Can you recall the last time you took antibiotics? You might have also felt a slew of side-effects like constant fatigue and digestive problems.

Granted, pharmaceutical antibiotics will destroy most kinds of bacteria, but the price you have to pay makes it completely not worth it – at least in my eyes. Pharmaceutical antibiotics kill all types of bacteria in the body – including the good ones in your gut.

When our gut gets attacked by antibiotics, we compromise our immunity big time. Our healthy gut microflora is actually how our immune system stays strong, and when antibiotics kill these bacteria, we become more prone to sickness and ill health. Not to mention, super-bugs have developed resistance to most antibacterials, making them practically useless in this day in age.

These facts alone have prompted people to turn to natural remedies that not only fight off infection but heal the body too. Not to mention, natural antibiotics have been used for thousands of years, and have been tried and true for centuries.

14 Most Powerful Natural Antibiotics

Here are a few of the best time-tested antibiotics nature has to offer!

1. Garlic

Garlic contains an incredibly potent compound called allicin, which has been shown in studies to kill the super-bacteria MRSA (1). Garlic is also cancer-preventing, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic (2). Eating one clove of raw garlic 3 times a day should be enough to ward off bacteria and viruses.

2. Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver has been extensively studied in its ability to control antibiotic-resistant superbugs, such as in one study, where over 650 different disease-causing pathogens were destroyed in minutes after being exposed to a small drop of colloidal silver (3). Take 1-2 tsp. of colloidal silver per day, and hold it under the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing.

3. Ginger

Ginger has not surprisingly been found to be more effective against staph infections than antibiotics (without adverse side effects) (4). As an antibiotic, ginger out-performs commercial chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and tetracycline against pathogenic bacteria (5). I aim to eat at least a tablespoon of ginger every day!

4. Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf is an incredible antioxidant and can help metabolize blood sugar and moderate LDL cholesterol. It is great for ridding the body of candida and parasites and can inhibit and kill harmful bacteria and viruses (6). I currently take two olive leaf capsules daily.

5. Turmeric

One of the most thoroughly researched plants in existence, turmeric has been proven to be as effective as 14 different drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, sulindac, phenylbutazone, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, dexamethasone, celecoxib, and tamoxifen (7). It is especially great for reducing inflammation in the body, which is a major contributor to most chronic diseases we see today. Try to get in at least a tablespoon of turmeric every day!

6. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is one of the world’s greatest sources of the powerful phenol component thymol. It has been recently found to be significantly better than all of the 18 currently used antibiotics in the treatment of MRSA staph infections (8). When you buy oregano oil, make sure the oil is derived from the proper potent oregano plant, and that the carvacrol concentration is at least 70%. Adults can take up to 8 drops mixed in a glass of water, 3 times per day.

7. Echinacea

Echinacea is one of the most well-known herbs native to Eastern and Central North America. It is great for treating infections such as the cold and flu and other upper respiratory infections. The herb can be used against urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, herpes, HIV/AIDS, HPV, tonsillitis, streptococcus infections, syphilis, typhoid, malaria, ear infections, warts and nose and throat infections (9). Do not take this herb for more than 2 weeks, otherwise, you may weaken your immune system.

8. Goldenseal

One of my favourites for fighting off a cold, goldenseal is an incredibly potent antibiotic. It contains the active component, berberine, which literally prevents bacteria from “sticking” to our cell walls. Goldenseal can be taken by mouth 3 times daily when trying to fight off infection – but don’t take for more than 2 weeks at a time.

9. Raw Honey

The best raw honey to consume is manuka honey, hands-down. It works so well that it even comes in a “medical grade” for hospitals to be used for burn and wound treatment. It’s also used to kill Staphylococcus aureus and Heliobacter pylori (the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers (10)). Honey can be eaten normally, and a couple of teaspoons a day should suffice.

10. Onion

Onions are garlic’s cousin with many of the same phytochemical properties. It is best when eaten raw, and has been shown to be effective against various strains of pathogenic bacteria (11). It can help reduce fever, relieve nausea, clear ear infections and relieve respiratory ailments. Include some onion in your salad, sandwich, or other meal so that you can protect yourself and your body.

11. Pau D’Arco

Pau D’Arco contains two active chemicals called lapachol and beta-lapachone (otherwise known as naphthoquinones). These chemicals have the power to kill bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. They also have shown anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with individuals dealing with osteoarthritis (12). Steep one tablespoon of Pau D’Arco bark in 2 cups of water and drink while warm.

12. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is highly antibacterial and has been comparable to proven topical antibacterials for a wide range of gram-negative organisms and gram-positive organisms (13). It is also a great remedy against yeast and fungus and can help rid the body of mold and parasites, too. A few drops in a glass of water is more than enough each day.

13. Horseradish

This spicy root is used to clear sinuses, increase circulation and expel mucus from the upper respiratory tract. It is typically used against colds, influenza and lung congestion. You don’t need a lot of this root to feel the effects – a quarter teaspoon mixed with a tablespoon of honey will have to expelling mucus in no time.

14. Myrrh

Used since time immemorial, myrrh has been traditionally used to treat indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, lung congestion, arthritis pain, cancer, leprosy, spasms and syphilis (14). It is most commonly recommended for bacterial oral infections (such as mouth sores), bronchitis and sore throat. It shouldn’t be taken for longer than 2 weeks at a time.