Getting your doctor to prescribe you antibiotics is a tall order these
days, but our GPs aren’t trying to make us suffer. Modern reliance and
over-use of the drugs for decades have led to new strains of bacteria
that are resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. This means GPs are
extra careful not to give out antibiotics if they believe you have a
viral infection, and you may feel short changed walking away from your
visit empty handed.
If you’re prescribed antibiotics, it’s
because you really need them to get better and fight infection, but for
minor ailments, coughs and colds, and to boost your immune system, there
are many foods, herbs and extracts that boast bacteria, fungus and
viral-fighting properties.
Five natural antibiotics to try
1. Onions
The
sulphur in onions that gives them their strong smell and distinct taste
is thought to have diuretic and 
anti-bacterial properties. As well as
traditionally being used in a similar way to garlic for fighting minor
colds, syrups made from onions are thought to work as an expectorant for
nasty coughs. They also improve blood flow and are anti-inflammatory.
So make sure you’ve got a big helping in your spag bol tonight.
anti-bacterial properties. As well as
traditionally being used in a similar way to garlic for fighting minor
colds, syrups made from onions are thought to work as an expectorant for
nasty coughs. They also improve blood flow and are anti-inflammatory.
So make sure you’ve got a big helping in your spag bol tonight.
2. Garlic
One
of the oldest medicinal plants, garlic has been used in many cultures
for its antibiotic properties and ability to ward off colds and flu. The
chemical allicin that gives garlic its strong taste and smell is
thought to also give it its therapeutic power. Studies have suggested it
can lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. Plus, a recent
study found that it was more effective at treating food poisoning than
standard drugs.
3. Green tea
Though
not quite an antibiotic food, green tea has been shown in scientific
studies to help antibiotics work well, so you’re less likely to need to
take another course of them. As well as being chockablock with
antioxidants and generally great for you, it’s a fairly low caffeine
choice and could also make even resistant bacteria susceptible to
antibiotics.
4. Honey
Good
externally for cuts and infections, honey, and especially Manuka honey,
from bees that feed exclusively on the manuka bush in New Zealand and
Australia, is well known for its antibiotic properties. Containing
antimicrobial enzymes that release hydrogen peroxide, honey can help
prohibit the growth of bacteria and has been used to treat external and
internal bacterial infections, including stomach ulcers. A dab of Manuka
honey on wounds keeps infection way.
5. Echinacea
A
plant extract, Echinacea is known for battling a wide range of bugs,
both bacterial and viral. It also stimulates your immune system so that
your white blood cells fight off infections more effectively. Studies
have shown that taking a daily Echinacea supplement can reduce your
chance of catching a cold by around 58 per cent and will reduce the
amount of time you are sick. Its effectiveness can wear off though, so
it’s recommended you only take it in bursts of a few weeks, particularly
during the sickly winter months and if you feel you’re coming down with
something.
