The overuse of antibiotics in modern medicine along with overexposure to antibiotics from conventionally-raised meat and dairy products has led to the rise of new strains of bacteria such as MRSA and VRE that are resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics that modern medicine has produced. This can make these infections extremely difficult to treat and even fatal.
Fortunately, there are many natural compounds which offer gentle but effective ways to treat even stubborn, resistant strains of bacteria and without the side effects of more conventional medications. Read on to find out more about five of the best natural antibiotics out there which have proven effective against even the toughest bacterial strains.
Garlic
Medicinal use of garlic goes back literally thousands of years at least as early as the time of the ancient Egyptians and it has long been valued for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral powers. It was used to help ward off even terrible scourges like the bubonic plague which swept through Europe in the Middle Ages and can help treat more modern ailments like pneumonia and MRSA, a resistant bacteria which conventional medicines cannot always successfully cope with.(1)
Echinacea
The root of the purple coneflower, native to North America, also has a long history of use, first among Native Americans and then among the early European settlers who both made use of its anti-microbial properties. Echinacea has been shown repeatedly to strengthen the body’s natural immunity and make it easier to fight off not only bacterial infections, but viral and fungal infections as well. (2)
Honey
Like garlic, honey’s medicinal history dates back at least to the time of ancient Egypt and since then, many people around the world have harnessed its antibacterial properties. There is hard science behind this use, too. One study, for instance, which was published in the journal Microbiology found that honey was excellent for wound infections caused by streptococcus bacteria and may well prove to be likewise effective for MRSA. (3)
Turmeric
This deep golden spice which lends such distinctive color and flavor to so many Indian dishes is proving to be nearly limitless in its healing properties, thanks to its active ingredient curcumin. In addition to being a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, curcumin has also been proven effective as an antimicrobial, both when taken internally and when applied topically to an affected area. It is particularly effective as a topical treatment when combined with honey. (4)
Oregano
The essential oil derived from the oregano plant, a common herb native to the Mediterranean region, has antibacterial properties as well and has a proven track record for being able to treat a number of different kinds of infection, even those caused by resistant strains of bacteria. (5)
The fact that there are such powerful natural antibiotics available is great news for those who want to treat their infections naturally without resorting to conventional antibiotics or braving the unwanted side effects of such medications.
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