Nature has provided thousands of natural medicines and natural antibiotics over millennia. Most people are unaware, but many pharmaceutical medications are derived from natural sources.
After they were proven effective in treating various ailments, the pharmaceutical industry moved to create synthetic variants that they could patent. In this way, they retained the exclusive rights to earn revenues from their patents over a specific period.
High-powered pharmaceutical antibiotics certainly have their place in today’s society. However, the proliferation of so many antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria (as well as other infections) has warranted investigation into alternatives.
Fortunately, we have access to the natural sources.
A Natural Antibiotic Approach can also Bring About a Real Solution
Various illnesses and diseases can indeed respond favorably to natural antibiotics. Though the key is to know which antibiotics best address which ailments, as well as which types of formulations are the most effective.
Several candidates qualify as fairly broad-spectrum natural antibiotics.
1. Oil of Oregano
Oregano, specifically oil of oregano, has potent antibacterial and infection-fighting properties. Research shows that carvacrol, one of oregano’s phenol chemical components, is partially responsible for oregano’s effective treatment against dangerous drug-resistant bacteria.
The power of oregano oil has most notably been tested in food preparation practices, where it can help control food-borne pathogens and bacteria. It’s also shown promise in treating infections of the digestive system and candida albicans, a yeast infection of the gut. Truly, oil of oregano uses are many.
Have you tried growing your own oregano?
2. Garlic
Another super-powered food source is garlic.
As noted in this piece of research, the compound allicin (in garlic) is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while penicillin is not very effective against the latter. This suggests that allicin has a broader spectrum of antibacterial activity compared to penicillin.
I have heard that about one milligram of allicin is “nearly 15x as potent as penicillin,” protecting against parasites, yeast, viruses, bacteria, and even antibiotic-resistant superbug MRSA.
Do you enjoy garlic? Try 52 clove garlic soup!
3. Echinacea
A powerful healing herb, Echinacea has become so accepted as a natural treatment that you can find it in many prepared teas from even the most commercial brands.
Here are the results from just 4 (of many) studies showcasing echinacea’s natural antibiotic power.
- Echinacea as Antioxidant and Antibacterial Agents:
- Summary: Echinacea extracts have demonstrated both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and have been deemed safe.
- Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench: Biological and Pharmacological Properties:
- Summary: Research indicates that several standardized formulations of echinacea exhibit potent and selective antiviral and antibacterial properties.
- Echinacea and Coronavirus Infections:
- Summary: Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children by preventing respiratory tract infections.
- Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Activities of Echinacea Purpurea:
- Summary: Echinacea extract has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, showing dual actions against respiratory bacteria.
In addition to protecting against bacteria, echinacea has been studied time and time again for its ability to stave off the common cold.
Many individuals have used the well-known echinacea and goldenseal herbal formulation for decades in treating colds and flu, sore throats, and other upper respiratory ailments. Preparing their medicinal herbal teas with raw, organic, unfiltered honey is another way of receiving one of nature’s best medicinal superfoods.
4. Honey
You know it: honey offers soooo many health benefits. The ability to bully bacteria is just one of them.
One study published in the journal Microbiology found that honey – particularly that derived from bees foraging on manuka flowers – protected wounds from streptococcus pyogenes.
Other research shows that honey could be a potent answer to drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
In various studies, it has been shown to tackle:
- MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
- MSSA (methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus)
- VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci)
- Helicobacter Pylori (which can cause stomach ulcers)
Interestingly, while honey has long been known to possess these benefits, it wasn’t until relatively recently that scientists identified one secret ingredient in honey that fends off unwanted bacteria. It’s a protein called defensin-1, which bees add to honey when they make it.
5. Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver occupies a unique place in nature’s apothecary.
In the 1970′s, Dr. Robert O. Becker at Syracuse Medical University began to intensively research colloidal silver. He discovered that silver not only killed bacteria, but it actually killed bacteria that were resistant to all known antibiotics with no undesirable side effects.
Colloidal silver can be applied topically and some say taken internally as well. Note that this goes against mainstream recommendations. But even those purporting it can be done say long-term internal use is not encouraged as it can (ironically) damage the microbiome.
6. Astragalus
An adaptogen, meaning it is an overall tonic for the body, astragalus has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicinal practices to boost the immune system and counteract physical, mental, and emotional stress.
One study delved into the antibacterial properties of extracts derived from Astragalus angulosus. Researchers aimed to identify the potential of this plant in combating bacterial infections, especially those that form biofilms, which are often resistant to conventional antibiotics.
The findings revealed that certain extracts of Astragalus angulosus exhibited significant antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. This suggests that the plant could be a promising source for developing new antibacterial agents, especially in an era where antibiotic resistance is a growing concern.
In another study, scientists explored the bioactive components present in the leaves of Astragalus membranaceus. The results indicated that both the leaves and the roots of Astragalus membranaceus possess potent antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against a range of bacterial strains.
Confused about the 2 different types of astragalus mentioned? The genus Astragalus is vast and contains over 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs.
Okay…this post will get crazy long if I keep getting into each natural solution. Let’s cover some more in a shorter time span.
What are some other natural antibiotics?
Many other foods/plants have showcased strong antimicrobial properties.
- 7. Grapefruit Seed Extract is another very popular antimicrobial that has been shown to rival topical antibiotics in the fight against multiple types of bacteria strains.
- 8. Olive leaf extract – Early in the last century, oleuropein was isolated from olive leaf extract. This phytochemical was thought to give the olive tree its resistance to disease. Researchers from the Netherlands then learned that elenolic acid, a component of oleuropein, acted as a broad-spectrum natural antibiotic.
- 9. Onions – These bulbous vegetables have been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including infections. Onions have even been shown to be effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Check out some other health benefits of onions here.
- 10. Turmeric – The results from one study indicate that curcumin can inhibit bacterial DNA replication, alter gene expression, and even damage bacterial cells.
- 11. Cinnamon – Sometimes called a ‘lethal’ natural antibiotic, cinnamon has been used medicinally for ages. Pure, real Ceylon cinnamon can stop E. coli in its tracks, a stubborn bacteria that causes many diseases.
- 12. Cabbage – One of the cruciferous vegetables, cabbage has anti-microbial properties.
- 13. Sage – The presence of compounds like rosmarinic acid, camphor, and thujone in sage contributes to its antimicrobial effects.
- 14. Thyme – Both thyme leaf and thyme oil are very effective natural antibiotics. A compound in thyme oil called thymol is also antifungal and antiprotozoal.
Speed round!
- 15. Rosemary: Contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and carnosol which have demonstrated antimicrobial properties.
- 16. Coriander: The essential oil of coriander has shown antibacterial activity against a range of bacteria, including foodborne pathogens.
- 17. Dill: Has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties, especially the oil derived from its seeds.
- 18. Mustard Seed: Contains compounds that can have antibacterial effects, especially when the seeds are crushed and come into contact with water.
- 19. Anise: Traditionally used for its antiseptic properties. The essential oil of anise has shown antimicrobial activity.
- 20. Basil: Contains oils that have demonstrated antibacterial properties against a range of bacteria.
- 21. Lemon Balm: Known for its antiviral properties, but it also has some antibacterial effects.
- 22. Wild Indigo: Traditionally used for its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.
- 23. Cayenne Pepper: Contains capsaicin, which has demonstrated antimicrobial properties.
- 24. Cardamom: The essential oil of cardamom has shown antibacterial activity against various pathogens.
- 25. Curry Powder: It’s a blend of spices, many of which (like turmeric) have antimicrobial properties.
- 26. Ginger: Contains gingerol, which has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Many of these natural remedies also cost pennies per day to either grow or purchase and take as preventative medicine.
As Always, Consult a Healthcare Professional
There are several excellent natural antibiotics that can be used by those who have proven to be allergic to pharmaceutical-grade antibiotics. These can also be used as the first line of defense against seasonal ailments that require a fortified immune system.
Note that there are many different sources of infection, including bacterial, viral, parasitical, fungal, and more. Therefore, it is always advisable to receive an informed opinion from a healthcare professional about the likely source and seriousness of any infection.
Consulting an herbalist, naturopath, osteopath, or regular doctor about which choices are best to use from nature’s pharmacopeia is recommended in any case. As with any substance, anything has the potential to mix poorly with other substances or spark other unintended consequences.
Best to your immunity!
Originally posted: https://naturalsociety.com/what-are-the-most-effective-natural-antibiotics/
Author: Mike Barrett
