Antibiotic Herbs There are several all natural herbal antibiotics that you should learn more about,

and keep on hand regularly. These herbs are extremely useful for dealing with almost any kind of infection or sickness, are quite inexpensive, and the pill forms can be stored for a year or more at room temperature. Garlic - Garlic is a powerful antibiotic herb which should always been in your medicine or food cabinet. Garlic can be purchased in gelcap or liquid form for easy medicinal use, and fresh raw garlic can be used interchangeably as well. Garlic contains a natural compound known as Allicin, which is more powerful than standard Penicillin. Garlic works wonderfully fighting infections both internally and out. It can be used by mouth for fighting bacterial infections inside your body such as a throat infection, ear infection, sinus infection, kidney infection, bladder infection and so on. Garlic can also be used on the outside of your body, as an external topical application. This works wonderfully for killing fungus infections such as athlete's foot, vaginal yeast infections, and oral thrush. It is also effective as a treatment against staphylococcus and E. coli bacteria. Garlic Allium sativa (Onion Family) This popular herb lowers cholesterol levels and blood sugar which helps prevent heart attack and stroke. It may also reduce risk of blood clots and tumors. It is useful in treating atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol. This herb's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties make it useful in treating bladder and kidney infections, yeast infections, strep throats and ear infections. It also contains compounds that prevent tumors from growing and works well with other anticancer treatments. Lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and has been shown to cut the risk of 2nd heart attack by one half. It is an effective remedy against bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections, and Candida albicans. When crushed, raw cloves releases allicin, which has been shown to be a more potent antibiotic than penicillin and tetracycline. It can be used for sore throats, colds, flus, bronchial and lung infections.

When there is infection in the gut, it is used to help re-establish beneficial bacterial population after orthodox antibiotic treatment. This herb improves digestion, relieves wind and distension, and enhances absorption and assimilation of food. Garlic also enhances the production of insulin, making it a useful remedy to lower blood sugar in diabetics. Can be used as raw cloves, in oils, or in capsules.

Garlic, From Your Kitchen Pharmacy By Betty Bennett, RN Herbal Medicine is often thought to be a secret practice known to only a few specialists, whether they be Chinese Herbalists, Naturopaths or Appalachian Wise Women. But, in fact, our kitchens contain plants that can double as prescriptions for common ailments. Consider garlic: This great tasting addition to any cook's kitchen has a number of properties that make it a useful medicine. Garlic has been used as an antibiotic for years. More recent research has demonstrated activity in cancer prevention and treatment, control of hypertension and diabetes, thinning the blood much as aspirin does, and cholesterol management. Garlic's use as an antibiotic dates from the ancient times of Egyptian pyramid builders. During the days of the Black Plague, people who ate large amounts of garlic were spared from sickness. The French town of Marseilles was protected from a plague that was raging through France in 1722, largely due to a preparation of vinegar and garlic. During World War I British field physicians soaked sterilized sphagnum moss in garlic juice and applied it to wounds, greatly reducing deaths from infection. But aside from these anecdotal reports, there is solid research behind the use of garlic as an antibiotic. In 1935 two Japanese researchers found that the antiseptic properties of garlic were found to be superior to penicillin in treating the typhoid bacillus. Modern researchers have found garlic effective against Candida, Histoplasma, Cryptococcus, Tuberculosis, Influenza B, Herpes Simplex, Staphylococcus Aureus, Leprosy and even the Aids Virus. As a flea, tick and mosquito repellent, garlic protects against diseases caused by these pests. Evidence points to a role for garlic in preventing cancer. Because of its high selenium content, garlic prevents the production of free radicals which causes many cancers. Researchers in Japan have demonstrated a reduction in breast cancer, for instance. Furthermore garlic protects against stomach and colon cancer by blocking the formation of nitrosamines which are made from the nitrates used to preserve foods such as ham and sausage. In a controlled experiment, Chinese volunteers were given 300 mg of nitrates and 500 mg of proline (a proven chemical that produces nitrosamines). The subject's blood level of nitrosamines rose as expected. But subjects who ate 5000 mg of fresh garlic before their dose of nitrates and proline had no detectable levels of nitrosamines in their blood.

Reports have been published in Science Magazine and The America Journal of Urology and Cancer Research showing that compounds in garlic inhibit a needed chemical reaction inside cancer cells. The John Wayne Cancer Center in Santa Monica, CA, uses garlic as part of the treatment protocol for leukemia. In another cancer treatment center, garlic extract is administered to treat bladder cancer. Crushed garlic, applied to the skin, has reduced the size of, and occasionally eliminated, basal cell carcinoma. Natural killer cells (white blood cells that kill invading or abnormal cells) became more aggressive in patients who ate raw garlic or took a garlic preparation, called Kyolic. Other scientifically demonstrate that the medicinal effects of garlic include small but significant reduction in blood pressure (2-5 points), anti-clotting properties similar to aspirin, reduction in blood sugar and triglycerides, reducing LDL and raising HDL, inhibiting inflammation, controlling asthma and bronchitis, increased life span, detoxification from heavy metal poisoning, and improved learning and memory performance. The way that garlic is administered varies, and the effects of garlic vary with the method of administration. The easiest way is just to eat the raw cloves. The disadvantages of this is that the garlic odor exudes from the pores which can cause some social repercussions. One aficionado claimed that after he persisted in using garlic at a rate of 2 cloves a day for three weeks the effect was not so noticeable. There is no mention of his friends reaction. There have been some successful attempts to solve the odor problem. Doctors Eugene Schnell and Manji Wakunaga working in Japan discovered a method for cold pressing whole garlic cloves and aging them for 20 months. The end product, called Kyolic, comes in capsules. Kwai is tablet form of dried garlic. Ajoene is a liquid derived from garlic. Manufacturers of the products claim that they are not only odorless, but contain increased levels of some of the key nutrients, including selenium. And there we have it, the story of the humble garlic. Is it a delicious condiment or powerful healing herb? You decide. No article on garlic would be complete without a few recipes to try. Garlic Spread One popular method, not exclusively for medical use, is to slice the tops off the clove, drizzle with olive oil, place in a garlic baker (or wrap loosely in foil) and bake slowly until soft. The cooked cloves can be squeezed onto bread or crackers as a spread. Garlic Syrup Peel and mince 1 lb. fresh garlic. Place in wide mouth jar. Add equal parts of vinegar and distilled water to just cover the garlic. Close tightly, shake well and let stand for 4 days. Shake the container at least twice daily during this time. Add 1 pint of glycerin, shake well and let stand another day. Force through strainer. Filter liquid through linen cloth. For topical application use as is. If given as an oral medication add honey and stir until blended. An alternative to the above recipe is to replace the vinegar in the recipe above with the following liquid: add 3 oz of powdered caraway seeds and 3 oz of sweet fennel seed to 1 Qt. of vinegar. Boil for 15 minutes closely covered. Strain and cool. It can then be used in the above recipe. Garlic Syrup can be used for asthma or cough: 1 tsp. every 15 minutes until spasm is controlled followed by 1 tsp. every 2-3 hours for the remainder of the day, then 1 tsp. 3-4 times a day.

Garlic Paste Peel and mash one raw garlic clove. Apply directly to bee stings or other inflamed insect bites or stings. Garlic Plaster Peel and mash several cloves into a paste. Spread onto cheesecloth or muslin. Fold to close. Apply to skin, taking care that the raw garlic does not come in contact with skin. This is useful for fungal rashes or boils. Garlic Compress Boil water. Peel and chop several cloves of garlic. Add to boiling water, turn off the heat, cover and steep for 15 minutes. Cool to less than 180 degrees. Soak small soft cloth in the liquid, wring slightly and apply. Cover with a dry towel and leave until the warmth is no longer felt. Replace with new warm cloth and repeat until tingling is detected (about 30 minutes). Useful for fungal rashes or boils. One resource says that this is effective for muscle spasms as well. Ear Ache Remedy Make garlic oil by slicing a peeled clove of garlic into a small quantity of olive oil. Heat briefly. Cool and strain to remove the chunks. Apply a few drops of warm garlic oil extract into affected ear and seal with a small bit of cotton

Goldenseal - Goldenseal is another very powerful natural antibiotic herb which works wonderfully for fighting almost any kind of infection. Goldenseal is most often used internally for throat, sinus, and ear infections. It's also excellent for any other infections including kidney, bladder and yeast. Unlike garlic, putting goldenseal on a yeast or fungus infection externally doesn't normally kill the infection. This herb is best taken internally for best results, but it can be used in salves to help prevent infections of scraps, burns and wounds. Goldenseal is a natural source of insulin, so diabetics and hypoglycemics need to take care in using it.

Echinacea - This is another excellent antibiotic herb which is particularly useful for glandular infections and problems. Echinacea is most often used for ear aches, strep throat and lymph gland problems. This herb is also known for helping to prevent colds and flu symptoms from becoming as severe, and lessening the length of suffering time during cold and flu season. Echinacea also an antiseptic herb so it can be used in tea form as a sterilizing wash when needed. Echinacea augustifolia,echinacea purpurea (Composite Family) This plant is native to Northern America, and was used extensively by Great Plains Indian tribes. Active compounds: Caffeic acid derivatives, polyacetylenes, alkylamides polysaccharides essential oils, flavonoids, and glycoproteins. Some of the most common uses of this herb are immune system stimulation and theprevention of infections. It appears to have antiviral properties due to the stimulation of interferon-like effects. It has been shown to increase phagocytosis and promote respiratory cellular activity. Several constituents, including alkylamides, chicoric acids and related glycosides produce a non-specific immune response. This herb appears to increase lymphocyte activity by stimulating the release of tumor necrosis factor. Traditionally this herb has been used to boost the immune system, promote healing and reduce inflammation. It has been useful in treating acne, cancer, chronic fatigue, colds, coughs, ear infections, influenza, parasitic infections and strep throat. It is sometimes used along side chemotherapy during the treatment of colorectal and hepatocellular cancer. *note from editor: This is one of the herbs I prepare in large quantities so it's always on hand. I buy the organic dried roots and make up enough tincture to last all winter. I take it - or give it to family members at the first signs of imbalance. I have found this herb to be a good herbal ally for children. Glycerin-based tinctures are very effective in lowering fevers, fighting infections and boosting overall immunity. My neighbor makes an echinacea tincture with fennel seed added and it has such a nice flavor even the kids like it! Parts used:Dried rhizomes and roots are used for making supplements. This herb is usually available as a tea and in tincture or capsule form. CAUTIONS: Use Echinacea with caution if you have an allergy to ragweed or plants in the sunflower family.

A healthy, properly functioning immune system is absolutely vital to good health. It is the key to the healing process from the tiniest scratch - to the most complex virus. Even the aging process is intimately linked with the immune system. Compromised immunity leaves us vulnerable to disease and impairs our ability to heal properly and age well.

SIGNS OF IMPAIRED IMMUNE FUNCTION CANDIDIASIS/YEAST INFECTIONS RECURRING INFECTIONS CHRONIC FATIGUE LISTLESSNESS CHRONIC DIARRHEA SLOW WOUND HEALING ALLERGIES INFLAMMATION People who have more than 2 or 3 colds or infectious illnesses per year are likely suffering from weakened immunity. WHAT IS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM? The immune system is a complex system of interactions involving many organs and glands as well as substances such as bone marrow, white blood cells, lymphatic vessels and serum factors in our blood. Our immunity depends on all these components functioning together. HOW DOES OUR IMMUNITY BECOME IMPAIRED? Unfortunately, modern life is full of things that tend to depress our immune systems. PESTICIDES CHEMICALS IN HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS FOOD ADDITIVES ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS POOR LIVING HABITS STRESS IMPROPER NUTRITION CHEMOTHERAPY Also many disorders have been linked to improper immune function including thyroid deficiency, diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and pernicious anemia.

For optimal immune function we need to address any disorders that may be inhibiting immune function. We also need to take steps to avoid exposure to toxins such as pesticides and chemicals we use around the house. Try wearing gloves when cleaning to avoid skin exposure and avoid inhaling fumes from things like bleach, oven cleaners, and the like. Make sure dishes and glassware are thoroughly rinsed of any residue from dish washing liquids etc. Even though they're more expensive, consider buying nontoxic cleansers. Take steps to ensure that the soaps and shampoos you use are made from the most natural ingredients possible. (Aubrey Organics is a good option.) It's also important to get plenty of fresh air and to drink the purest water available. HERBS THAT BENEFIT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM ASTRAGALUS - A powerful antioxidant which protects the liver from toxins,boosts the immune system and generates anticancer cells in the body. ECHINACEA - Enhances lymphatic function and boosts immune system. GINKGO BILOBA - A powerful antioxidant which increases circulation to brain cells. GOLDENSEAL - An antibacterial which strengthens the immune system and cleanses the blood. (Don't take internally for more than a week at a time or if pregnant.) ST. JOHN'S WORT- A blood purifier useful in cases of Epstein - Barr virus and HIV. OLIVE LEAF - Effective against numerous viruses, bacteria and fungi. It has been used in the treatment of people with viral illnesses such as Epstein-Barr disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Herpes and AIDS. SPIRULINA - Aids in protecting the immune system and cleansing toxins from the body. Though technically a nutrient, not an herb, spirulina is a naturally digestible food that helps protect the immune system and aids in mineral absorption. It helps balance blood sugar levels and supplies nutrients that help the body cleanse and heal. Other herbs that enhance the immune response are BAYBERRY, FENUGREEK, HAWTHORN, HOREHOUND and RED CLOVER. ~Herbal Formulas~ Herbs often work best when used in combination with other herbs. There are contraindications for certain herbs if you have an auto-immune disorder. Consult a good herbal book or work with an herbalist to create a blend appropriate for your needs. (*note from editor: An online company, Native Remedies, offers an herbal formula that I have found very effective called ImmunityPlus. I like to carry this formula with me when I travel and have found it very helpful.)

Read about ImmunityPlus

~ CLEANSE THE LIVER ~ The liver is our primary detoxifying organ and must be functioning optimally for proper immunity.

Herbs which are useful in cleansing the liver include BLACK RADISH, DANDELION, and MILK THISTLE. ~Other Steps to Improved Immunity~ Proper Nutrition In addition to using herbs to strengthen and balance the immune system it is important to supply the body with adequate nutrients. Vitamin A Vital to the body's defense system - known as the infection-fighting vitamin. Vitamin C Probably the most important vitamin to the immune system. It has a direct effect on bacteria and viruses and is needed for forming adrenal hormones and lymphocytes. Vitamin E Works synergystically with vitamins A & C as well the mineral selenium as a scavenger of toxic free-radicals. Zinc Promotes healing of wounds and boosts immune response. Germanium A trace element which benefits the immune system. (*note from editor: If you are trying to ensure that you get adequate nutrients from the foods you eat and from the herbs you use, I highly recommend the Vitamin & Mineral Chart. It shows the specific vitamins & minerals found in common foods and herbs, (which is helpful when making your daily brews.) They look great in the kitchen. A bargain too - only $10.95 each!) Get sufficient sleep. Don't Smoke Exercise Regularly Reduce Stress and Anxiety Stress triggers changes in biochemistry that suppress white blood cell activity and taxes the endocrine system in ways that ultimately result in lowered defense against infection and an impaired capacity for healing. Stress also depletes the body of nutrients. Addressing chronic stress is a very important element of bringing the immune system into balance.

Kelp - This herb is not commonly thought of as an antibiotic, but it acts as one in your body by stimulating your thyroid to produce more iodine. Iodine kills bad bacteria that causes sickness inside your body. Kelp is quite useful against strep throat however, when used in tea form. Since this herb is high in natural iodine itself, drinking it in tea form will coat the throat, allowing the iodine to kill the strep bacteria.

Anxiety disorders come in two basic forms.

The chronic form involves a recurring sense of foreboding and worry accompanied by mild physical symptoms. A panic attack, on the other hand, comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, with symptoms that are often mistaken for a heart attack or another life-threatening condition. There is sometimes a feeling of not being able to get a full breath of air. Symptoms come on suddenly and diminish suddenly and can be quite frightening. Some research suggests that the central nervous systems of people with anxiety disorders may overreact to stress and take a longer time than most to return to a calmer state. Symptoms may begin with an upsetting event-an accident, divorce, or death. Sometimes there is no obvious cause. There may also be a biochemical basis. Studies have shown that people who are prone to panic attacks have higher blood levels of lactic acid, a chemical produced when muscles metabolize sugar without enough oxygen. Other research suggests that anxiety may be the result of an overproduction of stress hormones by the brain and adrenal glands. Herbal Remedies For Anxiety Have Traditionally Included the Following... CATNIP Tea has soothing effect, relieves anxiety. FENNEL Tea relieves gastrointestinal upset. KAVA Tincture or capsules help minimize anxiousness. HOPS Relaxing effect on nervous system. MOTHERWORT Tincture helps stabilize emotions, has calming effect. PASSIONFLOWER Used in tea or as tincture to promote relaxation and calm. SKULLCAP Tincture or capsules help relax and nourish nervous system and induce sleep. ST. JOHN'S WORT, tincture helps restore emotional stability and ease depression. VALERIAN Tincture or capsules aid sleep. Many people find relief from anxiety by using Aromatherapy... Commonly used essential oils for anxiety: Bergamot Cedarwood

Geranium Lavender Lemon Neroli Patchouli Sandalwood Sweet Marjoram Herbal Formula For Anxiety

Stress can be described as the response to taxing physical, emotional, or environmental demands.
The body is equipped to deal with brief episodes, but high stress on a regular basis can eventually take a heavy toll on physical and mental health. Over time, chronically high levels of stress hormones deplete both nutrient and energy reserves, creating an overall state of exhaustion. What's more, blood pressure and cholesterol levels increase, the stomach secretes too much acid, sex hormones diminish, and the brain becomes starved for its main energy source, glucose, which can impair mental ability over the long term. Chronic stress can also take a heavy toll on the immune system, decreasing one's resistance to colds, flus, and other types of illness. Herbal Remedies For Stress GINSENG the tincture helps restore nervous system after a prolonged illness or injury. ASHWAGANDA tinctures and capsules are used to fight fatigue during prolonged periods of tension. CATNIP is used as a tea to relax and soothe the nerves. CAT'S CLAW tincture or capsules used for soothing the nervous system during illness. CHAMOMMILE drunk in tea has a calming effect. LEMON BALM tea or infusion reduces tension and relieves aches & pains. REISHI powders and extracts restore emotional balance. SCHISANDRA used for headache, insomnia, dizziness & palpitations.

SIBERIAN GINSENG reduces effects of stress, increases stamina and concentration. You can find more info on stress and how it affects weight and your over all health by clicking here.

CE NU STIATI DESPRE PLANTELE CU PROPRIETATI ANTIBIOTICE - 06 Iulie 2009

Tratamentul medicamentos cu antibiotice nu este intotdeauna tolerat de stomac. Efectele adverse pot aparea dupa doar cateva zile, iar in acest caz plantele cu efect antibiotic inlocuiesc cu succes pastilele. Cele mai frecvente efecte adverse ale antibioticelor sunt febra, eruptiile cutanate, varsaturile si diareea. Tratamentul medicamentos pe baza de antibiotic este dificil mai ales in cazul copiilor sau batranilor, informeaza herbalremediesinfo.com. Plantele cu efect antibiotic insa completeaza alimentatia zilnica si sunt mai bine tolerate de stomac. Astfel, nu se produc iritatii sau febra pentru ca orice tratament naturist este obligatoriu insotit de o dieta corespunzatoare, care nu permite un dezechilibru intern. Optarea pentru tratamentul medicamentos cu antibiotice sau cu plante care au aceste proprietati se va face cu acordul medicului. In functie de sensibilitatea stomacala si tipul afectiunii, exista cazuri in care plantele care au efect antibiotic sunt mult mai eficiente. Plante cu efect antibiotic

Usturoiul verde, consumat proaspat, sau mujdeiul obisnuit contine allicin, un compus mai puternic decat penicilina. Actioneaza precum un antibiotic, daca este administrat atat intern cat si extern, pe plagile deschise. Gentiana, planta care creste in tara noastra in zonele alpine, are proprietati antibiotice, laxative, antimicrobiene si antiinflamatorii. Stimuleaza pofta de mancare, sistemul nervos, functiile ficatului si combate cu succes parazitii intestinali. Gentiana este folosita cu succes sub forma infuziilor, bailor si compreselor. Echinacea este si ea o planta cu efect antimicrobian, folosita sub forma de tinctura, capsule, tablete sau ceai. Trateaza eficient infectiile prin stimularea ficatului, a glandelor limfatice si a membranelor mucoaselor. Algele nu sunt folosite in mod obisnuit ca plante cu efect antibiotic. Actiunea lor

in tratarea anumitor afectiuni insa este similara antibioticelor si tocmai de aceea le pot inlocui cu succes. Au fost folosite de civilizatiile chineze inca din cele mai vechi timpuri pentru ca intaresc sistemul imunitar prin eliminarea toxinelor. Algele regleaza nivelul glicemiei, incetinesc imbatranirea celulelor si sunt folosite cu succes in tratarea racelilor, prin efectul similar antibioticelor.
Sursa: Ziare.com