If you’ve been using Biocidin® or are considering trying it, then you might be surprised at the variety of health benefits it has. It’s been a staple in my home medicine cabinet since 2008 when I met the founder and formulator Dr. Rachel Fresco.
Biocidin Liquid, the flagship product of Biocidin Botanicals has been helping with gut overgrowth and gut microbial balance issues since it’s inception in 1989. But, did you know Biocidin formulas go way beyond gut health?
An Herbal Powerhouse
Biocidin is a well-balanced, yet hard-hitting, pathogen and biofilm buster that also supports your immune system. In contrast, antibiotic drugs decimate your friendly gut bacteria, weaken your immune system and promote fungal over-growths like Candida. Biocidin is not just antibacterial, it’s also anti-viral and anti-fungal – and it fights against yeast and mold too. Biocidin is also available in multiple formulations to provide targeted support for your gut, skin, throat and mouth and for internal or systemic support. Biocidin is included inside our two most popular herbal remedy kits: the gut-focused CD Herbal Detox Kit and the internal support focused SI Herbal LSF kit.
Biocidin contains a blend of 17 different botanical extracts and essential oils for broad-spectrum gastrointestinal and immune support. Its natural ingredients include: bilberry extract, noni, milk thistle, echinacea (purpurea & angustifolia), goldenseal, shiitake, white willow, garlic, grape seed extract, black walnut (hull and leaf), raspberry, fumitory, gentian, tea tree oil, galbanum oil, lavender oil and oregano oil.
I’m highlighting 5 of my favorite uses for Biocidin, however, there are many more. As always, be sure to consult with your health care provider before starting any new supplement.
1. A Natural Antibiotic for Infection Support
Biocidin is best known as a potent, natural antimicrobial supplement for infection support. It’s well tolerated and because of its formula, it has broad-spectrum action against a large range of bacteria.
Natural antibiotics like Biocidin are not plagued with antibiotic resistance issues, side effects and recurring infections associated with antibiotic medicines.
Biocidin comes in two main formulations: liquid drops and liposomal LSF. These formulas are used in the various Biocidin products.
The Biocidin® Liquid formula targets the stomach and entire GI system. It’s slower to absorb into the bloodstream and thus has enhanced effects inside the digestive system. It kills pathogens and dismantles pathogenic microbial biofilms inside the stomach, intestines and colon. Even though it targets the GI tract, Biocidin Liquid also provides systemic support. Biocidin Liquid is available in both liquid drops or capsules.
The Biocidin® Liposomal (LSF) formula provides rapid, systemic whole-body support by its advanced absorption formula. It rapidly absorbs into both the blood stream and the lymph system of the body and is ideal for systemic applications. Research shows the LSF formula crosses the cell wall and is absorbed by the cells in the body. Its cellular absorption is 74% higher than Biocidin Liquid, giving it exceptional bio-availability in a fast-delivery formula.
The Biocidin product line also includes a spray version for upper respiratory support called Biocidin® TS, and a two products for oral hygiene support: Dentalcidin™ toothpaste and Dentalcidin™ LS oral rinse.
Suggested Use:
Biocidin Liquid drops (or capsules): For gastrointestinal microbial balance and biofilm support.
Adults: 1-5 drops 1-3 times per day. May be taken on an empty stomach. Start with 1 drop and slowly increase to desired amount. May be used at a higher amount for short periods if well tolerated.
Children: 1 drop for every 10 pounds of body weight per day, divided into 2 – 3 doses each day.
Biocidin LSF: For systemic, internal microbial balance and biofilm support.
Adults: 1-3 pumps per day diluted in 5 ounces of water, taken 10 minutes prior to a meal. Start with 1 pump and slowly increase to desired amount to reduce potential for cleansing reactions. Be sure to hold under tongue 30 seconds before swallowing. Can be added to water. May be used at a higher amount for short periods if well tolerated.
Children: The usage guides listed above have details for use with children. Dilute 1 pump into 5 ounces of water and take 1 ounce or less of the diluted mixture per day. Gradually increase to a maximum of 1 ounce of diluted mixture for every 10 pounds of body weight per day, divided into 2 doses each day, if well tolerated. Hold under tongue 30 seconds before swallowing.
For active bacterial challenges for gut and systemic challenges, see our protocols page here.
2. Biocidin Busts Up Biofilms
The ingredients inside Biocidin have also been shown to bust up biofilms. Biofilms are important when it comes to infections, especially chronic, recurring infections. Biofilms hide clusters of microbes including bad bacteria, fungus or viruses. Biofilms form a tough, protective, gluey or mineral matrix that surrounds and protects these microbes. Dental plaque on your teeth is a biofilm.
Using a simple analogy, biofilms are like apartment homes that house a variety of microbes and protect them from the environment. Biofilms can stick to body tissues and shield pathogens from being detected by your immune system.
Biofilms also shield bacteria from attack by antibiotic drugs. In fact, most antibiotics are thousands of times less effective against biofilm bacteria as opposed to free-floating bacteria. Taking antibiotics for biofilms is like shooting arrows at a brick wall. Once you stop taking the antibiotics, the bacteria leave the biofilm to cause another infection. If you’ve struggled with recurring C. difficile, MRSA, Staph, Lyme or other infections, there’s a good chance that biofilms are involved.
In 2006, the CDC released a paper stating, “Infectious agents have emerged as notable determinants, not just complications, of chronic diseases”. In other words, infections are linked to many modern-day chronic diseases.
Biocidin breaks down bacterial biofilms, exposing the bacteria to your immune system and to the remedies you take.
Suggested Use:
Biocidin Liquid (or capsules) for gastrointestinal biofilm support and Biocidin LSF for systemic or internal support for biofilms. Dentalcidin LS can be used for oral biofilms. For active bacterial challenges, see the usage guides here.
3. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is caused by either bacteria or their toxins that get into your GI system through contaminated food. Most of the time food poisoning only causes mild to moderate discomfort like stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, though it can also cause serious issues.
If you have low stomach acid or take acid-blockers, then that natural barrier to your intestines is less fortified, leaving you more susceptible to bad bacteria in your food.
One of my favorite uses for Biocidin Liquid is for anytime I eat something that seems a bit off and my stomach gets upset. This can be an issue when traveling in other countries where food quality can be an issue. Biocidin targets toxin-producing pathogens in the GI system and can provide relief.
However, if it’s toxin related food poisoning, the best way to feel better fast is to bind up the toxins and clear them out of the gut. G.I. Detox toxin binder binds and removes inflammatory bacterial toxins, toxins produced by gut over growths, heavy metals and more. And because it’s made with clay and charcoal, it will quickly and gently absorb food poisoning toxins providing quick relief.
Suggested Use:
Use immediately after noticing symptoms for fastest relief.
Biocidin Liquid: Once vomiting is passed (if present), take 1-2 Biocidin capsules or 5-10 drops Biocidin liquid 3x/day. Continue after your symptoms are gone for an additional day.
Add GI Detox for additional support: Take 2 capsules every hour with water until symptoms resolve. You can take Biocidin at least 1 hour after taking GI Detox. NOTE: Take GI Detox a minimum of 1 hour away from supplements, food and medication as it will bind and neutralize them, making them less or non-effective.
4. Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are challenging to treat because the sinuses are deep within the tissues around the nose and face and they are encompassed in bone. Delivering therapeutics systemically to affect the sinus tissues has always been a challenge. Sinus infections can be bacterial, fungal or viral in nature and can cause congestion and headaches due to plugged passageways.
Chronic sinus infections are commonly biofilm infections.
Sinus infections can be instigated from a cold or seasonal allergies which cause sinus inflammation and an accumulation of fluid in the sinuses. When fluid and mucous gets trapped in the sinuses, germs start to grow. Because Biocidin is antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral as well as a biofilm-buster, it’s uniquely suited to help maintain healthy sinuses.
Nasal irrigation is a popular technique for seasonal allergy relief. But rinsing the sinuses can also be very helpful with infections too. There are many irrigation aids on the market, but the neti pot is one of the most versatile. Nasal nebulizing is another great way to address sinus challenges if you’re able to breathe through your nose.
Neti pot rinse solutions are typically made using salt or baking soda, or a combination of both, diluted in warm sterile water. While saline rinses are helpful in washing away mucous, many people find that adding an antimicrobial agent to the rinse solution provides excellent infection support “on the spot” in the sinuses.
Studies show that people with general sinus problems who irrigated their nose twice daily for three to six weeks saw significant improvement in symptoms. Nasal irrigation can take some getting used to, but once you’ve done it a few times, the method is quick and easy.
Suggested Use:
For neti pot use: add 1 – 2 pumps of Biocidin® LSF (ideal) or 5-10 drops of Biocidin® liquid (good choice) in a neti pot solution. Rinse 2-3 times daily until improvement is seen. Be sure to use distilled, boiled tap water or purified water for the saline solution. Do not use tap water direct from the faucet.
For saline Nasal Spray: purchase a 1 oz. nasal spray meant to be used as a nose spray. Be sure it has a removable top. Add 1-2 pumps of Biocidin® LSF (ideal) or 5-10 drops of Biocidin® liquid (good choice) into the bottle of prepared saline solution. Shake. Spray into each nostril 3-4x a day for 6 weeks or until improvement is seen. Be sure to discard the bottle upon completion of protocol.
For nasal nebulizing: fill your sterile prepared solution to the fill line of the nebulizer cup (this will vary depending on manufacturer) and then add 5 – 10 drops of Biocidin® liquid to the solution. Use 1 – 3 times per day until symptoms resolve, or for up to 4 – 6 weeks in chronic cases. NOTE: Be sure to use a sterile solution made specifically for nebulizing.
Nose application: Biocidin can be applied topically inside the nose several times per day. This can help support the above sinus protocols, or can be used as a nasal decolonization protocol against nasal overgrowth. Simply apply product to a Q-tip and wipe the inside of both nostrils as needed.
5. Oral Care with Biocidin
Many health experts suggest that the bulk of human disease starts from microbes in the mouth. I can personally attest to their impact on health as much of my research as a microbiologist involved dental pathogens that were directly implicated in heart infections and cardiovascular risk factors.
Just like the gut, the human mouth has its own microbiome that is comprised of a multitude of different bacteria and fungus. The oral microbiome can also include resistant biofilms. With poor diet or low immune system function, these microbes can overgrow and affect the gut and affect the body through the bloodstream.
In addition, poor oral hygiene and dental procedures can provide an easy route for different bacteria to enter the body through the bloodstream. Dead tooth tissue from a root canal tooth can also provide a protected place for bacteria to live and thrive while they shed into the body.
These oral over-growths can be a slow but constant drain on your immune system. And the bacteria hiding in your mouth pose a risk of causing an infection or setting the stage for potential chronic disease in the body.
Whole-body health begins in the mouth.
A great first step to avoiding serious health problems is to reduce the risk of infections in the mouth that produce cavities, gum disease and a host of other health problems. Biocidin oral formulas include Dentalcidin™ toothpaste and Dentalcidin™ Oral Rinse. Both are formulated to remove dental plaque and biofilms in the mouth. Better yet, they both taste great for kids and adults alike!
Suggested Use:
Dentalcidin Toothpaste Gel: Great for everyday oral support. Place ½ ribbon on your toothbrush and brush 1 – 3 times per day. For adults and children 2 years of age and older.
Dentalcidin LS Oral Liposomal Rinse: When extra oral support is needed. Use 1 – 2 pumps 3 times per day. Swish for 1 – 2 minutes and spit out after brushing. A great choice for both adults and children 2 years and older.
References:
1. Emerging Infectious Determinants of Chronic Diseases, Volume 12, Number 7—July 2006. Siobhán M. O’Connor from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. Biocidin Botanicals https://biocidin.com/
3. Analysis of Clostridium difficile biofilms: imaging and antimicrobial treatment, James, G., Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Volume 73, Issue 1, 1 January 2018, Pages 102–108.
4.Episode 58: SPONSORED – Biocidin – Borrelia Research and Clinical Strategies using Botanical Antimicrobials, Dr. Rachel Fresco and Dr. Kara Fitzgerald https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/2019/03/04/biocidin-borrelia-research-clinical-strategies-botanical-antimicrobials/
Photo credits
Herbs and oil: ©Studio Barcelona/Fotolia.com; target, biofilm and neti pot: ©Lester Moore; Upset stomach: ©c-Adiano/Fotolia.com; sinus infection: ©Andres Rodriguez/Fotolia.com; teeth: ©shiny diamond/pexels.com
