Natural antibiotics have been around since the beginning of time. Over the centuries we have come a long way. Doctors created prescription antibiotics that were considered miracles. Illnesses that were once fatal are now easily treatable. Prescription antibiotics made many lives much more comfortable.
Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Over time people have become overly reliant on prescription antibiotics. Since they have become overused in more than one way, viruses are becoming resistant to the antibiotics that used to treat them so effectively. I want to give you all the information you need to know about why it is crucial to switch to natural antibiotics whenever you can.
What Are Natural Antibiotics?
Natural antibiotics are made from plants or compounds extracted from plants. Such as 100% pure plant oils or natural essential oils. Natural antibiotics have been used since the beginning of time to cure illnesses, treat wounds and infections, or even ease aches and pains.
They are usually in the form of essential oils that can be added to drinks, foods, or diluted with other oils to treat symptoms topically. Natural antibiotics can be ingested or applied to your skin. It is critical to know what you are taking and the proper way to use it. Some natural antibiotics can interfere with other medications, so be sure to consult your doctor before you use anything.
Natural antibiotics are considered “all natural” because they come directly from a natural source. There are no added drugs or chemicals. The natural antibiotics made from plants contain antibacterial or antiseptic properties. So keep in mind that not all essential oils are meant to be used as an antibiotic.
Why Do We Need Natural Antibiotics?
Natural antibiotics are essential for human beings, and they always have been. I say “humans” specifically because that is what this article is focusing on. I may mention that a product is suitable for a standard issue, but that does not mean you should use it on your animals. Their bodies react differently to most things than human bodies do. So don’t try anything on your pet unless you have consulted an expert first.
Natural antibiotics have been around forever. We have always relied on natural resources to clear up any medical issues. That was once our only option. It worked well for common problems, but not for new viruses or severe illnesses.
Now in the modern day and age, we can go to the doctors to get a prescription antibiotic. That makes dealing with sickness simple and straightforward, at least in most cases. The good thing about prescription antibiotics is the fact that they can help fight off serious illnesses. However, we tend to take them far too often for minor problems too. There has been a significant rise in antibiotic resistance. The bacteria itself is becoming accustomed to the medications we use and finding a way around them making prescription antibiotics less effective.
By using natural antibiotics whenever possible, we can treat wounds and illnesses without worrying about a long list of the potential negative side effects. There is less side effect to using natural antibiotics unless you have an allergy to the product. It is also important to remember that you will still need prescription antibiotics to treat serious illnesses. So there is no need to get rid of them entirely!
Different Antibiotics and Their Uses
I want to cover a few of the top natural antibiotics you can use in your daily routine. Although you may need to decide which is the best natural antibiotic for you! These products are all simple and easy to use. They might be a little on the expensive side, but keep in mind, the tiniest little bit will go a very long way. The best part about these non-prescription antibiotics is the fact that you don’t need to continually go to your doctor to get it refilled. They can also be used to prevent illnesses before they even begin, rather than just waiting for it to happen in the first place.
Garlic
First off, I wanted to start with a classic. I can’t tell you how many times my grandmother has pushed garlic on me as a natural remedy when I was sick. As a kid, I hated it with a passion. Back then I preferred to have a cold over smelling like a loaf of garlic bread.
But grandma knew what she was talking about. Garlic is an incredible natural remedy that hardly has a competitor. Garlic can be used as a natural antibiotic and defense against cold and flu symptoms, cancer, diabetes, and even dementia. Garlic can even play a huge role in preventing heart disease. If you catch the heart disease early on, regular doses of garlic will help remove the plaque building up in your arteries.
By eating a clove or two of garlic each day you can see the difference for yourself. Since most people are a bit worried about the smell, you could always try concentrated garlic supplements instead.
Turmeric
Another surprisingly potent cure for many issues is turmeric, which happens to be the main spice in curry. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory. When many people think of fighting off inflammation, they think of infections or swelling. Inflammation is a leading cause of many more medical issues than most people realize. Most of them so simple we don’t consider them.
If you think about it, every time you get a headache you pop Advil or Tylenol. Any time you have joint pain you reach for the same thing. In reality, you could try using turmeric as a natural alternative. Any number of reasons can cause headaches. By adding Turmeric to honey with a pinch of black pepper you can make a natural antibiotic to treat cold and flu symptoms. That natural antibiotic can also help manage allergy issues year round! I will be including some natural antibiotic recipes at the end of this article.
In addition to those uses, it may also slow down or prevent blood clots in the same way as garlic. Makes an incredible treatment for arthritis since it treats the inflammation. It also may help treat and prevent certain forms of cancer or symptoms of depression.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of my favorite essential oils to use. I use it mainly for skin care, but that is only one of many uses for this essential oil. Tea tree oil can be applied topically to treat acne. I find it to be beneficial for cystic acne or ingrown hairs.
Tea tree oil can also be used to effectively treat fungal infections, as a local antiseptic for cuts and abrasions, or to help disinfect and heal burns, insect bites, or stings. Tea tree oil can also be used as a natural antibiotic for toothaches or ear infections.
When using tea tree oil, you need to remember it is very potent stuff. It should only be used topically, never ingested. Tea tree oil should be diluted before application. Coconut or almond oil are prime ingredients to dilute an essential oil because they are so gentle. Add a drop or two of tea tree oil into a tablespoon or more of a milder oil. I can tell you from firsthand experience that using it topically without diluting it first will dry out your skin.
If you are going to be using it for toothaches, add a few drops to a full cup of water and rinse your mouth with it. It will act as a natural mouthwash with incredible antibacterial properties. Be sure to rinse your mouth out a few times afterward. It will taste awful, but it will kill the bacteria and help with any pain.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is another incredible natural antibiotic. I’m surprised that this is the first time I’ve heard anything about it. I could have used this one earlier this year, to be honest. Oregano oil is some potent stuff and should only be used topically. The only time you can ingest it is if you have the therapeutic-grade essential oil, rather than the 100% pure oregano oil.
Now, you’re probably wondering why I think this is so great. It is because this is yet another essential oil that has such a variety of uses. Oregano oil can be used to prevent or fight colds, allergies, and respiratory illnesses like bronchitis. For a cold, allergies, or a cough add a few drops to boiling water and inhale the steam for about 5-10 minutes.
For bronchitis mix 5-8 drops of the oregano oil with 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil while it is in solid form. Then apply it to your chest and the bottoms of your feet, allowing it to absorb into your skin. It is a similar idea to using Vick’s Vapor Rub.
These are only a few of the many uses. Oregano oil can also get rid of warts, fungus, parasites, cold sores, arthritis pain, and more. The list goes on and on and if you would like to learn more about the different uses, I would suggest checking out this informative page next!
Honey
Honey is one of the oldest natural antibiotics that even the Egyptians used frequently. It is one of the gentlest antibiotics. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide and is high in sugar. Both of these attributes contribute to killing bacteria. The low pH balance in honey helps pull moisture away and dehydrate the bacteria, effectively killing certain types of bacteria.
Honey can be applied directly to a wound to prevent infection. Although not all honey is useful for this purpose. Manuka honey is the best option when you are using honey as an antibacterial or antibiotic.
Honey is also an excellent option for diluting other essential oils. When using another essential oil as a natural antibiotic, you commonly need to dilute them before applying to your skin. Mixing something like tea tree oil or turmeric with honey before applying to your skin will give it extra antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Natural Antibiotic Recipes
I’m going to repeat a few of the recipes I mentioned above. To help break them down for you a few of the best natural antibiotic options!
Golden Honey Mixture
Ingredients:
- 1 TBSP turmeric powder
- 3.5oz raw honey
- A pinch of black pepper
- 2 TBSP unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 TSP lemon zest
Directions and Use:
Mix all the ingredients well. Store in an airtight glass container for up to two weeks.
The golden honey mixture can be used for many issues. To start, when taking it for seasonal allergies, or to boost your immune system, take one tablespoon daily.
For cold or flu symptoms take it three days in a row. ½ a teaspoon every hour on the first day. ½ a teaspoon every two hours on the second day. ½ a teaspoon three times daily on the third day.
When taking the mixture for respiratory conditions like lung problems, asthma or bronchitis, take ½ a teaspoon three times a day.
When taking this natural antibiotic put it in your mouth and let it dissolve entirely for the best results.
Natural Antibiotic for Toothaches
Ingredients:
- 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 cup of warm water
Directions:
Mix the ingredients and swish it in your mouth like mouthwash for 5 minutes. The tea tree oil is a potent antibacterial ingredient that will kill the bacteria giving you tooth pain. It works well for infections and to improve the health of your mouth.
It is imperative not to swallow tea tree oil, so make sure to spit it out when you are finished, and rinse your mouth out thoroughly.
Natural Antibiotic for Infections
Ingredients:
- Raw honey
- 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
Directions:
Mix the ingredients and apply to any wound or cut. It will draw out the infection. It can even be used on acne or to draw the bacteria and dirt out of an infected pore. So this would make a fantastic face mask!
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using natural antibiotics. The best thing about using essential oils and other natural ingredients is the fact that you can use them at home instead of needing to go to the doctor for a prescription. Antibiotic-resistant bacterias are becoming a problem in our society because prescription antibiotics are being overused. Farmers are giving antibiotics to the cows and other livestock. In turn, we are eating them in the meats we buy from the grocery store. That is also contributing to our resistance to medications.
While you may not consider natural remedies on a regular basis, it might be time to start. Natural cures are highly beneficial and all around healthier for us. Wouldn’t you like to try a natural remedy, instead of pumping your body full of medicine and chemicals? By trying a few of these on a regular basis you can not only fight cold and flu symptoms, but prevent them from happening in the first place! Let us know some of your favorite natural antibiotics in the comments below!
