I have been involved in the health and wellness industry for over 20 years. I’ve seen supplements come and go. Sometimes it’s hard to know if something is just a fad, or if there’s real science to back up the claims.
Through the years, I’ve run across several herbs that I have used with great success as natural alternatives to antibiotics. These herbs have saved me lots of trips to the doctor and the local pharmacy. I believe, I’ve saved hundreds of dollars each year with these special healing plants. I have complied a list of my 5 favorite Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics. I have these herbs, in one form or another, in my medicine cabinet at all times.
I must add a disclaimer to all this information. (to keep myself out of the legal soup) This information is purely antidotal, and is in no way substituting the advice of a medical professional. I would suggest you consult your physician before trying any natural remedy. There… I said it. Now…Do with this information what you will. You can’t say I didn’t warn you.
The first Natural Antibiotic on my list is, the forever faithful, Tea Tree Oil. I use Tea Tree Oil for just about everything under the sun. I have written several articles about the wonders of Tea Tree Oil, and one of the first times, I used it, was as a natural antibiotic. Tea Tree Oil is well known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
I have used Tea Tree Oil for acne, athlete’s foot, jock itch (not mine, my son’s), toe nail infections, burns, skin rashes, open wounds, ear infections, oral thrush, and yeast infections (as a salt and vinegar douche). I used the book, “Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook” by Cynthia Olsen, for instructions on how to prepare the oil for use for the various mentioned conditions. I have also used the oil for chicken pox, cold sores, shingles, cradle cap, head lice, styes, and insect bites. The oil shouldn’t be used straight it’s very caustic to the skin. I mix my Tea Tree Oil with Olive Oil.
I have had success with Lavender Oil as a natural antibiotic as well. Lavender is known for its relaxing aroma therapy properties, but Lavender Oil has a strong reputation as a natural antibiotic. When I’ve run out of Tea Tree Oil, I’ve used Lavender Oil in it’s place with amazing results. Sometimes, I switch between Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil so the body doesn’t get used to one or the other oil. Other times, I mix the two oils together for an awesome one, two, punch against infection. I’ve used Lavender Oil for ear infections and cold sore with great results. I mix Lavender Oil with Olive Oil for the same reason as Tea Tree Oil.
Garlic is also high on my list of natural antibiotics. Garlic is a wonder herb! It has some many amazing properties and it’s a great herb to add to your food. I have used Garlic for colds, the flu, and bronchitis. I use Garlic capsules. It’s easier to digest and easy on the breath. You have to ingest a good amount of Garlic and I can’t see myself ingesting whole cloves of Garlic to get the benefits of this powerful herbal antibiotic. (I do have a friend that does!) Kyolic Garlic Capsules are wonderful and are also odorless. I have used a blend of garlic and other herbs found in Wally’s Ear Oil, when my favorite store ran out of Tea Tree Oil, with great results. I would highly recommend adding Garlic to your natural antibiotic arsenal.
When I have a cold or the flu, the herb I turn to first is Echinacea. I have used it without fail for many years, and I’ve always gotten great results. I either don’t catch the cold at all or it shortens the length of the virus. I usually start taking Echinacea when I feel run down and tired. That’s when I’m susceptible to viral infections. I can normally bypass the cold or the flu, but if I don’t I keep taking Echinacea and add Goldenseal to the mix. Echinacea has antiviral properties and has been show in German studies to help boost the immune system. Echinacea shouldn’t be used as an immune-system booster on a continual basis. It should only be used at the first signs of colds or flu.
Goldenseal is antiseptic and stimulates the immune system. I have used Goldenseal for colds and the flu that was not responding to Echinacea alone. Goldenseal has chemicals that activate certain white blood cells that destroy fungus, bacteria, and viruses. I have used blends with goldenseal for ear infections, cold sore, and skin rashes.
Sources:
http://www.reikinurse.com/naturalabx.htm
http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_antibiotics_for_the_cold_and_flu_season
“Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook: 101 Plus Ways To Use Tea Tree Oil” Cynthia Olsen
“The Green Pharmacy” James A. Duke, Ph.D.
