Antibiotics kill bacteria. They’ve been used commercially for decades in the world of medicine to treat patients suffering from multiple diseases around the world. When you hear the word ‘antibiotics’, most think of the tablets you get in the supermarkets or the ones prescribed by your GP, but you’d be surprised how many natural foods have antibiotic properties. When they’re eaten or used topically, they can help prevent or even help treat an existing disease. For thousands of years, many natural remedies have used these foods as ingredients to combat disease.
Please note that the information below about natural antibiotics is not intended to replace prescription antibiotics. If you are taking prescription antibiotics, please continue and complete your course. If you are ill, please visit your doctor to discuss the use of both natural and prescription antibiotics and follow your doctor’s guidance.
These are simply foods that would be great to add to your meals. Read on to find out what natural foods have these antibiotic properties:
Oregano
Oregano, especially oregano oil, is a strong natural antibiotic and has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano oil is one of the strongest inhibitors of bacterial growth. It is antifungal, anti-diabetic, and antiviral. The plant is great for skin sores, coughs, allergies, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cloves
Clove extract, especially the oil, has been shown to be effective against many pathogens. It has antifungal, anti bacterial, and insecticidal properties. Clove oil is great for healing mouth infections.
Echinacea
Echinacea extract has been shown to kill many pathogens and treat infections and wounds. It’s great for treating bacterial infections of the respiratory system and helping the immune system fight infections. Echinacea has been known to be very effective against influenza. It also helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Ginger
Ginger is a strong natural antibiotic and has the ability to fight many pathogens because it contains many compounds known for their broad range of antibiotic properties. Ginger is good for combating sea sickness and nausea. It is also effective for lowering blood sugar levels. Ginger is great for helping with gum infections
Honey
Honey has antibacterial properties. It can help to treat wounds, ulcers, burns, and infections. It is the oldest antibiotic known to man. Honey can be used topically on your skin or ingested to help heal internal infections. You can eat honey by the spoonful, pour it over porridge or yoghurt or add it to a herbal tea.
Garlic
Garlic is very effective for fighting many pathogens because it contains compounds known for their antimicrobial properties. Garlic is great in helping to heal intestinal infections, urinary tract infections, colds and coughs.
Turmeric
Turmeric is antiseptic, an antioxidant and has strong antibacterial properties. It is great for helping to heal coughs, runny noses, gastrointestinal issues, and liver problems. Turmeric with honey and milk is great for healing colds and chest infections.
Thyme
Thyme herb and the essential oil is great at killing antibiotic resistant bacteria. Thyme essential oil should not be ingested but can be used on the skin, on infections and acne but only once it is diluted with a carrier oil. Thyme is great for helping to heal upper respiratory infections and bronchitis.
If you would like to share your experiences with foods that have antibiotic properties please let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
