Natural Antibiotics – The Big Guide

Welcome to the big guide on Natural Antibiotics this article is one of are biggest on herbs for health. So grab a cup of herb tea and discover all you need to know with this in-depth guide.

This guide is in two parts. The first part discusses why antibiotic resistance has happened and why we now need natural antibiotics. The second part then shows you the best natural antibiotics and how to use them.

Today we are at a cross roads. The antibiotics that we have been using for the last 80+ years are coming to an end.

We have no choice we have to start using natural antibiotics, we show you how the misuse of antibiotics has led us to this situation.

First, we look at the evolution of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, since the discovery of penicillin nearly ninety years ago by Sir Alexander Fleming. Increasingly in recent years, so-called super bugs or MRSA¹ infections are of increasing concern to hospital doctors and management alike.

Such outbreaks have lead to some alarming headlines in news stories as well as medical and sanitary challenges, with the struggle to eradicate outbreaks of increasingly resistant strains of bacteria.

Why We Need Natural Antibiotics

A short history of antibiotic resistance. Back in 1929, Fleming noted that the presence of a mould inhibited the growth of staphylococci bacteria in a laboratory culture. On the sample plate, the presence of pencillium fungus stopped bacteria from multiplying – even when diluted many times.

A decade later, two other scientists developed a method of isolating the active ingredient and developed antibiotic treatment which was used with great success on soldiers with wound infections from combat during the Second World War.

In these cases, the newly discovered antibiotic saved many lives and was understandably hailed as a new wonder drug. All three scientists were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in 1945 and penicillin went on to be introduced more widely in 1946, with an immediate positive impact on public health.

As the next decades passed, further natural antibiotics were discovered and developed into effective treatments, curing some infections without harming the patient. Subsequently, tetracycline and streptomycin were discovered and manufactured antibiotics began to be developed.

Development of Antibiotics

These new antibiotics were effective in neutralising Gram-negative bacteria as well as Gram-positive ones. Named after the Danish scientist who discovered a cell wall (peptidologlycan) staining technique to isolate different types of bacteria.

The then newly treatable Gram-positive bacteria included staphylococci (“staph”), streptococci (“strep”), Streptococcus pneumoniae (or pneumococcus) in addition to the bacterium responsible for diphtheria (Cornynebacterium diphtheriae) – and even lethal anthrax spores.

With cases of strep throat and scarlet fever among some of the newly treatable infections and no longer filling patients and doctors with the same dread, medical treatment entered into what was seen by many as a new golden age.

New Cures for many Illnesses

With these new cures for many illnesses available in the pharmaceutical arsenal, diseases that had previously been difficult to treat could now usually be cured quite straightforwardly. Parasites and the tuberculosis bacterium were also now more treatable with an antibiotic.

Unfortunately, however, this period was to be relatively short-lived as numerous strains of bacteria began to mutate and evolve, developing resistance against antibiotics.

One of the first examples of this was the gonorrhoea bacterium, which in many countries now has widespread resistance to one or more antibiotics including penicillin, even more than was noted by medical researchers only a decade or two ago.

Evolution of antibiotic resistance

The problem began to emerge even more during the 1990s when it was proved that more strains of bacteria had mutated and developed resistance to antibiotics. Over recent years, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence² (NICE) has advised doctors to limit antibiotic use especially for relatively minor ailments.

The organisation’s director of clinical practice mentioned that in England, approximately one in four of the ten million antibiotic prescriptions every year was probably unnecessary.

Some patients were even thought to seek out ‘soft-touch³’ doctors who were more likely to comply with their requests and not withhold antibiotics in favour of watchful waiting policy.

The idea of delayed prescribing was also voiced, whereby prescriptions would be issued only after completion of tests on microbial samples from patients.

Evolutionary Theory

Medical investigators have noted that this pattern conforms with evolutionary theory and have suggested some measures to try to reduce its progression, so that some antibiotics can continue to be effective for as long as possible.

This evolution of antibiotic resistance is of concern to healthcare professionals, who recognise the need to maintain a reserve of antibiotics that will be capable of providing effective treatment when required.

Since their discovery, these lifesaving medical treatments have been of immense value in the fight against bacterially transmitted diseases and infections, preventing amputations and invasive surgery and reducing mortality.

In addition, anti-microbial treatments form part of certain chemotherapy programmes and have led to extended life expectancy in developed countries.

Why We Need To Limit Antibiotic Use

Some of the diseases that have become more difficult to treat with an antibiotic drug are ENT (ear, nose and throat) infections, tuberculosis, pneumonia and sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea. Against this background, we have also seen an increased prophylactic use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine and agriculture.

Intensive farming usage in cattle has inevitably led to antibiotics entering the food chain and human consumption.

Figures for 1998 showed that 80 million antibiotic prescriptions were written for medical patients in America, equivalent to 18,000 imperial tons of pills and tablets. Adding on an estimated proportion for animal use as described, it was thought that around 30,000 tons were used in just one year.

Bacteria Resistant

It is estimated that around seven out of ten bacteria found in hospital environments will be resistant to at least one antibiotic drug. Of even more concern are certain organisms that resist all currently approved antibiotic drugs.

In these cases, medical practitioners are left with few options other than surgery or using experimental antibiotics that may not have yet been fully licensed for public use, with an attendant risk of possibly harmful effects.

Treatment for half of current pneumonia cases is often made more complicated than previously, as one in four cases is resistant to penicillin and a further quarter resistant to more than one type of antibiotic.

How To Control Antibiotic Use

In attempt to control this growth in resistance, recommended measures include the key point that antibiotics should not be taken unless clinically necessary; viral infections including the common cold cannot be treated successfully with them.

In relation to doctors’ prescribing habits, short-term treatment programmes with higher doses are usually recommended instead of prolonged treatment at lower doses. It is thought that this incapacitate’s the offending bacteria more effectively, instead of leaving some of the stronger ones capable of recurring later – lurking in the system, as it were.

[pullquote align=”normal”]Mild doses over long periods are thought to facilitate the ability of bacteria to mutate and develop resistance. [/pullquote]

It is recommended that patients complete their prescribed treatment programme even if symptoms improve or disappear; stopping early may increase the possibility of an unexpected and an undesirable return of some remaining bacteria.

Combined therapies may also be necessary in some cases, using a combination of antibiotic drugs in case one of the constituents of the treatment programme does not work.

Finally, it has also been recommended that the prophylactic use on livestock and crops be avoided, except where strictly necessary.

Natural Antibiotic Remedies

In the last few years the collective knowledge on natural remedies has grown enormously and many people are now coming round to the idea the taking drugs to cure illnesses is not necessarily the best way to get better.

In fact, independent studies have shown that among the side effects that certain drugs carry is the tendency to trigger other illnesses.

Before you start reaching for the prescription bottle, make sure you check out the following list of natural antibiotics. Here you will discover what is the best natural antibiotic to suit your needs as well as how to use natural antibiotics and their amazing healing properties.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the easiest and most effective types of natural antibiotics to use as it can be crushed and added to almost any type of food.

Garlic is known to kill all types of pathogens such bacteria, fungus and viruses. One of the great things about garlic is that it does not harm the beneficial gut flora, so it can be used in abundance.

The healing sulphur and phytochemicals in garlic really pack a punch and bind with toxic heavy metals is the body such as lead and cadmium to carry them harmlessly away during excretion. Garlic acts as a probiotic and helps to promote the growth of healthy intestinal microflora and can guard against DNA damage. This magical natural ingredient also helps to protect against sunlight damage and radiation and flights worms and parasites in the body.

How To Use Garlic Antibiotic

Try using garlic natural antibiotic if you are suffering from a cold or flu. Garlic infused with olive oil can also be used to naturally treat ear infections. To do this at home, simply take one crushed of garlic and mix it with one or two tablespoons of cold pressed olive oil.

Let the mixture sit for thirty minutes and then strain it. Next, place the oil in a cup and set the cup inside a large bowl of warm water. when the oil is slightly warm place a few drops in the ear each hour and within a day the ear infection will naturally heal.

Cayenne Pepper

This natural remedy is real hot stuff and certainly nothing to sneeze at. Also known as capsicum, this strong spice has been celebrated for its antibiotic effects and healing powers for thousands of years.

Cayenne pepper is especially effective at curing vulvovaginitis, which is a common infection in women and cayenne pepper essential oil has been proven to have a significant anti-fungal and antibiotic effect on treating this condition.

In order to realise the best effects cayenne pepper must be mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil and thoroughly diluted. Cayenne pepper is also incredible for helping to relieve strep throat.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is known for its impressive bacteria killing abilities, as well as for having the ability to control staph infections such as MRSA. Oregano oil contains antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and pain relieving properties, which makes it ideal for treating a wide range of different types of ailments.

In fact, studies have shown that the germ killing properties of oregano oil are on a par with many antibiotics. Wild oregano is particularly effective and the oil that is produced is dark or golden yellow and has a strong spicy smell.

How To Use Oregano Oil Antibiotic

To treat parasites and infections ix one drop of oregano oil with a teaspoon of cold pressed olive oil and place a few drops of the mixture under your tongue.

After a few minutes rinse your mouth and repeat the process four or more times a day. You can also treat sinus infections with oregano oil by putting a few drops into a pot of steaming water and slowly inhaling the steam.

Honey

This sweet treat has a wide range of healing properties and it is no surprise that in ancient times it was referred to as the elixir of the gods. Raw honey has been used to fight infections for centuries and the best type of honey to choose is Manuka honey that hails from New Zealand.

This golden natural resource has been shown to have the power to fight more than two hundred and fifty different strains of bacteria and it can be added to any type of herbal tea to provide sweet and tasty relief at any time of the day or night.

Colloidal Silver

This special type of silver was used by the ancient Egyptians as well as the Romans, Greeks and sailors to cure various illnesses in the times before antibiotics.

The properties in colloidal silver fight bacteria and infections naturally without any harmful side effects.

It can be used for ear and skin infections, while gargling with colloidal silver can be an effective treatment for a strep throat.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Commonly referred to as GSC, grapefruit seed extract is a very popular type of anti-microbial that is used by many people to treat candida overgrowth as well as a wide range of different types of bacterial infections.

There are numerous other uses for grapefruit seed extract as well as it can be used full strength to fight warts, while diluted grapefruit seed extract can combat pathogens.

The best way to obtain grapefruit seed extract is by taking a fresh grapefruit and grinding the seeds along with the juiceless pulp and then mixing this with glycerine.

You can consume this mixture several times a day if you wish and it provides a slight energy boost when drank as a shot before a meal. You can also try mixing it with a smoothie or another drink to help give your gut a boost.

Ginger

The antibacterial effects of ginger have been known for centuries and it is worth considering adding it to your daily diet in the form of herbal tea, soup and stir fry dishes.

Studies have shown that ginger has the power to hold food poisoning at bay, while it is also an effective fighter against salmonella, listeria and campylobacter.

Fresh ginger also has the power to increase stomach acid production and a type of herbal tea that uses fresh ginger combined with cayenne pepper and garlic makes the perfect drink to fight against stomach bacteria.

Using Ginger

In order to get the best effects from ginger, purchase the root and grate it as and when required. Adding ginger to a fresh fruit smoothie is a good way to give your drink a bit of a kick, while ginger has also been shown to help clean the blood and is a good detox ingredient. Ginger is also best known as being a great and healthy herbal tea.

Turmeric

For thousands of years turmeric was used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and it is no coincidence that this spice is a key ingredient in many traditional Indian dishes.

The antibacterial/anti-inflammatory compounds of turmeric have been shown to be very helpful in treating various types of infections. It can be used also to treat skin lesions and MRSA.

One of the main reasons for the miraculous natural antibiotic effects of turmeric is the curcumin that it contains, which can be used to fight gastroduodenal ulcers and generally help to boost the immune system.

Using Turmeric Antibiotic

In order to effectively use turmeric as a natural antibiotic, experts recommend ingesting extracts three times a day. Turmeric is easy to find in health food shops and can be liberally added to any savoury dishes that you wish.

The spice does not have a strong flavour and a few dashes can be added to dishes such as mashed potato to add a bit of a kick as well as help to unleash the healing properties.

Olive Leaf Extract

The olive has long been linked to various healing and preservative powers such as encouraging long life and overall health and well-being. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to discover that the leaves of the olive also have some magic of their own.

This powerful herb was and has been used for many centuries to fight bacterial infections. The herb is now being used to against MRSA infections in a large number of prominent European hospitals.

Olive leaf extract provides support to the immune system at the same time as fighting infections, making it the first choice for people who are suffering from infections and are reluctant to turn to drugs to solve the problem.

Olive leaf extract is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce fever, even when this fever is the result of severe illness. A few decades ago oleuropein was isolated from olive leaf and was shown by researchers from the Netherlands to act as a potent natural antibiotic that could inhibit the growth of bacteria as well as viruses and fungi.

Olive leaf extract can be used to fight long-standing infections as well as candida and can be taken in special capsules with meals.

Echinacea

This impressive compound is known to boost the immune system and is taken regularly by many people all around the world. Regularly sipping cups of herbal Echinacea tea can have restorative effects.

It has been used as a natural remedy to treat wounds as well as diphtheria, blood poisoning and bacteria illnesses. While today it is mainly used as a treatment for colds and flu.

Among the other ailments that research has shown that Echinachea is effective in fighting include gum disease, tonsillitis, syphilis, typhoid, malaria, vaginal yeast infections and genital herpes.

Consuming Echinacea capsules three times a day with meals can prove to be very effective, while the herbal tea can be consumed as often as desired and may also be effective in helping to stave off memory loss.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a very popular herb that has gained the reputation of being an effective herbal antibiotic as well as an immune system helper. The American Indians used this herb for inflammatory conditions like respiratory, digestive. Goldenseal can also be used for genitourinary tract inflammation.

Like most natural herbal antibiotics, goldenseal can be brewed into an herbal tea and consumed several times a day if desired. It is important to make sure that you do not over brew the tea so that the delicate properties of the plant are not destroyed.

Pau d’Arco

Pau d’Arco tea is a potent great all-round natural antibiotic that contains very strong anti-fungal components. Pau d’Arco tea has been shown to be effective against candida albicans growth that is found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pau d’Arco is found in a type of tree bark that is found in the rainforest of South America as well as the high Andes and has been seen to be especially resistant to a wide range of diseases.

Using Pau d’Arco Antibiotic

Pau d’arco has been shown to be among the best natural antibiotics to fight fungal overgrowth, especially in the stomach. The herbal tea tends to have a rather bitter taste, which can easily be balanced out by adding a little raw honey and fresh ginger, both of which have their own potent properties that can help the tea to be even more beneficial.

Pascalite

Pascalite is a special type of bentonite clay that is only found in the mountains of Wyoming. Pascalite has been shown to possess remarkable healing powers and when it is used topically it has the ability to draw infections from wounds in just a few hours. Pascalite can also be used to treat burns as well as minor wounds and infections.

CONCLUSION

The great thing about natural antibiotics is that they carry no side effects and can be used alongside each other without harming your body.

You can consume these herbs in a wide range of different ways such as in a soup, a hot herbal tea or by adding the ingredients to a smoothie.

You can have fun experimenting until you find the best natural antibiotics that suit your needs. When you hit on the perfect remedy do not keep it a secret, but instead make sure that you share the information.

So that more and more people can learn to ditch the drugs and search for natural solutions.

Sources:

http://textbookofbacteriology.net/resantimicrobial.html
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/medicine_03
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2937522/
http://evoled.dbs.umt.edu/lessons/background.htm

and general knowledge.