Mother nature offers countless plants with antimicrobial properties to fight infection and help our bodies heal. These natural remedies can be very effective- without the common negative side effects of pharmaceutical antibiotics.

Antibiotics destroy both the good and the bad bacteria, thereby weakening our microbiome and immune system. Scientists confirm an increasing resistance even to the latest antibiotics, which are unfortunately spurring the growth and spreading of superbugs.

It is therefore a good idea to go back to nature and learn about available natural remedies. There are literally hundreds of plants that are scientifically proven to eliminate pathogens of all varieties. And, most importantly, these plants have been around since the beginning and have never caused any resistance.

Here is a short list of the top 6 natural antibiotic remedies.

Raw Honey

Honey and its properties vary depending on the region and the type of wildflowers that local bees visit. All honeys are complex mixtures of fructose and glucose with water, organic acids, mineral and vitamin traces as well as some plant pigments. Raw honey has seen a revival in Western medicine as an antiseptic, which can be used both internally and externally.  Manuka honey is harvested in New Zealand & Australia and shows remarkable antibiotic properties. However, and generally speaking, honey should be regional, unheated, unpasteurized, unfiltered and raw.

Garlic

Garlic (allium sativum) is known to help with a variety of ailments and is regarded as a treatment for preventing different infections. It belongs to the onion family and is one of the most used medicinal plants. Effective herbal preparations of garlic can be used at less cost and fewer side effects than most pharmaceutical drugs.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is accepted to be a very effective healing agent and disinfectant with a myriad of applications. As a natural broad-spectrum antiseptic it fights infection, reduces inflammation, fight viruses and bacteria and may even control antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Already in ancient times -for example in Rome, Greece and China- silver was a popular remedy to stop diseases. It can be used internally and externally, including for skin & wound care, ear infections, respiratory infections or digestive problems. As colloidal silver is such a potent antimicrobial agent, it might be beneficial to supplement with probiotics when taken internally.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar (French: vinaigre, i.e. sour wine) is an acidic liquid obtained from the fermentation of alcohol. Apple cider vinegar -with the mother!- is the most useful medicinally. It is antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent and excellent for a whole range of infections. Apple cider vinegar is also a great tonic.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

The tea tree (melaleuca alternafolia) is a small tree or shrub, with needle like leaves similar to those of cypress and yellow or purple flowers. Tea tree oil is a traditional remedy with over 100 bioactive compounds and has been used by the Australian Aboriginal people for centuries. Originally, the leaves were made into a tea, which gave it its name. There is much research to show how tea tree oil combats all types of infections. It is antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral. It is frequently used for skin problems, as an expectorant that alleviates respiratory infections and stimulates the immune system.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass is a tall, aromatic grass. It is often used in the Asian cuisine and also has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. The essential oil is distilled from the grass leaves and has a strong fresh citrus smell. Lemongrass has a tonic effect on the body and the nervous system. It is a light pain killer, an anti-depressant and helps to strengthen the immune system. It also shows potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

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