Herbal ABX™

TCM broad-spectrum herbal antibiotic formula for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections — antibacterial; antiviral; antifungal; clears fire, damp-heat, and toxic heat; reduces swelling and redness; may be used alone or combined with another formula

⚠️ Contraindicated in cases of deficiency and coldness — use with caution for those with weak digestive systems. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Antibiotic therapy may decrease absorption of birth control pills by interfering with normal intestinal flora — women on antibiotic therapy and birth control pills concurrently should use additional prophylactics. Take for at least 7–10 days to ensure complete eradication of micro-organisms — early discontinuation increases the risk of mutation and resistance. If no improvement after 7–10 days, re-evaluate and modify the formula. In gynecological disorders, continue 2–3 days after symptoms subside. Patients with encephalitis or meningitis should go to the emergency room immediately — warning signs include fever, headache, stiff neck, sore throat, vomiting, and mental confusion.

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

* Used as an adjunct formula to clear heat

Specific indications by system:

— Respiratory tract: 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, cough with yellow sputum

— Gastrointestinal: gastritis, peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, enteritis, dysentery, colitis, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, IBS, acute and chronic appendicitis, hemorrhoids, vomiting, foul breath, swollen or bleeding gums, abdominal pain

— Hepatic disorders: hepatitis, cholecystitis, jaundice, erysipelas, herpes zoster, fibrocystic breast disorder, migraine, acid reflux, conjunctivitis, bitter taste in the mouth, tinnitus, irritability, hypochondriac pain

— Reproductive system: vaginitis, foul-smelling yellow or white leukorrhea, pelvic inflammation, ovarian/uterine/fallopian tube infection, post-abortion or post-delivery infection, lower abdominal pain, genital itching, cervicitis, hypermenorrhea, yeast infections, uterine prolapse with infection; in men: prostatitis, genital itching, orchitis

— Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs): gonorrhea, genital herpes, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, chancroid lesions

— Urinary tract infections (UTI): nephritis, cystitis, UTI, kidney stones; dysuria and frequent urges to urinate with yellow turbid urine

— Other: 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, external otitis

Background: A healthy person has numerous defense mechanisms against micro-organisms — natural barriers (skin), non-specific immunity (phagocytic cells), and specific immunity (antibodies). When host defenses are disrupted, micro-organisms enter and affect various parts of the body. In TCM, infection is characterized by fire, damp-heat, and/or toxic heat attacking various parts of the body. Optimal treatment requires herbs that eliminate the offending pathogens and treat complications such as swelling, inflammation, and fever. Many herbs in Herbal ABX are indigenous herbs from the island of Taiwan — because of their geographic isolation, they maintain potent antibiotic effect without tolerance or resistance, making them effective for infections that do not respond to antibiotic drugs or classic herbal formulas. The use of multiple herbs within an herbal formula has been shown to increase the antibiotic effect more than ten-fold, while reducing the risk of resistance development.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis): clears heat; sedates fire; eliminates toxic heat; potent broad-spectrum antibacterial 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; aqueous extracts inhibit cariogenic bacteria; berberine shows antimicrobial activity against MRSA — lowers MIC of ampicillin (additive) and oxacillin (synergistic), restoring effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics against MRSA; antifungal against pathogenic fungi and dermatophytes; antiviral against influenza viruses, hepatitis viruses, protozoans, helminths, and chlamydia; clinically: bacterial dysentery — over 1,000 patients, short course, low side effects; acute gastroenteritis/enteritis — over 100 patients effective; pulmonary tuberculosis — over 100 patients, good results; suppurative otitis media — effective topically

— Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis / Isatis): clears heat; eliminates toxins; cools the blood; broad-spectrum antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus, α-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus meningitidis, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, and leptospirosis; antifungal against Trichophyton, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Macrophomina phaseolina in concentration-dependent manner; clinically: 168 children with upper respiratory infections — great results; encephalitis B — 51 children ages 1–13, marked effectiveness

— Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci / Dandelion): enters the Liver; detoxifies; promotes Liver's function to clear toxins; bactericidal in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Diplococcus meningitidis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus dysenteriae, and Salmonella typhi; highly effective antiviral against herpes simplex virus; clinically: acute tonsillitis — 83% effective; sore throat — 98% effective; parotitis and burn patients with concurrent infection — effective topically

— Xian Feng Cao (Herba Bidentis): reduces inflammation; clears heat; reduces swelling; drains pus; promotes urination

— Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris): clears heat; drains dampness; reduces inflammation; cools the blood; detoxifies; treats respiratory and reproductive infections

— Shu Wei Huang (Herba Rostellulariae): invigorates blood; reduces inflammation; treats respiratory infections

— Ya She Huang (Herba Lippiae): reduces inflammation; treats reproductive, urinary, and respiratory infections

— Liu Zhi Huang (Herba Solidaginis): relieves pain; reduces inflammation and swelling; eliminates toxins; treats hepatic disorders

— Hu Yao Huang (Herba Leucas Mollissimae): clears heat; eliminates toxins; invigorates blood circulation

— Cha Chi Huang (Herba Stellariae Aquaticae): clears heat; detoxifies; invigorates blood; reduces swelling

— Pao Zai Cao (Herba Physalis Angulatae): reduces inflammation; eliminates toxins; treats reproductive, urinary, and respiratory infections

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Broad-spectrum antibacterial — Huang Lian (berberine, MRSA, 15+ bacterial species); Da Qing Ye (8+ bacterial species); Pu Gong Ying (8+ bacterial species)

* Antiviral — Huang Lian (influenza, hepatitis viruses); Pu Gong Ying (herpes simplex); Da Qing Ye (encephalitis B)

* Antifungal — Huang Lian (pathogenic fungi, dermatophytes); Da Qing Ye (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton)

* Anti-inflammatory — Xian Feng Cao, Feng Wei Cao, Shu Wei Huang, Ya She Huang, Liu Zhi Huang, Pao Zai Cao

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Clears fire, damp-heat, and toxic heat (Huang Lian, Da Qing Ye, Pu Gong Ying, Feng Wei Cao, Cha Chi Huang, Hu Yao Huang)

* Reduces swelling and redness (Xian Feng Cao, Liu Zhi Huang, Cha Chi Huang)

* Drains dampness; promotes urination (Xian Feng Cao, Feng Wei Cao)

* Invigorates blood; reduces inflammation (Shu Wei Huang, Hu Yao Huang, Cha Chi Huang)

* Enters Liver channel; detoxifies (Pu Gong Ying, Liu Zhi Huang)

DOSAGE

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. May increase to 6–8 capsules three times daily if necessary. Take with meals for sensitive stomachs. Take for at least 7–10 days.

Clinical notes: In individuals with constipation, use Gentle Lax (Excess) first before selecting an appropriate formula. After completing antibiotic therapy, use Nourish (yin tonic) to restore the normal balance of yin and yang. There is no evidence that heat-clearing herbs cause secondary infections — however, those with recurrent infections or a history of repeated antibiotic use should take acidophilus prophylactically. When boils or cysts are draining, keep the local area clean to prevent spread of infection; wash hands thoroughly after handling a boil as staph bacteria may cause food poisoning.

Supplementary formulas: Viral infections — add Herbal AVR. Ear, nose, and throat infections — add Herbal ENT. Common cold or influenza with sore throat — combine with Lonicera Complex. Sinus infections — use with Magnolia Clear Sinus or Pueraria Clear Sinus. Respiratory tract infections — add Respitrol (Heat) or Respitrol (Cold). Cough — add Respitrol (CF). Inflammation and swelling — add Resolve (AI) or Astringent Complex. Yellow phlegm from respiratory infections — use with Pinellia XPT. Damp and phlegm accumulation — add Pinellia Complex. Genital infections — use with Gentiana Complex or V-Support. Gastric or duodenal ulcers with H. pylori — use with GI Care. Hepatitis — add Liver DTX. Chronic nephritis or nephritic syndrome — add Kidney DTX. Kidney or bladder stones — use with Dissolve (KS). Shingles — use with Dermatrol (HZ). Wet dermatological disorders — add Dermatrol (Damp). Dry dermatological disorders — add Dermatrol (Dry). Chemical or heavy metal poisoning — add Herbal DTX. Gallstones — combine with Dissolve (GS). Infection from external injuries or surgeries — use with Flex (TMX). Unknown condition with blood stagnation — add Circulation (SJ). Bleeding — use Notoginseng 9. High blood pressure and fast heart rate from excess fire — add Gardenia Complex.

Nutrition: Avoid spicy, fried, or greasy foods. Include foods and beverages that are cool or cold in nature: 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 roots: Mexican yam, yam, radishes, potatoes, carrots, melons, cucumbers, beets, turnips, malanga, celeriac, taro, and rutabaga. Avoid spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables (pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili, wasabi).

Tao of Nutrition (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 1 cup unsweetened diluted cranberry juice + 1,000 mg vitamin C every 3–4 hours. Drink an additional 5–6 cups of water daily.

— Chronic bladder infection: Drink watermelon and pear juice 3x/day; drink carrot and celery juice 3x/day; eat squash soup for at least 7 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 3x/day for at least 1 week. Combine magnolia flowers and eggs, cook and eat. Make tea from mulberry leaves and chrysanthemums, cook rice porridge in the tea with apricot kernels. Boil tea of mint, basil, and ginger — inhale steam through the nose while boiling, 3x/day for at least 2 months.

Lifestyle: Sleep by 10 p.m. — in TCM, 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. is when yin shifts to yang; the body must be at rest during this time for optimal health. There is no better way to restore or enhance the immune system than resting and sleeping before 10 p.m. Afternoon naps of about 30 minutes are also recommended.

CASE STUDIES

— 3-year-old female (S.O.): Constant coughing for 2 weeks; diagnosed with whooping cough in ER, no medication prescribed; veins seen on chest; Lung heat. Respitrol (Heat) + Herbal ABX mixed with juice. No change initially, then symptoms lessened after 2 days — back to normal within 1 week.

— 36-year-old female (N.T.): Painful shingles rash on abdomen; emotional stress; damp-heat; antiviral drug didn't help and caused lung pain. Herbal ABX + acupuncture 2x/week. Result after 7 days: rash and pain disappeared. Immune + prescribed to maintain results.

— 53-year-old female (L.R.): Frequent UTI and herpes breakouts; smoker; spicy food, coffee, wine diet; burning and pressure; on antibiotics; damp-heat in lower jiao. Herbal ABX 3 pills 4x/day + V-Support same dosage + Yin Care topically 3x/day at 50% concentration. After infection cleared: Nourish 3 pills 3x/day. Result: healed quickly, complete pain relief; committed to eliminate smoking, coffee, and spicy food.

— 29-year-old female (M.I.): Pus-filled sores on scalp for 1 week — pain, slight itching, fever; white pus, 3–4 mm width; seborrheic dermatitis (capiti); blood heat with wind dryness. Resolve (AI) + Herbal ABX 3 pills 3x/day. Result after 3 days: inflammation and sores reduced; completely resolved within 1 week.

— 37-year-old male (D.D.): Severe ongoing autoimmune reactions from spider bite 6 months prior; psoriasis; entire body swelling making breathing difficult; recently recovered from pink eye; on prednisone 20mg/day and methotrexate 2.5mg; fang marks near olecranon still red and inflamed; toxic heat. Herbal ABX + acupuncture. Result after 2 weeks: no longer experiencing any autoimmune response episodes. After 1 month: no longer taking Western drugs; no recurrence.

— 34-year-old male (J.O.): Sinus drainage with thin watery consistency; ear clogging and pressure; BP 122/72 mmHg, HR 84 bpm; wind-cold invasion, phlegm damp in San Jiao and Stomach channels, Spleen qi and Kidney yin deficiencies with damp constitution. Herbal ABX + Xiao Chai Hu Tang 3 capsules 4x/day for 7 days. Result: sinus drainage resolved and ears cleared within 4 days; continued herbs additional 7 days.

— 37-year-old male (M.B.): Forehead pain for 3 days; thick yellow mucus; fever 102°F; sinus pain on palpation; sinusitis; wind-heat. Pueraria Clear Sinus + Herbal ABX 4 pills 3x/day. Result: fever cleared in 1 day; pain decreased in 2 days; sinuses resolved within 1 week.

— 60-year-old male (M.C.): Cough and nasal congestion with yellow discharge; sinusitis and bronchitis; on antibiotics, antihistamines, and cortisone; episodes every 2–3 months; exterior wind-heat with phlegm heat. Pueraria Clear Sinus + Herbal ABX. Result: sinusitis and bronchitis cleared; discharge lessened and color became clear.

— 56-year-old female (J.V.): Genital sores with diabetes and obesity; sores affected by blood sugar levels; wind and damp-heat. Resolve (AI) + Herbal ABX 4 pills 3x/day. Result: greatly reduced sores and alleviated discomfort; patient keeps combination on hand — "they always work for her."

— 61-year-old female (C.K.): Pelvic pain during intercourse 8/10; gas, bloating, nail fungus, bad breath; history of candida, low libido, fatigue; Liver and Gallbladder heat, damp-heat in lower jiao, Spleen qi deficiency. Week 1: Gentiana Complex + Herbal ABX + Yin Care. Week 2: V-Support + Herbal ABX. Result within 20 days: no more pain with intercourse or digestive issues.

— 34-year-old female (M.H.): Rash on inner thigh for 3 days; pustules, redness, itchiness; raised oozing patches spreading toward trunk; staph infection; wind-heat with dampness. Herbal ABX 5g 4x/day orally + Herbal ABX mixed with water on gauze applied topically. Result after 1 day: less oozing and redness. After 3 days: ulcer healed, no oozing. After 21 days: rash completely resolved.

— 60-year-old male (M.C.): Chronic sinusitis with yellow-green discharge; heat sensation in upper neck, chest tightness, tickling throat; Lung qi deficiency and Kidney yin deficiency. Herbal ABX when discharge present + Immune + when discharge absent. Result: stopped having sinus infections and bronchitis.

— 36-year-old male (A.G.): Fever, chills, sore throat, malaise, ear pain, sinus congestion; allergic to sulfur drugs; superficial rapid pulse, swollen tongue with red tip; toxic heat; laryngitis. Herbal ABX + Herbal ENT (2 bottles). Result: all symptoms resolved; patient continues using Herbal ABX periodically.

— 48-year-old female (M.V.): Cut on foot while showering; next day: redness, swelling, soreness — clear infection; heat in the blood. Herbal ABX 6 capsules 3x/day for full 10 days. Result: redness and inflammation receded; toxic heat in blood completely cleared.

— 35-year-old female: Ear infection with pain; 10 days of antibiotics with no relief; slight fever and body aches after antibiotic therapy; phlegm heat in Lung and San Jiao. Herbal ABX. Result: ear pain, congestion, and infection all cleared.

— 42-year-old midwife: Sinus infection for 10 days — yellow-green discharge, severe pressure and pain in sinus cavity and ears, lymph node swelling and pain; phlegm heat in Lung and toxic heat in throat. Pueraria Clear Sinus 4 capsules 3x/day + Herbal ABX 4 capsules 3x/day. Result within 1 day: much less pain and marked decrease in swelling. Felt "all better" by day 3. Practitioner called formulas "very amazing and powerful."

— 55-year-old male (B.F.): Cough, thick nasal discharge, headache, fatigue; pale flabby slightly purple tongue, slow pulse; common cold, wind-cold invasion. Magnolia Clear Sinus + Respitrol (Cold) + Herbal ABX. Result: sinuses cleared in 3 days.

— 59-year-old female (H.M.): Seasonal nasal allergies, rhinitis, stuffy sinuses, profuse clear nasal mucus; allergic to mold and mildew. Herbal ABX + Magnolia Clear Sinus. Result after 10 days: relief achieved — patient would usually battle symptoms for months and require antibiotics.

— Male cat: Oozing sores and ulcers filled with yellow pus after fight with another cat; toxic damp-heat at skin level. Herbal ABX applied topically (cat also licked it off, working internally). Result after 1 day: sores began drying up. After 3 days: 90% better. After 5 days: all sores healed completely.

Related Reading

Also see: Herbal AVR – for viral infections | Herbal ENT – for ear, nose, and throat infections | Lonicera Complex – for cold/flu with sore throat | Magnolia Clear Sinus – for sinus with clear discharge | Pueraria Clear Sinus – for sinus infection with yellow discharge | Respitrol (Heat) – for Lung heat | Respitrol (Cold) – for cold/flu with chills | Respitrol (CF) – for cough | Resolve (AI) – for inflammation and swelling | Pinellia XPT – for yellow phlegm | Gentiana Complex – for genital infections | V-Support – for vaginal infections | GI Care – for H. pylori ulcers | Liver DTX – for hepatitis | Kidney DTX – for nephritis | Dissolve (KS) – for kidney/bladder stones | Dermatrol (HZ) – for shingles | Herbal DTX – for chemical/heavy metal poisoning | Immune + – to boost immunity after infection | Nourish – yin tonic after antibiotic therapy | Immune Support Collection.