Antimicrobials: Botanical Bodyguards

What is an Antimicrobial?

In the vast macrocosm of our life, antimicrobials reside within the unseen micro world, yet their presence exerts a profound impact on our health and fortitude against disease. Antimicrobials are our bodyguards; the miniscule agents that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

We can categorise antimicrobials according to the type of microorganism that they target: 1) Antibacterials or antibiotics that target and kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. 2) Antivirals that specifically inhibit the replication of viruses. 3) Antifungals that are used to treat fungal infections by either killing fungi or inhibiting their growth. 4) Antiparasitics that target parasites, such as protozoa, worms and ectoparasites like lice.

In both the body and the environment, there are beneficial "good" and harmful "bad" bacteria, viruses and fungi. The beneficial ones support health, aiding in digestion, immune defence and more, while harmful ones can cause diseases. Maintaining a balance between these organisms is crucial; when harmful microbes proliferate unchecked, they can overpower the beneficial ones, leading to illness. Conversely, a healthy population of "good" microbes can help keep the "bad" ones in check, promoting overall well-being.

Click to read the complete article or download a print friendly version.pdf