There are antibiotic qualities in some plant extracts, essential oils, and even some foods. For instance, some extracts from foods and vegetables can stop germs from growing in food.Natural Antibioticse herbs in this group.

It is possible to kill germs or stop them from growing with antibiotics. Antibiotics have been used for hundreds of years, even though you might think of them as new medicines. Like many antibiotics used today, the first antibiotics came from natural sources.

Sometimes, these natural sources have benefits that go beyond food and can help you keep yourself clean. Cranberry extract can help treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) because it has compounds that kill germs and protect cells from damage.

You can also get medicines from herbs. The study looked at 58 Chinese plants and found that 23 of them were antibacterial and 15 were antifungal.

A study from 2014 discovered that a herbal treatment for a problem causing too many bacteria in the small intestine worked just as well as a chemical antibiotic.

Read on to find out about five well-known medicines that you can use at home.

Option 1: Honey

One of the oldest known medicines comes from honey, which dates back to ancient times. Egyptians often used honey as a natural way to treat infections and keep their skin healthy.

Honey may have some antibacterial qualities because it has hydrogen peroxide in it. A lot of sugar is also in it, which can help stop the growth of some germs.

Honey also has a pH level that is low. These things work to take water away from germs, which makes them dry out and die.

Put honey straight on the wound or infected area to use it as an antibiotic. The honey can kill the germs and speed up the mending process. If you can, choose Manuka honey that is still raw. The best kind of honey for your health is this kind.

You can purchase raw Manuka honey here.

You can also ingest honey to aid in the treatment of internal infections. Simply swallow a whole tablespoon or stir it into a warm cup of herbal tea for a soothing treat.

Honey is generally safe to use on the skin or in the body, though you should never give honey to an infant under 1 years old. Instead, consult your healthcare provider for an appropriate alternative.

Option 2: Garlic extract

For a long time, people have thought that garlic could kill germs. A study from 2011 found that garlic concentrate can kill germs. At your neighborhood health food store, you can buy garlic extract or concentrate. Olive oil may also help you make your own. Just soak some garlic cloves in it.

Most of the time, garlic is okay to eat, but large amounts could cause internal bleeding. A daily dose of up to two cloves is thought to be fine. If you are taking a garlic supplement, make sure you follow the advice for how much to take.

If you are taking medicine that thins your blood, talk to your doctor before using garlic as an antibiotic. Garlic in large amounts can make the effects of this medicine stronger.

You can also put garlic concentrate on a cut or spot directly.

Find a variety of garlic supplements here.

Option 3: Myrrh extract

Myrrh is well-known for its smell, but not as many people know that it can keep germs away.

A study from 2000 found that an extract of myrrh could kill a number of common germs. Among these are:

E. coli
Staphylococcus aureus
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Candida albicans

Most people can handle myrrh, but eating it might make you have diarrhea. It is possible to get a small rash if you put myrrh on your skin. If you eat a lot of myrrh, it could hurt your heart.

Since myrrh usually comes in a package, make sure to follow the dosage directions on the box.

Buy myrrh extract now.

Option 4: Thyme essential oil

Thyme essential oil is used in a lot of natural cleaners for the home. It has been shown that this oil works especially well against bacteria that are immune to antibiotics.

Researchers looked at how well lavender and thyme essential oils worked in a study from 2011. A group of more than 120 types of bugs were used to test both oils. It was found that thyme essential oil killed bacteria better than lavender essential oil.

Thyme essential oil should only be put on the skin. Thyme oil shouldn't be taken by mouth. Make sure to mix the essential oil with an equal amount of carrier oil before putting it to the area that needs help. Olive and coconut oils are common carrier oils.

If you put pure essential oil on your skin, it could become irritated and swell up.

Thyme essential oil shouldn't be used by people who have high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism.

Purchase thyme essential oil and a carrier oil now.

Option 5: Oregano essential oil

One thing that is in oregano essential oil is carvacrol. When breathed in, it has important healing qualities that speed up the body's healing process. Carvacrol, which is found in oregano oil, can help heal stomach sores and lower swelling.

To get rid of fungal skin problems, mix one drop of oregano essential oil with one teaspoon of a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Put the mixture on the place that needs it.

You can also spread oregano oil around the room to help get rid of sinus problems. Oregano essential oil should not be eaten or put on the skin without diluting it first.

You might also be able to get rid of germs in the house by making your own cleaning solution from:

• oregano essential oil
• vinegar
• water
• lemon

Buy oregano essential oil here.

Lesson Summary

There are antibiotic qualities in some plant extracts, essential oils, and even some foods. Here are five well-known medicines that you can use at home:

• Option 1: Honey

  One of the oldest known medicines comes from honey, which dates back to ancient times. Honey may have antibacterial qualities because of hydrogen peroxide and sugars that can stop germ growth. It can be applied directly to wounds or ingested to aid in the treatment of internal infections. Raw Manuka honey is recommended for health benefits.

• Option 2: Garlic extract

  Garlic has been believed to have germ-killing abilities. Garlic concentrate can be used to kill germs. Just ensure you follow dosage instructions, especially if taking supplements or medications that thin the blood.

• Option 3: Myrrh extract

  Myrrh has antibacterial properties that can kill common germs. It can be applied topically, but eating large amounts may cause side effects like diarrhea or heart issues.

• Option 4: Thyme essential oil

  Thyme essential oil is effective against bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Ensure it is only used topically and mixed with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. Do not use if you have high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism.

• Option 5: Oregano essential oil

  Oregano essential oil contains carvacrol, which has healing properties. It can be used to speed up the body's healing process. When using oregano oil, always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.