7 Natural Antibiotics That Rival The Prescription Kind
JAMES COLQUHOUN
Since the 1940‘s antibiotics have been internally embedded as conventional medicine amongst the medical profession for a resolution to bacterial infections. Although antibiotics have had their place in society, we need to ask ourselves; are antibiotics really worth the underlying risks?
Studies show that even short-term use of a course of antibiotics can effectively disrupt the body’s natural gut flora and potentially lead to a spread of antibiotic resistance. This is a concern because bacterial resistance cannot be controlled or killed by antibiotics. Studies show that the organisms in which are responsible for diarrhea, urinary infection and sepsis are resistant to older antibiotics.
So why should you care?
It is important to be aware of the effects antibiotics have on our bodies, as it has become a public health burden on us in more ways than one. It is not just the medical industry that capitalizes on the use of antibiotics, but our global food system as well.
Take the agricultural use of antibiotics, that are injected into animals or animal feed and are then sold to us for consumption. Antibiotic residue can linger in these meat and dairy products. You can find out more on how to avoid exposure to these forms of harmful chemicals in our foods here.
Another common misuse of antibiotics is inadequate diagnostics. Have you ever gone to the doctors when you were unwell and have been prescribed antibiotics, despite not being given a diagnosis yet? According to the CDC, a comparative report on antibiotic prescribing revealed that some doctors were over-prescribing more so than others.
Due to such over-consumption, treating infections with antibiotics today unfortunately, leads to more damage than good, to our immunity and digestive systems.
Luckily, we have the choice for our health to be in our own hands. In mother nature’s hands. Here are 7 of our favorite Natural Antibiotics that have been around years, with no negative side-effects.
1. Raw Honey
Raw Honey is still the best antibiotic with many healing benefits. It fights infections on multiple levels and does not lead to resistant bacteria. Manuka Honey is another delicious multi-purpose wonder! Again, naturally containing antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties. It can be used as an ointment, topically or can be taken orally for internal health.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a natural potent antibiotic which helps to clear sinuses. Due to the high levels of sulfur compound and allicin it has the ability to kill various forms of bacteria.
3. Echinacea
Echinacea is a superfood herb that is a natural antibiotic and immune stimulator. It helps the body fight off cold and flu like symptoms.
4. Grape-Fruit Extract
Grape-fruit extract (GSE) is another super healer! With its powerful combination of antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. GSE extract can act as a natural preservative and disinfectant, which contains antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens. To learn more, Check out The Many Great Healing Benefits of Grape-fruit Extract.
5. Fermented Foods
Fermented Foods such as Sauerkraut and Kimchi have been around for centuries.
They are full of health-promoting properties and rich in probiotics for gut health and digestion. Learn how to make your own Fermented Foods or try our Simple Sauerkraut Recipe!
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is quite possibly one of Mother Nature's greatest gifts.
Not only can it be used in delicious recipes, it is also great for the skin and, due to its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties it makes a perfect oil for oil pulling. Find out 10 More Reasons why you should be using Coconut Oil!
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is natural bacteria fighting agent with multiple proven benefits. It can be used as probiotic as well as a disinfectant! Not convinced? Here are 25 More things you never knew you could do with Apple Cider Vinegar!
What Is Your Favorite Natural Antibiotic To Use?
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James Colquhoun is the filmmaker behind Food Matters, Hungry For Change, and Transcendence Seasons 1 & 2 and founder of Food Matters and FMTV. Along with Laurentine ten Bosch, James founded the Food Matters community following the release of the 2008 documentary, giving people the tools (films, books, articles, and guided programs) to take charge of their own health. From here, FMTV was born! It was designed as a place where you can access vital information by watching all of your favorite inspiring documentaries, expert interviews, & recipe videos in one place, and in early 2020 FMTV found it's new home on Gaia.