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Did you ever think about how people used to heal their bacterial infections in the past? Weel used to treat their bacterial infections with the help of natural antibiotics.
Natural antibiotics were used long before artificial antibiotic was prepared. It was first discovered in the year 1928 with the help of Penicillin.
Antibiotic has a medicinal property that is used to stop infectious diseases. Antibiotics are primarily used in killing bacteria and letting them grow any further.
Natural antibiotics1 are best of all since they do not have any side effects, and even if they have, it isn’t imperative. However, a natural antibiotic is derived from herbs and other naturally occurring substances. It is derived from those plants which show some anti-microbial properties.
If any bacteria have grown resistant to the artificial antibiotic2, the natural antibiotic can help kill them. Even natural antibiotics can fight other viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Even doctors prescribe natural antibiotics sometimes when there is a mild infection of cold, cough, sore throats, and diarrhea.
It drops down a huge list of natural antibiotics when listing natural antibiotics. However, the question is, what is the strongest natural antibiotic? Let us find out which is strongest out of all.
Does Natural Antibiotics Work
Generally, antibiotics do their job either by inhibiting bacterial growth or killing bacteria. However antibiotics are recent inventions, but people used substances with antibiotic properties to prevent bacterial infections in ancient times.
Natural antibiotics could have been some extracts from herbs, some essential oils, or even it could be food that acts as effective natural antibiotics. A natural antibiotic can heal ailments and inhibit bacterial growth.
Cranberry juice is one example of a natural antibiotic, which has antibacterial properties and can be used to treat urinary tract infections. The extracts from herbs and shrubs have long served humankind with bacterial infections.
Even in China, they found that out of 58 medical plants, 15 of them had antifungal properties. Also, 23 had antibacterial properties, and 8 showed both properties.
Herbal therapy is similarly effective to chemical antibiotics in healing small intestine bacterial overgrowth disorder.
What Is The Strongest Natural Antibiotic
A powerful natural antibiotic can treat skin and bacterial infections, reduce inflammation and even kill harmful bacteria.
So, let us look at the natural antibiotic and the most potent of them.
1. Garlic
Garlic is well known for its antibiotic properties since it is a potent antibiotic for food pathogens. Often food contains pathogens, which are the root cause of bad health.
Garlic, one of the effective natural antibiotics, can help reduce the chances of food poisoning to its antibiotic properties. Also, it can give protection against many types of bacteria.3
2. Turmeric
Turmeric has a bioactive compound known as curcumin, and it has antimicrobial properties. Its property can protect users from several gram-negative bacteria and some gram-positive bacteria.
Moreover, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and also possesses antioxidant effects. If you are a patient with rheumatism4, blood pressure, and arthritis, turmeric extract can be very beneficial. Even the elixir of turmeric helps with digestive problems and lets the digestive system function properly.
3. Honey
Honey has excellent antibacterial effects, and it has been used since ancient times for its anti-microbial properties. Honey has excellent healing properties, and it possesses such ability due to its antibacterial activity.
The high viscosity of honey provides a protective barrier, protecting the user from infections. Honey also gives an immunomodulating effect that helps the user recover from any wounds at a fast rate.
4. Onion
One of the most common and used herbs is the onion. Onion extract is known to have an antibiotic effect against the Streptococcus pyogenes5 and Streptococcus mutants6. These are the primary and most dangerous bacteria which cause gingivitis and periodontitis in patients.
Also, onions are related to garlic. So mix them and make a new extract. Since they are from a common genus, they give great health benefits when combined.
5. Manuka Honey
Honey is a natural antibiotic and has been used since 2000 B.C. Manuka honey shows antibacterial activity and antimicrobial activity, which heals wounds quickly.
Manuka honey can help a person deal with many diseases. It can treat skin infections and improve gut health and kill bacteria with resistance development. It has high sugar content and comparatively low pH, inhibiting bacterial growth.
6. Oregano Oil
It is an essential oil, the most potent antibiotic, and has a wide range of healing powers. Oregano oil can treat infections, parasitic infectious diseases, fungal diseases, and bacterial infections.
Moreover, oregano oil can attack both gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria. However, it is mainly used to treat infections in the digestive tract.
It is one of the most effective natural antibiotics and anti-inflammatory powers and thus can heal many bacterial infections and is effective against escherichia coli.
7. Ginger
Ginger has been known for a long time to be a natural medicine. There are many studies to prove the antibacterial activity in fighting many strains of bacteria. Also, ginger is known to stabilize the blood glucose level, and its extraordinary power of ginger is to treat seasickness and nausea.
Moreover, the essential oils extracted from ginger can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Ginger also has a phenol phytochemical compound known as gingerols with antibacterial properties.
8. Carom Seeds
Carom seeds (also known as ajwain) are prevalent in India since the remedial agents of carrom seeds can treat flatulence, abdominal tumors, asthma, and even piles.
It is also known to treat gastrointestinal problems and has a remarkable ability to fight strains of bacteria. Carom seeds have two natural substances, carvacrol, and thymol, which have antibiotic properties that can kill bacteria.
9. Clove
Clove is also one of the natural remedies used to season most dishes. Clove is also known to be very effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
It has traces of eugenol, oleic acid, and lipids acid, which gives clove to fight against bacteria. Clove oil is an essential oil and is also known to have antifungal properties and is used as a savoring agent in foods. For ages, clove oil is known to treat toothaches.
10. Cinnamon
The extracts from cinnamon are also an essential oil used to prepare soups, chocolates, liqueurs, and different types of beverages. Cinnamon is one of the unique natural substances because every part of the plant is converted into an essential oil.
The cinnamaldehyde and eugenol in cinnamon give it an antimicrobial property, and also it can treat urinary tract infections and skin infections.
Moreover, cinnamon is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, but one should take it with precautions since it is high in toxicity. So, before you start taking antibiotics like cinnamon, you should consult your healthcare provider.
11. Lavender
One of the best home remedies is lavender essential oil. It has inhibitory growth activity, which is essential against E.coli and S.aureus strains of bacteria.
The compounds of lavender oil can be very effective against human pathogenic bacteria. The EQL compounds of lavender oil include limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene.
Moreover, lavender is really effective against bacteria like Escherichia Coli and Enterobacter Cloacae.
12. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an essential oil and effectively reduces Streptococcus pyogenes. It is a teeth bacteria, and coconut oil can do this due to its antimicrobial property. The S. pyogenes is also responsible for strep throat and has toxic shock syndrome.
It is also very effective from chlorhexidine, an antiseptic and disinfectant.
Moreover, virgin coconut oil also can inhibit the growth of Clostridium difficile7, which is an antibiotic-resistant bacterium. This bacteria is mainly responsible for causing diarrhea in human beings.
13. Chilli Peppers
Chilli peppers carry an active compound which is often known as capsaicin. This home remedy has great antibiotic activity, and it has been in use in treating diseases since ancient times.
The essential compounds of chili peppers act as antibacterial o the S.pyogenes. It stops the growth of these bacteria, which is also major human pathogens. Foremost citizens die due to these pathogens.
Even the extracts from the Capsicum have proved the antimicrobial property of chili. Moreover, it is also used in making modern-day medicines since it can cure cancer, stiff joints, bronchitis, and chest colds accompanied by cough.
14. Thyme Oil
This herb is a relative to the oregano and is mainly used for ornamental making, medicinal purposes, and culinary. Also, thyme oil is an essential oil with antibacterial activity, which gives protection against the oral cavity, skin, abdominal disorders, respiratory problems, and other diseases.
Moreover, thyme’s carrier oil has some compounds that carry health benefits. Thyme includes carvacrol, linalool cineol, camphor, borneol, and thymol compounds. In recent days, it is mixed with apple cider vinegar and used for reducing acne, hair loss, breast cancer, and respiratory tract infections. It is also used as a food preservative and in treating oral health.
15. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is also an effective essential oil, which has been used for treating numerous ailments since ancient times. It is used to create topical formulations and reduce skin infections, mucous membrane infections, and inflammatory infections.
The carrier oil which is responsible for the antibacterial activity is called Terpene. Tea tree oil is also an anti-viral used to treat the foot of athletes or called tinea pedis. From the extract of this oil, an antifungal medication is created to cure infections. A higher concentration of this used oil can effectively cure disease.
16. Lemon Grass
It is a herb found in Sri Lanka and South India and is known for its antimicrobial property.
Lemongrass oil is one of the best oil since it can fight seven species of gram bacteria. The oil is used chiefly to prepare flavor, medicinal properties, and bactericidal properties.
The oil from lemongrass can cure pneumonia, blood infections, and intestinal infections. Moreover, it can help cure arthritis and cardiovascular disease and even is effective against cancer.
Lemongrass oil has antioxidant properties, and you can use it as a mouth wash. Also, the oil helps in digestion, gastric ulcers, stomachaches, and other common cause of pain in the stomach lining. You will even get benefits from lemongrass oil from nausea and aromatherapy.
17. Neem
Neem is another medicinal plant that is widely used for its antibacterial properties. When people consume undercooked seafood, the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria get inside the human body. These bacteria are responsible for causing fever, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, and frequent puking.
These bacteria can be killed and healed by the oil extracted from neem. The neem oil acts as an antibiotic and can treat many other complicated diseases.
The neem oil is extracted from the neem tree is now being used for a long time. If you use the extracted oil from the neem tree, you will be free from acne, ringworms, warts, eczema, and psoriasis. Moreover, the neem oil will also fight with other bacteria to protect you.
18. Bearberry
Bearberry (also known as uva-ursi), has great medicinal value. It looks like a small cherry, light reddish and pinkish. The bearberry is very safe to consume, and it has substantial effects on complex diseases and infections.
The oil extracted from this fruit can benefit urinary tract infections. Moreover, a woman can reduce her intake of prescribed antibiotics if she consumes bearberry instead.
However, it is not sure, and there are not enough reports to support the further use of bearberry fruit. So, patients are recommended not to consume this antibiotic for the long term without their doctor’s consent.
How To Make Natural Antibiotics At Home
You can make the natural antibiotic using a home remedy. Making an antibiotic out of herbs to treat infections is very easy. You need to follow some simple steps.
1. Chop The Ingredients
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First, you will have to peel off the ginger, turmeric, and horseradish.
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Grate them and place them into a bowl.
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Finely chop the onion and also add the chopped onion to the bowl with the others. Next, you need to peel the garlic cloves and place them over the bowl.
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Finally, you will have to chop the chili and add them to the bowl with other ingredients.
2. Add Apple Cider Vinegar
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You will have to add the dandelion honey, apple cider vinegar, and some pepper to the mixture.
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Store it in a jar and leave it for a few days to ferment. It will take at least 10-14 days to ferment, and keep it in some cool or dark place.
3. Strain The Mixture And Fill It In Bottles
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It is the final stage where you will have to pour the extract from a mesh strainer.
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Squeeze the mixture.
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It will be better to pour the essence into multiple jars and store them separately. Please keep them in the refrigerator.
How To Store The Elixir
You must store the natural antibiotics in multiple preserving jars for two months.
You can use the apple cider vinegar bottle to store the elixir. You must protect it from sunlight and keep it in the refrigerator. You can even store the antibiotic in a dark bottle.
However, make sure to get clean and sterile preserving jars for storing the elixir.
How To Use The Home Made Natural Antibiotic
Even though natural antibiotics are made from herbs and everything is natural, you still need to follow the precautions before taking them since everything has risks.
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To treat acute symptoms of illness or infection, you can use one tablespoon of the antibiotic to strengthen your immune system. It will fight against the mild cold and flu. However, in case of serious illness, you can consume five tablespoons of the elixir before having your meal.
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The extract you create will be very sour and spicy since it has a high concentration. In this case, you can make the extract thinner using water or some fruit juice.
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Powerful natural antibiotics work better on an empty stomach. So, it is recommended to take the elixir thirty minutes before eating your breakfast in the morning.
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Thinner the antibiotic if you are suffering from an infection in your mouth or throat. Gargle the antibiotic for a few seconds and then swallow it.
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If you want to take natural antibiotics made by you and suffer from some severe illness, you always consult your healthcare provider. Even this goes the same for pregnant women or nursing mothers. You also must consult your doctor before giving your children the natural antibiotic.
The natural homemade antibiotic can treat infections and have no severe side effects. On top of it, it is vegan, plant-based, and has no gluten. Also, the procedure to make an antibiotic is straightforward, and it can fight bacteria and germs. Moreover, it helps in strengthening your immune system and defenses.
Risks Of Taking Natural Antibiotics
It does not apply for every natural product to be a safe product.
Everything has an advantage and a disadvantage. The same goes for natural antibiotics too. In different brands of supplements, the concentration of the active ingredients varies greatly. You must read every label carefully before taking antibiotics. Moreover, before starting with any natural antibiotic, one must consult with their healthcare provider.
Just as cooked garlic, cloves are very safe to use. However, concentrated garlic can increase the risk of bleeding. Taking raw garlic is very dangerous for people who face surgery or take blood thinners.
If a person is taking medications for HIV, and at the same time he is consuming concentrated garlic, then his medications for HIV will not work. So, it is very crucial to stop taking some natural antibiotics. It would help if you stopped taking colloidal silver since it contains pieces of silver suspended in water.
Colloidal silver is often suggested for the treatment of various diseases. It can help in treating bubonic plague and even HIV. The use of colloidal silver could be pretty dangerous. It is preferable that you consult your healthcare provider before using it.
When Should You Use Prescribed Antibiotics
Antibiotics are now becoming less effective and unnecessary. Lately, people are developing drug-resistant bacteria, and thus the antibiotics do not work against them, and even doctors do not prescribe them often.
However, when the doctor prescribes antibiotics, you must understand that it is for:
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preventing the spread of any infectious diseases
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preventing any situations from getting worse or fatal
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booting the recovery from various illnesses and injury
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preventing the development of further complications.
Moreover, if you are prescribed antibiotics, you should complete the dose as directed. People who are at high risk of bacterial infections, or someone who has a low immune system and gets situation worse when ill, must complete the dosage.
If the person does not complete the dosage, then bacteria in the person will develop resistance against the antibiotic, and the next time, the antibiotic will be useless. People who fall under these categories must complete the antibiotic dosage.
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will have surgery
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is under chemotherapy
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have HIV
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is under diabetes treatment and is also taking insulin
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have complications of heart failure
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are over 70 years of age
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is below three years old
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is recovering from a fatal wound.
However, if you are allergic to the prescribed antibiotics, you must consult with your doctor for a detailed study and choose an alternate antibiotic.
Bottom-Line
It is acknowledged that over two million people are getting ill, and more than 23,000 people are dying each year due to drug-resistant bacteria.
The drug-resistant bacteria have a growing threat, and artificial antibiotics are becoming useless. As a result, the scientific community thinks that the treatment for these bacterial infections is hidden in past treatments with natural antibiotics.
Even they want to find out what is the strongest natural antibiotic available today and how they can use it to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The herbs in natural antibiotics may give health benefits and provide a life-saving drug for tomorrow’s world. Since a powerful natural antibiotic can provide many benefits, they even have some risks. Still, scientists are performing tests on different substances to get the perfect healing property from the herbs.
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- Torres, Marcelo Der Torossian, and Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez. “Toward computer-made artificial antibiotics.” Current opinion in microbiology 51 (2019): 30-38. ↩︎
- Collins, Matthew D., and Dorothy Jones. “Distribution of isoprenoid quinone structural types in bacteria and their taxonomic implication.” Microbiological reviews 45.2 (1981): 316-354. ↩︎
- Lawrence, John Stewart. Rheumatism in populations. Elsevier, 2016. ↩︎
- Efstratiou, Androulla, and Theresa Lamagni. “Epidemiology of Streptococcus pyogenes.” Streptococcus pyogenes: Basic Biology to Clinical Manifestations [Internet]. 2nd edition (2022). ↩︎
- Hamada, Shigeyuki, and Hutton D. Slade. “Biology, immunology, and cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans.” Microbiological reviews 44.2 (1980): 331-384. ↩︎
- Smits, Wiep Klaas, et al. “Clostridium difficile infection.” Nature reviews Disease primers 2.1 (2016): 1-20. ↩︎
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