Bacteria are fairly ubiquitous in our environment. Certain types of bacteria are present in our intestines and are necessary for proper digestion and help prevent disease. Other kinds of bacteria may often be present in our surroundings, or even on or in our bodies. For example, according to the U.S. government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are found in the noses of about a quarter to a third of the population. Other sources indicate that up to 90% of the population carry the bacteria somewhere on their bodies at one time or another.
Often we can coexist with such bacteria just fine, and they cause no problems. However, under certain conditions, such as cuts, scrapes, insect bites, ingesting contaminated food or water, promiscuous sex, unsanitary practices, or suffering from illnesses that weaken the body’s immunity, bacteria or other micro-organisms can invade the body and cause a variety of diseases, some fatal.
Many plants have antimicrobial properties, as do some elements and compounds. Among those best documented as antibiotics are those discussed below. One of the problems with synthetic antibiotics is that they often destroy the friendly bacteria in the intestines along with the bad bugs. The natural antibiotics examined below, however, generally don’t disturb the helpful flora much, if at all (any exceptions noted), and are still effective against a variety of harmful bacteria, and many of them will kill pathogenic viruses, protozoa and yeast as well.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of natural antibiotics, as there are many others not included in this article.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Covid-19 natural medicine links:
Important Clarifications Regarding Covid-19 and Natural Medicine
Covid-19: What We Know Now About Spread, Shedding Period, Symptoms, and Effects of Pollen
Virus Specific Nutraceutical and Botanical Agents
Lifestyle Practices for Strengthening Host Defense
Top 6 Strategies for Managing Stress Around Infectious Disease
In addition, take note of featured items below which have exhibited anti-viral properties, including herbs containing Berberine, olive leaf, and colloidal silver.