Truly speaking, antibiotics are necessary in very few occasions and instances compared to the frequency of their usage. With that said, due to their ability to target bacteria, they are sometimes used for ailments requiring no antibiotics which can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance “occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines,” meaning these medicines may stop working for you the more you take them. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to limit your intake of antibiotics turns out mother nature has provided some pretty damn good alternatives in the foods we eat such as vitamin C
1. Vitamin C
If you’re familiar with an immune-boosting, plant-based diet
Vitamin C is “a water-soluble nutrient found in some foods,” which “acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.” While initial findings were published by Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling, the healing effects of vitamin C have since been substantiated by numerous studies. One such study conducted in 2017 showed “that vitamin C given intravenously (1.5 grams every 6 hours) in a cocktail with thiamine and hydrocortisone reduced one hospital’s death rate from sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection, from 40.4 percent to 8.5 percent.” On top of that, five clinical trials “have shown that taking vitamin C can halve the number of colds in physically active people, and three have shown it to prevent pneumonia.
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Most Common Natural antibiotics that kills bacterias and viruses
2. Manuka honey:
Study says that Honey was among the first broad spectrum antibiotics used before the pharmacuetical antibiotics.
Manuka honey is one of nature’s richest antimicrobial sources, and it has recently received even more attention because of its potential antibacterial activity.
Clinical studies have shown that Manuka honey can effectively inhibit multiple drug-resistant pathogens, indicating it has a broad spectrum of antibacterial capabilities unlike most antimicrobial agents. In addition, studies have shown that Manuka honey can disperse and kill bacteria that are living in biofilms, or communities of cells that are usually enclosed. This means Manuka honey can be used to prevent the growth of bacteria in wounds, mucosal surfaces and implanted devices.
3. Garlic:
Chemical compounds in garlic, including allicin, have been proven to display antimicrobial activity and work to kill pathogens that are responsible for both common and rare infections. Garlic has been used for centuries to combat infectious diseases, and its antibacterial effects were first described in the mid-1800s.
Garlic’s antimicrobial properties are strongest when it’s raw. I recommend chopping or crushing a raw garlic clove and letting it sit for about 10 minutes before eating it, in order to release the enzymes that are converted into allicin. Start by eating about one clove of garlic every day to prevent bacterial infections. You can also find raw garlic in powder, oil, extract and tablet forms.
Garlic
While most of us know this wonderful aromatic culinary ingredient for its delicious flavor and pungent smell, garlic happens to be one of the most powerful natural healing agents. In fact, garlic has been used to cure ailments, specifically infections, for thousands of years with documented uses in ancient civilizations including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.
How does garlic accomplish this?
Garlic has two active ingredients — allicin and ajoene — which have “been shown to powerfully combat infection-causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses.” These medicinal properties act “as an anti-inflammatory, providing anti-bacterial protection, and even fighting fungal infections with anti-fungal properties.” On top of its ailment-fighting agents, garlic has been used to detox the body of heavy metals, reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol, enhance athletic performance, and improve bone health, all while infusing “the body with antioxidants that may reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.”
To get the most of these medicinal properties, it’s recommended to swallow one clove daily — skin removed, crushed, and chased with a beverage— to prevent infection.
4. Onions:
Onions—a food often thrown into soups, stews and stir fries—contain powerful flavonoids that have antibiotic effects, and, like garlic, they contain therapeutic sulfur compounds called cysteine sulphoxides.
One effective, available and affordable natural antibiotic which we often overlook is onions. There are a out five varieties of o ions, but the purple onions which is usually hotter than the white and others is the one I usually use for various remedies at home.
I have successfully used fresh onions to send pains away instantly
Have used and still using it to clear dandruff and keep it off.
It used internal for all respiratory problems
Works great for cold
When combined with garlic, deals with tumors including fibroid. Before now, I used to underate onions, in fact, in my rating, it is equal or more than garlic.
Never let a day pass without fresh onions in your kitchen. It can handle most emergencies even.
The difference I have observed using onions as home remedy is that it seem to work faster than garlic. Have you tried it on tooth ache. Crush and apply immediately, it is best then, after few minutes, the is grossly reduced. That is my experience
5. Neem leaves.
Neem leaf is used for leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), fever, diabetes, gum disease (gingivitis), and liver problems. The leaf is also used for birth control and to cause abortions.
Neem leaves could be dried and grounded to be taken as tea on empty stomach in the morning. It helps strenghten immune system and reduce bacteria load.often made worse by sugar.
6 Ginger
The antimicrobial effects of ginger have been exploited by natural medicine practitioners for a long time. However, it was only recently that the exact components in ginger which gives it these magical effects were recognized.
Ginger is filled with compounds such as gingerdiol, gingerol, terpenoids, shogaol, zerumbone and zingerone along with flavonoids which gives it excellent antimicrobial properties with the ability to act against the formation of biofilms. H.Pylori bacteria which thrives in acidic stomachs can be reduced by consuming ginger which can normalize the acid production in your stomach.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which are used widely by alternative medicine practitioners around the world. Cinnamon is rich in cinnamaldehyde along with compounds such as eugenol which are highly effective in treating conditions that are caused due to bacteria and virus. Cinnamon is very helpful in treating stomach conditions such as ulcers. The use of cinnamon is highly helpful in treating skin conditions caused due to fungal activities such as candidiasis.
Use of cinnamon also needs to be regulated to some extent as it can have certain interactions with drugs, so if you are under medications it is advisable that you consult with your doctor before implementing cinnamon into your diet.
Cinnamon is also great for those aiming to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and other degenerating diseases.
Use of cinnamon also needs to be regulated to some extent as it can have certain interactions with drugs, so if you are under medications it is advisable that you consult with your doctor before implementing cinnamon into your diet.
8. Lemon Grass
Lemongrass is a well-known ingredient around the world. The unique aroma of lemongrass makes it highly used in dishwashing soaps and other hygienic products. Yet another reason behind this is the fact lemongrass has excellent antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Citral alpha and citral beta compounds found in lemongrass are responsible for the capability it has in blocking broad spectrum bacterias in the format of lemongrass oil. Lemongrass oil is highly helpful in dealing with staph and salmonella bacterias and also e-coli without causing much side effects, unlike antibiotics which have many side effects.
In a test conducted on guinea pigs, lemongrass extract application was beneficial in reducing the effects of ringworm infection on the skin. Lemongrass oil is also effective against candidiasis as it can inhibit the primary functions of the fungs. One other brilliant benefit of this natural antibiotic is that it can stop the replication of the HIV virus by reducing the function of HIV-1 TAT protein.
9. Rosemary: Rosemary is a very common herb that is used in the preparation of many food products around the world. Rosemary has excellent antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which makes it highly beneficial for human consumption.
Rosemary is rich in compounds like alpha-pinene, camphene, alpha-terpinol, 1 and 8 cineole and borneol. These compounds are highly effective in treating conditions such as viral infections and cancer. The antioxidizing character of this herb will help in making the consumption help in fighting the external forces of oxidation that can be harmful to your body.
Rosemary is a very effective natural antibiotic without side-effects in treating conditions such as salmonella infections and staph infections, its got excellent effects in fighting quorum sensing bacterias. Rosemary is also famous for its antiviral capabilities in fighting HIV-R virus. Consuming rosemary can both make your food and life healthy and enjoyable.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Though ACV is a more recent addition, but gaining popularity fast.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV. With antibiotic and antiseptic properties, ACV can help in weight management and lowering cholesterol and cancer risk. ACV can also be used as a chemical-free astringent if you need to topically disinfect or sterilize a wound.
11. Cloves
Clove has been used for thousands of years in India and China not only as a spice and condiment but also as a medicine for many ailments
High in Antioxidants.
May Protect Against Cancer.
Can Kill Off Bacteria.
May Improve Liver Health.
May Help Regulate Blood Sugar.
May Promote Bone Health.
May Reduce Stomach Ulcers
Clove Uses
Clove has been used for thousands of years in India and China not only as a spice and condiment but also as a medicine for many ailments.
Ayurvedic medicine used cloves for tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath).
In Chinese medicine, clove was considered to possess aphrodisiac properties.
Ground cloves are traditionally applied to minor cuts for healing purposes.
Clove tea is a popular warm beverage to relieve congestion, I usually add cloves when preparing my zobo for better effects
Clove oil is thought to help relieve headaches, flatulence, as well as reduce stretch marks.
It is also popularly used as a bug and insect repellant. Just add a few drops to water and see them vanish
As for the content of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, clove has proteins 6%, lipids 20%, and carbohydrates about 27%. Approximately 30% of the spice is a fiber.
Clove properties:
bactericidal;
anthelmintic (anthelmintic);
antifungal (fungicidal);
pain medication;
antispasmodic;
wound healing;
carminative (with flatulence);
anticarcinogenic.
It’s chock-full of manganese.
As a spice, you might not think clove has much to offer in the way of nutrients, but it is actually packed with the essential bone-building nutrient manganese
Antibacterial Properties
Cloves are touted by many for their antibacterial properties against a number of human pathogens. The extracts of cloves were potent enough to kill those pathogens. Clove extracts are also effective against the specific bacteria that spread cholera.
Manganese is a mineral that, along with calcium, is key for bone formation and density. Women are particularly in need of this mineral especially during menopausal yrs.
Women over 50yrs should find a way to include cloves either as a spice in food, tea or in zobo
More on Natural antibiotics
12. Oregano oil: Oregano oil is one of the most powerful antibacterial essential oils because it contains carvacrol and thymol, two antibacterial and antifungal compounds
To use oregano oil as a natural antibiotic, you can mix it with water or coconut oil.
13. Thyme: Thyme is a well-known spice mostly used in the Meditteranean cuisine. The antimicrobial qualities of this spice are very high. It can be easily be inculcated in various dishes and can provide multiple benefits to your body.
Thyme can be extracted of its oil and this oil is very effective to treat diseases to side effects. Thyme extracts are also very effective in treating conditions that are caused due to the effects of herpes viruses.
14. Tumeric: The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin make turmeric very effective in treating conditions caused due to stomach inflammations. Turmeric can also function well with antibiotics reducing the harmful effects of the latter, studies have shown that when turmeric is used along with antibiotics it can reduce the inflammatory effects on the lungs. Turmeric is also famous for its effects against the highly volatile HIV virus and also for its ability to stop the replication of the hepatitis C virus.
ITs benefits comes out fully when combined with either ginger or black peppers.
Some Essential oils with antibacterial properties
What are essential oils
According to www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov
"Essential oils are complex volatile compounds, synthesized naturally in different plant parts during the process of secondary metabolism. Essential oils have great potential in the field of biomedicine as they effectively destroy several bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens."The presence of different types of aldehydes, phenolics, terpenes, and other antimicrobial compounds means that the essential oils are effective against a diverse range of pathogens.
Most common essential oils with antibacterial properties
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
3. Lavender Essential Oil
4.Eucalyptus Essential Oil
5. Oregano Essential Oil
6. Rose Essential Oil
7. Orange Essential Oil
8. Lemongrass Essential Oil
9. Geranium Essential Oil
10. Citronella Essential Oil
11. Neem essential oil
12. Lemon Essential oil
And various others you can find out yourself.
I have been using most of the essential oils stated above, and found then as an essential item in the list of things that helps us age gracefully, as they are usually not ingested
It is best to start gradually because they are highly concentrated. Good for me that I now make most of the essential oils I use. We shall converge again later in the year to learn how to make our own. It is easy and cheap.
In a world where we discover new bacteria and other potential hazards almost on a daily basis, and where traditionally prescribed antibiotics are failing, it is helpful to understand how antibacterial essential oils can play a part as antibacterial agents
My own tips on Avoiding frequent infections
1. Observe water therapy daily
2. Include garlic regularly to your diet, besides that, occasionally chew garlic and honey if you suspect infection. Chew at least 2 purple cloves with honey on empty stomach for 6 days or more
Staying away from bouillon cubes and other artificial taste enhancers.
3.include occasional bitters to help cool the liver and reduce sugar
4. I include at least 2 or more uncooked food daily to reserve digestive enzyme.
5. Rest when tired, too much stress weakens immunity and gives bacteria more strength over us
6. Use spices to enhance taste. Such as sea salt, black peppers, Cinnamon, ginger, garlic, cayenne etc. Stay away from bouillon cubes and other artificial taste enhancers.
7 Be conscious of sugar and carbs. Do not overdo it.
8. As much as possible I avoid late meals. These habits are immune suppressors.
9. Include more fluids
Conclusion. There are several other spices, fruits and vegetables with antibacterial properties too. Examples are green vegetables like moringa leaves, pumpkin leaves, Saint leaves etc, there are also several seeds like black seeds, moringa seeds, fennel seeds, avocado and pawpaw seeds that have strong antibacterial properties, We also have teas like green tea, guava leaf tea, pawpaw leaf tea, mint, avocado leaf tea, and other infusions with similar properties. We must not forget peppers like black pepper, cayenne pepper, remember bitters like bitterleaf, bitter cola and other bitter foods with antibacterial properties to help fight bacterial and infections naturally. however, the ones mentioned are the most common and popular ones in our region.
Summary:
Other regions of the world also have foods that fights disease far more than antibiotics. The fact remains that moderation is our rule.
What of Oils?
We must not forget these two common oils with best antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and and antiviral properties:
They are:
Cold pressed coconut oil and Cold pressed olive
Summary
It is worthy to note that, the various natural antibiotics if used in moderation regularly is capable of keeping you and your family infection free all year round. However, excessive use of any of them may also present undesirable effect though not as destructive as pharmaceutical antibiotics.
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