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What are the Best Natural Antibiotics?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

Some of the best natural antibiotics include remedies such as grapefruit seed extract, echinacea, and garlic. These may be consumed as herbal supplements, in powder form, or as capsules or tablets. Aloe vera is said to have natural antibiotic properties and may be taken internally or as a topical treatment. Honey is also considered to have antibiotic or healing benefits when used topically or ingested.

Benefits to using natural antibiotics instead of prescription medications include little risk of reinforcing a resistant strain of bacteria that the body cannot eradicate. This is why physicians and medical experts discourage long-term use of prescription antibiotics. These antibiotics, however, typically produce fewer side effects than other medications.

Aloe vera is an antibacterial plant.
Aloe vera is an antibacterial plant.

Many individuals take garlic supplements as a means of protection from pathogens. Microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungal infections may be combated with garlic supplements, according to medical researchers and experts. A natural alloy found in garlic called an organosulfur has health benefits that may keep pathogens at bay. Garlic, when prepared in food, may be one source of natural antibiotics that can be consumed regularly.

Garlic is a well-known natural antibiotic.
Garlic is a well-known natural antibiotic.

An herbal supplement known as echinacea may be considered a good natural remedy. Some experts believe that echinacea works in conjunction with the immune system to improve health. Some individuals take this herb as a supplement during cold and flu season and also when experiencing severe cold or flu symptoms. Echinacea has little risk for toxicity and is thought to produce minimal side effects.

Grapefruit seed extract is a well-known natural antibiotic.
Grapefruit seed extract is a well-known natural antibiotic.

Natural antibiotics can also be found in aloe vera. For skin irritations and minor cuts, scrapes, or burns, the topical use of aloe can be helpful. A good way to ensure a plentiful supply is to keep a few aloe plants in the home. Cutting a leaf at the base and extracting the juice is a simple and effective way to use the gel directly on the skin. Not only is aloe soothing to skin sores and eruptions, but may it also have antiseptic properties.

Honey is considered a natural antibiotic, although it should never be given to children under one year old.
Honey is considered a natural antibiotic, although it should never be given to children under one year old.

One of nature's defenses against pathogens and germs can be found in the kitchen cabinet of many homes. Honey is a great antiseptic and may be applied directly to infected skin and also consumed orally. Although there is no conclusive scientific evidence to substantiate this, many experts believe honey is an effective natural remedy. Parents should never feed honey to infants under 12 months of age, however. Babies who consume honey during the first year of life are at risk of infant botulism.

Natural antibiotics can be found in health food stores.
Natural antibiotics can be found in health food stores.

Other natural antibiotics include olive leaf extract and tea tree oil, both of which can be used as topical solutions. These products may generally be found in health food stores. The root of golden seal, typically used in powder form, may also have natural healing properties. This may typically be purchased at health food stores and natural food supply stores. Prior to beginning any type of home treatment plan that incorporates herbal supplements, it is advised to consult with a physician.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

@ocelot60- There is a very good reason why using natural antibiotics for any issue before seeking medical attention isn't a good idea. That reason is that by the time you realize that the natural remedy isn't working, your infection could become very serious and more difficult to treat with any type of antibiotic.

There are many types of bacterial infections, and some are more resistant to medications than others. Some are definitely too serious to respond to a natural antibiotic. However, only a doctor can tell for sure and advise the patient about the best medications to treat his or her infection. Trying to treat on your own is just too risky, and should never be done without approval from a doctor.

Ocelot60

I like the idea of treating bacterial infections of all kinds with natural antibiotics, because prescription antibiotics always give me unpleasant side effects. Would there be any harm in giving one of the natural remedies mentioned in this article a try first the next time I need one? I would seek medical attention if it didn't work.

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    • Aloe vera is an antibacterial plant.
      By: cedrov
      Aloe vera is an antibacterial plant.
    • Garlic is a well-known natural antibiotic.
      By: Schlierner
      Garlic is a well-known natural antibiotic.
    • Grapefruit seed extract is a well-known natural antibiotic.
      By: volff
      Grapefruit seed extract is a well-known natural antibiotic.
    • Honey is considered a natural antibiotic, although it should never be given to children under one year old.
      By: olyina
      Honey is considered a natural antibiotic, although it should never be given to children under one year old.
    • Natural antibiotics can be found in health food stores.
      By: diego cervo
      Natural antibiotics can be found in health food stores.