With the sheer number of prescription medications available these days, you may be wondering, “Why should I switch to natural antibiotics?” The answer is scarier than you might think.
Due to the overuse of manufactured antibiotics, people around the world are facing a serious global health problem. Between massive over-prescribing by the healthcare industry, countless anti-bacterial products and the increased use of antibiotics in factory farm animals; antibiotics are becoming less and less effective every day!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year more than two million people in the U.S. alone are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Of those two million, about 23,000 people die annually as a direct result of the infection. Many others die or suffer severe consequences due to complications stemming from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
In 2015, the World Health Organization released a report which highlighted this escalating worldwide epidemic. They caution that if it isn’t reversed, we may be headed for a ‘post-antibiotic era’, where these medications will no longer be effective at all.
That means that now, more than ever, we need to stop using antibiotics when the situation isn’t dire. Of course, in serious cases, these medications can save lives. Otherwise, it’s important to consider other avenues first.
Fortunately, it is highly likely that you already have many natural antibiotics hiding in your home right now!
1. Manuka Honey
Honey has been used for thousands of years to help speed the healing of wounds. It has also traditionally been used to mend disorders present in the mucous membranes of the GI tract. In studies, Manuka honey specifically stands out for its particularly potent antibacterial qualities. A 2014 study conducted by the Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island was able to reaffirm what generations have known: raw honey is one of the best natural antibiotics on the planet!
Lead author Susan M. Meschwitz, Ph.D. presented their research at the 247th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. In her presentation, she explained,
“The unique property of honey lies in its ability to fight infection on multiple levels, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.”
We can thank a number of properties and compounds in Manuka honey for giving this natural ingredient such powerful benefits. These include an osmotic effect combined with polyphenols and hydrogen peroxide, which all work together to naturally eradicate ‘bad’ bacteria.
If you don’t already own a jar of Manuka honey, you can pick one up here. Also, be sure to read more about the myriad health benefits of Manuka Honey in this article!
2. Colloidal Silver
The Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and even early American pioneers all applied silver medicinally to treat various illnesses. And people have used silver to prevent foods and liquids from spoiling for at least 1,200 years.
Prior to the advent of modern antibiotic use in the 1930s, physicians used silver as their primary antibacterial medication. Instead of harming the liver and kidneys (as most current prescription antibiotics do), colloidal silver actually promotes healing while simultaneously battling bacteria.
Multiple studies have indicated that this liquid suspension of silver can be used to fight off infection. In fact, colloidal silver is known to eradicate more than 600 disease-producing organisms, including E.coli and Candida. Furthermore, it serves as a natural broad-spectrum antiseptic with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Colloidal silver also promotes faster healing of damaged tissues.
As if that weren’t enough, unlike chemical antibiotics, colloidal silver does its job without harming ‘good’ bacteria in the gut! (Learn all about the benefits of this incredible natural remedy in this article.)
If you don’t already own a bottle of colloidal silver, this is one natural remedy you must try! You can pick one up from this page.
3. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano is a popular spice used in many foods, that’s no secret. But quality oregano essential oil, particularly oil produced from wild oregano (Origanum vulgare), offers outstanding therapeutic antibiotic effects, as well!
Oregano essential oil is well-known for its bacteria-killing abilities, as well as for controlling staph infections. It offers antiseptic, antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. (You can read all about these benefits and more in this article.)
A 2001 study out of Georgetown University published in Science Daily found that the oregano oil’s germ-killing properties were nearly as effective as most antibiotics.
The oil is also particularly effective in fighting conditions like foot and nail fungus. To use, place a few teaspoons of oregano oil in a small tub of water and soak the feet. You can also dilute one drop in a teaspoon of olive oil and apply directly to the affected area.
You can also use oregano oil to simultaneously help heal and relieve symptoms of a sinus infection. To do this, simply add several drops of oregano oil to steaming water and inhale the steam.
If you want to try it, but don’t already have a bottle of oregano oil, you can purchase one here.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Often referred to as a ‘medicine cabinet in a bottle‘, tea tree oil is a powerful essential oil with a wide variety of uses. It is naturally a potent antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal remedy. Its antibacterial properties are so effective, that tea tree even works to actively attack and eliminate staph infections, including MRSA!
Tea tree oil is also known to be effective for treating nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and other topical fungal infections.
If you’re eager to try it out, but don’t already have a bottle of tea tree oil, you can pick one up here.
5. Garlic
Just about everyone knows that this popular and flavorful herb adds a fabulous kick to many dishes. But garlic is good for more than just spicing up your food. It is also a powerful natural anti-microbial!
A 2012 study conducted at Washington State University found that garlic was 100 times more effective than two top antibiotics for fighting a bacteria known as Campylobacter, which is responsible for many intestinal illnesses around the globe. In fact, people have been using garlic for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It was even used in Europe in the Middle Ages to ward off the infamous Bubonic plague!
Needless to say, garlic is pretty amazing stuff! In addition to being naturally anti-bacterial, garlic kills most harmful fungi and viruses, as well. And it does all of this without harming beneficial gut flora as most modern prescription antibiotics do.
Furthermore, garlic is loaded with phytochemicals and healing organic sulfur compounds. It guards against DNA damage with its potent antioxidant properties. Garlic is even useful in ridding the body of internal parasites and worms. Finally, garlic is chock full of nutrients, including B vitamins and vitamin C, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
6. Cayenne Pepper
Most people know cayenne pepper for its spicy flavor. What you may not know is that this potent spice has been used for thousands of years for its healing powers and antibiotic effects.
Science has confirmed that the benefits of cayenne pepper are valid, including its use as a natural antibiotic. One study, in particular, found that cayenne pepper is particularly effective for fighting vulvovaginitis, a common infection in women. The researchers discovered that cayenne pepper essential oil (specifically capsaicin) exerted a significant antifungal and antibiotic effect.
Remember, capsaicin causes a strong burning sensation when it comes into contact with skin, and especially with mucous membranes. Thus, it is very important to dilute it well with a carrier like olive oil before applying. Also, be sure to wear protective gloves when handling cayenne or any other hot peppers!
7. Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract is yet another powerful alternative to antibiotics. Most people are familiar with the health benefits of olive oil. However, few are familiar with olive leaf extract, though it comes from the very same plant!
Olive leaf extract has been used for centuries to fight off bacterial infections. And it is currently being used by some European hospitals to combat MRSA infections, as olive leaf extract works to strengthen the immune system while simultaneously battling antibiotic-resistant infections.
In addition to being anti-bacterial, the olive leaf extract is also naturally anti-viral. Dr. Ronald Hoffman (of Intelligent Medicine) notes that research suggests olive leaf may “be a true antiviral compound because it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system in the infected host. It then appears to offer healing effects not addressed by pharmaceutical antibiotics.”
8. Ginger
You might have noticed that pickled, raw ginger is just about always served with sushi. One possible reason for this may be found in the historical folklore of ginger – specifically the herb’s natural anti-bacterial properties which may help prevent food poisoning. Studies have confirmed that fresh ginger does offer antibiotic effects. It can help fight against foodborne pathogens like listeria, salmonella, and campylobacter. (It also increases the production of stomach acid and helps to soothe indigestion as well.)
Researchers from the College of Medicine at the University of Gondar discovered that combining honey and ginger extract powder actually inhibited the growth of superbugs like MRSA, E.coli and Klegsiella pneumoniae, which are known as some of the most lethal.
9. Goldenseal
This popular herb was used by Native Americans as a medication for inflammatory conditions, like digestive and respiratory inflammation caused by infection or allergies. It’s recently gained a reputation in modern times as a natural antibiotic and immune system booster.
Research from the University of Texas-Houston Medical School found that the herb’s medicinal effectiveness as an immune stimulant may be due to its ability to reduce the pro-inflammatory response. Goldenseal is particularly recommended for treating urinary tract infections, which are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria within the bladder’s walls.
10. Echinacea
Echinacea has been used to treat a wide range of infections for centuries. Its traditional uses include treating diphtheria, blood poisoning, and open wounds.
While many people use it as a tea to combat the common cold or the influenza virus, echinacea is particularly potent for combating bacterial infections. This is due to its ability to help to strengthen the body’s own defense system.
You can read more about both echinacea and goldenseal, plus 13 other natural herbal remedies for boosting the immune system and combating cold & flu in this article.)
Echinacea and goldenseal are most commonly used together to battle all forms of infections. Thus, finding each of the two herbs individually may be a bit difficult. However, you can purchase them separately here: as Cut & Sifted Dried Echinacea and Wild Goldenseal Root Powder.
11. Grapefruit Seed Extract
The grapefruit seed extract is known to be a highly effective natural antibiotic with the ability to combat many common infections. In a study from the University of Texas, researchers tested drops of the extract for antibacterial properties and found that it was comparable to “proven topical antibacterials”.
Allen Sachs, D.C., C.C.N., author of The Authoritative Guide to Grapefruit Seed Extract, enumerated the following criteria for delineating the ideal antibiotic:
It must have broad spectrum application, be powerful and effective, non-toxic, have minimal impact on beneficial bacteria, be well researched, derived from natural sources, hypo-allergenic, biodegradable, compatible with other natural remedies and affordable.
Considering that it meets all these specifications, Dr. Sachs notes that grapefruit seed extract has proven itself safe, effective and non-toxic for topical and internal use; with far-reaching internal, industrial and domestic application.
If you don’t already own, you can purchase a bottle of (gluten-free and non-GMO) Grapefruit Seed Extract here.
12. Pascalite
Pascalite – a type of bentonite clay which can only be found in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains – offers significant healing powers. When used topically, Pascalite can draw out infection from a wound in as quickly as a day or less.
The earliest recorded use of this natural remedy was in the 1930’s. A man inadvertently exposed his chapped hands to Pascalite while setting animal traps in the frigid mountain wilderness. He realized a short while later that the clay had actually helped to heal his damaged skin. The man continued to experiment with Pascalite and discovered that it was also effective for healing infections, burns, and minor wounds.
If you’ve never used Pascalite before, you’ll definitely want to try it. You can purchase authentic Pascalite clay from this website.
Important Notice: This article was originally published in www.naturallivingideas.com by Susan Patterson where all credits are due.
