Are you tired of popping pills every time you get a cold? Luckily, you don’t have to do that anymore after you read this list of 10 natural antibiotics. Lying in your kitchen are some of the most potent natural antibiotics that can cure a large range of infections without causing any side effects. To add to the positives of natural antibiotics, they cost only a fraction of what pills in the market cost, so these natural remedies will help you save some money too!
Natural Antibiotics
1. Garlic
Garlic, a common ingredient available in every kitchen is one of the best and most effective antibiotics, antifungal agents, and antiviral agent. The sulfur compounds are known as allicin found in garlic act as natural antibiotics but freshly crushed garlic must be used to achieve the best results. In addition to sulfur compounds, garlic also contains a variety of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that are beneficial to overall wellness. Eating two to three raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach helps promote overall health and also keeps illnesses at bay. It is also one of the best superfoods for the healthy heart.
2. Honey
Honey is used in traditional medicines all over the world and is known to contain antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. According to recent studies, it fights infections on multiple levels and reduces the chance of it reoccurring or becoming immune to the treatment. The main reason for the antibacterial properties of honey is the fact that it has a unique combination of hydrogen peroxide, acidity, osmotic effect, high sugar concentration and polyphenols help kill bacterial cells. Using raw organic honey is the best way to get quick results and fight infections.
3. Oil of Oregano
According to recent studies, oregano is good for more than just seasoning your pizza. According to a 2001 study by Georgetown University Medical Center, oregano oil may be an effective treatment against drug-resistant bacteria. Carvacrol, a chemical component in oregano oil, helps reduce infection as effectively as traditional antibiotics. Oregano Oil has antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and pain-relieving properties that can help your body combat a wide range of infections and diseases. Also, please read about health benefits of cherries.
4. Olive Leaf Extract
The trend of olive oil as a healthy alternative to regular cooking oil has fast caught on and olive leaves are the next upcoming medical miracle waiting to be discovered. The leaves of the olive tree have antibacterial agents that can boost the immune system and prevent bacterial infections. Infusing herbal tea with the extract of olive leaves is a great way to make a change in your diet. Olive leaves also help get rid of free radical in the body and keep it healthy.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has been extensively used in Ayurveda – Indian traditional medicine – and Chinese medicine as a natural antibiotic. It can be used for external application on wounds or skin infections and can also be added to the daily diet to keep infections at bay. Consuming small amounts of turmeric helps strengthen the immune system and keeps infections at bay. It also helps fight colds and sore throats. Mixing turmeric with honey and having a spoonful every day is a tasty and healthy addition to your daily breakfast.
6. Echinacea
This flower belongs to the daisy family and is a natural antibiotic that can be used to treat wounds and prevent infections. Many types of Echinacea creams are available in the market that can be applied on wounds to heal them faster and to prevent them from getting infected. Echinacea tea is also a good way to include it in your regular diet. Echinacea supplements available in the market are now becoming increasingly popular with health-conscious people. Apart from preventing infections, it also helps to activate the immune system of the body.
7. Ginger
Ginger is a natural antibiotic that, if added to food also protects against food-borne infections like salmonella and cholera. Fresh ginger can also be eater directly or applied to the skin to treat various illnesses. Since raw ginger is spicy, it is best to prepare a ginger extract and mix it with sugar or jaggery. Adding ginger to tea is also a good way to include it in your diet. Ginger also helps protect against dental infections and respiratory problems like the cold and stuffy nose.
8. Goldenseal
This naturally occurring plant product is rich in a compound called berberine which is a very powerful natural antibiotic. It is effective when applied externally on the skin and can also be ingested to treat internal infections. Berberine also helps to strengthen the immune system by activating white blood cells and helping to increase their production. Adding this product to herbal tea and boiling it along with other herbs is a great way to use goldenseal, but this should be used consistently for more than a few weeks. We also want you to read about beauty benefits of aloe vera.
9. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seeds are one of the most effective and wide-ranging natural antibiotics that are also easily available. Along with preventing bacterial infection, it is also a powerful antifungal and antiviral agent. It is reportedly effective against more than 800 forms of viruses and bacteria, more than 100 strains of fungus and many parasites – both gram positive and gram negative. It is most effective when applied externally for skin problems. A paste of the seeds can be applied to acne and other skin infections and then rinsed off to see the dramatic effect of this antibiotic agent. Also, read about health benefits of grapefruits.
10. Neem
One of the most popular home remedies in India, Neem is also known as Indian Lilac is a very effective natural antibiotic. All parts of the neem tree like leaves, bark and fruits have antibacterial agents and they kill bacteria without causing resistance due to sustained use. Having the juice of neem leaves or chewing twigs after brushing helps keep oral problems and cavities at bay. If included in the daily diet, it can also help in reducing the risk of heart disease and other problems related to an unhealthy.
Rummage around in your kitchen shelves and put together your very own medical kit to use the next time you need to take antibiotics.
