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By White Nation Correspondent – Garden Route – 10 June 2014.
Antibiotics are simply substances that kill bacteria. Although synthetic antibiotics are often prescribed for a variety of bacterial infections, there are also a number of natural antibiotics used by herbalists and holistic health practitioners.
Herbs and other natural treatments may be used to complement conventional medical treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner before trying herbs or other alternative therapies.
Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal remedies for colds, flus and other bacterial infections. It has been used by herbalists as a blood purifier and to treat a number of infections. According to Clayton College of Natural Health, it stimulates the immune system and increases white blood cell counts. It should be taken only when sick, as the body can adapt to it when taken over longer periods of time. Taken at the onset of an infection, echinacea can speed the healing process. Do not use echinacea if you have an auto-immune disease.
ANTIBACTERIAL FOODS
Onions: Onions a close relative of garlic, onions have also been shown to have excellent antibiotic properties with a history of usage dating back to ancient Rome. There is a long list of beneficial medicinal properties which has been directly attributed to the onion such as; herbal analgesia, anti-inflammatory substance, increases circulation, alleviating angina, and used in the treatment of the common cold and flu, and for people who have a persistent cough.
Garlic: Garlic’s antibacterial properties make it useful for treating and preventing colds, athlete’s foot and other infectious problems. Scientists attribute garlic’s powers to a sulfur compound called allicin, which it releases when cut or crushed. Because cooking changes and deteriorates this compound, eating raw garlic is the best way to derive the healing qualities from this antibacterial food.
Garlic is also a popular natural antibiotic. Not only does it kill bacteria but also parasites and fungal infections. During World Wars I and II, it was known as “Russian penicillin”. The Herb Guide states that the chemical component of garlic, allicin, is equal to 15 standard units of penicillin. Garlic is most potent when taken fresh. Taken regularly, it is a natural blood thinner and helps to dissolve cholesterol.
Garlic: Nature’s Miracle Herb in a Collapse Situation
Garlic is versatile. For internal bacterial or fungal infections, or for respiratory congestion ( to decrease tissue inflammation) use a garlic tea, or a honey garlic syrup. For prevention or treatment of external wound infections, use: cool compresses of garlic tea ( without the lemon juice); or honey garlic syrup or garlic oil, in place of a triple antibiotic ointment. Cover the wound or laceration with sterile gauze or dressing, after applying the syrup or oil. Change the covering and reapply the garlic syrup or oil once or twice daily.
Vaginal yeast infections may be cured by using a single peeled clove of garlic wrapped in a gauze and placed inside of the vagina for 8-12 hours. Remove the gauze and garlic, then place a new gauze wrapped garlic. Repeat this for 2 days. Vaginal itching can be treated with either a moist cool compress with lavender and/or tea tree essential oil added, or by sitting in a shallow warm bath of water with a few drops of the same essential oils for 15 minutes.
Ear infections have been cured with a slice of fresh garlic clove wrapped in gauze and placed just inside of the ear. Cover the ear with a cotton ball and secure gently with a piece of paper tape. Change the garlic and gauze every 6-8 hours, until the earache is gone.Here’s how to make garlic tea:
Garlic tea recipe:
1. 4 cups of filtered, boiled water, and allowed to cool slightly
2. Add 4-5 cloves of finely chopped or crushed organic garlic
3. Add fresh lemon juice and/or raw, unprocessed honey to taste
4. Drink 3-4 cups daily, either warm or cold, but do not re-boil the solution ( it will stop the healing properties)
Honey Garlic Syrup recipe:
1. Crush 1/2- 1 clove garlic and place on a tablespoon
2. Pour raw, unprocessed honey onto the spoon
3. Ingest the spoonful of honey garlic syrup, every 4-6 hours, as needed. Natural remedies will have to take up the slack if modern medical care and drugs are not available.
Honey: Honey has long been used as an antibacterial salve, useful for treating cuts and wounds. Researchers at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam recently discovered that bees add a protein to honey from their immune systems that gives honey its antibacterial quality. Honey also produces an enzyme that in turn produces hydrogen peroxide, which prohibits the growth of bacteria.
Apart from the above-mentioned wonders of honey, there are several other effects for which honey has been praised. For instance, honey has been used as a wound dressing substance since ancient times.
A swift decrease in the level of inflammation and a significant reduction of the redness, swelling and pain were quickly noted. Honey also possesses antimicrobial properties, which makes it very promising in the future for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Additionally, researchers have reported that an enzyme in the honey turns into hydrogen peroxide when combined with bodily fluids, such as blood. This also contributes in disinfecting wounds and preventing infections from developing, even when we have a cut. Honey is now used not only as a food additive but also to fight infection, treat wounds and protect your skin.
It can also be used as a potent antioxidant to lessen the effect of the radiation therapy in patients with cancer. Honey is also thought to decrease the risk of developing heart diseases . It lowers our body levels of C-reactive protein and improves blood flow. It may have a lesser impact on blood glucose and insulin levels compared to glucose or another honey analogue, particularly in diabetic patients. It can be used as a healthier sugar substitute.
Additionally, honey is known to enhance the effects of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is the nutrient that fosters better eyesight. Mixing nutrients rich in Vitamin A (carrots for instance) with honey has a symbiotic effect.
Cranberries: Cranberries are well-known for their ability to help prevent and treat bladder infections, in part because of their antibacterial properties. Cranberries prevent bacteria from latching onto the walls of the bladder and urinary tract by altering bacteria such as E. coli—responsible for illnesses such as kidney infections and the flu—to prevent them from forming the biofilm necessary for an infection to develop.
Ginger: Ginger is another herb known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is used to prevent and decrease duration of the common cold. Did you know that ginger can work as an antibiotic? It is reputed to be effective against E. coli and Salmonella, both of which are food-borne bacteria that can cause significant illness in people. It has even been shown to treat and cure ulcers.
Ginger can be made into a tea using the fresh root or the dried and ground root. The fresh root is inexpensive, and a decoction can easily be made by gently simmering ginger slices in water and drinking the result, sweetened with raw honey.
ANTIBACTERIAL HERBS
Basil: Thanks to its volatile oils, this flavorful antibacterial herb can inhibit bacteria growth. Studies have shown that basil can restrict the growth of E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus bacteria, as well as inhibit growth in strains of bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics .
Turmeric: Turmeric’s essential oils contain a wealth of antibiotic molecules, making this antibacterial food useful for treating topical cuts and wounds. Turmeric is also often taken in Ayurvedic medicine to prevent and treat colds and other internal infections.
Turmeric is a good herb to support the digestive system. It is warming for the digestive tract and increases secretions. Its astringent qualities enable the herb to tighten up the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, which prevents “leaky gut” and treats the inflammation in diverticulitis. In addition, it contains a small amount of essential oils that are carminative (anti-gas). Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and astringent effects also make it helpful for treating ulcers. The astringent effects tighten the surface of ulceration, are hemostatic (stop bleeding) and protect the ulcer surface from further tissue damage and fluid loss.
“It’s also a stupendous liver herb,” Khalsa says. “It has a general benefit across the board for the liver.” It detoxifies the liver and protects it from damage. It increases secretion of bile, and is used for gallstones and gallbladder stasis.
In Asia, turmeric is used topically as well as internally. It often is found in acne creams or poultices for inflammatory injuries. It also is used to reduce inflammation in the mouth and to heal gums. Asians traditionally have used turmeric as a beauty treatment that tightens skin and reduces inflammation. To try it, apply it like a lotion, massage into the skin, then rinse off in a bath. Because of its astringency, turmeric also can be applied as a poultice (or taken internally) to reduce hemorrhoids , Khalsa says.
Oregano: Essential oils in oregano lend this herb antibacterial powers that have been shown to inhibit even salmonella and E. coli bacteria . Oregano oil is also useful at boosting immunity and preventing and treating common colds. Because oregano’s antibacterial powers are found in its oil, an oregano oil supplement is better for health than dried oregano leaves.
The Power of Peppermint
Peppermint: Peppermint is commonly used in toothpaste, mouthwash and other oral hygeiene products—and for good reason, too. Peppermint oil has antibacterial powers that help to kill bad breath-causing bacteria in the mouth. A 2006 study found that peppermint oil was effective against 22 different strains of bacteria.
Studies have shown peppermint oil to be fairly effective at relieving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a collection of symptoms that includes abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, constipation and diarrhea that affects 5 to 20 percent of the population. One explanation is that the oil—especially the menthol—blocks calcium channels, which has the effect of relaxing the “smooth” muscles in the walls of the intestines. Recently, Alex Ford, a McMaster University researcher, concluded that instead of popular over-the counter drugs, peppermint oil should be the first line of defense against IBS.
Peppermint can temporarily allay itching caused by insect bites, eczema and other lesions, including the rash of poison ivy. Peppermint tea can be used as a mouthwash for babies with thrush (yeast in the mouth) or for reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, especially for women who want to avoid stronger medications.
Lavender
Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors and walls. These extracts are also popularly used as fragrances for bath products.
An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are also said to repel insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation: Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion of three flower heads added to a cup of boiling water is recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink. Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) is claimed to heal acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel; it is also used in the treatment of skin burns and inflammatory conditions (it is a traditional treatment for these in Iran and nearby regions).
Health precautions: There is scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of some of these remedies, especially the anti-inflammatory effects, but they should be used with caution since lavender oil can also be a powerful allergen. Ingesting lavender should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Topically, lavender oil is cytotoxic. It increases photosensitivity as well. A study demonstrated that lavender oil is cytotoxic to human skin cells in vitro (endothelial cells and fibroblasts) at a concentration of 0.25%.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is another herb that is often found in herbal antibiotic formulas. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties . It is often used by herbalists to treat sinus infections, vaginal infections, ear infections and sore throats. It can be taken internally and used as a gargle or vaginal wash. The Clayton College Herb Guide warns, however, that it should not be taken during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. It also lowers blood sugar levels and should not be taken by hypoglycemics.
Goldenseal works well topically and internally; however, it is such an effective antibiotic that it can affect intestinal flora, and should not be taken internally for more than a few weeks at a time.
Infused in boiling water and then cooled, Goldenseal has a reputation as a very effective eye wash for infections in and around the eye. Such an infusion also makes a very good wash for cuts and scrapes, and can even be used on surgical wounds, particularly on pets.
Native American Indians have also used Goldenseal in the treatment of certain types of fungal and protozoa infections.
Myrrh
Myrrh has been used by herbalists for centuries and is even mentioned in the Bible. It is antiseptic, antibiotic and antiviral. It can be taken internally, used as a gargle or used as a wash for wounds. The Herb Guide recommends myrrh for bad breath, bronchitis, mouth sores and sore throats. It is a healing agent and helps increase white blood cell counts. Although, it warns not to use myrrh for more than 2 weeks as it is harsh on the kidneys.
Colloidal Silver
Perhaps one of the most controversial natural remedies, colloidal silver has been used for centuries as an antibiotic. During the 19th century, it was also commonly prescribed by doctors for bacterial infections. Modern physicians question whether it is safe for internal use. However, Dr. James Balch and nutritionist Phyllis Balch recommend it for a variety of topical uses, including ring worm and other fungal infections of the skin and nails, wounds, bad breath, mouth sores and tooth aches. It inhibits the growth of bacteria as well as viruses.
How to Use Antibacterial and Antiviral Herbs
Tea
Herbal teas are simple to make and require only a cup, hot water and a way to steep your tea. To make an herbal tea, steep 1 tbsp of antibacterial or antiviral herbs in 1 cup hot water for 5-10 minutes. For children, use 1 tsp herbs in the same amount of water.
Infusion
Herbal infusions are simply antibacterial or antiviral herbs prepared in water. They differ from teas in that they use larger quantities of herbs, making a more concentrated preparation. They are steeped in water for several hours in a tightly sealed jar. Using a quart-size canning jar is best because they can hold up well to boiling water.
Once prepared you can drink them iced or heated, add them to baths for soaking wounds or sore muscles or used to make compresses or poultices.
Put a handful of dried herbs in your canning jar. Fill the jar to the fill line with boiling water. Secure the lid tightly and let it steep until the water has completely cooled. Strain out the antibacterial or antiviral herbs and enjoy.
Infused oil
Creating your own infused oil is easy! You can do it with just a few minutes of prep time (the rest is done in the oven).
You’ll need:
•An oven-proof dish
•Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
•1 cup jojoba or coconut oil
•1/2 cup antibacterial or antiviral herbs (one herb or a combination)
•Clean, dry jar(s) to store your oil in
•Labels
Heat your oven to 200 degrees, then turn it off. To your oven-proof dish, add the oil and herbs, then stir them together. (If the coconut oil is solid, let it melt first in the oven, add the herbs and stir). Put the dish in the oven. After 3 hours take out the herbs and strain the oil into your clean jar(s). Label and store in a cool, dark place.
Patience Heals
For the most part, natural remedies seem to take longer to cure you than prescription drugs. This is because prescriptions also tend to hide symptoms. Our bodies ALWAYS need TIME to heal. When taking antibiotics, it is possible for your pain to disappear while your infection is thriving. In a worst case scenario, your infection can morph and bury itself deep within you.
Natural medicine allows infection to leave your body quicker – which means that you may feel sicker longer. Detoxing bad infections is very painful. Allow yourself plenty of rest and proper hydration while healing.