Natural Antibiotics That Our Ancestors Used Instead of Pills

Oregano and the oil of oregano

You’ve probably used oregano as a flavouring in your favourite Italian dishes without even realizing the health benefits that it contains. Beyond its antibacterial properties, oregano can help with digestion and aid in weight loss. An oil that is found in oregano, Carvacrol, has been found to fight the bacteria that can lead to infections. This oil has also been found to treat digestive infections, and even one particular yeast infection. All in all, Oregano is more than just a food flavouring loved by many Mediterranean cultures.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

The far-reaching benefits of daily doses of apple cider vinegar (ACV) include antibiotic and antiseptic properties, naturally alkalizing your system and helping you in everything from managing your weight, lowering cholesterol, as well as your risk of cancer.  A chemical-free astringent, ACV can be used topically to disinfect and sterilize.

Honey

Ancient Romans used honey on the battlefield to treat wounds and prevent infection.
Civilizations all over the world continue to consider honey one of the best natural antibiotics, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and antiseptics known to man after thousands of years.  New Zealand’s Manuka honey has been proven to have the highest levels of antioxidants and curative powers.  An enzyme found in honey releases hydrogen peroxide. This process helps your body fight infection and prevents the growth of bacteria. Soothing to the digestive system, honey removes toxins from the blood and helps your liver operate more efficiently.  A great boost to the immune system, consider combining honey with cinnamon to strengthen your white blood cells! Raw, organic honey is the best option since most pasteurization methods kills the antioxidant effects.

Turmeric (Quercetin)

This spice isn’t just rich in colour and flavour, but it also protects your body against harm. Turmeric can be consumed and applied externally, making it a great choice for fighting against bacteria. For extra benefit, you can mix turmeric with honey and create a paste to apply to infected areas on your skin. 

Garlic

Flavourful and wonderful on a piece of butter toast, this plant also has very powerful qualities to it. Garlic can fight such simple infections as the common cold, pushing the germs away before they have a change to disrupt your life. Using the allicin that it contains, garlic protects against yeast, parasites, bacteria, and more. If you are looking for a simple way to live healthier, add more garlic to your diet.  For those who don’t want a “garlic-breath,” combine it with parsley, or buy the tablet-form at your nearest health shop.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study that found grapefruit seed extract (GSE) effective against more than 800 forms of viruses and bacteria, more than a hundred strains of fungus, and many parasites.  High in many antioxidants, GSE boosts immunity, alkalizes the body naturally, and aids in digestion by improving your beneficial gut flora.

Echinacea

So, you might not have as much experience with this product, but it is a safe herb that is found in many kitchens. The consumption of this herb has been proven to reduce the number of colds that a person deals with in their life, and shorten the colds that the person does have to face. This herb is a great choice when taken as a preventative measure.

Cabbage

There are sulphur compounds found in cabbage, a member of the cruciferous family that includes broccoli and kale, that have been shown effective as cancer fighters. What many people don’t realize is how much vitamin C is found in cabbage. One cup provides 75% of what you need every day.  For those who are not fond of cabbage, why not try the red cabbage?  It has the same properties as the other cabbage, but the smell is less potent.  Naturally antibacterial; eating shredded raw cabbage in your salad, as a side dish in the form of slaw, or drinking fresh cabbage juice (with honey added to sweeten), is an excellent way to improve digestion, prevent disease, and even manage your weight!

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

There is not enough that can be said for the benefits of coconut oil. It has naturally occurred anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and is packed with antioxidants you can’t find anywhere else in nature.  Use it to boost your immune system, balance thyroid, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and even improve brain function. Safe to use internally and externally, coconut oil is one of the most versatile and unique gifts from Mother Nature.  Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee for added energy and a clearer head all day.

Fermented food

Unpasteurized cabbage, homemade pickles, kefir and probiotic yogurts; all of these renew our intestinal flora, protects us from cancer and keeps our body fit to fight off infections.  When the pH-levels in our gut is out of balance, dis-ease sets in; especially when our bodies are too acidic.  Maintaining a balance between the alkaline- and acidic levels is very important; as it has been shown that cancer breeds when your body is too acidic.

Colloidal Silver

A natural antibiotic, colloidal silver is a mixture of silver particles suspended in fluid that have been used for centuries.  It can be used as a nasal spray, you can gargle with it, or drink it.  Just make sure to check the label to see how much to use and take, before using it.  This treatment is temporary since too much silver – a heavy metal – can be toxic. However, it disables the enzyme that single-cell bacteria require to multiply. Deprived of their oxygen supply, the bacteria and viruses are destroyed without damage to you.

Lemon and lemon juice

Lemons contains “flavonoids,” which is a natural antibiotic.  They are high in Vitamin C, which is great for boosting and maintaining a healthy immune system and contain both antibacterial- and antiviral properties. 

The list of natural medicines, found in food stores and households alike, is long.  Ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and many others, are also wonderful, natural medicine.  As always, if you are unsure of using a product (especially if you haven’t used it before and/or is sensitive/allergic, make sure to consult your health practitioner first).