Medical professionals have used antibiotics as conventional medicine to remedy bacterial infections since the 1940s. The use of natural antibiotics became a rarity until recently, when people realized the side effects and other health problems caused by prescription antibiotics.
When it comes to taking prescription antibiotics, one in ten people experiences side effects that harm the digestive system. Each drug-based antibiotic you swallow slowly damages destroys the healthy gut flora in the digestive system. Additionally, consuming prescription antibiotics can weaken the immune system, increase food sensitivities, induce inflammation, or cause nutritional deficiencies.
People pop prescription antibiotics like candy. The more you take, the more damage you do to your body. According to the CDC, one in three patients, who are prescribed antibiotics, don’t actually need them. Because of how readily people consume these types of antibiotics, they can start to develop antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Rather than damaging your body, look to natural antibiotics to help fight infection without destroying your gut!
Echinacea
Traditional healers have used this super herb for hundreds of years to treat infections and wounds. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Biomedicine, Echinacea is effective at killing various bacteria, including S. pyogenes, which is responsible for toxic shock syndrome and strep throat. Echinacea can also fight inflammation, which is commonly associated with bacterial infections.
Cinnamon
As one of the world’s most common spices, cinnamon is readily available. This ordinary spice has powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties that can destroy fungal infections and the compounds, which those infections produce, that cause tissue damage. For skin-based infections, you can apply cinnamon oil with a little manuka honey to the affected area. Drinking cinnamon tea sweetened with organic raw honey may fight off cold or flu viruses.
Manuka Honey
Honey has been used topically on wounds for thousands of years to help prevent infection. Many health professionals agree that manuka honey can help treat burns, ulcers, bedsores, and skin grafts. The antibacterial properties in honey are typically attributed to the hydrogen peroxide content; however, manuka honey has a lower hydrogen peroxide content and can inhibit about 60 different strains of bacteria. Studies have even shown that manuka honey can kill staph infections.
Goldenseal
Usually consumed as a tea or in capsule form, goldenseal is commonly used to treat digestive or respiratory issues. In fact, recent studies found that goldenseal can help prevent staph infection. Additionally, goldenseal contains berberine, which is an important component of natural antibiotics. Warning: berberine is not safe for infants or women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Goldenseal can also interfere with certain medications so make sure to check with you health care professional if you plan on taking it.
Oil of Oregano
Oil of oregano is the distilled extract of medicinal-grade oregano, and it is not meant for culinary use. The active compounds in oil of oregano are carvacrol and thymol, both of which help to fight of harmful pathogens. Carvacrol actually has antimicrobial effects and studies have found that it can help fight off fungal infections, allergies, inflammation, parasites, viruses, and bacterial infections. Many people have used oil of oregano to treat nail fungus, sinus infections, or yeast infections.
While prescription antibiotics have their place, it is not always necessary to consume them. Their misuse has caused people to develop antibiotic resistant bacteria in the gut. Try taking the natural approach to save your gut from unnecessary damage.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
