(NaturalNews) As antibiotic-resistant superbugs continue to thrive, it is becoming obvious even to mainstream diehard modern medicine folks that finding natural alternatives is imperative. While Obama’s 2016 budget proposal includes $1.2 billion to fight antibiotic resistance, people everywhere are finally waking up to realize the natural answer is simpler, healthier and certainly much cheaper!
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, and using plant-based remedies to heal our bodies makes good sense. Many essential oils are being researched for their antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities as well as their immune boosting benefits. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant they are derived from and are much more potent than dried herbs.
All-natural solutions
Here are five great all-natural antibiotics backed by scientific studies to consider including in your wellness cabinet:
- Oil of oregano is proving to be superior to some antibiotics and is often called “nature’s antibiotic.” Oil of oregano contains two powerful compounds, carvacrol and thymol, that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Carvacrol has been proven in studies to be effective against Candida albicans, the Aspergillus mold, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, E. coli, Giardia, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Listeria. Thymol is also an immune system booster and a shield against toxins.
Medicinal-grade oregano comes from the Mediterranean (species Origanum vulgare) and is distilled to extract the essential oil and preserve its healing compounds. Keep in mind the grocery store version of oregano has very low therapeutic value.
- Tea tree essential oil has a long history of medicinal use. The Aborigines in Australia used tea tree leaves to heal skin infections, wounds and burns by crushing the plant and making it into a poultice. A recent US study found tea-tree oil was a more effective treatment for staph-infected wounds than conventional treatments.
- Clary sage essential oil has shown promising results in a recent study conducted by Monica Sienkiewicz of the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, which proved an effective treatment for Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and S. xylosus. These scientists believe that the results were significant enough that we should use formulations containing sage oil as an active natural antimicrobial agent.
- Cinnamon bark oil and cinnamon leaf oil have been used medicinally for ages. Experts at Kansas City State University found that cinnamon acts as a natural antibiotic and is a great boost to the immune system due to the high amount of antioxidants it contains. Also due to its powerful antimicrobial properties, The American Journal of Chinese Medicine boasts cinnamon essential oil to be effective in combating the common cold. It is said to slow the growth of microorganisms.
- Rosemary has been found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of 60 strains of E. coli retrieved from hospital patients.
- Thyme leaf and thyme oil are very effective natural antibiotics. A compound in thyme oil called thymol (also in oregano oil) is also antimicrobial, antifungal and antiprotozoal.
It is important to note that not all essential oils are made to exhibit the therapeutic qualities described in these studies. It is estimated that 98% of all essential oils are actually perfume-grade or contain other additives that may not be appropriate for therapeutic use. Make sure to get your essential oils from trusted sources and that you are buying 100% pure essential oil without additives. They are also very concentrated and often need to be diluted with a carrier oil to prevent irritation when applied topically.
These natural remedies are cost-effective, don’t require a prescription or doctor’s visit and are getting the job done.