12 Natural Antibiotics That Our Ancestors Used Instead Of Pills

Antibiotics are commonly regarded as the most over-prescribed of all medicines. Having been massively
overused as a short-term fix, we now have a huge global problem: Antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Drug-resistant, difficult-to-treat bacterial infections such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus) and
Clostridium difficult have become very resistant to the strongest of antibiotics. This makes sense if you consider it:
Attacking the bacteria with isolated molecular components literally forces the bacteria to evolve due to their
incredibly rapid process of natural selection.

The world of medicine has been forced to revisit the use of older antimicrobials that had previously been
discarded. Here are some of the many things used as antibiotics in ancient times and the science that shows
that the ancients may have known much more about medicine than we give them credit for
1: Oregano Oil
Oregano has been regarded as beneficial against bacterial infections since very old days. Oregano oils and
extracts have seen a massive resurgence in use in modern times as natural cold remedies (oregano extract) and
lab research has indicated they are powerfully active against food-borne stomach illness bacteria, including the
dreaded E. Coli. [1]
Oregano leaves and extracts have been shown by scientists to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial
properties against airway infections, proven in an in-vivo study published in 2014. [2]
2: Apple cider vinegar
Acetic acid or vinegar, specifally apple cider vinegar, is a popular natural household cleansing agent because of it
antibacterial properties. However, it can also be used raw and unfiltered as a skin cleansing agent or a natural
antibiotic for the common cold when mixed in with warm water. [3]
3: Honey

Honey is one of the oldest known remedies to fight infection. In a recent study, manuka honey was proven to be
effective in fighting biofilm bacteria, or strains are known to be resistant to most antibiotics. If you have a cold or
cough, try mixing a little bit of honey in warm water and drink it two to three times a day. [4]
4: Turmeric
Staphylococcus aureus and E.coli are two of the most common infection-causing bacteria in humans, and are two
of the most difficult strains to cure. Turmeric paste was used in a very recent 2015 study that revealed how it was
able to inhibit the growth of both strains. [5]
5: Garlic
Not only is garlic widely regarded as good for the heart and your cholesterol, it is also thought to be effective as
an antibiotic against food poisoning bacteria. In the lab, garlic oil has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of
Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Bacillus subtilis. [6]
6: Grapefruit seed extract
The antibacterial properties of grapefruit seed extract have been studied over the years, discovering how it is able
to fight the growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is an effective topical antibiotic, which can
be used for mild skin abrasions and irritations. [7]
7: Echinacea
In traditional medicine, the Echinacea plant has been used in North America for the management of a variety of
infections and wounds. Studies have proven the plants anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties
which can fight a variety of infections. [8]
8: Essential Oils
Numerous essential oils have been found to have potent antibacterial qualities. These have been known about
since ancient times: Plague doctors used to wear masks filled with certain herbs as the aromas from these
herbs were thought to prevent the plague from being breathed in by the physician.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil and Tea Tree Essential Oil have been found active against MRSA infections. [9][10]
9: Extra virgin coconut oil
A popular beauty regimen is the use of coconut oil to moisturize the skin and prevent acne. But this is backed by
science as well! Coconut oil has been found active in vitro against bacterial strains of clostridium and
staphylococcus. [11][12] There may even be some antibacterial support for those oil pulling with coconut oil.
10: Fermented food
Fermented food like vegetables and dairy are rich in probiotics, healthy bacteria that improve our digestive and
immune systems. Regular intake of probiotic-rich food and drink has been suggested to prevent infectious
diarrhea and upper airway infections. [13][14]
11: Silver
Silver has been known for its antibiotic properties since ancient times. Hippocrates first described its antimicrobial
properties in 400 BC. In ancient days, people used to put silver coins in jars of water in the belief in its ability to
sterilize them and its thought that one of the reasons people used silver cutlery was that it may have assisted
with prevention of food-borne bacteria.
While these uses may not be considered proven, the use of silver as an antibiotic is not just an old folk remedy:
Did you know that modern bandages and wound treatments are impregnated with silver particles in order to assist
prevention of infection? Its done on a massive scale: In 2006, the UKs National Health Services spent about 25
million pounds on silver-containing dressings. This represents about 14% of the total dressings used and about
25% of the overall wound dressing costs. [15] Silver compounds are also used in external preparations as
antiseptics.
Silver and most silver compounds have been found toxic to bacteria, algae, and fungi in vitro. This is not fringe

science: The prestigious journal Nature recently reported that silver could help to deal with the thoroughly
modern scourge of antibiotic resistance. Silver ions have been found to have a dual mode of action against
bacterial cells: It makes the cell membrane more permeable, and it interferes with the cells metabolism. [16]
Colloidal silver has been found to have potent antimicrobial effects on Staphyloccocus aureus [17] and Proteus
bacteria which can cause rheumatoid arthritis. [18]
Note that silver accumulates in the body and taking it internally can potentially lead to argyria, a condition that
turns the bodys tissue grey-blue. [16] However, its important to realize that this only occurs in people who ingest
or inhale silver in large quantities over a long period.
Silver has been found to potentiate the activity of a broad range of antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria in
different metabolic states, as well as to restore antibiotic susceptibility to resistant bacterial strains. [19]
12: Cabbage
Did you know that this vegetable was once called doctor of the poor? Used by sailors to prevent scurvy, it was
also used as an ancient remedy for tuberculosis. Cabbage leaves have also long been used as a poultices to
treat infected wounds. [20]
Numerous modern studies have found antibacterial effects from cabbage. Note that raw cabbage is suggested as
cooking may diminish these effects. Shredded raw cabbage makes a great salad ingredient.
Note that cabbage should be avoided by those who have an overactive thyroid gland.
Further Reading:
For a deeper discussion of this fascinating topic and lists of even more antibiotic herbs, check out this top five-star
rated book on Amazon:
References:
[1] Antibacterial activity of oregano essential oil (Origanum heracleoticum L.) against clinical strains of Escherichia
coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa] (2012) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23484421
[2] Grondona, E., et. al. (2014). Bio-efficacy of the essential oil of oregano (Origanum vulgare Lamiaceae. Ssp.
Hirtum). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25266989
[3] Bragg, P. (2003). Apple Cider Vinegar Health Care System. https://books.google.com.ph/books?
isbn=0877905010
[4] Hammond, E., Donkor, E., & Brown, C. (2014). Biofilm formation of Clostridium difficile and susceptibility to
Manuka honey. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25181951
[5] Afrose, R., et. al. (2015). Antibacterial Effect of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Against Staphylococcus aureus and
Escherichia coli. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26329948
[6] Guo, Y. (2014). Experimental study on the optimization of extraction process of garlic oil and its antibacterial
effects. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25435627
[7] Reagor, L., et. al. (2002). The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: I.
An in vitro agar assay. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/10755530260128014
[8] Hudson, J. (2012). Applications of the phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in infectious
diseases. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22131823
[9] Topical application of a new formulation of eucalyptus oil phytochemical clears methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus infection. (American Journal of Infection Control, 2001)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11584265
[10] Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice (p.489) https://books.google.com/books?
id=lod3hBf4U7IC&pg=PA489
[11] Shilling, M., et. al. (2013). Antimicrobial effects of virgin coconut oil and its medium-chain fatty acids on
Clostridium difficile. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24328700
[12] Tangwatcharin, P.& Khopaibool, P. (2012). Activity of virgin coconut oil, lauric acid or monolaurin in
combination with lactic acid against Staphylococcus aureus. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23077821
[13] Issa, I. & Moucari, R. (2014). Probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea: do we have a verdict?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25548477
[14] Hao, Q., Dong, B. & Wu, T. (2015). Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25927096
[15] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_uses_of_silver
[16] Silver makes antibiotics thousands of times more effective
Nature, 2013 http://www.nature.com/news/silver-makes-antibiotics-thousands-of-times-more-effective1.13232
[17] Goggin, R., et. al. (2014). Colloidal silver: a novel treatment for Staphylococcus aureus biofilms?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24431107
[18] Disaanayake, D., et. al. (2014). Efficacy of some colloidal silver preparations and silver salts against Proteus
bacteria, one possible cause of rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24390313
[19] Silver Enhances Antibiotic Activity Against Gram-Negative Bacteria (STM, 2013)
http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/5/190/190ra81
[20] http://www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com/cabbage/