Ten natural antibiotics that actually work
Antibacterials are one of the great advances in medicine. But overprescribing them has led to resistant bacteria. In addition, they kill many different bacteria, even the good ones that help keep the body healthy. This can have side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, rash and upset stomach. Prolonged use can result to fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina. This has led to many people looking for alternatives. Here are some remedies as compiled by Milliam Murigi.
1. Honey
This sweet golden liquid is one of the oldest known antibiotics. For centuries, honey is prevalent in medicine for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties.
It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. To get the antimicrobial effects of honey, always choose honey that is raw and organic.
To keep your immune system healthy, mix equal quantities of honey and powdered cinnamon, and consume once daily.
Other ways of enjoying honey and its health benefits include adding it to tea, juices, or smoothies.
You should, however, never give honey to babies under one year of age. This is because of the risk of botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves.
2. Garlic
This pungent little bulb beloved by many food lovers is, according to science, a natural antibiotic, with antiviral and antifungal properties.
By eating a few cloves of garlic each day, you can effectively fight off all sorts of bacteria, viruses, and infections.
Studies have even found that garlic can assist reduce severity of Aids symptoms, diabetes and high blood pressure.
It’s also a great help in relieving the effects of colds, flu, and toothaches. You can also include garlic in your cooking, as well as take garlic supplements to protect yourself against various diseases and pathogens.
3. Oregano oil
Oregano is among the most effective natural antibiotics against several strains of bacteria and fungi some even antibiotic resistant—including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis.
But it is more effective as an essential oil. Carvacrol present in the Oregano oil has been found to help heal gastric ulcers and reduce inflammation. It is particularly effective in the treatment of E. coli.
This oil can also be used to treat fungal infections as well as help clear sinus infections.
However, you shouldn’t ingest oregano essential oil or use an undiluted essential oil on the skin.
4. Tumeric
Turmeric has antibiotic features, as well as anti-inflammatory. It also has cancer-fighting abilities.
According to a 2009 study, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric had positive effects against Helicobacter pylori.
This is a common bacterium that causes stomach ulcers. It can even reduce the growth of many disease-causing bacteria.
Turmeric can also reduce fungal growth and suppress the growth of tumours in cells.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has antibacterial properties. It can help lower blood sugar. It also contains antibiotic properties and can help treat yeast infections.
When combined with honey, they make a compelling duo to fight off infection.
Taken daily together, they can help to prevent both bacterial and viral infections.
They also help to strengthen infection-fighting white blood cells. Honey and cinnamon in water can heal coughs and colds, as well as bladder infections.
Made into a paste, these two power ingredients can help to ease the pain of a toothache, as well as treat many skin infections.
6. Eucalyptus oil
Inhalation of the vapours of eucalyptus oil can give relief for both purulent and non-purulent respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
7. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper has been in use for medicinal purposes for centuries. Capsaicin, derived from the peppers, is believed to be effective on various forms of rhinitis by reducing nasal hypersensitivity response to various allergens.
With its high Vitamin C content, cayenne pepper also provides protection against common cold.
The good thing is that cayenne pepper also aids the digestive system to work efficiently by inhibiting enzyme production.
8. Onion
Onions are closely related to garlic and have similar health benefits: reducing pain and inflammation as well as illnesses like colds and flu.
Similar to garlic, you’ll get the best results by eating onions raw. Cooking onions releases many of their healthiest nutrients, robbing your body of their help.
9. Ginger
Ginger has been widely recognised for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The common kitchen herb contains gingerol, terpenoids, shogaol, zerumbone and zingerone along with flavonoids that have some excellent antimicrobial properties.
Numerous studies suggest that ginger can fight numerous strains of bacteria.
10. Thyme essential oils
Thyme essential oil is used for treating respiratory problems, inflammation, and gastric issues.
Other than this, thyme oil also has some antibacterial properties. But you can only use thyme oil externally.
Ingesting it like other essential oil is not recommended. Before applying it to the skin, dilute it in a carrier oil.
Using it directly on the skin can cause inflammation and irritation. This oil has been shown to be, especially helpful against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
