4 Natural Antibiotics You Can Use at Home

Antibiotics inhibit the growth of bacteria or kill them outright. Yes, you may consider antibiotics modern medications, but they’ve been around for hundreds of years. Antibiotics used in ancient times were derived from natural sources.

Certain essential oils, plant extracts, and some foods have antibiotic properties. For instance, some vegetable extracts and foods can stop bacteria from growing in food.

In some cases, these antibiotic properties can extend beyond your food and influence your hygiene. For example, extract from cranberries contains antioxidant and antibacterial compounds that make it an effective remedy for urinary tract infections.

Certain herbs can also have antibiotic properties. A sampling study of 58 plants (all having Chinese origin) found that over 23 had antibacterial properties while 15 had antifungal properties.

A 2014 study published in the journal Global Advances in Health and Medicine found that herbal therapy was potent in treating small intestine bacterial overgrowth disorder.

Read on to learn four essential and highly effective natural antibiotics that you can use at home.

A picture of natural antibiotics like garlic, ginger and oranges

Photo Credit: By New Africa

1. Honey

Honey is a very effective and well-known natural antibiotic. It has been used since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians frequently used honey as a natural skin protectant and antibiotic.

Honey contains hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide in honey may contribute to some of its antibacterial properties. Honey also has a lot of sugar, which can inhibit the growth of some bacteria.

It is also worth mentioning that the pH level of honey is on the low side. This is because the low pH of honey pulls moisture away from bacteria. This dehydrates the bacteria and causes them to die off.

So, what’s the best way to use honey as an antibiotic?

The best way to use honey is by applying it directly to the wound or whichever area you want to apply it to. This will kill the bacteria and speed up the healing process. Raw Manuka honey is highly recommended. It has a wide range of health benefits.

You can also eat honey to help treat internal infections. Swallow one tablespoon or stir a spoonful into a cup of herbal tea for a good treat.

Honey is safe for use in the body or on the skin. However, honey should not be given to infants under one due to the risk of botulism. Your healthcare provider will guide you in treating bacterial infections in infants.

Photo Credit: By Nitr

2. Garlic

Researchers have long discovered the antimicrobial properties of garlic. However, a 2011 study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that garlic concentrate has potent antimicrobial properties. Garlic extract or concentrate can be purchased at your local health food store. You can also concentrate garlic at home by soaking a couple of garlic cloves in olive oil.

Garlic is healthy and safe to ingest. However, consuming large doses of garlic may cause internal bleeding. The recommended dosage is two cloves per day; follow the recommended dosage if you take a garlic supplement.

People taking blood-thinning medications should be cautious before using garlic because large doses can amplify the effects of this medication.

Photo Credit: By Mara Zemgaliete

3. Myrrh extract

Myrrh is a common substance. Most people are familiar with it. However, its ability to fight germs isn’t widely acknowledged.

A 2000 study showed that myrrh extract could kill many pathogens, including:

· E. coli

· Candia albicans

· Pseudomonas aeruginosa

· Staphylococcus aureus

Myrrh is a well-tolerated substance. However, ingestion of myrrh may cause diarrhea. Applying it to the skin may cause a slight rash. In addition, myrrh causes heart problems when consumed in large doses.

Myrrh is usually pre-packaged, so you must adhere to the dosage instructions on the packaging.

Photo Credit: By tashka2000

4. Thyme essential oil

Thyme essential oil is a primary ingredient in many household cleaners. In addition, thyme essential oil is beneficial against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A 2011 study examined the effectiveness of thyme essential oil and lavender oil. The researchers tested both oils against a pool of 120 bacteria. Thyme essential oil was more toxic to the bacteria than lavender essential oil.

Thyme essential oil should not be used internally. It is only suitable for external use. Please do not take it by mouth. Instead, dilute thyme essential oil with an equal parts carrier oil before use. Recommended carrier oils include olive oils and coconut oils.

Undiluted essential oil may cause irritation and inflammation when applied to the skin.

People with hyperthyroid conditions or high blood pressure should not use thyme essential oil.

Photo by ja ma on Unsplash

Takeaway

Here’s a piece of advice: do not take natural antibiotics until you have consulted your healthcare provider. They will guide you on the various options and help you weigh the potential risks and benefits.

Do not take antibiotics unless it is necessary. Taking antibiotics just for their sake can cause your body to build up a high-level resistance to the drugs.

Disclaimer: Dr. Berner does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical diseases or conditions; instead, he analyzes and corrects the structure of his patients with Foundational Correction to improve their overall quality of life. He works with their physicians, who regulate their medications. This blog post is not designed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any other individual. The information provided in this post or through linkages to other sites is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation, or the advice of your physician or another healthcare provider. Foundation Chiropractic and Dr. Brett Berner are not liable or responsible for any advice, the course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this article or others.