Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
Disclaimer: If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, you should take them as directed. What we're talking about here is a situation where antibiotics aren't available. In that case, you can try these alternatives, but even then there is no guarantee they will work.
Oftentimes, the world’s best medications are not the ones developed in labs, but rather the ones made by Mother Nature. For thousands of years, mankind has relied on various herbs to treat a wide range of conditions.
While the advent of antibiotics drastically reduced the popularity of these herbal alternatives, they still remain effective to this day and are starting to enjoy more popularity as many diseases have grown resistant to antibiotics.
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Basil
Basil isn't just a key ingredient in pesto—it's also packed with compounds like eugenol and linalool, which is why it can treat infections and inflammation.
You can munch on fresh basil leaves to help calm an upset stomach, or you can brew them into a soothing tea. If you’ve got a cut or scrape, applying basil oil—just a bit mixed with some carrier oil—can help keep the area clean and support healing.
Plus, basil is very easy to grow, especially on a sunny windowsill, so you can always have some fresh leaves available. Whether you’re whipping up dinner or need a natural remedy, having some basil around is a great idea.
Here are some more amazing uses for basil.
Cinnamon
Much more than a great seasoning, cinnamon is such an effective natural antibiotic that it is even able to kill E.Coli – a dangerous, hard-to-treat microbe that is the cause of several serious diseases. Cinnamon has even been referred to as a “lethal” natural antibiotic thanks to how effective it is at killing unwanted bacteria.
In addition to its antibacterial properties, cinnamon is also a strong antioxidant, working to strengthen your immune system so it's better able to fight off diseases. To get the most antibiotic benefits out of cinnamon, you will want to use a pure, real Ceylon cinnamon supplement.
Another one of the most effective uses of cinnamon is to combat fungal infections such as athlete's foot. Applying cinnamon bark oil to the affected area has been shown to be an excellent way to treat these fungal infections.
Clove
Clove oil is a powerhouse when it comes to fighting off bacteria with its strong antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. This makes it incredibly versatile, not just in tackling a variety of bacterial strains, but also in dental care.
For anyone who's ever had a toothache, clove oil can be a real lifesaver. It's incredibly effective at numbing pain due to its eugenol content, which is a natural anesthetic. Just a small dab on your gums can significantly reduce toothache pain.
Plus, it's great for treating oral infections. You can apply it directly to the affected area or dilute a few drops in water to make a soothing mouthwash. This not only helps in reducing pain but also in keeping your mouth clean and free from bacteria.
But clove oil has uses beyond dental care. It can also treat skin infections, and when diffused, it can even help clear your sinuses if you’re feeling congested.
Echinacea
Echinacea has long been used to treat open wounds in order to facilitate faster healing and ensure the wound doesn't become infected. However, today echinacea is most often taken orally to treat the cold and flu.
Unlike some herbal antibiotics, echinacea has displayed the ability to destroy some of the deadliest forms of bacteria, including the bacteria responsible for MRSA, staphylococcus aureus.
At one time, echinacea was one of the most commonly used natural antibiotics in the United States. When pharmaceutical companies began developing antibiotics in the mid-1900s, the herb somewhat fell out of favor.
However, now that many microbes have begun to develop resistance to antibiotics, echinacea is becoming popular once again, especially echinacea extract.
Elderberry
Liquid elderberry extract is arguably the most effective natural antibiotic for treating the flu. In fact, it’s documented that elderberry was used extensively about 150 years ago during a serious influenza outbreak in order to save countless lives in the United States.
Liquid elderberry extract should be taken orally when you first begin to show symptoms of the cold or flu. While it won’t prevent you from coming down with the disease entirely, it will drastically reduce its severity, leading to milder symptoms and a shorter duration of the disease.
In addition to liquid elderberry extract, another common form of elderberry that is used as an antibiotic is elderberry lozenges. These lozenges are often combined with zinc as well, which works in tandem with elderberry to fight off the cold and flu.
Garlic
Garlic is more of a vegetable an an herb, but it's so effective that I had to include it in this list. For thousands of years, garlic has been a go-to natural antibiotic. It was even used to ward off the plague back in the 1700s.
The main active ingredient that gives garlic its antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral properties is allicin – a compound which is known to kill unfriendly bacteria. In addition to this, garlic is also high in natural antioxidants which give it some major immune system-boosting benefits.
Before pharmaceutical antibiotics came into popularity after WWII, garlic was one of the most commonly prescribed natural antibiotics for treating a wide range of diseases. Garlic oil can be applied inside the ear to treat ear infections, eaten raw to treat colds and other internal infections, or applied to the skin to treat boils, poison ivy, and poison oak rashes.
Ginger Root
According to a study published in The Journal of Pain, ginger is an effective antibacterial agent that can be used to treat a number of infections. Since ginger is a strong anti-inflammatory, it is especially useful for treating inflammatory diseases such as pneumonia, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Ginger has also shown the ability to be effective at treating gastral infections such as bacterial diarrhea. Best of all, not only is ginger able to help kill the microbes that cause these infections, it’s also effective in treating the symptoms as well, helping to soothe nausea as well as inflammation.
Ginger root can be added to many dishes, or you can take a ginger supplement for a more potent dosage.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal contains an alkaloid called berberine which studies have shown to be effective at killing off Gram-positive bacteria such as MRSA. In addition to berberine, goldenseal contains several other compounds that have been shown to increase the effectiveness of the berberine found in the herb.
Today, goldenseal ranks as one of the top-five best selling herbal products in the United States. It is commonly used to prevent the cold and flu as well as treat eye infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, ulcers, canker sores, vaginitis, and gonorrhea.
Goldenseal is available as a supplement or as a liquid extract.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is one of the most effective topical antiseptics available today. When applied to cuts and scrapes, it is able to facilitate the growth of new skin, reduce scarring, and prevent the wound from becoming infected.
In fact, the antimicrobial properties of lavender are so effective that lavender essential oil has shown the ability to treat Staph infection.
Like several other essential oils mentioned, applying lavender topically is also great for killing the microbes that cause acne and other skin conditions. Lavender essential oil is also commonly used to treat ear infections and is gentle enough that it can be used to treat these infections in children.
And thanks to its calming effects, it can even help you fall asleep at night.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a gentle yet potent herb that's effective against both viral and bacterial infections, making it a versatile addition to your herbal medicine chest. It’s particularly good for treating cold sores and other symptoms caused by the herpes simplex virus.
You can apply lemon balm topically in cream form to help soothe and heal cold sores. Plus, its antiviral properties help reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks.
For a broader immune boost, sipping on lemon balm tea can be a great way to fight internal bacterial infections. The herb’s calming effects also make the tea a great choice for easing stress and improving sleep—both of which are important for maintaining a strong immune system.
Lemon balm can also treat digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion. Its mild sedative properties help relax the digestive tract, making it effective in soothing stomach discomfort and promoting overall digestive health.
Whether used in tea, as a topical cream, or even in culinary dishes for its mild, minty flavor, lemon balm is a valuable herb for both its health benefits and its versatility in use.
Myrrh
Myrrh, with its rich history as an antimicrobial agent dating back to ancient times, is a powerful tool against bacterial infections, especially those affecting the skin. It can be used both topically and internally.
Topically, myrrh is highly effective. When used as a tincture, it can be applied directly to sores, boils, and other skin infections. This not only promotes faster healing, it also prevents the spread of bacteria. Myrrh helps cleanse the wound and reduce inflammation, making it great for natural wound care.
Internally, myrrh can be taken in small doses as a supplement to help strengthen the immune system and fight off bacterial infections from within. However, it's important to use caution when taking myrrh internally, as it can be potent. Always consult with a healthcare provider to make sure it's safe for your specific health conditions.
Myrrh can be used for oral health as well. It can be used in mouthwashes or gum pastes to help treat gum disease and oral infections thanks to its antibacterial properties. Its ability to help heal mouth ulcers and reduce gum inflammation make it a great addition to your dental emergency kit.
Neem
Neem is an oil harvested from the neem tree that grows in India, and it has been used as an antibiotic for over 2,000 years. Neem is most commonly applied topically in order to combat bacterial skin infections including acne and dermatitis. However, neem can also be taken orally in small doses for short periods of time to combat internal infections as well.
It’s important to note, however, that long-term oral use of neem or taking large doses of neem at one time is hard on your liver and kidneys and may lead to damage. In most cases, neem is best used as a topical antibiotic for treating various skin conditions.
One advantage that neem has over many herbal antibiotics is that it has been heavily researched. Medical researchers in India have studied neem extensively and have proven it to be effective for treating a wide range of conditions. In fact, a neem-based medicine was even patented in the United States as a treatment for AIDS.
Oregano
Oregano – or more specifically the highly concentrated oil of oregano – is an excellent antibiotic. Its active ingredient, carvacrol, exhibits powerful antimicrobial properties.
Best of all, oil of oregano specifically targets foreign, harmful microbes, leaving the natural, beneficial microbes in your body intact, and it also doesn't encourage antibiotic resistance like many antibiotics.
To ensure that your oil of oregano works as intended, you’ll want to use oil of oregano that has a carvacrol content of at least 70%.
Oil of oregano should be taken orally upon the first onset of symptoms. When taken in this manner, oregano can be used to greatly reduce the severity of the cold and flu.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil demonstrates strong antimicrobial properties and can be applied topically or taken orally in order to treat a wide range of conditions. When applied topically, peppermint oil is great for treating infections of the skin such as acne and dermatitis.
Taken orally, peppermint oil is able to treat a wide range of infections and is especially effective at treating gastral infections thanks to its ability to combat nausea.
Peppermint oil can even be used to treat infant colic and has been shown by medical research to be just as effective at treating colic as the commonly prescribed drug Simethione without any of the unwanted side effects.
In addition to all these benefits, peppermint also demonstrates natural cooling properties. If you’ve ever felt the cooling effect of peppermint gum or breath mints you’ve seen these properties first-hand. The cooling effect of peppermint makes it a great fever reducer, enabling you to treat one of the worst symptoms of the cold and flu while at the same time killing the disease itself.
All of this is why peppermint essential oil is so popular.
Sage
Sage, which is known for its antibacterial properties, is a versatile herb that can treat a variety of ailments, especially those related to throat and dental infections. Brewing a strong cup of sage tea and using it as a gargle can effectively soothe sore throats and eliminate bacteria.
For dental health, sage acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to cleanse the mouth and reduce gum disease and tooth infections. You can use sage in a homemade mouthwash by steeping the leaves in hot water and then cooling it down. Rinsing your mouth with this can help maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental issues.
In addition to its uses in dental care, sage is great for skin health. It can be applied topically as an essential oil or as part of a herbal salve to treat skin infections such as eczema or acne. Its antiseptic properties help cleanse the skin, while its anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and swelling.
Thyme
Thyme, enriched with the potent compound thymol, is a powerful natural antibiotic, exhibiting strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal properties. This makes thyme exceptionally effective in treating a broad spectrum of infections, from respiratory issues to fungal skin conditions.
The power of thyme goes beyond just combating pathogens. As one of the strongest antioxidants, thyme supports the immune system, enhancing its ability to ward off and fight infections. Incorporating thyme into your diet or using it in herbal teas can provide a steady boost to your immune health.
Thyme oil, derived from the leaves, is particularly good for topical applications. It can be used diluted in a carrier oil to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot or as a chest rub (blended with other carrier oils) to help relieve respiratory conditions. Its antifungal properties make it a valuable ally against yeast infections and other microbial disorders.
Turmeric
Turmeric is celebrated not only for its vibrant color and flavor but also for its medicinal properties, primarily due to curcumin, its active compound. Curcumin is highly regarded for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making turmeric a staple in traditional medicine for centuries.
When consumed orally, turmeric helps combat internal infections and supports digestive health. It's particularly effective against inflammation-related disorders such as arthritis and gastrointestinal issues. Adding turmeric to your daily diet can help strengthen your immune system thanks to its high antioxidant content.
Turmeric has external applications as well. Creating a paste from turmeric powder and water and applying it to cuts, burns, or skin infections can prevent bacterial growth and speed up the healing process. This is thanks to turmeric’s antimicrobial properties, which effectively cleanse wounds and reduce healing time.
It's anti-inflammatory properties also make it an excellent remedy for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, soothing skin and reducing redness and itchiness. Used regularly, turmeric can enhance skin health, giving it a natural glow and improving overall complexion.
Here's an article on how to use turmeric.
Final Thoughts
All of these herbs can be incredibly helpful—perhaps even life saving—if regular antibiotics aren't available. However, they should only be used to treat serious infections as a last resort. Unless you're in a grid-down survival scenario, you should use regular antibiotics if you have an infection. If you want to try one of these instead, talk to your doctor about it first.
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