5 Natural Alternatives to Replace Antibiotics Right Now

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Antibiotics were designed to help our bodies to fight against harmful bacteria and fungi. However, the constant and indiscriminate use of antibiotics is accelerating their ability to adapt, developing resistance to the drugs. Here we’ll approach a few natural alternatives to the use of antibiotics that may stop antimicrobial resistance.

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Every year, approximately one million people in the U.S. alone suffer from drug-resistant infections, and 23,000 of those people die from those infections. 

The scary truth is that these numbers will only rise over time as more and more bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, which means we need natural alternatives to antibiotics to stay ahead of these deadly diseases. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural products on the market that can fight off infections as well as or better than antibiotics; here are just a few of them!

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What Are Antibiotics?

In broad terms, antibiotics are medicines used against bacteria, which cause a range of infections in animals and humans. 

Penicillin was one of the first antibiotics to be discovered; it’s named after the mouldy cantaloupe that British scientist Alexander Fleming discovered whilst on vacation. 

Since penicillin was discovered, scientists have continued research into new types of antibiotic agents that target specific bacteria. 

Some antibiotics can only be used against certain types of infections, but others can treat a wide variety of bacterial problems. 

The latter type is often called broad-spectrum or multipurpose antibiotics because they’re so versatile.

Bacteria vs Antibiotics

Doctors have been using antibiotics for more than 60 years, treating bacterial infections from urinary tract infections to pneumonia. 

Whilst these drugs are an important part of modern medicine, we’re now faced with a troubling reality: Bacteria are becoming resistant. 

Some of them can’t be treated with our most powerful antibiotics. The use of antibiotics is also tied to many other problems: Drug-resistant bacteria that threaten public health and costly hospital stays due to needless side effects. 

To protect people’s health and curb rising healthcare costs, we need safe alternatives—and fast. 

The good news is that we can fight back against drug-resistant bacteria while protecting good bacteria simultaneously.

How About Natural Alternatives?

As you probably know, antibiotics have an important role in modern medicine. However, they come with several serious side effects and can lead to additional health problems over time. 

According to a study conducted by The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50% of Americans consume at least one antibiotic every year. 

If you add in other drugs that kill bacteria, such as antifungals and antivirals, then nearly 80% of people take these drugs each year. 

These high rates of antibiotic use are unsustainable for many reasons; chief among them is that we are running out of new antibiotics. And when we run out of antibiotics, what will happen? 

Without effective treatments for bacterial infections, deadly diseases like tuberculosis could make a comeback. 

So, what’s the alternative? That’s where natural alternatives come into play. Natural alternatives include plant-based medicines strong enough to fight off common infections without causing any harm or side effects.

And there are many more natural alternatives available today than ever before – everything from herbal remedies to essential oils. 

Many of these products contain potent antibacterial properties that rival those found in pharmaceuticals. 

They’re also completely safe and don’t require a prescription. Of course, if you do need a prescription drug, it’s always best to talk with your doctor first. 

But if your doctor recommends an antibiotic or another drug that kills bacteria, ask about natural alternatives instead: you might be surprised how easy it is to find something better for your body!

Natural Remedies You Can Use Instead of Antibiotics

Used for thousands of years in various cultures, recent research shows that some herbs can be used as natural antibiotics. Research has also shown that people are turning away from antibiotics in favour of natural, alternative remedies. 

This can be good news for your health and your wallet. In fact, on average, you’ll pay up to $50 for a single antibiotic prescription. 

That might not seem like much, but if you need multiple prescriptions or take medication regularly it can add up quickly.

Here are some natural remedies that could replace prescription antibiotics:

Chiretta or Saracurana – commonly found in India and Asia and sometimes prescribed in Indian medicine for respiratory illnesses. 

A new study from China finds that chiretta extract is highly effective against multi-drug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumonia, which can cause pneumonia and sepsis. 

Researchers found that three types of Chiretta extract reduced bacterial growth by a whopping 99 per cent after just 24 hours!

Feverfew – Feverfew is a herb that is often used as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat migraine headaches. 

Studies have shown that feverfew can also fight off bacterial infections as well as reduce inflammation, both of which have been linked to disease prevention. 

There are no known side effects when taking feverfew—but you should consult with your doctor before using any herbal remedy. As always, check with your doctor before trying any new treatments.

Echinacea – This immune-boosting herb has been shown in studies to reduce cold and flu symptoms and shorten their duration when taken at regular intervals over time. 

It’s particularly effective against upper respiratory infections, but also has antibiotic properties. 

Be sure not to take it in conjunction with other antibiotic treatments as it could weaken their effects or cause harmful interactions. 

Ginger – Ginger isn’t technically an antibiotic, but it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps boost circulation. 

Studies show that ginger extract can kill some strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E. coli. 

You can find ginger supplements at most health food stores, or make your own by chopping up the fresh ginger root into small pieces (about 1/4 inch) and boiling them in water for 15 minutes before straining out the pieces. Drink 2 cups daily to keep sickness away.

Garlic – Not only does garlic smell good on its own, but it’s also great for warding off germs and is effective against a wide spectrum of bacteria, fungi and viruses due to the presence of some bioactive compounds. Garlic is best consumed raw, but cooked, powdered and encapsulated versions are also effective.

Final Thoughts

Of course, you can’t stop taking antibiotics overnight. But there are plenty of natural alternatives you can use to help fight infection whilst your body works out any drug residue. The main focus must be to build a stronger immune system, and part of that includes not making harmful bacteria stronger than they are.

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