Antibiotics Found in Nature

As more and more antibiotics are prescribed and used, fewer of them remain effective in fighting bacterial infection. Why not try some of the many natural antibiotics available in our food supply?

Perhaps the most well known natural antibiotic in our diets is honey. Honey can be used externally as first aid in healing wounds, scars, and burns as well as internally for colds, sore throats and allergies. It is sometimes mixed with garlic to improve its efficiency.

Garlic has been shown to improve the immune system, with studies indicating its wide use in a population causes a decrease in colds and other viruses. It is also a good choice for lowering cholesterol and therefore lessening the risk of cardiovascular disease.

You may have read quite a bit about echinacea for the purpose of reducing cold symptoms and the severity of respiratory illnesses. It has a great reputation for not only fighting off bacterial infections, but also in decreasing your chance of catching a virus. But did you know echinacea can also be applied externally? There are several topical preparation containing echinacea that can be applied to cuts, burns and wounds that are slow to heal.

Golden Seal is also sometimes used in mixtures with echinacea, but is not recommended for cardiac or high blood pressure patients. You are advised to ask your doctor before trying it. Golden Seal has never been proven to have any immunological properties, thus is known for healing rather than prevention. It has been shown to be effective in helping clear bladder or other urinary tract infections.

Usnea is a plant that grows from trees, usually in wet conditions, and it is widely respected as a booster for the immune system, as well as having antibiotic properties should one become ill. Many use it throughout cold and flu season to keep from catches these common illnesses or to "nip them in the bud" and make sure they don't become more serious.

Tea tree oil is renowned for its healing properties and can be used effectively for fungal infections. Tea tree oil has also been used as a successful treatment for acne. It's recommended that you purchase one hundred per cent tea tree oil and use a ten per cent solution -- that is approximately a tablespoon and a half of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water.

Two extracts, one of olive leaves and the other from grapefruit seeds, also contain antibiotic properties. Olive leaf extract has even been reported to ease moderate pain. Grapefruit seed extract has also been successful in clearing up diaper rash and can be used in a spray for that purpose.

You may wish to check out your local natural health food and herbal remedy sources to find other alternative antibiotics that may not be named here. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying to combine any natural remedies with prescription medication.

Source:

Herbal Antibiotics: "Natural Remedies for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria" by Stephen Harrod Buhner