Today, antibiotics seems to be the answer to all kinds of diseases, infection, virus, etc. but on the other side, news of drug-resistant bacteria on the rise has also been alarming. Researchers attribute these to the overuse of antibiotics, breeding bacterial strains that cannot be easily controlled with the usual medications.
At a time when antibiotics were nonexistent, foods and herbs have become the all-around solution for infections, wounds, health conditions or basically anything that ails you. In fact there are natural antibiotic superfoods that have been since time immemorial because of its potency. The good news is that these superfoods are easily accessible and bacteria and viruses never get resistant to it.
Here’s a list of powerful superfoods that are natural antibiotics:
A superfood that is one of the most effective natural antibiotics is garlic. In recorded history, garlic was used for various medicinal purposes in Rome, Egypt, China, India, and Greece. Garlic not just contains antibiotic properties, but it is also valuable as a natural antiviral and antibacterial superfood. It was used to treat insect and parasitic infestations, respiratory problems, purgative problems, and more medical conditions.
What makes garlic extremely effective as an antibiotic is its compound allicin. This chemical property is released when a garlic is sliced. It gives garlic its strong aroma too. With properties similar to penicillin, allicin in garlic inhibits a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses from spreading. Aside from being a natural antibiotic, garlic also boosts the immune system. This natural penicillin is seen to activate all three types of cellular immune system, creating a formidable foe against diseases and health conditions. This is why garlic is seen as a valuable superfood for the immune system too.
With its long history as a medicinal spice, turmeric is widely used to treat a number of illnesses that range from the common colds to digestive disorders. Turmeric has also been used for its antibacterial and antiseptic Its history can be traced back to 4000 years ago, in India’s vedic culture, and from there, it has gone on to become an important medicinal food to the rest of Asia.
In modern medicine, the natural healing properties of turmeric has become invaluable in the treatment and prevention of a number of ailments. Turmeric’s composition makes for one of the most potent natural antibiotic as it destroys bacteria and prevents its propagation by boosting the body’s defense system. As a topical antibacterial agent, turmeric can be directly applied to an infection. Turmeric golden honey is an effective concoction that can be taken orally or applied topically to fight bacterial and viral infections.
Honey is an age-old cure for all kinds of ailments. In ancient Rome, honey was an all-purpose medicine, an antiseptic and antibacterial solution especially during times of war. But honey wasn’t only limited to these purposes, because in the past, in many different civilizations, honey was used as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic agent as well.
Today, honey and its all-encompassing benefits have been the subject of tons of scientific research, and studies truly show that it is a superfood with the best natural antibiotic properties. Honey fights bacteria at multiple levels so it inhibits its production and prevents bacterial resistance. In fact, one study shows that honey can inhibit over 60 species of viruses, bacteria, and fungi without any incidence of resistance. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide and polyphenols, a combination that stops bacterial growth while fighting it. In one other study as well, honey has shown to inhibit bacterial growth and spread through the osmosis effect and disrupting the communication between bacteria.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Around 400 BC, Hippocrates recommended apple cider vinegar along with honey as a medicinal concoction to treat various ailments. Topically, Hippocrates used it to clean wounds, inflammations, and ulcerations.
Apple cider vinegar has become a household name when it comes to addressing all kinds of health issues as well as promoting a general sense of well-being. Aside from all its vitamins and minerals, it has amino acids for antibiotic properties and malic acid and acetic acid for antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Apple cider vinegar’s alkaline state also attributes to its curative benefits.
Cabbage, much like the rest of the cruciferous family, contains an abundance of nutrients. However, what makes this superfood a natural antibiotic is its copious amounts of vitamin C and sulfur compounds. In a study by the RBCS Group, cabbage showed promising results in curtailing Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for causing stomach ulcers and other abdominal infections. Another great benefit of cabbage is its antimicrobial properties. This can prevent various ailments, and if fermented, its efficacy is great improved, making it more potent in fighting against viruses and bacteria.
Although modern day antibiotics have become an indispensable solution to most infections and ailments, utilizing superfoods that are natural antibiotics helps your body fight against bacterial infections without bringing about any kind of side effects. Most importantly, almost all of these natural antibiotics also boost the immune system, fighting off infections and diseases naturally. At the end of the day, natural healing is a choice!