Fresh garlic owes its antibiotic properties to substances such as alliin, a member of the nonprotein amino acid family that gives garlic its distinctive flavor, and allicin, a member of the sulfinate family that gives garlic its distinctive odor. Garlic is one of the few herbs that can be ingested in sufficient quantities to kill an invading virus or bacteria without major side effects or harm to the host. It can be used as a preventive herb in the acute phase as well as the chronic phase of a disease. Goldenseal reduces inflammation of mucous membranes so they can resume secretion of thin mucus, their role in preserving or regaining health. Use goldenseal until the inflammation goes away, then discontinue.
Goldenseal is thought by many to be antibacterial.
In fact, this herb is bacteriostatic rather than antibacterial. That is, its active constituent berberine doesn't actually kill bacteria but rather prevents it from dividing and spreading, giving the body time to send white blood cells to the affected area to kill bacteria. Specific for the lungs, throat and digestive system, osha has three major actions. First, it helps liquefy and rehydrate mucus. This thickened mucus provides an ideal environment in which bacteria can multiply and overwhelm the body's defense system.