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Antibiotics have antibacterial properties which can be used to kill or inhibit bacterial growth. Antibiotics are generally found in the form of drugs. However, some natural ingredients around you are found to have antibiotic properties. What natural antibiotic ingredients are available around you? Check out the list below.
1. Honey
Honey is the oldest natural antibiotic ever discovered. Since ancient times, the inhabitants of Egypt have often used honey as a natural antibiotic and skin protector. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a component of antibacterial agents.
In addition, honey has a low pH level so that it functions to draw moisture from bacteria, so that the bacteria become dehydrated and will die.
To use honey as an antibiotic, apply it directly to the infected area. Real honey can help kill bacteria and aid in the healing process.
If the infection is in any part of the body, you can drink honey to help the healing process. You can swallow it directly or mix it in a warm cup of tea. However, honey should not be given to babies less than one year old because honey may contain bacteria that can produce toxins in the baby's intestines. This can lead to infant botulism.
2. Extract the garlic
Garlic is a natural substance as an antimicrobial. One study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology in 2011 found that compounds in garlic are effective against bacteria. Therefore, it is not surprising that garlic has been used as a natural antibiotic from ancient times.
You can buy garlic extract at a herbal store or you can make your own by soaking a few cloves of garlic in olive oil.
Garlic is generally safe for consumption. However, too much garlic can cause internal bleeding. Two cloves of garlic per day are still acceptable for the body.
If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before using garlic as an antibiotic. The reason is, garlic in large doses can strengthen the blood thinning effect.
3. Clove oil
Reporting from the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, clove oil has antibacterial properties. Clove oil was found to inhibit the growth of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Due to these properties, clove oil can be used as a natural antibiotic against bacteria. Not only can it fight bacteria, but clove oil also has anti-fungal properties and has antioxidant components in it.
4. Oregano oil
Reporting from the Healthline page, oregano is thought to boost the immune system and act as an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties. Unfortunately, there is no research that proves this truth. However, several studies have shown that oregano oil has antibiotic-like properties.
Additionally, oregano oil has a compound called carvacrol. Carvacrol has an important role to help the body's growth process from infection when it is inhaled. Oregano oil is often used to heal wounds (ulcers) in the stomach and relieve inflammation.
5. Thyme oil
This oil has been shown to help fight bacteria. In the 2011 Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, researchers tested the efficacy of thyme oil and compared it to lavender oil. These two oils were tested on more than 120 strains of bacteria. Some of the bacteria tested are Staphylococus, Escherichia, and Enterococcus.
Researchers found that thyme oil was more effective at killing bacteria than lavender essential oil. Thyme oil is used only for external use. Before being applied to inflamed and irritated skin, you must first dilute thyme oil. Dissolve thyme oil in coconut oil or olive oil.
Remember, herbal medicine is not always safe for everyone. Especially if you have certain conditions or allergies. If you do feel the symptoms of a bacterial infection such as fever, check with your doctor. Then ask your doctor whether you can take natural antibiotics to speed healing and what are the side effects.
Without the supervision of a doctor or herbalist, you are not advised to treat yourself with natural antibiotics.
