Foods & Herbs with Natural Antibiotic Properties

In herbology, antibiotic-like foods are called astringent,

meaning they are natural blood cleansers. The word anti (against) and biotic (life) refers to a list of pharmaceutical antimicrobials designed to kill harmful bacteria in your body. The problem is these synthetic forms of antibiotics kill off both your good and your bad bacteria leaving your body depleted of living microflora that supports your healthy immune function.

Including foods and herbs that contain antibiotic properties

in your diet can support your immune system and help to defend you from certain infectious bacteria, such as Lymes spirochete and Candida Albicans, an overgrowth of yeast. With an increased resistance to pharmaceutical antibiotics in many of us today ( due to overuse), it is wise for you to eat foods that work in your defense on a daily basis.

This is not to imply that you should not take antibiotics when your doctor thinks it necessary. However, knowing how to use certain foods as medicine can help you to cut down on over-using synthetic antibiotics for your minor health conditions. Naturally, consult your doctor first.

Onions and Garlic

Close relatives, onions and garlic  both contain antibacterial properties. Both foods have been used to treat everything from your minor illness to major disease and inflammation, both internally and externally. The sulfur compounds in onions and garlic are the key elements for use as an

antibiotic. In one study, garlic was tested on mice against an antibiotic-resistant strain of Staphylococci. The results showed that garlic had protected the mice against the pathogen and significantly reduced any inflammation. Both have been used to help fight off your residual effects of colds and flu, while garlic’s antifungal properties help prevent yeast infections and combat viral conditions, onion’s high phytonutrient content are known to “mop up” your free radicals that can lead to cancer in your body.

Honey

Honey was used as an antibacterial treatment long before synthetic

antibiotics were developed, in cultures all over our world, for wounds and illness. Honey contains an enzyme, antimicrobial in nature, which releases hydrogen peroxide and prohibits the growth of certain bacteria. In Chinese medicine honey is thought to harmonize your liver, neutralize toxins and relieve your pain. Its antibacterial properties are also effective in the treatment of the bacterium Heliobacter pylori or stomach ulcer.

Cabbage

A member of the cruciferous vegetable family, along with broccoli, kale,

cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, cabbage has long been recognized for its healing powers. One reason is the cancer fighting sulfur compounds.

Another is that fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C are considered a natural antibiotic and a one-cup serving of cabbage provides about 75% of your daily adult allowance.

Cabbage juice is highly recommended in your treatment of stomach ulcers. You can drink half a cup of fresh cabbage juice 2-3 times a day, between meals for two weeks. Add half a teaspoon of raw, unfiltered honey and sip slowly, even chewing a bit to get your enzymes going.

Topically, raw cabbage leaves can be applied to your tender breasts to relieve inflammation from mastitis, fibro cysts and your menstrual breast tenderness.

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I find this is great information for all of us, and it’s only the tip of the iceberg as there are many other foods and herbs we need to be aware of with wonderful healing properties.

One that deserves a mention is cinnamon as it goes great with honey. They are both rich in sulfur and as a result helps heal many things. I eat honey and cinnamon every morning as it gives me energy. I find it works even better than my morning coffee!  Do you use any of these foods to help you heal? Or do you just enjoy eating them? If so, that’s great!

I certainly hope I’ve given you something to think about… Enjoy your day!