14 Powerful Natural Antibiotics
As with any natural medicine, some of the herbs and spices listed below may interact with medication and may worsen preexisting conditions. They may also be detrimental in high doses or after extended use. Talk to your local naturopath or speak to your doctor before self-administering them.
1. Garlic
This flowering plant is in the same family as onion, leek, scallion, and shallot.
Its sulfur compounds are what give it a strong smell and are partly responsible for its remarkably powerful immune-boosting properties.
Garlic displays “significant antibacterial activity”, even against resistant bacteria. Plus, “Synergistic use can prevent the pathogenic organism grow their resistance against antibiotic. [sic] ” ( 2 )
Garlic is also a cancer-preventing antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic agent due to how its compounds interact with pathogens ( 3 ). When using garlic as an antibiotic, there are a few basic rules to follow: click here for more information.
2. Ginger
They don’t call it “the mighty root” for nothing! A rhizome plant, ginger has many therapeutic uses.
As an antibiotic, ginger outperforms commercial chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and tetracycline against pathogenic bacteria ( 4 ).
Ginger was shown in an Italian study to be effective even against superbugs that are resistant to conventional treatment: “…even crude extracts of these plants showed good activity against multidrug resistant strains where modern antibiotic therapy has limited effect”. ( 5 )
3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Made from fermented apples, ACV is a well-known disinfectant that can kill Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as certain fungi and yeasts ( 6 ). Best of all, it doesn’t damage mucous tissue, making it a great home remedy for pathogen-caused sore throat.
It’s also a powerful detoxifying agent that can be consumed in small doses every day.
4. Olive Leaf
We know the benefits of olive oil ; what you may not know are the properties of the leaves. Acting as an antioxidant and moderating LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, “bad” cholesterol), olive leaf extract helps metabolize blood sugar. Phenolic compounds in the leaves also inhibit and kill harmful bacteria and viruses ( 7 ).
5. Onion
Onions are garlic’s cousins with many of the same phytochemical properties. Effective against various strains of pathogenic bacteria, onion (best raw when used as medicine) reduces fever, relieves nausea, clears ear infection, relieves respiratory ailments, and performs many other healing wonders. The very thin onion membrane between layers can be placed directly on a cut or abrasion to stop bleeding, relieve pain, and kill germs.
The very thin onion membrane between layers can be placed directly on a cut or abrasion to stop bleeding, relieve pain, and kill germs.
6. Vitamin C
Arguably the most effective nutrient against human pathogens , vitamin C support the immune system in general. Maybe more important than its direct antibiotic activity is vitamin C’s stimulation of natural antibody response ( 8 ).
“A striking phenomena [sic] of vitamin C is the similarity of response either to correct pathology due to a deficiency of this compound, or to correct the pathology caused by the action of the virus bodies and other similar toxins and ferments.” ( 9 )
Foods high in vitamin C include:
Bell peppers
Berries
Broccoli
Citrus fruits
Dark leafy green vegetables
Kiwi
Papaya
Peas
Tomato
7. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a by-product of grapefruit juice that is taken orally to treat a bacterial or viral infection. While seeds can be eaten straight from the fruit, they’re quite acidic and bitter on their own ( 10 ).
GSE is also used in agriculture to fight bacteria, fungus, mold, and parasites as well as preserve food and disinfect water.
One study found that the antibacterial properties of grapefruit seed extract are comparable to proven topical antibacterials for a wide range of gram-negative organisms and gram-positive organisms ( 11).
8. Habañero and Horseradish
Horseradish, a cousin of mustard, is used to clear sinuses, increases facial circulation, and expel mucus from upper respiratory. It’s typically used against colds, influenza, and lung congestion. Better yet, it can be used topically to treat infected wounds, although it may cause skin irritation ( 12 ).
Habañero, on the other hand, works against pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli, Bacillus thuringiensis, Yersinia enterocolitica and Salmonella enterica subsp Typhimurium ( 13 ).
9. Eucalyptus
It’s no surprise that eucalyptus is a favorite flavor for throat lozenges and cold and flu products. In fact, the herb has immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic effects. It can be both taken orally or
inhaled to treat bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One study even called it “an attractive alternative to pharmaceuticals” ( 14 ).
10. Manuka Honey
This New Zealand-sourced honey doesn’t work like most honey. Rather than creating hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria, it works thanks to the low pH level of honey and its high sugar content.
Manuka honey works so well that it even comes in a“medical grade” variety used in hospitals to treat burns and wounds. It’s also used to kill Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers ( 15).
It even fights Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, S. aureus and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Not all Manuka honey is legitimate, so look for honey with a UMF, (Unique Manuka Factor) certified by The Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association.
11. Goldenseal
Goldenseal, a member of the buttercup family, is typically found alongside echinacea in natural cold–relieving products. Prepared as a tea, it can be used to treat eye infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, canker sores, and vaginitis thanks to an antibacterial and antifungal compound called berberine. This compound also fights parasites and boosts immune response ( 16).
Best of all, goldenseal can be grown in your own background. While it has many benefits, the herb should not be used by pregnant women or anyone suffering from high blood pressure, liver disease, or heart disease.
12. Myrrh
Myrrh is a natural gum extracted from the Commiphora myrrha tree that’s been used since biblical times. Traditional medicine uses it to cure indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, lung congestion, arthritis pain, cancer, leprosy, spasms, and syphilis ( 17). Plus, it’s a viable treatment for inflammation, fungal infection, and cancer ( 18).
Myrrh essential oil can be used alongside honey and other essential oils, but it should not be taken for more than 2 weeks at a time ( 19 ).
13. Echinacea
Echinacea is perhaps the most well-known herb native to eastern and central North America. The leaves, flowers, and root can all be used medicinally.
Echinacea is great for treating infections such as the cold and flu and other upper respiratory infections. It can be taken to prevent infection as well as cure it.
The herb can be used against ( 20 ):
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Vaginal yeast infections
Herpes
HIV/AIDS
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
Bloodstream infections (septicemia)
Tonsillitis
Streptococcus infections
Syphilis
Typhoid
Malaria
Ear infection
Swine flu
Warts
Nose and throat infections (diphtheria)
The herb also works against anxiety, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines and much, much more. Unfortunately, very few echinacea products on the market actually contain the herb and most are contaminated with arsenic and lead , so it’s important to only buy the herb from a reputable source or grow your own.
14. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a potent antiemetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-flatulent, stimulant, antibacterial, antifungal, larvicidal, nematicidal, and insecticidal agent. It even stimulates blood flow and lowers blood sugar . Two potent compounds found in the spice, cinnamaldehyde. and eugenol, are known to fight E. coli and MRSA ( 21).
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