6 Natural Antibiotics in your kitchen

by Naturally Yours

The discovery of Antibiotics has been one of the biggest developments in the medical field. However, the rampant misuse of these powerful drugs for the bothersome everyday infections, that are otherwise not life threatening has brought in its own list of problems like:

Rise of antibiotic resistant super-bugs
Our digestive system goes for a toss
Reduced immunity

We are also gradually forgetting the age old home remedies that made use of natural foods and herbs for getting rid of infections like drinking a glass of warm milk with turmeric powder for respiratory infection or having a teaspoon of crushed Ajwain with salt for an upset stomach.

We have compiled a list of such natural foods that have powerful antibiotic properties. Instead of waiting until you get sick, use these on a daily basis to improve your immunity.

1. Garlic

Garlic possesses potent antibiotic, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties. It is also very high in natural antioxidants which supports a strong immune system.

How to use : Taking 4-5 cloves of garlic a day is one of the best ways of keep away from all kinds of bacterial attack and also treat bacterial infections of the skin, respiratory, digestive and urinary tract. Eat it raw, in a warm tea or in lightly cooked food.

2. Ginger

Ginger has an antibiotic effect against food borne pathogens. Fresh ginger also increases stomach acid production and helps calm indigestion. Additionally it is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent and used in Ayurvedic system of medicine as a pain reliever.

How to use : Include about 2 – 3” of ginger shredded, crushed or cooked in your daily diet.

3. Neem

Neem helps fight the bacteria that cause pimples and acne. The antibacterial nature of neem also helps to keep different types of oral problems like cavities, plaque, and other gum diseases at bay.

How to use : For overnight Acne and Pimple Cure, make a paste using neem powder and rosewater. Apply on the infected area and leave it overnight.

4. Honey

Honey is considered as one of the best natural antibiotic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic known to man since thousands of years. It helps in treating skin and respiratory infections caused by bacteria. Soothing to the digestive system, honey removes toxins from the blood and helps your liver operate more efficiently.

How to use : Honey can be consumed along with ginger tea or a glass of warm water to soothe cough.

5. Raw apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is said to be a natural remedy for many ailments due to its antibiotic properties. Be it diarrhea caused due to a bacterial infection or a sore throat, employ the germ-busting apple cider vinegar to help head off the infection

How to use : Consume by mixing 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric serves as an antibacterial agent and can be taken internally or applied directly to the skin to treat everything from minor cuts and scrapes to scabies, skin ulcers etc. In addition to disinfecting and preventing infection, turmeric also helps to stop pain and swelling while promoting the healing of damaged skin tissue.

How to use: For making a turmeric paste, take a spoon of turmeric and add 3-4 spoons of water to make thick paste. Add on wound directly. You can also consume turmeric by adding a pinch of turmeric powder to warm glass on milk, mix well and consume.

So how do you use your mother natures antibiotics, do share them in the comments section below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Priya Prakash, Co-Founder, Naturally Yours

With over 6 years of experience in the organic industry, Priya is a strong believer in using healthy and easy to use alternatives in daily life. She passionately advises her friends, family and customers by sharing with them practical and easy ways to include healthy alternatives in their daily life.