Some plant extracts, essential oils, and foods that have antibacterial properties are called natural antibiotics.

Natural antibiotics have been frequently used to treat infections caused by bacteria in traditional medicine since ancient times. Also, these natural sources can inhibit the growth of pathogens and even kill them.

After the discovery of penicillin in the 21st century, natural antibiotics have begun to be replaced by synthetic antibiotics. Today, these antibiotics produced by the pharmaceutical industry have a wide range of uses.

However, with unnecessary antibiotic intakes in recent years, most bacteria have mutated and become resistant to antibiotics.

Due to this bad situation, people worry about the future. Modern medicine is working to produce new solutions instead of antibiotics that have lost their effect. At this point, studies for natural alternatives have increased significantly.

In addition, synthetic antibiotics can have serious side effects on vital organs such as the liver and kidneys or caused digestive system issues. Besides, some people are allergic to these antibiotics. Because of all these problems, people are now turning to natural antibiotics for a cure.

The Most Beneficial Natural Antibiotics

1. Garlic

natural antibiotics garlic

Garlic is one of the most common natural antibiotics. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it has been used preventive and therapeutic throughout history. It has been especially used in traditional Chinese medicine for its curative properties for centuries.

Some studies have proven that allicin and other chemical molecules in the composition of garlic act to inhibit bacterial activity. Allicin is also a first-line broad-spectrum natural antibiotic agent as well.

Garlic can be considered as an alternative treatment because it helps to fight many types of bacteria, including such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). In addition, it has been brought to the agenda that it can be used in the treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.

Besides, garlic has important benefits in the treatment of health problems such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, AIDS symptoms, flu, and high cholesterol level, as well as killing pathogens.

How to use garlic:

Since cooking it into a meal will eliminate the antimicrobial properties of garlic, you need to eat it raw. Crush one or two garlic cloves and then wait a while before eating it. As a result of the chemical reactions that take place during this time period, allicin will be active. Allicin increases the antibiotic properties of garlic.

It may be ideal to consume one garlic clove every day to prevent bacterial infections. You can rest your stomach by taking occasional breaks.

You can also find raw garlic in powder, oil, extract, and tablet forms.

How to consume it safely:

Consuming garlic is mostly safe. But we recommend that you avoid excessive consumption. Because garlic has a blood-thinning feature. If you consume large amounts of garlic, it can cause internal bleeding.

Also, if you are using blood thinners, you should be careful, as garlic will increase the effect of these drugs. In this case, it is best to consult your doctor before consuming garlic regularly.

Finally, garlic as a supplement may prolong bleeding and can have major interactions with certain medications. It may be unsafe for children.

2. Honey

natural antibiotics honey

Honey has been among the healing natural antibiotics that widely used to prevent infection and treat wounds since ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations.

Today, the miraculous benefits of honey are accepted by modern medicine. Honey is very helpful to treat health issues such as chronic wounds, burns, ulcers, bedsores.

The antimicrobial properties of honey are generally associated with the hydrogen peroxide compound in its content. But interestingly, “Manuka Honey”, which has a lower amount of hydrogen peroxide compared to other honey varieties, is known as the most effective antibacterial honey.

A study has revealed that Manuka honey inhibits about 60 types of bacteria. We can say that Manuka honey is one of nature’s richest antimicrobial sources. It also contains several other antibiotic components that are not found in other types of honey such as methylglyoxal. Manuka honey has a broad spectrum of antibacterial capabilities unlike most antimicrobial agents.

Some clinical researches have reported that Manuka honey can effectively inhibit multiple drug-resistant pathogens. Also, Manuka honey can be preferred to prevent the growth of bacteria in wounds and mucosal surfaces.

How to use honey:

You can eat a tablespoon of honey to help to treat internal infections. Also, it can be consumed by adding it to a cup of herbal tea, yogurt, or a smoothie too. It is ideal to take one to two tablespoons of honey per day.

To use honey as an antiseptic, you can apply it topically to the wound or infected area. Thus, it can kill off the bacteria and speed up the healing process.

Keep in mind, though, that heating it can alter the therapeutic properties of honey.

How to consume it safely:

Honey is generally safe to use on the skin or in the body. But you should never give honey to an infant under 1 year old.

In addition, its consumption should be limited especially for diabetics as it can increase your blood sugar rapidly due to its dense sugar content.

3. Ginger

natural antibiotics ginger

Ginger, a natural antibiotic, is also known as a flu fighter.

Many studies have clearly shown that ginger successfully fights many strains of bacteria. It is also widely used in the treatment of flu and cold.

There is also some research on ginger’s positive effects to treat nausea, muscle pains, and high blood sugar levels.

How to use ginger:

Ginger root can be added to dishes or It can also be taken in tablet form for an antibiotic boost.

Besides, we recommend that you consume a spoon of ginger, lemon, and honey blend every day. It will be very helpful for sore throats and colds.

How to consume it safely:

If you are expecting to become pregnant, you should avoid consuming ginger. Because, according to some experts, excessive consumption of ginger can cause miscarriage.

Ginger may slow blood clotting. Therefore if you have a clotting problem or a condition that will cause bleeding, you should avoid using ginger.

4. Echinacea

natural antibiotics echinacea

Echinacea is a natural antibiotic that has been used for many years by Native Americans and authentic healers to fight off bacterial infections.

Also, echinacea was widely used in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. But it started to lose its popularity after antibiotics in drug form produced by the pharmaceutical industry.

According to the researches, it was concluded that echinacea can kill many bacterial species including Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes).

How to use echinacea:

You can consume it in safe by preparing a cup of tea with echinacea.

How to consume it safely:

If you apply Echinacea to your skin in a topical form can cause an itchy or red skin rash.

Echinacea is likely safe for most people when taken by mouth in the short-term. If consumed excessively and continuously, some side effects are experienced such as fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, sore throat, headache, difficulty sleeping.

5. Goldenseal

Goldenseal has especially a positive effect to treat respiratory and digestive problems. This natural antibiotic is generally recommended for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) issues who have bacterial, candida, or parasite overgrowth.

Also, it contains an alkaloid called berberine in its compound. Due to its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties Berberine is demonstrated activity for removing inflammations caused by bacteria.

Besides that, goldenseal may also help to cure various infections such as bacterial diarrhea, urinary tract infections, skin infections, vaginitis.

How to use goldenseal:

Goldenseal is commonly consumed in two ways. The first of these is a tea prepared with goldenseal herb. Besides, it can also be taken as a supplement.

How to consume it safely:

Goldenseal can cause brain damage in babies and children. Therefore, it should not be consumed by pregnant women and nursing mothers.

It may also interact with some prescription medications. Therefore, if you are taking prescription medication, we recommend you talk to your doctor before consuming goldenseal.

6. Oregano Essential Oil

natural antibiotics oregano

Oregano is often used in Italian dishes as a delicious spice. At the same time, it is a natural antibiotic which assists the immune system thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The benefits of oregano increase especially when it is made into an oil. An ingredient called Carvacrol, which is contained in oregano essential oil, has a curative feature that accelerates healing in the body.

This Mediterranean herb also has anti-fungal and antibacterial effects. Some studies were showed that oregano was one of the most effective natural antibiotics against many strains of bacteria and fungi including Salmonella, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli.

It can also help to cure chronic digestive disorders, yeast infections, upper respiratory infections, gastric ulcers, and seasonal allergies.

How to use oregano oil:

You can consume it by adding a few drops to your meals such as salads. Also, you may diffuse oregano oil in the air with your diffuser to help clear upper respiratory infections.

To treat fungal infections on your skin, mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the affected area.

Oregano oil can have a really strong flavor. Because of this we can recommend oil capsules for tolerating easily.

How to consume it safely:

You shouldn’t ingest oregano essential oil directly or use an undiluted essential oil on the skin.

7. Neem oil

natural antibiotics neem oil

Neem oil is usually derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) grown in India. This oil, which is especially helpful in treating skin diseases caused by infections, is often used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Neem oil has a significant effect on the treatment of ringworm, head lice, bacterial infections of the skin. It is also a curative oil for skin conditions like hives, eczema, psoriasis, and scabies.

How to use neem oil:

Since neem oil is generally used for the treatment of skin problems, it can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

How to consume it safely:

Neem is likely safe if taken by mouth for under 10 weeks. Consuming it in large doses or for long periods of time may harm your kidneys and liver.

8. Thyme Essential oil

natural antibiotics thyme

Thyme essential oil is one of the natural antibiotics with strong bactericidal activity. Also, many natural air cleaners use thyme essential oil.

In a study on 120 bacterial strains, thyme essential oil was observed to highly inhibit the growth of bacterial strains. This oil is especially helpful against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

How to use thyme essential oil:

You can add a few drops of thyme essential oil to a diffuser to spread its healing properties throughout the room. Also, you can use it while cooking.

How to consume it safely:

Thyme essential oil is ideal for external use only.

You shouldn’t ingest thyme oil directly.  Besides, before applying to your skin, you should dilute the thyme oil with a carrier oil like coconut and olive oils.

Using undiluted thyme oil to the skin may trigger inflammation and irritation. Because thyme is a very strong essential oil.

9. Myrrh

natural antibiotics myrrh

Myrrh has been used frequently by medical practitioners for its ability to prevent harmful microbes since ancient times. Today, it is still preferred as a natural antibiotic by Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine. Myrrh is also used in aromatherapy.

Myrrh is also a beneficial remedy for many diseases and health problems thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

It was showed up that extract of myrrh can kill off several pathogens such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans according to researches. Also, in another more recent study, burning myrrh and frankincense incense decreased airborne bacteria by as much as 68%.

How to use myrrh:

Myrrh can be applied directly to the mouth for soreness and swelling, inflamed gums (gingivitis), loose teeth, canker sores, bad breath, and chapped lips. It is also used topically for hemorrhoids, bedsores, wounds, abrasions, and boils. In foods and beverages, myrrh is used as a flavoring component.

You can diffuse the blend of frankincense and myrrh oils with a diffuser. Also, burning myrrh and frankincense incense can decrease airborne bacteria by as much as 68%.

How to consume it safely:

Myrrh is generally safe, but swallowing it may cause diarrhea in rare cases. Also when you apply it to your skin, it’s possible to experience a small skin rash.

You should definitely be careful while consuming because of excessive consumption can cause heart conditions.

Myrrh is typically prepackaged, so be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.

10. Pau d’arco

Native to South America, the pau d’arco tree has been preferred as a natural remedy for many years. It also called taheebo or lapacho.

Due to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits, pau d’arco is used to treat many health problems such as arthritis, fever, prostatitis, candidiasis, bacterial infections, parasitic diseases, dysentery, and ulcers.

How to use Pau d’arco:

Pau d’arco is often consumed as an herbal tea for a wide range of inflammatory ailments and infections.

How to consume it safely:

Pau d’arco can delay blood clotting and may not be safe for those with bleeding disorders or those going in for surgery.

11. Anise

natural antibiotics anise

Anise, which is often used as a flavoring in desserts and beverages, is also a very strong antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Studies have proven that anise has a significant lethal effect against pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

These studies have shown that anise can have synergistic effects against multi-drug resistant bacterias when used along with conventional antibiotics. This is important news for the medical world. However, more research is needed to prove effectiveness and observe possible side effects before using it to people.

How to use anise:

Anise can be added to food and beverages to take advantage of its antimicrobial properties.

How to consume it safely:

Natural antibiotics should be used in moderation to reduce the risk of toxicity.

However, if you are using prescription drugs, you should definitely consult your healthcare provider before consuming aniseed to prevent possible drug interactions.

12. Clove Oil

Clove oil is one of the natural antibiotics showing antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant biological activities. This plant usually grows in some parts of Asia and South America.

This curative oil has high levels of eugenol in the composition. This chemical helps reduce pain and fight infections.

Clove essential oil has been reported to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria. In particular, it has a bactericide effect on Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

Clove has traditionally been used in dental procedures. This essential oil has an antiseptic effect on oral infections.

How to use clove oil:

Clove is used traditionally as a flavoring agent and antimicrobial ingredient in foods and beverages.

Clove can most commonly apply directly to the gums for toothache, pain control during dental work, and other dental-related issues.

How to consume it safely:

Clove is generally safe for most people when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food. In addition, you should dilute clove essential oil when applying to the skin.


Dried cloves can also cause mouth sensitivity and irritation, as well as damage to dental tissues.