Natural Antibiotic Herbs

We are constantly surrounded by bacteria and viruses and curing these infections generally means filling a prescription. Using natural antibiotic herbs is the safe alternative to build up the body's natural immune system and protect against infections, as well as treat bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Natural antibiotic herbs work with the body, unlike prescription antibiotic drugs, which work against it by killing the good bacteria with the bad.

History

Natural antibiotic herbs have been used to prevent and treat disease for centuries. Predating written history, herbalists have passed the knowledge down from one generation to the next orally. Today, we are experiencing an increasing amount of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, leading many to treat these bacterial, viral and fungal infections with natural antibiotic herbs.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a natural antibiotic herb that stimulates the body's production of interferon, which is a protein that protects cells from viral invasion. As a blood cleanser, Echinacea fights off viral and bacterial infections by activating the white blood cells. Echinacea is used topically on skin wounds and internally to bolster the immune system.

Garlic

Garlic is a natural antibiotic herb that has been used to treat infections since the days of the Egyptians. Crushed garlic extract is considered to be the most potent antibacterial agent listed by the British Journal of Biomedical Science. Garlic also inhibits the growth of cancer cells by detoxifying chemical carcinogens and preventing carcinogenesis.

Golden Seal

Golden Seal is a natural antibiotic herb used internally and externally to treat mucous membrane, bladder and fungus infections. The U.S. Pharmacopeia listed Golden Seal from 1860 to 1926. Golden Seal is available as a tincture, nutritional supplement and cream.

Kelp

Kelp, a sea plant, is considered to be a natural antibiotic due to its high-iodine content. Kelp relieves throat or oral infections such as strep throat, by making kelp-based tea. The bacteria are destroyed upon contact due to the teas concentrated iodine content.

Warning

Taking natural antibiotic herbs is generally considered safe. However, please consult your physician prior to beginning any treatment if you have health problems, are currently taking prescription medications or are pregnant or nursing.

References

• The Herbalist
• Ask the Herbalist

Resources

• American Herbalist Guild