7 effective natural antibiotics to try before getting a prescription

Studies have long shown humans are becoming more and more reliant on prescription medication, as we’ve lost touch with all of the home remedies that were the norm just a few decades ago. 

A lemon and honey drink was often used to soothe a sore throat, and does anyone remember their parents or grandparents saying the best way to cure a headache was to drink lots of water really fast or put your head between your legs?

Many doctors think that our reliance on prescription medication will do us more harm than good in the long term, as new types of bacteria that can resist modern medicines are constantly developing. 

So, if you’d prefer to try an at-home remedy before heading to the doctor for a prescription, you could give these a try – remembering, of course, that your doctor should be your first port of call if you are even slightly concerned that you may have more a minor illness.

Manuka honey for skin

Not only does Manuka honey taste amazing, it also has many antibacterial properties that are useful for fighting oral infections and giving the immune system a boost.

Manuka honey stands alone from other types of honey because of its unique pollination process, which results in a honey that is rich in hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal, and dihydroxyacetone; all of which act as natural antibiotics.

You can eat it, make a tea with it by adding it to boiling water, and apply it to wounds as a healing agent.

Oregano Oil

Great for pasta sauces, oregano oil is also an effective remedy for skin and sinus infections, as well as being a great treatment for foot and nail fungus.

The active ingredients of carvacrol and thymol have an impressive ability to fight off a range of pathogens and parasites.

Oregano oil can be added to food and can also be used in a foot soak or rubbed on any fungal infections.

Garlic

Used in a lot of Italian dishes, garlic is known for its ability to improve the taste of almost any meal.

But for centuries, garlic has also been known for its antiviral properties and its ability to prevent colds and cases of flu.

It is also an effective treatment for ear infections and is great for boosting your immune system.

The active ingredient of diallyl sulphide is what makes garlic such a great antibiotic as it lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol and destroys free radicals. You can eat it either cooked or raw, or look for powdered garlic tablets in the health food store.

Cinnamon

Having a spoonful of cinnamon in your porridge in the morning can give your health a boost.

Cinnamon is effective in fighting off a number of fungal infections, including candida and athlete’s foot.

Cinnamon also boosts your immune system by stopping the growth of mycotoxin ( a compound that causes disease).

Fermented Foods

If you suffer from stomach and intestinal issues, eating fermented foods can improve your immune system and stabilise your gut health.

The healthy gut flora that is important in our digestive system is often destroyed by our use of antibiotics, alcoholic beverages and the pesticide often found on our food.

It is important to top up this flora by using probiotics or fermented foods. You can incorporate foods like sauerkraut, kimchi or kombucha into your diet every week to keep your gut flora balanced.

Do you use any of these natural remedies already? How often do you use them?