While antibiotics are appropriate and effective cures they are outrageously overprescribed. This is unnecessary since there are natural alternatives to treat most conditions. Many types of bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant due to the overprescription.

Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. They are completely useless against viruses, fungi, worms and parasites. Using these drugs can also cause an overgrowth of candida, yeast, and fungi. Frequent use can even depress your immune system, stimulate allergies, and damage organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Remember that if you are nursing or pregnant to always check with the practitioner of your choice first, since some herbs and supplements, although natural, can have harmful effects on the baby.

Yes, you can have allergic reactions to natural and herbal supplements!!!

If you notice any pain or swelling of the throat, hives on the body, nausea, increase in body temperature after taking a supplement, seek medical attention. Herbs

Alcohol extracted tinctures of herbs are the most potent medicinal form, they may have a sour or bitter taste that may make you opt for capsule form.

Separate preparations of herbal supplements are preferred to the "combo" ones, so you can optimize the dose and frequency of each.

Sage, Thyme, Oregano, and Parsley are herbs you can add to your food that are considered antimicrobial. Oregano is good for chest, lung, and yeast infections. For throat infections, steep one tablespoon of fresh sage in hot water for half an hour. Strain the mixture, gargle and swallow.

Here is an excellent resource page I found about Medicinal Herb Preparation Raw Garlic
Family: Amaryllidacae, Genus and Species : Allium sativum

Garlic has a long proven history as an effective antibiotic, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antifungal. It was used in WWI to prevent wound infections and by Albert Schweitzer to treat dysentery in Africa. The Russians used it in WWII when their supply of penicillin was scarce. It's active compound allicin, is as useful an agent against staph and strep as some of the heaviest hitting meds, and has even been shown to kill antibiotic-resistant strains of these bacteria. It is a broad-spectrum anibiotic and has often been called a "wonder drug". Herbalists recommend eating one clove of chopped raw garlic two to three times per day (added to food). Garlic Oil can also be taken internally. Place 20-30 drops in your ear for ear infections, three times a day. Ideally a raw clove is chewed or crushed. It can also be applied directly to the skin. Try taking deodorized garlic capsules three times per day if you are worried about garlic breath. Echinacea
Family : Compositae, Genus and Species : Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea

This is an increasingly poplular supplement that fights bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. It was one of the Native Americans most used healing herbs. It stimulates production of immune-modulating T cells and B cells. Also, it does kill a braod range of disease causing viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa. Like garlic, it is comparible to penicillin. Take one teaspoon of echinacea tincture at the onset of symptoms, and one teaspoon every two hours for the first two days, then drop to one teaspoon three times per day. You can also add two teaspoons of the dried root in one cup of water and boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Drink up to three cups per day. Do not give to children under the age of 2, and start with lower doses for those over age 65. Do not take echinacea for more than ten consecutive days or you may develop a resistance! Goldenseal
Family : Ranunculaceae, Genus and Species : Hydrastis canadensis

This antibiotic and potential immune stimulant was once collected to the point of near extinction. Studies show that berberine, the alkaliod extracted from goldenseal, blocks streptococci from colonizing in the body. It may aid in the treatment of bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections. It has been used for dysentery and cholera. Indian researchers have found berberine to be more effective against cholera than the powerful antibiotic, Chloromycetin. Take 20-30 drops or three capsules three times per day for a maximum of ten days. Also, you can boil one half to one teaspoon in one cup of water and steep ten minutes. Drink up to two cups per day. Do not take goldenseal if you are pregnant as berberine is a potential uterine stimulant!! Oregon Grape Root
Family : Berberidaceae, Genus and Species : B. aquifolium or Mahonia aquifolium

Another berberine containing herb, like goldenseal. It is very closely related to Barberry Root Bark (see below). Do not take Oregon Grape Root if you are pregnant as berberine is a potential uterine stimulant!! Barberry Root Bark
Family : Berberidaceae, Genus and Species : Berberis vulgaris

Contains berberine like goldenseal, which explains it's similar antibiotic effect. It was used by ancient Egyptians, American Indians, and India's Ayurvedic healers. It was also an ingredient in the anti-cancer Hoxsey Formula marketed in the 1950's in the U.S. It is an immune stimulant and may shrink tumors. A compress can treat pinkeye - soak a clean cloth in a barbery infusion. The herb's edible berries also make jams and jellies. Studies how it is effective against staph- and streptococci, salmonella, shigella, E. coli and Candida. It is also used to treat dysentary and cholera. Use half a teaspoon boiled in one cup of water for 20-30 minutes. Drink cool and up to one cup per day. Do not give to children under the age of 2, and start with lower doses for those over age 65. Do not take barberry root bark if you are pregnant as berberine is a potential uterine stimulant!! Wild Indigo

This herb is not as well known, however, it is an extremely powerful antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Its active ingredient, baptitoxine, detoxifies the liver and blood. Herbalists recommend its use for swollen glands, strep or sore throat, mouth sores, tonsilitis, pneumonia, meningitis, and food or blood poisoning. Take five to ten drops of the tincture every three or four hours. Diminish the dose if you feel nauseaus (probably due to detoxification/release of stored toxins into the bloodstream ready for excretion from the body) Eucalyptus
Family : Myrtaceae, Genus and Species: Eucalyptus globulus

This is the sole food source for the cute marsupial, the koala. You've probably used it before in Listerine, Vick's VapoRub, or Dristan. It is a powerful decongestant with a very sharp and distinctly recognizable odor. This is a natural antiseptic that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Russian studies show that it kills the influenza virus. It's used internally to treat tuberculosis and chronic coughs. Externally, it can be rubbed on the chest or back for respiratory infections. It can be used as an inhalant (boil a handful of the dried leaves) or an herbal bath. Use one to two teaspoons of the dried crushed leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep ten minutes. Drink up to two cups a day. You can also substitute one or two drops of the essential oil for the leaves.

Article key :  Natural Antibiotics, Antibiotics natural, Naturopath natural antibiotics, Natural antibiotics for children, 2008, 2009