5 Unique Natural Antibiotics

As antibiotics continue to be passed out like candy, more and more opportunities are arising for resistant strains to form.

The centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated in its 2013 Threat Report that,

“Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and at least 23,000 people die each year as a direct result of these infections. Many more people die from other conditions that were complicated by an antibiotic-resistant infection.”

As important and effective antibiotics are, there are some alternative choices that are capable of putting up just as good a fight. These 5 unique natural antibiotics contain a variety of compounds capable of increasing the body’s immune system fighting actions beyond many others.

Always check with your doctor before taking natural antibiotics.

Oil of Oregano 

Oil of oregano offers a long list of remedies. From killing parasites to acting as an insect repellant the compounds in this herb are powerful healing agents.

One key compound is Carvacrol a powerful antibacterial linked to destroying pathogenic microorganisms.

The Huffington Post (11/8/14) reports that,

“One lab test in 2001 found that oregano oil was effective in killing staphylococcus bacteria, and another published laboratory study out of the UK found that it showed effectiveness against 25 different bacteria.”

Berberine

Found in the roots of a variety of herbs including turmeric, Oregon grape, barberry and goldenseal, and echinacea, berberine is an age-old remedy used in Ayurvedic as well as Chinese medicine.

It stimulates the immune system into producing antigen specific immunoglobulins which have been shown to inhibit the production and effectiveness of bacterial sortase. This is a protein that enables bacteria to attach to cell membranes.

In a University of California, Department of Internal Medicine study, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports the research abstract conclusion,

“Our results suggest that medicinal plants like Echinacea or Goldenseal may enhance immune function by increasing antigen-specific immunoglobulin production.”

Manuka Honey

Honey has long been a remedy for sore throats and even burns but the particular type of Manuka honey seems to be a powerful natural antibiotic.

Derived from New Zealand Manuka tree honey bees, it has been linked to killing pathogens such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and flesh eating infections.

A University of Wales Institute Cardiff research study concludes that,

“Our findings with streptococci and pseudomonads suggest that manuka honey can hamper the attachment of bacteria to tissues which is an essential step in the initiation of acute infections. Inhibiting attachment also blocks the formation of biofilms, which can protect bacteria from antibiotics and allow them to cause persistent infections.” (Science Daily 4/13/11)

Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC)

AHCC is powerful antioxidant derived from the Shiitake mushroom. It is also believed to be a biological response marker. This means that AHCC stimulates the activation of natural killer compounds, particularly circulating dendritic cells (DC’s).

In a study by the Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan it was concluded that,

“AHCC intake resulted in the increased number of DC’s and function of DC1s, which have a role in specific immunity.” (Nutrition and Cancer 2/08)

Colloidal Silver

Silver has been used to kill infections for centuries.

Colloidal silver, an odorless, tasteless formula described as “a suspension of submicroscopic metallic silver particles in a colloidal base”. It has been negatively written about in conventional literature however its results speak for themselves.

It is believed that this silver kills anaerobic bacteria, viruses, yeast and mold; destroys pathogens; stops pathogens from using the body’s cells as “vehicles of replication”; and creates an inhospitable environment for pathogens to survive.

These 5 unique natural antibiotics may be a good start before reaching for prescribed remedies. Check with your doctor to make sure these and other alternative remedies are right for you.