Antibiotics have been around for quite some time, and are used medically to treat bacterial infections.  While only effective for bacteria, most doctors prescribe them for anything that ails you – even viral infections, making them the most over-prescribed medication to date.  Despite knowing they are the sole cause of antibiotic-resistant strains, antibiotics are still in heavy use today.   Remember: each time you take prescribed antibiotics you are not just killing harmful bacteria – but also the beneficial bacteria in your intestines – which makes up the majority of your immune system.  Hopefully, you have replenished yourself and your gut with probiotics afterward – but that’s another story for another article.

Nature is loaded with natural antibiotics (including ones that won’t destroy your gut bacteria, including herbal remedies, fermented vegetables, and simple home remedies of all kinds. Here are some natural antibiotics, which you probably already have in your kitchen, that you can use the next time you MD says, “Take an antibiotic.”

Coconut Oil
This oil can be used in almost anything to provide you with all-day antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal power.  Mostly due to the medium-chain fatty acids/triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil (approximately 60-56% by volume) these oils have been researched as natural antibiotics as early as the late 1950s to early ’60s.  We know that the invaders destroyed by Coconut Oil include bacteria, yeast, fungi, and enveloped viruses.

MCT Oil
MCT is a highly refined, 100% extract of the medium-chain fatty acids/triglycerides found in coconut oil. Liquid at all temperatures, MCT has greater antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal powers due to its concentration of MCTs (when compared to plain coconut oil)

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has powerful antibiotic properties, mostly due to its highly acidic nature. Interestingly, it’s naturally alkalizing your body system, and can assist in almost any health ailment – from acid reflux to burning fat and lowering cholesterol.  When used, it is often diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio before consuming, again, because it is highly acidic. In moderate amounts, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar acts as an antiseptic when used directly.

Raw Onion
Onions have been shown to reduce inflammation and reverse infections. It contains a powerful compound called QUERCETIN – what has even been shown to assist the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Onions also remove free radicals, helping to assist with everything from ulcers to DNA damage. One study published in J. Nihon Univ Sech Dent (1997) showed that onion extracts possess an effect on all tested bacterial strains (S.mutans JC-2, S.sobrinus OMZ176, P.gingivalis ATCC 33277 and P.intermedia ATCC 25611), and the effects were bactericidal against both cultured and resting bacterial cells.

Oil Of Oregano
Oregano oil is best known for its bacteria-killing abilities. It contains antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and pain-relieving properties. One study found that oregano oil’s germ-killing properties were nearly as effective as most antibiotics. The oil is needed to achieve medicinal property, as dried and fresh oregano leaves are not strong enough alone.   What makes oregano oil so unique is that it’s anti-everything (bacterial, viral and fungal).  One little known, but powerful use, is in assisting with the removal of nail fungus.  Simply drip the oil onto the affected nail bed and massage daily until the infection clears.

Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is also known as capsicum. It is a very strong spice that has amazing healing power and antibiotic effects. It is not only an antidote but is one of the strongest and most effective natural antibiotics in the pepper family.   Cayenne pepper constitutes alkaloids, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9. Its active constituents also include capsaicin, capsacutin, capsico PABA, capsanthin, flavonoids, fatty acids, sugars, and volatile oils.

Garlic
Garlic gets most of its amazing antibiotic properties from a single compound called Allicin. This powerful compound has high levels of antioxidants, which fight bacteria and infection. In addition, raw garlic is a potent antibiotic, especially active against fungal infections, with antibacterial and antiviral effects as well. An effective home remedy for colds is to eat several cloves of raw garlic at the first onset of symptoms.

Turmeric
Turmeric root is from the ginger family and has some truly amazing health benefits due to being antibacterial activity. Turmeric antibiotic properties are used to help destroy bacteria that cause diseases and promote the body’s natural defenses. The curcumin compound gives Turmeric most of its health benefits.

Ginger
Ginger’s natural antibiotic property helps prevent and treat many health problems caused by bacteria. The phenol compounds like shogaols and gingerols are the main medicinal component in the root that contribute to the anti-inflammatory benefits as well as lowering cholesterol.

So the next time you’re feeling under the weather, turn to your pantry instead of the medicine cabinet or prescription pad!