What Are Natural Antibiotics for Humans?
Although we try our best to be prepared for various situations that can come our way, we don’t always understand the most appropriate options and then get what we need. What happens if you’re sick and don’t have access to antibiotics? I’m not saying you shouldn’t go see your doctor or that you shouldn’t use the antibiotics you have stored. I want to talk about what are natural antibiotics for humans. Yes, there are antibiotics that are herbs and other plants that you can grow and put to use! Let’s talk about it! How to Stock Up on Antibiotics
Please note, I am not a doctor, nurse, or anyone in the medical field. Please consult with your medical professional before trying any natural antibiotics.
What are natural antibiotics for humans?
Natural antibiotics for humans are herbs or plants that have been found naturally to benefit your health. This can be anything that has antibiotic effects without the actual prescription from a doctor. Always check with your doctor if you have questions and don’t use this advice as a substitute for a doctor. We are all subject to possible side effects from a new medicine, no matter what the source. Better to have your medical professional aware of what you are trying to treat before any new medicine is used.
You may also be experiencing a malady that is brought on by a type of fungi which would require a totally different response.
Why would anyone need antibiotics?
There are lots of variations of bacterial infection. Urinary infections, yeast infections, strep throat, salmonella, escherichia coli (e-coli), and other strains of bacteria born illnesses that require antibiotics. There are many times that a strain of bacteria can’t be fought off naturally and needs medical treatment of some kind. That’s why you need an antibiotic. You need to remember that bacterial infections are different than getting viral infections where you need meds with antiviral properties.
Most of the time this is prescribed by a doctor. There are times people need natural antibiotics due to prescription antibiotics being out of stock, are unable to get a doctor’s appointment, or because they prefer more natural substances! Which Antibiotics Work Best For Which Infection?
Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including infections. One way to use blessed thistle as an antibiotic is by creating a tincture.
To make the tincture, you’ll need dried blessed thistle leaves, flowers, and high-proof vodka or brandy. Combine the herbs and liquor in a jar and let it sit for several weeks, shaking it occasionally.
Strain the mixture and store the tincture in a dark bottle. You can take the tincture internally to help fight off infections or apply it topically to wounds to promote healing. Blessed thistle’s antibacterial properties make it a powerful natural alternative to a traditional antibiotic but always consult with your healthcare provider before using any new herbal remedies.
Yellow Doc
Yellow dock is a plant that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, including infections. It contains compounds known as anthraquinones, which have antibacterial properties and can help fight off harmful bacteria in the body.
Yellow dock can be used internally or externally to treat infections. One way to use it internally is by making tea from the dried root of the plant. Steep the root in hot water for several minutes and drink the tea up to three times daily.
For external use, you can create a poultice using fresh or dried yellow dock leaves and apply it directly to wounds or skin infections.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a herb that has been used to treat infections and boost the immune system. It contains compounds such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and Alkylamides that have antimicrobial properties. These compounds help to stimulate the production of white blood cells in the body, which are responsible for fighting off infections.
Echinacea can inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses by disrupting their cell membranes. This makes it an effective natural antibiotic that can be used to treat a variety of infections, including respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
Echinacea is also believed to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to alleviate symptoms such as pain and swelling associated with infections. Echinacea is one of the oldest known antibiotics that are natural!
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is a special type of honey that comes from New Zealand. It’s not your typical sweetener, though. This honey has been found to have powerful antibacterial properties, making it a popular natural remedy for all kinds of ailments.
The active ingredient in manuka honey is called methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is a compound that is found in high concentrations in the nectar of the manuka flower, which the bees collect to make honey. MGO is what gives manuka honey its unique antibacterial properties.
Studies have shown that manuka honey can be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. Manuka honey works by drawing moisture out of bacterial cells, essentially dehydrating and killing them. Unlike traditional antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance over time, manuka honey seems to be effective no matter how many times it’s used.
Manuka honey can be used topically or ingested orally to help fight off infections and boost overall health. It’s been used as a natural remedy for everything from sore throats and coughs to acne and puncture wounds. So next time you’re feeling under the weather, consider reaching for some delicious and potent manuka honey instead of other pills. Like those found in regular honey, the high sugar content from manuka honey makes it tastier to ingest.
Ray reminded me to use local raw unfiltered honey where I live to help with allergies and help heal wounds.
Garlic Concentrate
Garlic is not only a delicious seasoning for food, but it also has some pretty impressive medicinal properties. One of the most notable benefits of garlic from garlic cloves is its ability to act as a natural antibiotic.
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has been found to have antimicrobial properties. In fact, studies have shown that allicin can be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including some antibiotic-resistant strains.
To get the full benefits of garlic’s antibiotic properties, many people turn to garlic concentrate supplements. These supplements are made by extracting the active compounds from garlic and concentrating them into a convenient form.
Garlic concentrate supplements can be taken orally or used topically to help fight off infections and boost overall health. They’re often used as a natural remedy for everything from colds and flu to ear infections and fungal infections.
While garlic concentrate can be a powerful tool in fighting off infections, it’s important to remember that it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for traditional antibiotics when they are necessary. However, incorporating garlic into your diet and supplementing with garlic concentrate may help support your immune system and keep you healthy naturally. Garlic Concentrate
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular natural remedy that has been used for centuries to support overall health and wellness. One of the most impressive benefits of ACV is its ability to act as a natural antibiotic. ACV contains acetic acid, which has been found to have antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that acetic acid can be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including some antibiotic-resistant strains.
To get the full benefits of ACV’s antibiotic properties, many people turn to raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the “Mother”. The “Mother” refers to the cloudy substance that can be seen floating in the vinegar. This substance is made up of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that are thought to enhance vinegar’s health benefits.
Raw ACV can be taken orally or used topically to help fight off infections and boost overall health. It’s often used as a natural remedy for everything from sore throats and coughs to skin infections and digestive issues, including diarrhea.
While raw apple cider vinegar can be a powerful tool in fighting off infections, it’s important to remember that it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for traditional antibiotics when they are necessary. However, incorporating raw ACV into your diet and using it as a supplement may help support your immune system. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
What are some other natural remedies to try?
- Oregano Oil: it contains a compound called carvacrol that has been shown to help fight bacteria. One study showed it could be used to treat Staphylococcus aureus bacterium (staph infection).
- Thyme Oil: has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Interestingly, it also is used as a food preservative and in toiletries and cosmetics.
- Turmeric: this plant has an active ingredient called curcumin. This ingredient has been proven to improve digestion, boost our brainpower, and help with joint health.
- Myrrh: not a common compound to many of us, but myrrh is said to have anticancer benefits. It is commonly used as an antiseptic in mouthwash to reduce bacteria levels in the mouth.
- Goldenseal: a very popular herbal supplement in the U.S., it contains berberine that has been shown as an effective anti-inflammatory, a strong immune system booster, and may help fight some types of cancers.
Final Word
Because of the overuse of antibiotics, some people have had to look at what are natural antibiotics for humans. Of course, no one is denying that you should talk to your doctor first. The best natural antibiotic on this list doesn’t work the same for everyone and can possibly cause some irritation! If you are struggling to get antibiotics to work for you or you have been prescribed them too much and you have antibiotic-resistant bacteria, then it may be time to try out something else! What are natural antibiotics for humans that you prefer to use? Please stay well. May God Bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Fresh Garlic AdobeStock_68795091 By Africa Studio
Great post as usual, Linda. I have some tea that has echinacea in it. I keep apple cider vinegar and garlic (not concentrate) at all times. I love learning about herbal remedies. We never know when we’ll not be able to see a medical professional. I do love herbal teas. (No caffeine)
Hi Deborah, I agree with you, we must be able to have alternatives! Power grids down and unavailable prescriptions are my biggest fear, I have no control over those. Linda
The tea has Elderberry and Echinacea. It is so good! It says to steep for 15 minutes.
HI Deborah, thank you, I am going to order some. Linda
We also like elderberry syrup as a vitamin c boost.
Hi Stecc, I forgot about that one, thank you!!! It’s a good one fore sure! Linda
Yellow dock will make ya poo a lot. Start slowly when ingesting it
Hi Matt, that’s good to know, thanks for the heads up! Linda
I think one of the best ways to stay healthy is proper eating and the use of home grown organic non-gmo herbs in our cooking. Most culinary herbs grow easily in the kitchen. And, most culinary herbs are also great healing herbs.
One thing I’ll say about using oregano oil (essential oil)- dilute it because it can be VERY drying. If you infused your oregano in olive oil, you wouldn’t have the drying effect. But, infused oil is not as strong as essential oil (in my book!).
HI Leanne, I totally agree with you, we must eat properly, I believe in eating fruits and vegetables and less meat, but everyone has their own view on what is proper eating. There is nothing better than fresh herbs in our cooking. They taste better they are grown organically and of course, non-GMO. Great reminder, good comment, Linda
I love to add fresh herbs to my salads. Really changes the flavor! One salad with cilantro (helps clear heavy metal from our body), next salad with basil, then one with dill, one with oregano, another with sage! I also combine herbs on salads.
This may be slightly off topic but I have fatty liver disease (I never drink) so it’s probably related to my type 2 diabetes. My ALT and AST were always elevated, in the 70’s. They’re supposed to be below 40ish. I started taking Milk Thistle tablets and I’ve never had another problem! My numbers are in the 20’s and my gastro dr. says, keep on taking that Milk Thistle! I buy it from Puritan’s Pride and almost always get a buy one or so, get 3 or 4 free. It’s 1000mg instead of the 400 you get from the drug store. My husband and his family are big into natural remedies and use a reference book by John Christopher? something like that. Anyhow, people shouldn’t poo-poo natural remedies. They will be all we have left after the apocalypse!
HI Robbie, I need to look into that book, thank you for the tip! Plus the remarkable results from using that product! Love this! Linda
Linda,
Any raw, unfiltered honey is a good antibiotic, and if locally sourced, it can help reduce your sensitivity to local allergens. While Manuka honey, which is very expensive, may be the best, let’s not ignore our local honey producers.
Hi Ray, oh you are so right! Local raw honey is the best! Linda
LOVE this! I’m always looking for natural alternatives!
Hi Jess, me too! I’m glad you liked the post, we do need to step outside of the box. Linda