Sometimes in my research I uncover some of the most incredible remedies. While researching plant-based antimicrobials that could fight the antibiotic-resistant bugs I discovered the amazingly helpful herb Coptis chinensis.
Commonly called “Golden Thread,” this powerful herb is used frequently in Chinese medicine (Huang Lian), especially to treat diabetes. It has a lengthy list of medicinal properties that I’d like to share with you.
Reportedly compounds in Coptis can help fight…
- pylori,
- pseudomonas,
- salmonella,
- shigella,
- trichomonas,
- giardia,
- Lyme,
- influenza (the flu)
- and more.
Coptis is right yellow and has a strong and bitter taste. The yellow color comes from berberine which is also sold as a stand-alone supplement. Berberine has been extensively studied for its positive impact on blood sugar and its ability to help prevent arterial wall thickening (atherosclerosis).
“Golden Thread” Coptis fights antibiotic-resistant bugs
I actually discovered Coptis when searching for a natural solution to MARCoNS or Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staph. Most folks haven’t heard of MARCoNS, but you can think of it like an even more dangerous version of MRSA.
MARCoNS is an opportunistic staph infection that can take up residence in your jawbone, hip and nasal cavities, and it’s often cultured in people who have low MSH (Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone).
Strangely, two of the most common symptoms of the infection are severe insomnia and depression. If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should have your blood tested for low MSH. If the tests reveal low levels you’re next step is to test for MARCoNS which is done with a deep nasal swab into the nose.
MARCoNS is most often found in folks who…
- have taken a lot of antibiotics (like those being treated for Lyme disease),
- have a compromised immunity,
- have biotoxin illness,
- have been exposed to mold from water damaged buildings
- or those with cancer.
MARCoNS is tough to eradicate, it lives in slimy biofilm communities and it’s very resistant to today’s arsenal of antibiotics. A compounded prescription nasal spray called “BEG spray”—consisting of Bactroban, EDTA and Gentamycin—is often used.
Coptis may be useful as an anti-aging remedy
But it turns out fighting tough to kill infections isn’t the only benefit of Coptis. It has been shown in animal experiments to protect against neuronal degeneration and research has found it may helpful in treating IBS too.
And in a 2016 study published in the Journal of Food and Medicine the Coptis compound berberine was show to prevent the formation of Advanced Glycation End (AGE) products, which basically are responsible for aging you.
Coptis could help fight cancer
However, it’s Golden Thread’s cancer-fighting abilities that may be the most astounding benefit of all. In 2004, researchers tested the anti-cancer activity of Coptis against human liver cancer cells, and leukemia cells. They discovered that berberine and coptisin (found in Coptis) block the growth of the cancer cells.
Then in the May 2016 edition of the journal, Oncology Report, an interesting report detailed another Coptis benefit. Researchers reported berberine (found in Coptis and other herbs) worked synergistically with the chemo drug Cisplatin to suppress breast cancer growth.
Coptis contains many beneficial compounds and could play an important role in fighting antibiotic resistance, cancer and more.
In addition to writing a syndicated column on health which reaches 20 million people each week, Suzy is the author of a number of books on natural health.
You may have seen Suzy on The Dr. OZ Show (6 different appearances), The View, The Doctors, Good Morning America Health and hundreds of morning shows. Quotes from Suzy, as well as her articles, have also appeared in major publications including Woman’s Day, Reader’s Digest, OK Magazine!, First for Women, Fitness, Natural Health and Better Homes & Garden and dozens more.
Read more from Suzy at suzyCohen.com
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