits and unique synergistic effects when used in combination. While I recommend that you work with a certified herbalist or doctor of naturopathic medicine to develop the right blends for you, I also want to share with you the scope of the power that’s resting right there in the dirt!
Here’s a look at some of the most popular essential oils and how I use them with my patients.
Note: Essential oils are all about “good fit”—do you feel better when you smell them or wear them on your body? Don’t force yourself to use a specific oil because you see your desired effect on this list. That’s the beauty of essential oils—there are always, always other options, ones that will be more enjoyable for you. I promise! (See more material about essential oils on my website, DrAxe.com.)
Cedarwood was referenced by King Solomon as the fragrance that increases wisdom, and recent studies have proven this by demonstrating how cedarwood improves focus and memory.
Chamomile, a daisylike flower commonly used for herb infusions, has a calming effect on the body and helps with hormones and digestion. The gentle, comforting nature of chamomile benefits menstrual cramps, anxiety, and insomnia and can be used with children of all ages because of its soothing qualities.
Clary sage is the most beneficial oil for hormone balance and can be used for premenstrual syndrome relief. This essential oil also thickens hair and helps balance estrogen levels.
Clove, which comes from aromatic flowers native to Indonesia as well as India and Sri Lanka, provides antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antioxidant protection. Cinnamon oil has similar benefits and is exceptional for blood sugar balance.
Cypress improves circulation, reduces varicose veins, and can help heal broken bones.
Eucalyptus improves respiratory issues likes bronchitis, sinusitis, and allergies. This invigorating essential oil purifies the body and helps heal
infections.
Frankincense builds immunity, reduces inflammation and age spots, increases spiritual awareness, and has powerful anticancer properties.
Geranium can help balance out both dry and oily skin, which makes it perfect for eczema, dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis. This oil, with its uplifting flowery scent, may decrease the appearance of wrinkles and can be used to reduce inflammation.
Ginger, known for its recognizable scent as well as its pungent taste, reduces inflammation, supports joints, improves digestion, and relieves nausea.
Grapefruit, a breakfast staple in some households, supports metabolism and cellulite reduction when mixed with coconut oil and applied topically to areas of cellulite.
Helichrysum, a flowering plant mainly found in South Africa, benefits cell regeneration, repairs damaged nerve tissues, and has anti-inflammatory qualities that heal swelling, bruises, and wounds.
Lavender helps with relaxation and sleep, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, and heals burns and cuts.
Lemon improves lymph drainage, cleanses the body, and works well in homemade cleaning products. Citrus oils such as orange and bergamot have similar benefits.
Lemongrass acts as a cleanser for the lymphatic system, functions as a natural deodorizer, and can also be used as a household cleaner. Lemongrass is also a natural bug repellent.
Myrrh, a natural antiseptic, can prevent or reduce infections. Myrrh also supports beautiful skin, reduces stretch marks, and improves hormone balance.
Oregano, a perennial herb, has powerful antimicrobial properties, helps kill fungi, and can help you kick a cold quickly.
Peppermint supports digestion, improves focus, boosts energy, reduces fevers and headaches, and offers muscle pain relief.
Rose is an extraordinary essential oil that reduces skin inflammation, lifts mood, and has an energizing scent.
Rosemary improves memory and naturally thickens hair, which makes this essential oil a welcome addition to homemade shampoo.
Sandalwood is a natural aphrodisiac that improves libido and can also
improve energy. Sandalwood also has been shown to be effective against skin cancer and supports both male and female hormone balance.
Spikenard, an essential oil widely referenced throughout the Bible, can reduce stress, calm inflamed skin, stimulate the immune system, lower cortisol, and increase spiritual awareness.
Tea tree oil (melaleuca) is a natural antibacterial and antifungal essential oil that reduces bad odors and helps stimulate the immune system.
Thyme naturally improves levels of progesterone, which is needed by both women and men. This well-known essential oil is also beneficial for the immune system and respiratory system.
Vetiver, an Indian bunchgrass, helps calm the neurological system and has been proven effective in treating attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, brain injuries, and damaged nerve tissues.
Ylang-ylang—and that’s not a typo—calms nerves and helps detoxify the liver and gallbladder. This oil from a tropical tree in the Philippines can be used to improve mood, help release pent-up emotions like frustration, and act as an aphrodisiac.