There are Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics If You Don’t Have Insurance

There is no doubt that antibiotics prescribed by doctors, such as penicillin, have profoundly impacted the treatment of otherwise fatal diseases and conditions since the 1940s. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria or inhibit bacterial growth. Antibiotics can be pricey, so it helps a lot if you have medical insurance so you can get free check-ups, which can help lessen your expenses. Here’s how much antibiotics cost without insurance

Also, people are now turning to natural antibiotics for treatment. Originally, antibiotics are derived from natural sources, as some plant extracts, essential oils, and even food have antibiotic properties. Sometimes, these can extend beyond food and aid in your personal hygiene. Natural antibiotics were also proven effective in clinical trials, making it a cheaper and healthy alternative to doctor-prescribed antibiotics.

Here are some natural antibiotics you can take instead if you don’t have insurance to back you up with expenses:

1. Garlic

Garlic is a culinary staple, which adds flavor and life to a lot of dishes. It is also known across the world for its antimicrobial properties and its preventative and curative powers. Studies have shown that garlic concentrate is an effective treatment against different forms of bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). You can buy garlic concentrate or extracts, but you can also make it your own by soaking a few cloves of garlic in olive oil.

Generally, garlic is safe to ingest, but large doses can cause internal bleeding. If you’re taking a garlic supplement, make sure you follow the dosage directions as provided. You can also apply garlic to concentrate directly on a blemish or wound.

If you’re on blood-thinning medications, consult your doctor before using garlic as an antibiotic, as large doses of garlic can amplify the effects of this medication.

2. Honey

Honey is one of the oldest-known antibiotics, used ever since the time of Aristotle. Egyptians frequently used honey as a natural antibiotic and ointment to help wounds to heal and prevent infection. Healthcare professionals find honey helpful in treating chronic wounds, ulcers, burns, bedsores, skin grafts, and more. Studies have found that honey dressings can help heal wounds.

The hydrogen peroxide in honey can account for some of its antibacterial properties. It also has a high sugar content that can help stop the growth of some types of bacteria. Additionally, the low pH level of honey works to pull moisture away from bacteria, causing them to get dehydrated and eventually killed.

The best-known type of honey can inhibit approximately 60 kinds of bacteria. It can also treat wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

To use honey as an antibiotic, directly apply it to the wound or infected area. It can kill the bacteria and aid in the healing process. You can also ingest honey for treating internal infections by swallowing a whole tablespoon or stirring it into a warm cup of herbal tea. For best results, opt for raw Manuka honey  – the form of honey that offers the most health benefits.

Raw Manuka honey is mostly available in Australia, harvested from bees that drink nectar from the Manuka tree flowers. This type of honey is rich in methylglyoxal, a rare compound with excellent antimicrobial properties.

3. Ginger

Ginger is an Asian spice that has been used in different applications all around the world. This spice is obtained from the roots of the ginger plant and is recognized as a natural antibiotic. It is known for its applications in Ayurveda and other alternative medicines.

Ginger is filled with compounds and flavonoids that give it excellent antimicrobial properties, as well as the ability to act against the production of biofilms. The bacteria that thrive in acidic stomachs like H. Pylori bacteria can be reduced by eating ginger, which normalizes the acid production in the stomach. Several compounds in ginger were also found to be effective against certain strains of bacteria that can cause gum diseases.

4. Echinacea

A type of daisy flower usually found in North America’s central and eastern parts, Echinacea is used for hundreds of years for treating wounds and infections. The flower extract and pastes are now available worldwide, and its antimicrobial properties make it useful in treating various medical conditions.

Studies have found that the extract of this flower can kill different types of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes, which is responsible for strep throat, necrotizing fasciitis, and toxic shock syndrome. It can also fight inflammation along with bacterial infection. 

The compounds in Echinacea have antifungal and antibacterial effects that can prevent the growth of fungi that can cause fungal infections. It also has active defense capabilities against strong virus strains such as herpes, rotavirus, and influenza.

5. Myrrh

A lot of people are familiar with myrrh, but its antibiotic properties aren’t as widely known. It has a rich history, as it dates back to ancient times. This natural resin has been described in both the Bible and Talmud as a primary ingredient in anointing oil, and it had a variety of uses ranging from religious incense to facial treatment to kohl eyeliner.

Old world medical practitioners make use of myrrh for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. They used myrrh as a cure for various types of ailments like toothaches, indigestion, and even leprosy.

Myrrh can kill pathogens like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureusCandida albicans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to research, myrrh oil can also aid in pain relief and treating mouth sores.

Take caution in applying myrrh to the skin, as it can cause a small skin rash. Ingesting it may cause diarrhea, although it is generally well-tolerated. If consumed in large doses, myrrh can cause heart problems. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions written on the label. 

6. Oregano

Most people are familiar with oregano’s culinary uses in tomato-centric dishes, but did you know that this Mediterranean herb is also known as an important herbal utility as an antifungal and antibacterial agent? Oregano is also known to boost the immune system and act as an antioxidant.

Researchers have found that oregano was among the most effective natural antibiotics against different strains of bacteria and fungi. It is especially effective as an essential oil.

To treat skin infections when oregano, add a drop of oregano essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil. Then, apply the mixture in the effective area. You can also infuse the oregano oil to clear sinus infections.

7. Goldenseal

Typically taken as a supplement or tea form, the goldenseal herb is used in traditional medicine to treat various infections related to the skin, eyes, and urinary tract. It can also combat bacteria that cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, vaginitis, and canker sores. It’s also often combined with Echinacea for treating or preventing the common cold.

The herberine content of goldenseal gives the plant an antibiotic property, as this substance has been shown to kill some strains of fungi and bacteria in in vitro studies. A modern study supports the use of this herb for treating skin infections like MRSA and prevents it from damaging tissues.

Before taking goldenseal supplements, make sure you consult with a doctor if you’re taking prescription meds. Infants and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must avoid this herb.