People often substitute natural antibiotics for prescription antibiotics because they have antibacterial properties. How can these “natural” antibiotics be safely used to prevent infection? When are they not?
Learn when to use prescribed antibiotics and when to use natural antibiotics.
What are Natural Antibiotics?
A natural antibiotic is one that is derived from natural sources. Some foods, essential oils, and plant extracts have antibiotic effects. The use of natural antibiotics has a long history.
Natural cures for infections were frequently used by ancient civilizations. Antibiotics have been used in various forms since ancient times. For instance, traces of antibiotics like penicillin and tetracycline have been found in ancient Egyptian and Nubian skeletons.
Today, there are many different antibiotics available, including prescription drugs and natural antibiotics.
Can Natural Antibiotics be effective?
Antibiotic properties can found in plant extracts, essential oils, and certain foods. The growth of bacteria in food can prevented by some food and vegetable extracts.
Some of these properties extend beyond food to aid your hygiene. Cranberry extract is an effective home remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs), which contains antibacterial and antioxidant compounds.
Herbs can also act as an antibiotic. Researchers found that 23 of 58 Chinese plants had antibacterial properties, while 15 had antifungal properties.
According to a 201 study by Trusted Source, herbal treatment for small intestine bacterial overgrowth was as effective as chemical antibiotics.
These are some Useful Natural Antibiotics
1. Honey
A known antibiotic from ancient times, honey is one of the oldest known natural antibiotic. The Egyptians frequently used honey as an antibiotic and a skin protector.
The antibacterial properties of honey may be attributed to the presence of hydrogen peroxide Trusted Source. In addition, it has a high sugar content, inhibiting certain bacteria’s growth.
The pH level of honey is also low. As a result, bacteria become dehydrated and die from this action.
Honey acts as an antibiotic when applied directly to wounds or infected areas. Bee honey is effective at killing bacteria and aiding in the healing process. The most effective kind of honey to use is raw Manuka honey. This type of honey has the greatest health benefits.
In addition to honey, you can also consume it to treat internal infections. For soothing effects, drink a warm cup of herbal tea or swallow a tablespoon.
2. Using Garlic extract
Antimicrobial properties have long associated with garlic. A study from 2011 found that garlic concentrate has antibacterial properties. A health food store can sell you garlic extract or concentrate. Olive oil can also soak garlic cloves for homemade garlic oil.
Large amounts of garlic may cause internal bleeding when consumed in large amounts. An acceptable dosage is two cloves a day. Make sure you follow the dosage instructions for any garlic supplement you take.
Before taking garlic as an antibiotic, consult your healthcare provider if you’re taking blood-thinning medication. Large doses of garlic can exacerbate this medication.
Applying garlic concentrate directly to a wound or blemish is also possible.
3. Using Oregano Essential Oil
In the form of essential oil, oregano, a herb belonging to the mint family, may have medicinal properties.
Oregano oil, which is not as concentrated as an essential oil, is not the same.
Due to its active phytonutrient, carvacrol, oregano essential oil has many benefits.
These are some of the purposes for which it may be useful:
- Sinus infections
- Skin fungal infections
It is not recommended to take essential oregano oil internally.
Apply a few drops to the affected area along with carrier oil (like almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil).
It is recommend to diffuse oregano oil into the air and breathe it in if you have sinus infections or internal health problems.
Oregano oil use should always remain the treatment your doctor recommends since these benefits have yet to demonstrated in human studies.
For a natural disinfectant cleaner, combine it with white vinegar, distilled water, and lemon juice.
A bleach-free alternative is particularly useful if you or a family member is sensitive to bleach odors.
4. Using Thyme essential oil
Thyme essential oil is used in many all-natural household cleaners. Bacteria resistant to antibiotics are especially susceptible to this oil.
The effectiveness of lavender essential oil and thyme essential oil was tested in a study published in 2011 by Trusted Source. A pool of 120 bacteria strains tested on both oils. According to researchers, thyme essential oil has a more powerful antibacterial effect than lavender essential oil.
It is only recommended to use thyme essential oil externally. You shouldn’t take thyme oil by mouth. You should dilute essential oils with equal parts carrier oils before applying them to the affected area. Oils such as coconut and olive oil are commonly used as carrier oils.
Inflammation and irritation can result from applying undiluted essential oils to the skin.
People with high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism should not use essential oils containing thyme.
5. Using Myrrh Extract
An aromatic, warm scent is associated with myrrh.
There are several reasons why it used, including killing pathogenic bacteria, such as:
- E. coli
- C. Albicans
- P. aeruginosa
- S. aureus(MRSA)
- K. pneumoniae
According to lab studies, essential oil kills more than 99.9% of these bacteria types. Extracts of myrrh used in products such as mouthwashes, creams, and hexane extracts.
There is no proof that myrrh essential oils can treat human infections, and ingesting them may lead to diarrhea or other digestive problems.
