Kitchen pharmacy: 5 natural antibiotics that actually work

Before the era when antibiotics were available in the market, humans had no other option but to look towards nature and its strong offerings and all with reason. Several herbs, roots, and spices used in ancient forms of medicine that have been around for centuries contain powerful antimicrobial compounds that can help to ward off the bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Now, science is finally substantiating what the old Ayurveda and traditional healers have known for centuries. Below are five natural antibiotics that have been age-old as well as scientifically supported

Neem is an Ayurvedic staple; it has been used for centuries to purify the blood, treat infections, and combat damaging bacteria. In essence, neem is described as arishtha in Sanskrit, which means 'reliever of sickness.' Its leaf extract has shown vigorous activity against a diverse range of pathogens, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus species. Its components, such as nimbolide and nimbin, contain antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties as well. No matter if it is being used as an oil, extract or nanoparticle suspension, neem still holds a potential diversity in fighting infections and sustaining immune function.

Due to its substantial eugenol content (about 50-80%), clove is a rich source of natural antimicrobial compounds. Its eugenol component has exhibited extremely high activity against many bacteria, such as E. coli, staph, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Beyond its antimicrobial activity, clove is effective in the treatment of UTI, and it surpasses any other essential oil. Other substances in clove (gallic acid, catechin) interact with eugenol and enhance the antibacterial and antioxidative properties in the body.

​Thymus vulgaris has natural and strong germ-killing properties. It is most effective against disease-causing bacteria like Salmonella and Bacillus cereus. Thyme is a two-in-one dynamic herb with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Among the important compounds in thyme is carvacrol, which has been scientifically shown to fight disease-causing bacteria. Thyme, in addition, calms the body's inflammation and also acts as a natural alternative in curing mild infections and disorders.

Turmeric, the golden antibiotic, is famous for its radiant color and healing properties. It is rich in a substance called curcumin, which has inherent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity.
In traditional medicine, it was used to heal wounds, skin conditions, and treat inflammation. Current studies suggest that it may have the potential to augment the effect of new antibiotics. The study "The Natural Product Curcumin as an Antibacterial Agent: Current Achievements and Problems" demonstrated effectiveness against gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. Coli.

​Ginger is quite dense with bioactive molecules like gingerol and shogaol, which are great antioxidants along with anti-inflammatory properties. Randomized controlled trial at the National Library of Medicine indicates the potential of ginger as a natural medication for several inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.