9 Natural Antibiotics: Uses, Evidence, Effectiveness - Verywell Health

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. You might need them if you have strep throat or a urinary tract infection (UTI). But they don't work against viruses like the common cold and flu. And some bacterial infections, such as sinus or ear infections, may clear up without antibiotics. Antibiotic use is common in modern medicine, but some people have been using antibiotics from natural sources for centuries.

This article discusses natural antibiotics, their potential uses, and when seeing a medical professional is necessary.

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9 Best Natural Antibiotics

Researchers are still trying to understand how to use natural antibiotics more effectively, but some natural sources are promising.

Honey

Medical honey fights infection, helps form a protective barrier, and moistens wounds. There are many factors involved in the antibacterial properties of honey. One factor is the natural production of hydrogen peroxide. However, Manuka honey (non-peroxide honey) also has significant antibacterial effects.

In a medical setting, honey can be used to treat:

• Postsurgical wounds
• Skin diseases, ulcers, burns, and necrosis
• Eye diseases
• Oral mucosa (mucous membranes in the mouth) problems

There's no consensus on what types and concentrations of honey will likely be effective for a particular kind of wound or infection. And there are many ways for honey to become contaminated.

Use caution with honey: Children under 12 months should never be given honey due to the risk of botulism. Consult a healthcare provider before applying honey from a jar to a wound.

Garlic

People have been using garlic for bacterial infections for centuries. Studies show garlic and its derivatives effectively fight Salmonella, Eshcerichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus. (S. aureus), which causes many infections. And research suggests garlic may help treat certain bacterial ear infections.

Several compounds in garlic have antibacterial properties, including allicin, ajoene, and allyl sulfide. Researchers have studied garlic in various forms, including powders, pastes, oils, and extracts. It's clear that garlic has antibiotic properties and is generally safe.

However, researchers have not settled on dosing or the best way to administer garlic as an antibiotic substitute. You can buy garlic extracts or allicin supplements over the counter. Garlic supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with some medications. Consider speaking with a healthcare provider about whether this is a good option.

Ginger

In addition to other health benefits, several compounds in ginger provide a broad antimicrobial spectrum that protects against various microorganisms. Ginger may also help protect against bacteria that cause periodontal diseases, E. coli, and staph infections.

You can buy ginger extracts, tinctures, oils, and oral capsules. You can also get ginger in food and drinks such as tea, juices, candies, and lozenges. Don't give ginger to children under age 2. Adults should cap ginger at 4 grams (g) daily or 1 g if pregnant.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a perennial herb flowering plant. Echinacea extracts have antibacterial properties. It has long been used to treat wounds and infections such as UTIs. Research suggests it may also be effective against respiratory bacteria.

You can get echinacea in many forms, including ointments, which you can apply as needed. It's also available in extracts, tinctures, tablets, and capsules, generally taken three times a day for no more than 10 days.

Myrrh 

Antibiotic compounds in myrrh may help protect against some respiratory infections and gingivitis. One study suggests that myrrh might effectively treat trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection) that doesn't respond to other treatments. It may also help fight the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

Unlike most antibiotics, myrrh can kill nongrowing bacteria. It also doesn't cause antibiotic resistance. More research is needed, and there are no clear guidelines on dosing and administration.

Thyme

Thyme may offer protection against bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas putida, S. aureus, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Thyme may have therapeutic applications, but more research is needed to determine best practices. There are no dosage guidelines for thyme or thyme supplements as an antibiotic. But thyme is a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

Goldenseal

The bioactive compounds in the herb goldenseal have antibacterial properties. Some people use goldenseal to treat digestive disorders and skin diseases. Research suggests that goldenseal may help treat UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder's walls.

Research on the health benefits and risks of goldenseal in humans is limited. It's available as a dietary supplement, but scientific evidence doesn't support using goldenseal for any health-related purpose.

Oregano

Research suggests that oregano oil has an antibiotic effect, likely due to a compound called carvacrol. One study indicates that oregano oil may be effective against Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria that leads to dental cavities.

You can add fresh or dried oregano to foods. It's also available as a dietary supplement or essential oils. Scientific evidence for specific types of oregano or how to use oregano's antibiotic properties is lacking.

Cloves

In clove essential oil, a compound called eugenol acts as an antibacterial. Research shows that eugenol is effective against S. aureus and E. coli. Antibiotic substitutes may use cloves in the future, but more vigorous human studies are needed. There's not enough information on how to use cloves for antibacterial purposes.

Risks of Natural Antibiotics

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve herbs or other dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. These products are not authorized to treat or prevent disease.

Even natural products can be harmful, especially when taken at high doses, when taken for too long, or in people with certain underlying health conditions. They can produce side effects and interfere with other supplements or medications. Read labels carefully and discuss dietary supplements with a healthcare provider.

When to Use Prescribed Antibiotics

You can treat minor skin injuries with over-the-counter topical antibiotics such as Neosporin or Mycitracin (neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin).

You typically need a prescription for antibiotics in treating serious conditions such as pneumonia or sepsis. A healthcare provider might prescribe antibiotics for other bacterial infections, especially if you're at particularly high risk due to a serious health condition, after surgery, or during chemotherapy.

Prescription antibiotics aren't always necessary, and overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance (when bacteria no longer respond to antibiotics). On the other hand, natural antibiotics are not a substitute for prescription antibiotics.

A provider can assess the situation and determine whether you need a prescription antibiotic and which is most likely effective. If so, it's important to take them exactly as instructed.

Summary

Many plants have natural antibiotic properties. These foods also have other health benefits, including helping to prevent disease and infection. They're a good addition to a healthy eating plan. Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. They don't fight viruses or other illnesses. And not every bacterial infection requires antibiotics.

Natural antibiotics may be helpful for minor bacterial infections, but they're not a substitute for prescription medicine. If you have a bacterial infection, seeing a healthcare provider for diagnosis is a good idea. They can determine whether you need antibiotics or other treatment.

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