Sunday, January 29, 2012

Foods with Antibiotic Properties

Several foods with antibiotic properties are available in nature. They are considered to be better than regular antibiotics as they have no side effects. Pharmaceutical antibiotics can cause side effects like indigestion, decreased immunity and allergies. They may result in the creation of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Several herbal plants and minerals have antibiotic properties. Some important naturally occurring substances which have antibiotic properties are garlic, colloidal silver, neem, tree tea oil, manuka honey, golden seal and Echinacea. All these natural antibiotics are useful to fight infection without side effects.


Rudiger Wolk : Wikimedia Commons
Garlic as Antibiotic


Garlic has properties of a broad spectrum antibiotic. It contains an antibiotic called allicin in minute quantities. It appears when garlic is crushed. Garlic is quite effective against a variety of bacteria, virus and fungi.  It is also useful against several antibiotic resistant microbes like common cold virus, e-coli, staphylococcus aureus and salmonella. Garlic is a blood thinner and an anti-coagulant. So garlic should not be taken before going for a surgery. Garlic cloves can be peeled and cut into small pieces about the size of a tablet. Then it can be crushed and swallowed. 


Garlic Ear Drops

Garlic oil can be prepared by adding crushed garlic to extra virgin olive oil. It can be stored at room temperature for 5-6 days and used as antibiotic ear drops. Garlic is one of the best natural antibiotics to fight a variety of infections.

Manuka Honey as Antibiotic

Manuka is a monofloral honey unique to New Zealand.  The bees that produce the honey frequent manuka bush. It has anti bacterial properties. Manuka honey is hygroscopic. It can absorb water from the bacteria and destroy them. Bacteria cannot survive without water. It can be used as wound cleaner and disinfectant. For sinus infections, it can be used to flush out the nasal passages.

Neem as Antibiotic

Neem is a very good antibiotic which is available in the form of leaf powder and capsules. It is quite effective to treat inflammation due to pyorrhea. It is used as a vaginal lubricant to avoid syphilis. Conjunctivitis can be treated by using a neem tea made from tea leaves. Neem oil can be used to treat mouth, stomach and skin infection.

Tree Tea Oil

Tree is oil is an essential oil made from the leaves of a plant in Australia. It has anti bacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti inflammatory properties. It is also effective against a variety of problems like asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. Its antiviral properties make it useful in the fight against cold sores, measles and flu. It can also be used as a mouth wash as it helps to cure oral candidacies (a fungal infection).

Echinacea Antibiotic Properties

Echinacea is a very popular herb grown in America and has antibiotic properties. It has been use for its medicinal properties for more than 400 years by the natives. Echinacea tincture can be prepared by boiling echinacea in water and staining it. Drink the tea 3-4 times a day. It reduces pain and inflammation. It is useful to treat urinary tract infections, sore throat, blood poisoning and diphtheria.

All these natural foods with antibiotic properties are very useful to fight infection without side effects.