How to stay healthy during the cold season. 10 most effective natural antibiotics

Clinical geneticist, nutritionist and expert of UniProf Academy of Physicians

Antibiotics are substances that allow us to eliminate pathogenic bacteria from the body. Nature produces these substances in large quantities and in different types, which allows us to easily and naturally strengthen our immune system by including them in our diet, without turning to artificial analogs.

Antibiotics come in synthetic and natural forms

The problem with artificially created antibiotics is that bacteria quickly recognize them and become resistant to different pharmacological strains (subtype of microorganism). This happens mainly due to their misuse and abuse.

No bacterial resistance appears to natural antibiotics. This is because a product that contains antibacterial substances also has a large number of “auxiliary ingredients” in its composition, such as flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds or antioxidants and natural vitamins. Thereby affecting the body in a complex rather than selective way.

Thus, natural antibiotics are helpful in the adjunctive treatment of certain mild diseases or to protect our immune system, as well as for the prevention of seasonal infectious diseases such as colds or flu.

Can synthetic antibiotics be substituted for natural antibiotics

It is important to realize that both natural and artificial antibiotics should be used appropriately depending on the type of illness. That is, treatment should be administered as prescribed by your doctor. Phytotherapy (herbalism) should not be carried out without the approval of the appropriate specialist.

It is worth noting that natural antibiotics are aimed at the overall protective function of the immune system, and not to fight a specific infection. Each of them has specific features that are worth considering before using them for collection or prevention of diseases.

Acacia

The medicinal characteristics of this plant are associated with the presence in their woody part of such substances as:

• tannins;
• phytosterols;
• tannins.

All this is an excellent natural antiseptic for the body, and also has enveloping and healing properties.

In the flowers of the culture are concentrated glycosides (organic compounds), anthronilic acid ester, as well as aromatic oils and organic acids.

The leafy part of the plant contains flavonoids and their glycosides, namely acacaine, robinin and acacetin, pectins, various mineral compounds, retinol and ascorbic acid.

The benefits of this plant lie in its rich composition and its ability to sorb and excrete harmful substances.

Precautions: uncontrolled intake and failure to comply with the dosage can be harmful to health. Requires medical advice, as in the case of the following natural antibiotics.

Garlic

Thanks to vitamins C, B, D, PP and a large amount of sulfur in the composition of garlic improves digestion, stimulates hematopoiesis, enhances the formation and release of bile, thereby reducing cholesterol and blood sugar, favorably affects metabolism.

When used externally, especially in fresh form, in addition to antimicrobial action, garlic is able to exhibit the properties of antihistamine, analgesic, antipruritic agent. And sulfur in the product improves connective tissue, cartilage, joints, tendons and stimulates hair growth.

Precautions: may cause nausea and vomiting if consumed in large quantities.

Echinacea

Considered a natural adaptogen, meaning it activates the body’s resources. There are only three types of Echinacea used in medicine – narrow-leaved, pale and purple, the latter being the most common.

Echinacea has a very rich composition:

• rutin and quercetin – flavonoids, substances with anti-inflammatory properties;
• polysaccharides – not only an additional source of energy, but also protect the walls of organs from mechanical damage, and prevent the penetration of viruses into the cells;
• saponins – have antioxidant properties and weak antifungal activity;
• oxycinnamic acids – for example, caffeic acid, has antiviral action.

The leaves contain some specific antioxidants and glycosides that are present only in Echinacea – e.g., echinacin, echinologin, echinacoside, which have antibacterial activity.

Echinacea promotes natural immunity, as it activates phagocytes (this is the name given to the defense cells of the immune system itself).

Precautions: the plant is an immune system stimulant, so high dosages and prolonged use should be avoided.

Eucalyptus

The most valuable component of the leaves of this plant is the essential oil containing cineole (methane oxide), a powerful natural antiseptic.

In addition to cineole, the plant contains tannins, coumaric acid, gallotannins, and cinnamic acid, rich in useful trace elements.

Due to this rich composition, the plant has a wide range of properties:

• antiseptic and bactericidal. Organic hydrocarbons aromadendrene and phellandrene, in contact with oxygen molecules, form ozone (O3). It destroys many pathogenic bacteria inside the body and on the skin, including mutated forms resistant to antibiotics;
• antiparasitic action. Eucalyptus can destroy helminths and is used to expel parasites, effective against adults and eggs;
• sedative and analgesic action, including for pain caused by spasms.

Substances contained in eucalyptus normalize the production of insulin by the pancreas, which helps to reduce blood sugar.

Precautions: ingestion of four to five drops of essential oil in its pure form is toxic. The oil may cause irritation if applied directly to the skin. Taking excess tea can cause intestinal cramps.

Grapefruit seed

Grapefruit seeds are characterized by a high content of antioxidants (bioflavonoids), which trigger the mechanism of cleansing the body of free radicals and form a kind of shield that protects the body from a number of diseases caused by oxidative stress.

The seeds contain the antioxidant hesperidin, which strengthens immune defense, as well as vitamin C, tocopherol, liminoids, sterols, citric acid and a huge number of minerals.

Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial medicines. For example, against Candida Albicans is a fungus that develops in the digestive tract, provoking digestive abnormalities.

The results of research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine indicate that grapefruit extract can be active against more than 800 strains of viruses and bacteria, 100 strains of fungi and various parasites.

Precautions: grapefruit seed extract should be diluted before use. Prolonged use can kill all intestinal bacteria, including good bacteria. Even diluted extract can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.

Ginger

A powerful natural antibiotic. This root can be eaten fresh, added to food, or used as a spice and seasoning in powder form. Ginger infusion and tea are useful for treating and preventing flu, sore throat, coughs and colds.

The root contains many biologically active components that have both antibacterial properties and tonic properties:

• Zingiberenes and sesquiterpenes – substances belonging to the vast class of terpenes (hydrocarbons). They can be used as odor fixers and in the manufacture of certain drugs, such as antihelminthic medications;
• cineol or methane oxide (also known by the obsolete name eucalyptol*) – a component of antiseptic as well as expectorant agents used in medicine to treat acute respiratory illnesses (acute respiratory diseases) and acute respiratory viral infections (acute respiratory viral infections);
• citral – a component of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic medicines.

It is citral that mostly determines the healing properties of ginger. This substance can positively affect blood pressure, is a raw material for further synthesis of vitamin A, and is also included in the composition of medicines that effectively help in the treatment of some ophthalmic diseases. Indispensable for children who have such a disease as intracranial hypertension.

Precautions: avoid large doses.

Honey

This is not only a tasty treat. In its composition there is a mass of trace elements, vitamins and minerals that have a positive effect on the body.

Many trace elements are in honey in the same concentration and in the same ratio with each other as in human blood. But along with vitamins and trace elements, it contains bactericidal, aromatic and other substances.

In terms of chemistry, the product is a multicomponent solution with unique properties. For example, a solution of honey, applied to a dry wound, has a negative effect on microorganisms multiplying in it, thus working as a mild antibiotic.

If honey is diluted with a small amount of water, it activates an enzyme system, the end product of which is hydrogen peroxide, a well-known antiseptic.

Precautions: there are three instances where honey can be harmful:

• if the bees make honey from poisonous plants (sometimes raw honey can have botulism spores), which can be very dangerous for children under one year of age;
• allergies to bee stings;
• fructose intolerance.

Sage

This herb has a pronounced antioxidant capacity, protecting cells from free radicals.

The rosmarinic acid found in sage is easily absorbed by the body from the gastrointestinal tract. Once in the body, it reduces inflammatory reactions and acts as an antioxidant.

Therefore, using sage as a spice is beneficial for people with all sorts of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and gum inflammation.

At all times, sage tea and sage infusion has been known as a remedy for fever, as well as a sedative for excessive excitement. Best of all, its therapeutic properties of the herb manifests itself if the healing drinks are drunk in small portions, but often.

Precautions: it is not recommended to take sage during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Juniper

The plant is considered a powerful natural diuretic (increasing urine excretion) and antioxidant. From the fruits of juniper are made tinctures and decoctions, which are prescribed for prolonged inflammation of the urinary system. It is effective to use it in the presence of infection in the kidneys, increased swelling and for disinfection of the urinary tract.

Preparations based on this plant, as well as the plant in fresh form are able to:

• stimulate appetite;
• eliminate nausea, heartburn;
• cope with diarrhea and gas.

Also the plant is characterized by a calming effect, relaxes the nervous system.

Juniper has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. The plant is able to reduce the viscosity of phlegm. In this case, it helps with bronchial diseases.

Preparations of juniper are used in the fight against microbes. They are able to treat the skin with dermatitis, eczema, ulcers. Rinsing the oral cavity with inflammation of the gums and teeth reduces the number of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity.

Precautions: avoid taking it in case of acute kidney disease, inflammation of the stomach, during pregnancy. High or prolonged doses may irritate the kidneys.

Oregano (oregano)

Oregano oil is effective in treating about 25 bacteria, including those that have resisted chemical antibiotics. It is excellent for patients with intestinal infections, typhoid fever, urinary tract infections, skin infections and ulcers. But only as an adjuvant and only when prescribed by a doctor.

The product also protects against colds, reduces inflammation in wounds or animal bites, and neutralizes the venom of bees, snakes and spiders.

Oregano is most often used as a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory. Produces expectorant, diaphoretic and choleretic action, reduces blood pressure.

Precautions: this oilis not at all safe in acute inflammatory bowel disease or an overactive immune system. The concentrate of the oil is a powerful stimulant of the immune system and may also burn the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.