Natural antibiotics like garlic, honey, thyme, and tea tree oil contain powerful compounds that fight off fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These remedies are often used as a supportive approach to complement traditional medical treatments for various infections.
You can apply these natural options to help manage skin wounds, minor burns, yeast infections, or common issues like athlete's foot. They are also frequently used to soothe symptoms of the flu, the common cold, and both oral and genital herpes.
While these natural alternatives do not replace professional medical care, they can be an excellent way to help speed up your recovery. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure these options work safely alongside your recommended treatment plan.
List of natural antibiotics
The most common natural antibiotics include:
1. Garlic
Garlic is considered a natural antibiotic because it contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial properties that target various bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Because of this, garlic is often used to help with infections such as salmonella, the flu, colds, and herpes. It may also be beneficial for viral stomatitis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, and fungal infections of the skin or nails.
Additionally, garlic has antifungal properties that can target parasites, potentially helping to clear intestinal infections like amoebiasis or giardiasis.
How to use: You can make garlic tea by adding one crushed or chopped raw garlic clove to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about five minutes, strain it, and drink one cup daily once it has cooled.
Garlic is also available as a dietary supplement in capsule form or can simply be added to your favorite meals.
2. Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is a medicinal plant rich in phenolic acids, gingerols, and shogaols, which help the body fight off viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
Ginger is particularly helpful for managing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, the flu, and sore throats. It is also used to combat yeast infections and bacterial strains like Staphylococcus aureus or E. coli.
How to use: To make ginger tea, boil about one inch of sliced fresh ginger in 200 mL of water for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and strain the liquid to drink while it is still warm.
3. Honey
Natural organic honey has well-documented antibiotic properties and is frequently used to treat skin wounds. It helps eliminate bacteria while providing a protective barrier that promotes faster healing.
Manuka honey is another powerful option, as it contains high levels of methylglyoxal. This compound is especially effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria responsible for skin infections that can sometimes be resistant to standard antibiotics.
How to use: Apply raw organic or Manuka honey directly to the affected skin as directed by a healthcare professional or dermatologist. Note that those with allergies to honey, propolis, or pollen should avoid this remedy.
4. Propolis
Propolis is a resinous mixture honeybees use to protect the hive, and it is valued in medicine for its ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
It is commonly used to treat cold sores, genital herpes, the flu, and sore throats. It may also help manage gingivitis and inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori.
How to use: Propolis is available at most pharmacies as a liquid extract for topical use or for diluting in water. It is also sold as throat sprays, tablets, and capsules.
This natural antibiotic should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to bee products or pollen.
5. Clove
Clove is a potent natural antibiotic rich in eugenol and gallic acid, which provide strong defense against various bacteria and fungi.
It is an excellent choice for treating nail fungus, athlete’s foot, canker sores, and gingivitis.
How to use: Clove can be applied topically as an essential oil or used as a tea for a therapeutic mouthwash.
6. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is a popular natural remedy due to its high concentration of terpinen-4-ol, which effectively kills fungi and bacteria.
This essential oil is typically used to treat infected minor wounds, nail fungus, or fungal skin rashes.
How to use: Mix one drop of tea tree essential oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil, like almond oil, and apply a small amount to the skin or nail.
7. Thyme
Thyme contains thymol and limonene, two compounds with significant antifungal and antibacterial properties.
It is often used to support the treatment of skin or nail infections caused by Candida albicans, as well as bacterial infections like E. coli or S. aureus.
How to use: Thyme can be consumed as a tea, used in cooking, or applied topically as an essential oil. If using the oil, it must be diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, before skin application.
8. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a great natural antimicrobial option because it is high in lauric and caprylic acids, which have strong antifungal and antiviral effects.
It is frequently used for localized skin infections, including yeast infections, athlete’s foot, and general skin fungus.
How to use: Apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil directly to the skin. It is also available in capsule form as a dietary supplement.
9. Myrrh
Myrrh is a powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial agent thanks to its high tannin content. It is effective for treating cold sores, the flu, gingivitis, and minor skin wounds.
How to use: Myrrh is typically used as a tincture or essential oil for mouth rinses or topical application. It should not be swallowed, as it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.