It’s true, medical antibiotics perform very well when it comes to combating infections on the spot. But conventional antibiotics can become problematic if they are overused. If my patients are looking for ways to boost their immune systems or battle low-risk bacterial infections, I like to recommend natural antibiotics before bringing out the big guns.
The following natural solutions are extremely beneficial to your overall health and are gentle on your digestion.
5 Natural Antibiotics To Boost Immunity
#1. Garlic for Immune System
Garlic has been around for thousands of years, and its beneficial nature has been revered for just as long. Garlic contains antibiotic, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties that help to fight off any foreign or threatening bacteria in your system. Garlic also destroys free radicals, boosting your immune system as a result.
The powerful component that gives garlic its potent bacteria-fighting kick is known as allicin. In order to activate allcin, garlic needs to be crushed (not doing so can leave allicin dormant and less effective in our body), and then it can be enjoyed however you’d like. Studies have focused on the potency of allicin and discovered it to be particularly effective against MRSA (1).
#2. Colloidal Silver for Immune System
Colloidal silver has been used as an effective antibiotic for centuries. It was more recently discovered by Alfred Searle (founder of Searle Pharmaceuticals) that it can kill off the most deadly pathogens.
Studies are still in the works, but this substance only continues to prove its powerful combative properties, particularly against antibiotic-resistant microbes like MRSA, the bird flu, and SARS. It’s also been shown that colloidal silver has the potential to attack foreign bacteria in a way that can decrease the likelihood of antibiotic resistance (2).
#3. Oregano Oil for the Immune System
Oregano oil has a particularly notable ability to destroy harmful bacteria while leaving beneficial bacteria completely intact. It also has powerful antiviral and antifungal properties and becomes a reinforcement in your body that gives the bacteria no reason to become antibiotic-resistant.
A component known as carvacrol is mainly responsible for oregano’s effective kick. Studies have shown that this factor of oregano can prove to be just as effective – if not more so – than traditional antibiotics. When looking for good-quality oregano oil, be sure it contains at least 70% carvacrol for the best benefits (3).
Note: Oregano oil is extremely potent, and I do not recommend taking it internally. Safe ways to use it include diffusing it in the home, diluting it with a carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, etc.), and rubbing it externally on affected areas, or diluting it and using it in an oil-pulling routine (and spitting it out).
#4. Echinacea for Immune System
Echinacea has been used as a remedy for infections and infection prevention for hundreds of years, and for good reason. It has proven to be effective in aiding wound recovery, blood poisoning, and other serious conditions where the infection is a high risk.
These days, echinacea is mainly used for colds and the flu and is praised for its ability to combat some of the most dangerous bacteria out there that have been known to cause MRSA. There are studies that have shown how taking echinacea right when symptoms of sickness appear can help combat the sickness more rapidly (4).
#5. Manuka Honey for Immune System
When it comes to taste, manuka honey is definitely the most attractive natural antibiotic source. It has been known to kill off many deadly pathogens, such as MRSA and other dangerous bacteria.
Manuka honey also doesn’t give bacteria any reason to develop antibiotic resistance, which makes this an even greater natural antibiotic choice. Studies have been proving its potent remedying ability for years (5).
My Personal RX on Building Natural Immunity and Fighting Infections
Supporting your immune system goes beyond taking antibiotics when you get sick. Your body needs consistent, daily support to maintain strong defenses against harmful bacteria and viruses. A healthy gut plays a central role in immunity, as approximately 70% of your immune system resides in your digestive tract. When you strengthen your gut health and support your body with natural immune boosters, you create a powerful defense system that can fight off infections before they take hold.
Build Your Natural Medicine Cabinet: Stock your home with natural antibiotics like oregano oil, colloidal silver, echinacea tincture, raw garlic, and manuka honey. Having these remedies ready means you can address infections at the first sign of symptoms.
Start Your Day with Raw Garlic: Crush one clove of fresh garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes to activate allicin. Mix it into honey or olive oil and consume it on an empty stomach for maximum antibacterial benefits.
Support Your Gut Microbiome for Immunity: A healthy gut is your first line of defense against infection. MindBiotic combines probiotics, prebiotics, and Ashwagandha KSM 66 to optimize your gut-brain axis, providing comprehensive digestive health support while enhancing cognitive function and managing stress. These chewable supplements help maintain the beneficial bacteria that protect against harmful pathogens and support immune function.
Cook with Immune-Boosting Ingredients Daily: Make garlic, oregano, ginger, and turmeric regular additions to your meals. Mindful Meals cookbook offers 100+ doctor-approved recipes specifically designed to heal your gut and promote overall wellness. These easy-to-follow recipes and practical meal plans make it simple to incorporate natural antibiotics into delicious, everyday dishes.
Keep Manuka Honey on Hand: Use manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10+ or higher. Take one teaspoon daily during the cold season or at the first sign of illness to fight off bacteria naturally.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day: Water helps flush toxins from your system and supports all immune functions. Aim for eight to ten glasses daily, and consider adding lemon for extra vitamin C and antibacterial properties.
Get Quality Sleep Every Night: Your immune system repairs and strengthens itself during sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted rest to allow your body to fight off infections effectively.
Manage Stress with Daily Practices: Chronic stress weakens immunity and makes you more susceptible to infections. Practice meditation, deep breathing, or yoga for at least 10 minutes daily to keep stress hormones in check.
Limit Sugar and Processed Foods: Sugar feeds harmful bacteria and suppresses immune function for hours after consumption. Choose whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables to keep your immune system strong.
Exercise Regularly for Circulation: Moderate exercise improves circulation, allowing immune cells to move through your body more effectively. Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.
References
- http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/archive/mdd/v05/i04/html/04news4.html
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/silver-makes-antibiotics-thousands-of-times-more-effective/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/10/011011065609.htm
- https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/echinacea
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
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