Antibiotics protect us from bacterial infections, but since the 1940s, when penicillin first came into use, bacteria have learned to resist many drug-based antibiotics. Natural antibiotics, made from whole plants, may be the key to solving this dilemma. According to herbalist Stephen Buhner, plant antibiotics have a more complex chemistry than drug antibiotics, making it more difficult for bacteria to learn resistance. Plant antibiotics are available as teas, powders, tinctures, nasal sprays and inhalants.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) contains the potent antibacterial 1,8-cineole. When ingested, eucalyptus is excreted through the lungs and urine, making it especially effective for bacterial infections in those areas. According to a 2009 report in "Current Microbiology," eucalyptus essential oil showed antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Eucalyptus tea and tincture are less potent than the oil, but still effective for a broad spectrum of bacteria. The essential oil should be used only as an inhalant.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare), also known as wild marjoram, contains some of the most potent antibacterial plant oils, including 1,8-cineole, thymol, borneol, carvacrol, eugenol and geraniol. It also contains cis-ocimene, an antistaphylococcic plant chemical. According to a report in the 2009 issue of the "Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences," the essential oil and tea infusion of oregano demonstrated antibacterial activity against 23 species of bacteria.
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a high essential oil content, including thymol, cymol and carvacrol. It is effective against E. coli, salmonella and several strains of staphylococcus bacteria. According to a 2009 report in the "Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences," an extract of thyme leaves was especially effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium found in pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the most potent natural antibacterials. According to a 2009 report in "International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition," garlic inhibited the growth of the deadly E. coli bacterium, responsible for food poisoning. Buhner notes that garlic is also effective against staphylococcus and salmonella.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is effective against food-borne bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella. According to a study in the "International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition," ginger extracts inhibited the growth of E. coli. Ginger may also have antibacterial activity against staphylococcal and streptococcal infections.
Warnings
Do not ingest essential oils unless directed by your doctor. Use them only as inhalants, as they may be toxic in certain doses.
If you have symptoms of infection, see your doctor before self-medicating with herbs.
References
- "Herbal Antibiotics"; Stephen Harrod Buhner; 1999
- "Current Microbiology"; In Vitro Synergistic Activities of Essential Oils and Surfactants in Combination with Cosmetic Preservatives Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus; Patrone V, Campana R, Vittoria E, Baffone W; November 2009.
- "Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences"; Antibacterial activity of oregano (Origanum vulgare Linn.) against gram positive bacteria; Saeed S, Tariq P; October 2009.
