Do you use Natural Antibiotics? Three very powerful natural remedies you should have in your kitchen.
Are you feeling the beginning of a cold? Is someone in your family sick and you want to prevent getting sick too? Do you feel under the weather and your medicine cabinet is empty? Well, look around your kitchen because you probably have one of these nature’s antibiotics available…yes, a natural antibiotic in your own kitchen!
Here’s a short description of some of my favorite natural antibiotics:
Garlic
Allium Sativum, commonly known as Garlic is a very powerful natural antibiotic. Among its medicinal actions are: anti-viral, anti-fungal, antioxidant, expectorant, digestant, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-platelet aggregant, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, and more. Garlic has a constituent called allicin, which has similar properties to penicillin. To be able to get the antimicrobial benefits out of fresh garlic, the clove will have to be crushed and let sit for 60 seconds. With this, the constituent allicin will get activated and ready to use. The recommended dose for garlic varies depending on the person and also the ailment so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to determine the amount you need.
Ginger
Zingiber officinalis, commonly known as ginger is another powerful natural antibiotic. Besides having an antibiotic effect, ginger is also a thermogenic herb, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, general stimulant, expectorant, analgesic, carminative, GI stimulant, rubefacient, and more. Shogaol and zingiberene are two of the constituents in ginger that have shown a strong antibiotic effect.
Honey
Raw New Zealand’s Manuka honey is the type of honey that has been proven to have the highest medicinal benefits. Besides being a very powerful antibiotic, honey also has antioxidant, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. The antibacterial properties of the honey are thought to be due to an enzyme that releases hydrogen peroxide helping the body fight off infections and preventing bacterial growth. It is also thought that its high sugar content and low pH level can stop bacterial growth as well as kill bacteria through dehydration. Honey is generally safe to use topically or internally; however, you should not give honey to an infant under the age of one. In that case, contact your healthcare practitioner to determine the best option.
These are only three natural antibiotic options out of the many we have available in nature, and in the kitchen. They are food which makes them a pretty safe option to use plus they are yummy, even better! However, every person and condition/ailment is different, so it’s important that you contact your healthcare provider to determine dosage and safety in your situation.
Dr. Yarilis Vazquez, ND
Naturopathic Doctor- Sophia Natural Health