Like most things in life there are pros and cons to antibiotics.
Antibiotics can save lives, but when used inappropriately—or overused—they can also harm them.
That’s why we need alternatives to antibiotics, for when the situation calls for a natural solution instead.
Sometimes antibiotics are necessary
Traditional antibiotics can keep an infection from achieving full-blown status or, as some experts suggest, chase the bugs into biofilms where they can’t be killed but your symptoms go away. Organisms that go into biofilm are going into submission for lack of a better word, and they’ll do that sometimes in the presence of an antibiotic.
Traditional antibiotics can cure pneumonia or life-threatening infections from the deadly “kissing bug” or hair ties. Yes, hair ties. Google Audree Kopp, she almost died from sepsis from her hair tie.
The point is, drugs are sometimes handy. But I’m not convinced of their safety for long-term or for less serious infections.
The downside of antibiotics
Antibiotics change who you are, literally. When you take one you destroy your gut flora which, believe it or not, has an actual real-world impact on your personality.
That’s part of the reason why whenever you take an antibiotic you need probiotics. Probiotics impact your mood, ability to fight cancer and infection and, of course, you digestion.
Another disadvantage of antibiotics is that you become resistant to them quickly. What will you do when they stop working? Think this through with me.
Penicillin is just penicillin. It’s easy for a germ to outsmart one ingredient. But with something natural like garlic, there are at least 35 known active constituents making it super hard for a bug to get around it and become a “superbug.” Capiche?
Bacteria outsmart drugs to become antibiotic resistant
I’m a pharmacist, trust me on this. My antibiotics are simple substances. Pathogenic organisms, on the other hand, have been around the Earth for eons, and they are much smarter. They can outsmart the drugs because unlike herbs, pharmaceuticals don’t have hundreds of biologically active constituents.
Listen mainstream researchers are never going to agree with me or other natural healers from scantily dressed “medicine” men to licensed naturopaths/chiropractors to grandmothers so don’t wait around for an FDA stamp. But to me it’s almost so obvious I can only say, “Duh?!”
Following are several herbal alternatives to antibiotics in case you need to kill something in you without killing yourself. Of course, these would only be for less serious infections and under the guidance of your doctor.
5 natural alternatives to antibiotics
Alternative to Antibiotics #1 – Brazilian Propolis:
With the help of bees, this popular tree resin packs a punch. It can be taken by mouth, or directly applied to wounds.
It may help with colds, flu or sore throats. This is an all-around immunity aid, and a brand new study found that it could help with organisms found in dental biofilms (S. mutans) which contribute to cracked teeth.
Alternatives to Antibiotics #2 – Cat’s Claw:
A strong antimicrobial and antiviral which is often used in Lyme, and sometimes HIV as an adjunctive remedy. Anyone could use it for a general infection.
It has some anti-cancer affect, and it reduces TNF alpha (an inflammatory cytokine). Useful for Crohn’s as well.
Alternative to Antibiotics #3 – Colloidal Silver:
Everyone’s favorite, this may be useful for staph in the nose. Studies have shown that topical colloidal silver solution has effective antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and tons of other organisms.
Alternative to Antibiotics #4 – Oregano:
It’s a strong anti-fungal and may be useful for Candida, as well as parasites.
Some people dilute it with a little coconut oil and apply it to the skin (not on broken skin though), where there is signs of fungal infection. The carvacrol component of wild oregano oil has activity against MRSA and C. difficile.
Alternative to Antibiotics #5 – Teasel Root:
May inhibit growth of Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme). It can extract bacteria from muscle tissue where antibiotics have a hard time penetrating.
Don’t forget to discuss all changes to your health regimen with your doctor, since I’m not one.
In addition to writing a syndicated column on health which reaches 20 million people each week, Suzy is the author of a number of books on natural health.
You may have seen Suzy on The Dr. OZ Show (6 different appearances), The View, The Doctors, Good Morning America Health and hundreds of morning shows. Quotes from Suzy, as well as her articles, have also appeared in major publications including Woman’s Day, Reader’s Digest, OK Magazine!, First for Women, Fitness, Natural Health and Better Homes & Garden and dozens more.
Read more from Suzy at suzyCohen.com
Latest posts by Suzy Cohen, RPh (see all)
- Nutrient found in squash helps fight cancer - October 21, 2016
- Have a headache? Your thyroid may be to blame - October 13, 2016
- WARNING: Painkillers can kill your ability to feel pleasure too! - October 5, 2016
