The term antibiotic refers to natural and synthetic compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria. Invention of these antibiotics was a revolutionary turn around in the medical field. First antibiotic was invented back in 1927 by Alexander Fleming, named Penicillin. After that many of its derivatives were invented and along with many other classes of it. Because of its growing importance, its use also became widespread; and soon the use was replaced by abuse.
What actually are Antibiotics ??
Antibiotics are those wonder drugs which keeps control over the broad spectrum of infections caused mainly by Bacteria. Antibiotics are drugs that kills bacteria or slows down its growth. Penicillin, the first natural antibiotic, was produced by a fungus. Production started in 1939, and now it is made by chemical synthesis.
Over the last two decades, indiscriminate use of antibiotics has reached on its pinnacle. The main culprit we can consider is its Over the Counter and long term use without considering its group, its pharmacokinetics and effect on the target pathogen. The result being so predictable: DRUG RESISTANCE
What actually is Antibiotic Resistance ?
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a target pathogen to withstand the action of an antibiotic. This type of resistance occurs when microbes survive exposure to antimicrobial agents because of genetic changes in the microbes. Viruses, fungi and parasites can become resistant but the greatest problems have occurred with bacteria.
The World Health Organization states that antibiotic resistance is "a growing public health threat of broad concern... [that] threatens the achievements of modern medicine." Bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics are considered multidrug resistant (MDR) or super-bugs.
Long before when these pharmaceutical antibiotics were not developed, there were foods and herbs that helped us guard against infection and disease. Most of these "natural antibiotics" are still in use today around the globe. And the best part is; they are available straight in your kitchen.
Prevention is better than cure: Rightly said..
Everyone knows about the above lines but hardly anyone understands it. So how can you prevent these "antibiotics abuse" and its adverse effect on your health ? Simple...
1. Use antibiotics rationally.
2. Never use them without consulting a physician.
Here comes the 3rd and my favorite way to combat Antibiotic resistance:
3. Use natural antibiotics.. Ya, you heard it right. NATURAL ANTIBIOTICS.
Natural antibiotics have been protecting us from minor to major infections up to an extent from around 7 centuries till date. Biggest advantage is that it doesn’t develop any sort of resistance from any bacteria. It is effective against pathogens today the same way it used to be centuries back. So instead of waiting that Multi Drug Resistance hits us too, why not supplement these Natural antibiotics in our diet and build up our own immune system so strong that no infection can harm it.
Here, I present to you the most potent and widely used natural antibiotics:
1 Garlic:
Garlic possesses two important compounds: Allicin and Allinase. Former is sulphur rich amino acid while later is protein based enzyme. Allicin is a volatile compound having properties very much identical to Penicillin, Streptomycin and Erythromycin.
Garlic possesses following properties:
· Antibiotic
· Anti-inflammatory
· Anti-viral
· Anti-parasitic
· Anti-fungal
· Antioxidant
Not only that, it has been used internally and externally to treat mild illness to serious diseases. It minimizes the effect of wide range of ailments ranging from inflammation to colds to serious infections.
2) Honey:
Definitely the best antibiotic known due to its high palatability.
Definitely the best antibiotic known due to its high palatability.
Ancient Ayurveda Surgeon Sushrut denotes honey as the best to treat and heal wounds. He used honey for painting and drapping as a pre-operative procedure owing to the anti-infective and anti-biotic property of honey.
Ancient Romans used honey on the battlefield to treat wounds and prevent infection.
Many other civilizations continue to consider honey as one of the best natural antibiotics, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and antiseptics known to man from thousands of years.
Manuka honey has been proven to have been the best. An enzyme found in honey releases hydrogen peroxide. This process helps your body fight infection and prevents the growth of bacteria. Honey maintains the moisture around the wound and its high viscosity doesn't allow the infection to spread.
As an age old remedy, you can combine honey and fine cinnamon powder and consume it in quantity of 1/2 tbsp twice a day to boost your white blood cells. (cells responsible for good immune system)
NOTE: I personally recommend the use of raw and organic honey as the pasteurization methods kills most of the beneficial effects.
3) Colloidal Silver
4) Oregano Oil:
· Anti-biotic
· Anti-viral
· Anti-fungal
· Anti-parasitic
· Anti-microbial
· Anti Inflammatory
One of the biggest drawbacks of the conventional antibiotics is that they destroy good as well as bad bacteria. That's why Oregano oil is recommended; it destroys only bad bacteria leaving behind the good ones.
5) Raw Apple cidar vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Apple cider vinegar contains high levels of potassium, calcium, pectin, acetic acid, and many other nutrients and minerals that can do wonderful things for the body. In addition, ACV is known to be beneficial in Weight loss, arthritis, high cholesterol, dermatological disorders, sinusitis. It is also known to have antiseptic property. ACV is excellent detoxifier for the body and also it can be used as as astringent topically.
6) Turmeric:
Turmeric has been used for its medicinal properties way back since 5000 years. Today scientific research is increasingly recognizing the truly remarkable healing properties of this ancient spice.
Turmeric essential oil is a powerful topical antibiotic that helps prevent infections and sepsis in wounds. Acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions also benefit from turmeric spice.
In addition to disinfecting and preventing infection, turmeric also helps to stop pain and swelling while promoting the healing of damaged skin tissue. It has also been traditionally used in India for cosmetic purposes, for clearing up blemishes as well as giving a natural glow and radiance to the skin.
To sum up, turmeric has following properties:
· Anti-biotic
· Anti-inflammatory
· Anti-allergic
· Anti-septic
· Hepato-protective
· Anti-carcinogen
· Anti-oxidant
Thus modern day conventional antibiotics are vulnerable to multi-drug resistance these days. It goes without saying that it bears its corresponding side-effects too. Also being synthetic in nature, harms our body in one or other way when used over the counter.
Contrary to these drawbacks, natural antibiotics are purely free from side effects; provided they are taken rationally. There are also very low evidences of any sort of resistance. Being a natural product, it doesn't gives load on our kidney or liver. So we have got every reason to avoid the use of synthetic conventional antibiotics as far as possible and switch to gift of mother nature called natural anti-biotics to boost up our immune system.
Thats all for this post. Have an antibiotic free life...
Contrary to these drawbacks, natural antibiotics are purely free from side effects; provided they are taken rationally. There are also very low evidences of any sort of resistance. Being a natural product, it doesn't gives load on our kidney or liver. So we have got every reason to avoid the use of synthetic conventional antibiotics as far as possible and switch to gift of mother nature called natural anti-biotics to boost up our immune system.
Thats all for this post. Have an antibiotic free life...
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