Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections.
You might need them if you havestrep throator aurinary tract infection(UTI).
But they don’t work against viruses like the common cold and flu.
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This article discusses natural antibiotics, their potential uses, and when seeing a medical professional is necessary.
Honey
Medical honeyfights infection, helps form a protective barrier, and moistens wounds.
There are many factors involved in the antibacterial properties of honey.
One factor is the natural production ofhydrogen peroxide.
However,Manuka honey(non-peroxide honey) also has significant antibacterial effects.
Garlic
People have been using garlic for bacterial infections for centuries.
Studies show garlic and its derivatives effectively fightSalmonella,Eshcerichia coli(E. coli), andStaphylococcus aureus.
(S. aureus), which causes many infections.And research suggests garlic may help treat certain bacterialear infections.
Several compounds in garlic have antibacterial properties, includingallicin, ajoene, and allyl sulfide.
Researchers have studied garlic in various forms, including powders, pastes, oils, and extracts.
It’s clear that garlic has antibiotic properties and is generally safe.
However, researchers have not settled on dosing or the best way to administer garlic as an antibiotic substitute.
you might buy garlic extracts or allicin supplements over the counter.
coli,and staph infections.
you’re able to buy ginger extracts, tinctures, oils, and oral capsules.
Don’t give ginger to children under age 2.
Adults should cap ginger at 4 grams (g) daily or 1 g if pregnant.
Echinacea
Echinaceais a perennial herb flowering plant.
Unlike most antibiotics, myrrh can kill nongrowing bacteria.
Thyme
Thymemay offer protection against bacteria such asE.
coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas putida, S. aureus,andmethicillin-resistantS.
aureus(MRSA).Thyme may have therapeutic applications, but more research is needed to determine best practices.
There are no dosage guidelines for thyme or thyme supplements as an antibiotic.
But thyme is a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Goldenseal
The bioactive compounds in the herbgoldensealhave antibacterial properties.
Some people use goldenseal to treat digestive disorders and skin diseases.
Research suggests that goldenseal may help treat UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder’s walls.
Research on the health benefits and risks of goldenseal in humans is limited.
you’re free to add fresh or driedoreganoto foods.
It’s also available as a dietary supplement or essential oils.
Scientific evidence for specific types of oregano or how to use oregano’s antibiotic properties is lacking.
Cloves
In clove essential oil, a compound called eugenol acts as an antibacterial.
Research shows that eugenol is effective againstS.
coli.Antibiotic substitutes may useclovesin the future, but more vigorous human studies are needed.
There’s not enough information on how to use cloves for antibacterial purposes.
These products are not authorized to treat or prevent disease.
They can produce side effects and interfere with other supplements or medications.
Read labels carefully and discuss dietary supplements with a healthcare provider.
You typically need a prescription forantibioticsin treating serious conditions such aspneumoniaorsepsis.
On the other hand, natural antibiotics are not a substitute for prescription antibiotics.
A provider can assess the situation and determine whether you need a prescriptionantibioticand which is most likely effective.
If so, it’s important to take them exactly as instructed.
Summary
Many plants have natural antibiotic properties.
These foods also have other health benefits, including helping to prevent disease and infection.
They’re a good addition to a healthy eating plan.
Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections.
They don’t fight viruses or other illnesses.
And not every bacterial infection requires antibiotics.
Natural antibiotics may be helpful for minor bacterial infections, but they’re not a substitute for prescription medicine.
If you have a bacterial infection, seeing a healthcare provider for diagnosis is a good idea.
They can determine whether you need antibiotics or other treatment.
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