Top 7 Natural Antibiotics to Use at Home
Over the years I cannot even count the number of times that myself or a family member have been to the doctor for a specific illness only to be prescribed a course of antibiotics to “fix” the problem. In the past, it was easier for me to take the antibiotics because as a mother there is no time to be sick, and I needed the “quick fix”. Eventually, these antibiotics will no longer work to combat infections as the body starts building immunity against them. There is also the possibility of side-effects. According to many studies, it has been shown that 1 in 10 people suffer from the side effects of antibiotics.
In my own experience, unless antibiotics are absolutely essential, I always attempt to use natural antibiotics first. You will be surprised by what the Earth has to offer us and just how strong natural alternatives really are. Many natural foods and herbs have antibacterial and antibiotic properties and are safe for consumption with minimal side-effects if any. This article will take you through the top 7 natural antibiotics to use at home, and you may be pleasantly surprised to have some of these in your kitchen cupboard already!
Let’s remedy away:
Garlic:
Garlic has been recognized around the world for its preventative and curative properties and research has found garlic to be an effective treatment against many forms of bacteria, such as salmonella and E Coli, and has even been considered for use in multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
How does garlic treat and heal infections?
Always use raw, uncooked garlic when using this bulb for its antibiotic properties. Garlic contains a compound known as allicin which is broken down by heat once it has been cooked. Allicin is the defense molecule found in garlic that offers antimicrobial properties. This includes its ability to fight antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and fungi. The allicin in garlic reacts with thiol groups and can successfully deactivate essential enzymes. Freshly chopped, raw garlic is the best way to consume garlic if you want to get all the benefits of the antibiotic compound, allicin.
How to use garlic as a natural antibiotic?
If you want to fight infection the natural way, then you should be eating at least 2-3 cloves of garlic per day. Unfortunately, garlic pill supplements have a very small amount of allicin and are no match for garlic that is consumed in its natural state. It is also recommended to eat garlic on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning to reap the greatest infection-fighting benefits.
Is Garlic safe to use even if I am not sick?
Garlic is safe for consumption and, although some research suggests that taking concentrated garlic can increase the risk of bleeding, this is only a concern if you are undergoing surgery or taking blood thinners. I love to cook with garlic and you may even be surprised to learn that taking two cloves of raw garlic with warm water daily (early in the morning) can help you shed a couple of pounds.
Black garlic or regular garlic?
Black garlic is incredibly beneficial when it comes to cancer, improved brain health, hair growth, weight management, diabetes, and improved heart function. The difference between black garlic and regular garlic is the way that black garlic is fermented to create enhanced bioactivity within the clove. Black garlic has higher levels of antioxidants and antimicrobial activity than regular garlic. Black garlic also has a lower moisture content which causes its amino acids and other nutritional properties to be a lot more concentrated than they are in raw garlic. Black garlic is certainly excellent for use as an antibiotic. Have a look at the wonderful benefits of black garlic here.
Honey:
For hundreds of years, honey has been used to treat and heal wounds when applied as an ointment. It can even be used to draw out infection and helps treat chronic wounds, ulcers, burns, and bedsores. Honey has antibacterial properties that are largely attributed to its hydrogen peroxide content that can inhibit up to 60 different kinds of bacteria and treat wounds that are infected with methicillin-resistant medications to help promote healing.
How does honey treat and heal infections?
When honey is administered directly to a wound it acts like a sponge to soak up any excess water. This process is known as osmosis and causes the honey to draw fluid away from the infected wound. This helps kill the bacterium that needs liquid to grow.
Honey also has a low pH level that helps dehydrate bacteria.
How to use honey as a natural antibiotic?
Honey is best used as an antibiotic by applying raw honey directly to the infected area.
Raw honey can also be ingested to treat internal infections. Simply swallow a full tablespoon of honey or stir some honey into a warm cup of water or herbal tea to help treat a sore throat.
Is honey safe to use even if I am not sick?
Honey is safe to use freely in most people, especially since it has an array of health benefits. However, honey should not be taken by mouth in children under the age of 1. This could cause botulism poisoning which is a rare but serious condition caused by toxins that come from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum.
Ginger:
Scientists have for years recognized ginger as a natural antibiotic with a strong ability to fight against many strains of bacteria.
How does ginger treat and heal infections?
Ginger is effective in the fight against gastritis, esophagitis, and hepatitis, which are caused by infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites as well as chemical agents like heat, acid, cigarette smoke, and foreign bodies. The active compounds in ginger are gingerol, and shogaols. When these constituents are separated from the ginger rhizome, they show antibacterial activity against periodontal bacteria These gingerols have antimicrobial and antifungal properties to help fight against infection.
Ginger contains several bioactive compounds that are effective against certain strains of bacteria. Ginger can also offer resistance and inhibit the ability of a virus to combine with a human’s healthy cells to render them as inactive. Ginger has an excellent antifungal effect and can help treat skin conditions that are caused by fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
How to use Ginger as a natural antibiotic?
Raw ginger root is the best to use for antibiotic benefits, especially when treating a sore throat. Remove the exterior surface of the ginger root and then slice a 1-inch thick piece of the fresh raw ginger root. Chew on this and swallow the root when it turns to pulp.
Ginger tea is also widely available if you are not up for chewing on it in its raw form. This is my personal go-to!
Is ginger safe to use even if I am not sick?
When taken by mouth ginger is safe. It can, however, cause mild side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort if taken in excess.
Echinacea:
Echinacea is a plant that has been used to treat infections for many years and is also known to kill many types of bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes that are the cause of strep throat, toxic shock syndrome and something known as necrotizing fasciitis which is a flesh-eating bacteria. Echinacea has anti-inflammatory properties that help the body fight inflammation that is associated with a bacterial infection.
How does echinacea treat and heal infections?
Echinacea plants contain substances such as caffeic acid, aklomides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, and polyacetylenes that have many antimicrobial and antiviral properties that assist to boost immune function and reduce inflammation. The phenols that are found in echinacea control the activity of enzymes and cell receptors and have many antioxidant properties.
How to use Echinacea as a natural antibiotic?
- It can be consumed fresh or dried and even as a loose-leaf tea.
- In pill and capsule form.
- Squeezed as a juice.
Is Echinacea safe to use even if I am not sick?
Echinacea is safe for consumption but should be used with caution in people with autoimmune disorders. It is recommended that you take it with food or water and not for several weeks at a time.
Goldenseal:
Goldenseal is a medicinal plant that can be used to treat many ailments such as urinary tract infections, bacterial diarrhea, and skin infections. Goldenseal contains an alkaloid called berberine which is an important component of natural antibiotics. Goldenseal is used widely as a dietary supplement to help treat colds and other respiratory tract infections, such as hay-fever, as well as ulcers and digestive problems like diarrhea and constipation.
How does goldenseal treat and heal infections?
Goldenseal has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which enable it to fight and prevent certain types of infections. It can also be used to heal wounds and can be applied directly to skin infections to combat the fungus that has formed on the wound. Goldenseal is considered an herbal antibiotic and has been traditionally used for centuries to treat infections of the mucous membranes. Its active ingredients can slow down H.pylori growth.
How to use Goldenseal as a natural antibiotic?
Goldenseal is usually consumed in tea or capsules and is available to purchase in most health stores.
Is goldenseal safe to use even if I am not sick?
Goldenseal is best used during sickness and not recommended for everyday use. Although rare, it can cause mouth irritations, nausea, nervousness, and digestive problems. A person who is taking prescription medications should check with a doctor before taking goldenseal to make sure that it will not counteract with the medication they are taking. This alkaloid is not safe for infants or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Clove:
Clove oil is often used in dental procedures and many researchers have found that clove water extract may be effective against many different kinds of bacteria. Clove oil is used widely as a home remedy for various ailments.
How does clove oil treat and heal infections?
Clove oil has an array of health benefits due to its biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties make it perfect as a natural antibiotic. It is also used as a savoring agent and antimicrobial material in food. Clove oil can be used as an antiseptic in oral infections.
How to use clove oil as a natural antibiotic?
Clove oil has many antiseptic properties and is used to treat cuts, wounds, fungal infections, stings, and insect bites. It is recommended to dilute the clove oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, when applying it directly to a wound.
Is clove oil safe to use even if I am not sick?
Clove oil can rarely produce mild side effects such as itching, rash, mild skin irritation, and mouth irritation, but overall it is safe to use daily.
Oregano:
Oregano is believed to boost the immune system and acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
How does oregano treat and heal infections?
Oregano oil is a powerful antibacterial oil because it contains carvacrol and thymol which are two antibacterial and antifungal compounds. Oregano is believed to be one of the most effective natural antibiotics to combat several strains of bacteria and fungi.
How to use Oregano as a natural antibiotic?
Oregano oil can be used as a natural antibiotic by mixing it with water or coconut oil. The dosage is dependent on the condition you are treating. The recommended dosage is taking 1-2 drops of oregano oil at a time.
Is oregano to use even if I am not sick?
Oregano oil may counteract with certain medications and should not be taken with the following: Antidiabetic drugs, insulin, and metformin, it is otherwise more than safe for consumption if you are not sick.
Mother Nature for the win!
And there you have it; dynamite comes in some seriously small and natural packages! The next time you are feeling under the weather why not give these natural antibiotics a try. They are safe to use, widely available, can be found in most homes, and non-toxic. They will go a long way in combatting illness and infections without having to hand in yet another script at your pharmacist counter.
