Antibiotics generally refer to pharmaceutical antimicrobials that are originally designed to fight and kill disease-causing bacteria. Unfortunately, synthetic antibiotics can kill both the good and bad bacteria present in the body. In turn, the living microflora that helps strengthen the immune system can become depleted.
Also, the days of doctors prescribing antibiotics as readily as they once did are long gone. This is because studies increasingly show that over-use of pharmaceutical antibiotics is allowing the target pathogens to develop resistance to the antibiotics.
There is a real concern that this could lead to the development of ‘super-bugs’ that are impervious to any presently known antibiotic, which potentially could result in outbreaks of infections for which there is no remedy.
To alleviate these problems, incorporating foods and herbs that have antibiotic properties into your daily diet can prove to be extremely helpful.
“Ounce for ounce, herbs and spices have more antioxidants than any other food group.”
Although this does not eliminate the need to take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, if and when required, eating foods with antibiotic properties will help ensure that your body will be able to fight infectious bacteria on its own.
These antibiotic food and herb sources will assist in building up your body’s immunity and thereby reduce the need to take synthetic antibiotics for any minor health problems that might arise.
Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties which have been used for centuries in treating both minor and major illnesses. Garlic contains sulfur compounds which are commonly used as key elements in antibiotics.
You can use garlic to help fight flu, colds, and bronchitis. You may eat 2-6 cloves of raw garlic every day. However, if you find it hard to ingest raw garlic cloves, you can purchase garlic capsules and take them with meals.
For topical applications, you can use the juice from the crushed garlic, or pierce one garlic capsule, and apply it topically to the affected area.
Note: Garlic also has anti-parasitic properties. Mix garlic powder or oil into your pet’s food for a natural flea repellent.
Oregano
Oregano oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. You can use it to treat wounds, respiratory difficulties, digestive problems, as well as the common cold.
It is loaded with antioxidants. So as it heals it also boosts your immune system.
Oregano oil can be taken internally, applied externally, or placed in a diffuser to clear your sinus passages.
Echinacea
Echinacea tea is commonly used to ease the symptoms of the common cold. This herb is a known infection-buster, as it helps improve an individual’s defense system in the fight against bacteria. Echinacea can help boost the immune system.
However, it should not be used on a continuous or long-term basis. The recommended dosage is 3 to 15 drops of Echinacea liquid extract mixed in water, three times a day. For cases of acute infection, Echinacea liquid extract can be taken every two hours.
Honey
Before synthetic antibiotics were even developed, honey was commonly used as an antibacterial treatment in almost all cultures around the world. Honey contains enzymes that have the ability to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Those who practice Chinese medicine believe that honey is capable of harmonizing the liver and in neutralizing toxins. Honey is used for many health issues including relieving painful wounds and stomach ulcers.
Research reveals that honey derived from the Manuka flower helps prevent the Streptococcus pyogenes from hindering the wound healing process.
Cabbage
Cabbage contains cancer-fighting sulfur compounds, and just like many other fruits and vegetables, cabbage contains vitamin C which is a natural antibiotic.
Cabbage juice is popularly used for treating stomach ulcers. If you have a stomach ulcer, drinking one-half cup of fresh cabbage juice up to three times a day for two consecutive weeks will help improve your symptoms.
For more information read the following articles.
Antibacterial and Anti-fungal Activities Of Spices
By adding these foods and herbs into your arsenal of natural antibiotics you can be prepared to fight any minor ailments that may crop up. However, as always consult your doctor first. Don’t go self-diagnosing or administering natural antibiotics, especially if you are pregnant or have any preexisting medical conditions that would exclude the use of any of these foods or herbs.