Sunday, September 14, 2014

Top 3 Natural Antibiotics




Did you know that pediatricians write more than 10 million unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions —for conditions such as the flu and asthma—each year? A recent Fox News article stated that these bacteria –free ailments do not respond to medications.

Moreover, the mistreatment of antibiotics influences drug resistance.  In effect, these same prescribed medications may not be helpful in the future when a child or adult really needs them.

Some healthcare experts feel that taking prescribed antibiotics may lower your body’s defenses to combating bacterial infections. As a matter of fact, every time you take an antibiotic; key “good” bacteria are destroyed.

Deduction: This can leave your body unprotected and “bad” germs can rapidly multiply. Not good!  Even a ‘fast facts’ article posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quoted that antibiotic resistance has been named one of the world’s most pressing public health problems.

And furthermore, misuse of antibiotics threatens the efficiency of prescribed drugs. The greatest way to control resistance is to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. 


Natural Antibiotics 


Many healthcare professionals believe that natural antibiotics are a whole lot healthier than prescription. Natural antibiotics may offer the same benefits of many synthetic drugs but without various side effects or toxic ingredients. In truth, the chief ingredients are plant and minerals compounds.

Echinacea

This amazing plant has been utilized over the centuries for viruses, infections and bacteria. Echinacea has also been used to treat influenza, the common cold, chronic fatigue and even AIDS. 

What is more, many studies show that Echinacea does not generally cause side effects. One of the many systematic researches done was by Dr. Alyson L. Huntley, Joanna Thompson Coon and Edzard Ernst (2005).

Their research deducted that the side effects of Echinacea are rare, mild and reversible.  In their studies they found that the most common systems were skin related and gastrointestinal.

Echinacea contains 9 species typically called coneflower. Each variety contains different chemical compositions.  It is important that you choose an Echinacea species that has medicinal properties.

The three chief species for medicinal purposes are Echinacea augustifolia (Narrow-Leafed Purple Coneflower), Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) and Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower).

The most powerful way to take Echinacea is via tincture. You would have to drink quite a lot of tea to get the same effect in a few drop of tincture.  As well, Echinacea is primarily used as a preventative and not a cure.






Pau D’Arco


Taheebo or Pau D’Arco has been utilized for centuries by the native tribes of South America and Incas. It has been used as a decoction or poultice for treatment of skin cancers, psoriasis, eczema and fungal infections. It was also used Taheebo to help build the immune system and to treat many terminal illnesses.   

The medicinal properties come from the inner bark of the Red Lapacho tree. This exceptional tree is grown in particular regions of South America where there is high oxygen content and no pollutants such as pesticides and carbon emissions. For more information on the health benefits, side effects and dosing of Pau D’Arco see overview post by WebMD.

Organic Pau D'arco Tea Bags (Taheebo Tea)


Garlic

Garlic is known to be an effective natural antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal. It is typically used as a preventative for innumerable virus and bacteria related illnesses. Garlic is also said to help staph and strep infections plus accelerate recovery.

Garlic needs to be eaten raw in order for it to be effective.  It only takes a few cloves of garlic a day to help reap the rewards. Garlic can be added to a green smoothie or in a large variety of meals such as:


 

·    Traditional Pesto
·    Pasta with Wild Mushrooms, Garlic& Thyme
·    Vegan Roasted Garlic, Potato& Mushroom Soup
·    Arugula Salad with Avocado & Garlic Vinaigrette

For more in-depth information on natural antibiotics see 5 Best Natural Antibiotics

 

 

Disclaimer


Under all circumstances, consult a qualified healthcare specialist before using any treatment even with natural antibiotics. This includes natural remedies and herbal teas or supplements. Additionally, the information in this article is not intended as medical advice; it is for educational purposes only.
 


Picture credit 

 

Elixir poster: Davide Solurghi Photography via photopin cc

Echinacea flower: aussiegall via photopin cc

Garlic bulb: The hills are alive* via photopin cc

 

 


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