Biofilms, Microbiome, and Chronic Infections
The discovery of the biofilm form of bacteria, and its universal presence in chronic infections has opened the door a gold-rush of scientific investigation into plants, and their possible roles in the fight against complex bacterial communities. Plants at war with bacteria for hundreds of millions of years have developed complex synergistic combinations of constituents which when combined can do what no single antimicrobial agent can. The research in the last 12 years has verified the powerful effects of the most important traditional herbs against infection.
Free Lecture from this Course:
Course Overview
In this course, we describe the basic science of the "New Bacteriology," study the microbiome, learn what biofilms are, and identify chronic infections. We then describe the four types of synergistic actions that herbal medicines can exhibit against chronic infection. We also review the Materia medica for both bacterial and fungal infections and biofilms. Learn how certain herbs can be used in conditions where they can be brought into direct contact with the infected site, including conditions not only on the skin, but in the outer and middle ear, the mouth and gums, the sinus, the stomach and upper GI, and the vagina. The information in this course is practical, the herbs are from traditional herbalism and the direct clinical experience of our faculty, and the approach is updated and modified in light of recent science into herbal actions against infection.
What you will learn
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Learn the basic science behind the biofilm form of bacteria, and its relevance to infection in humans.
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Learn the basic science and terminology of the human microbiome, and its importance as the “third arm of the human immune system.”
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Learn the importance of the microbiome and its diversity in the different compartments of the skin, digestive, and reproductive tract.
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Learn the immediate and long term effects of pharmaceutical antibiotics on the microbiome.
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Learn the effects of foods on the microbiome.
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Review the science on the role of the microbiome in obesity, insulin resistance, Parkinson's disease, and autism.
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Learn the specific effects of berberine and its related alkaloids on biofilm structures in infection.
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Learn unique actions of herbal medicines against bacterial infection beyond direct antimicrobial effects, including inhibition of quorum-sensing, anti-biofilm, and efflux-pump inhibition.
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Learn selection and formulation with medicinal herbs to maximize the above four actions in synergy.
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Learn the importance of topical application of immune-stimulating herbs when treating conditions where the herb can come in contact with the infected site.
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Review a materia medica of more than 30 herbs for their potential effects on infection.
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Learn the use of media such as honey, vinegar, and boric acid to enhance anti-biofilm effects.
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Learn materia medica and practical formulation for bacterial infections including MRSA, sinusitis, outer and middle ear infections, gum infections, bacterial vaginosis, wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, paronychia, and others.
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Learn a materia medica of 22 plants with proven laboratory and clinical effects against fungal infections.
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Review the beneficial effect of biofilms in the gut as part of the natural defenses of the microbiome.
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Review the science on internal biofilms within the system.
Lessons
Lesson 1. Microbiome and the New Microbiology
Lesson 2. Infection and Immunity
Lesson 3. Herbal Therapeutics
Lesson 4. Antifungal Therapeutics
Lesson 5. Gut and Internal Biofilms
Course Materials
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33 audio files totaling over 9 hours
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429 pages of notes & slides
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A PDF library of 9 resources and classical herbal texts totaling over 60 pages
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total storage 577 MB
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The recorded lectures were delivered by NAIMH Director Paul Bergner in classroom settings, edited and supplemented with studio portions.
