Definition of Natural Antibiotics

Natural antibiotics are herbs and foods that possess antibacterial properties. Many are also useful in the treatment of fungal and viral infections, and most can be used both topically and internally.

Antibiotic Foods

• Garlic boosts the immune system and fights staph, strep and skin infections. Raw honey has been used to dress wounds and treat infections for thousands of years; in a 2008 study conducted at the University of Amsterdam, honey more effectively destroyed antibiotic-resistant bacteria than pharmaceutical antibiotics.

Antibiotic Herbs

• Echinacea boosts the immune system when taken internally for a maximum of 10 days. Wild indigo is used topically to heal wounds and internally to treat throat and mouth infections; it's even more effective when used in conjunction with echinacea. In the January 1999 issue of Advances in Therapy, people given an antibiotic plus echinacea and wild indigo recovered faster than those given a placebo in addition to the same antibiotic.

Strictly External Use

• The April 2004 Journal of Hospital Infection published a study concluding that tea tree oil may be as effective as drugs in the treatment of staph skin infections including the antibiotic-resistant MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a potentially fatal strain [2].

Pharmaceutical vs. Natural Antibiotics

• A study published in the July 2002 issue of Surgery Today found that pharmaceutical antibiotics can adversely impact intestinal flora, suppressing resistance to harmful bacteria growth. Natural antibiotics such as garlic actually promote intestinal health and flora development.

Warning

• This information is not intended to replace proper medical advice or treatment.