As noted on Complete Health and Happiness, in the last decades, antibiotics have reached its peaks in terms of usage. As a result, there has been a development of drug-resistant bacteria and so-called superbugs which are known to grow fast and scientists cannot yet determine how to fight them off.
Prior to the existence of pharmaceutical antibiotics (they were developed back in the 40s), people used a wide array of foods, plants, and herbs that helped them address infections and illnesses. Today, a lot of people who rely on natural medicine still use these natural antibiotics and find them to be highly beneficial.
This being said, we decided to share a list we found on Complete Health and Happiness with the most powerful natural antibiotics our ancestors used and their health advantages.
10 Natural Antibiotics You Can Benefit from
- Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, the raw one, is abundant in antiseptic and antibiotics characteristics and it is great in restoring the pH of the body, assisting you to lose weight, and lower your risk of cancer. Since it is an astringent free of chemicals, you can use it topically for disinfection and sterilization.
- Oregano
Oregano and oregano essential oil possess strong antibacterial characteristics and it can boost the digestive processes and help you shed surplus weight. Carvacrol, present in oregano, is capable of fighting off bad bacteria that can cause infections. The oregano essential oil is used for the treatment of digestive infections as well as yeast infection.
- Raw honey
Honey is globally recognized as an optimal and natural antibiotic, antimicrobial, anti-inflamatory, and antiseptic. The Manuka honey is a type of honey originating from New Zealand and it has the highest amount of antioxidants and other healing properties. There is also an enzyme present in honey which secretes hydrogen peroxide that helps the body destroy infections and stop the spreading of bad bacteria. Honey will also soothe your digestion and expel toxins from the blood and liver.
- Garlic
Garlic is capable of helping the body to fight off common colds and thanks to the allicin in it, it will keep you safe from bad bacteria, yeast, and parasites. You can consume it raw in salads or on its own, roasted, etc.
- Cabbage
Cabbage is known to contain sulfur compounds and they have been found to be beneficial in fighting off cancer. This cruciferous veggie is also abundant in vitamin C and one serving of it will provide 75 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. You can eat it raw and shredded as a salad, make homemade juice with it and sweeten it with some honey, or make stews with it. This vegetable is essential for a good digestion, low risk of illnesses, and weight management.
- Coconut oil
This oil possesses antifungal and antimicrobial powers and it is also rich in antioxidants. You can use it to strengthen your immunity, better the health of the thyroid gland, balance the blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and also boost the brain function. It is safe for both internal and external use.
- Grapefruit seed extract
According to a study mentioned on Complete Health and Happiness, this extract was found to be beneficial against more than 800 types of viruses and bacteria, 100 strains of fungus, and a lot of parasites. It is also rich in antioxidants and it can help you strengthen your immune system, alkalize the whole body, and better the gut flora.
- Turmeric
This spice is abundant in color and flavor, but it is also good in keeping the body safe from bacteria. You can apply it topically and consume it too. It will prevent the occurrence of bacteria and infections. For optimal natural remedy, combine turmeric and raw honey to make a paste that you can apply onto infected skin parts to speed up the healing process.
- Fermented foods
Whether it is kefir, probiotic yogurts, pickles, or sauerkraut, fermented foods will balance the health of your gut flora, decrease your risk of cancer, and help the body in the fight against infections.
- Echinacea
This herb can avert the occurrence of common colds and therefore, it is highly recommendable as a preventive method for infections.