Since the advent of modern medicine, drugs have multiplied to compensate for the adverse effects of many diseases and conditions. From the most benign to the most dangerous, they give rise to a myriad of treatments designed to combat them.
When they are of bacterial origin, antibiotics are particularly stressed because of their rapid and effective action. Unfortunately, these drugs, which were initially designed to act on an ad hoc basis, quickly led to over-consumption, which is now making the pharmaceutical industry face one of its biggest challenges, namely antibiotic resistance.
2000 to 12,500 deaths would be attributed each year to antimicrobial resistance, a direct result of overprescription of antibiotics that ranks the country to the rank of bad students behind Germany, the Netherlands or the United Kingdom. At this rate, Public Health France estimates that by 2050, infectious diseases could become one of the leading causes of death.
Indeed, the problem does not only concern the development of anti-resistant bacteria in a single individual. The primary difficulty lies in the fact that these, beyond the problems they can cause on one organism, are also able to spread from one person to another, in animals, or more generally, in the environment. They are therefore transmissible by direct and indirect contact. In view of these dangerous repercussions and the magnitude of the situation, the need to look for alternatives to counteract pathogenic bacteria is, in fact, a necessity to identify more viable solutions.
Thus, it may be useful to know that we are surrounded by natural foods and antibiotics that allow us to limit the over-consumption of double-edged medications. Here are some that might be useful for dealing with everyday conditions:
Garlic
Thanks to its content of sulfur compounds and allicin, garlic is an ingredient with considerable properties to alleviate everyday ailments, especially in cold weather when energy losses begin to be felt. In the case of bronchitis or respiratory tract infection, this perennial plant with decongestant and antiseptic properties is particularly useful.
In Avicenna's Barrel, garlic was recommended as an antibiotic to treat certain infectious diseases as well as to relieve toothache, arthritis, or chronic cough. According to a more recent study, fresh garlic juice would have also shown positive action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Echinacea
Used by Native Americans for its anti-infective, antiallergic, anti-influenza and natural antibiotic properties, echinacea is a plant that stimulates the immune system. According to an article published by Phytotherapy Research, it would be particularly effective in preventing and relieving the symptoms of respiratory disorders related to bacterial infections.
Honey from Manuka
Recognized for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, Manuka honey comes straight from New Zealand and Australia. According to a scientific article published by AIMS Microbiology, much of its virtues would be attributed to its phenolic compounds and the methylglyoxal it contains. This molecule, whose presence is now recognized thanks to UMF (Unique Manuka Factor), has been shown to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogenic bacterium that causes many infections, including pneumonia and bacterial meningitis.
Grapefruit seed extract
Thanks to its content of bioflavonoids, grapefruit seed extract is an important ally to fight against infections of the digestive and urinary tract. Antiparasitic, antiviral and antifungal, it would have demonstrated in a study of considerable efficacy against the yeast Candida albicans, a very small mushroom that is usually found in the mucosa but can become pathogenic in case of immune imbalance or hormone.
Ginger
Antibacterial and antifungal, ginger would, according to a study, limit the growth and development of certain types of pathogenic bacteria. The effectiveness of the Asian rhizome would be related to its gingerol content which would have demonstrated a considerable antibacterial action against the bacteria associated with periodontal diseases. In addition, its antiviral properties allow it to fight against flu-like conditions and relieve pain related to intestinal or gastric disorders.
Warnings
Echinacea is contraindicated in case of autoimmune disease, progressive diseases, and people with allergies to plants of the family Asteraceae.
- Ginger is to be avoided before surgery because of its anticoagulant effect.
- Garlic is not recommended if you have porphyria or anemia.
- Grapefruit (or its pips) is not recommended for medical treatment.
Note that these alternative methods of treatment do not substitute for any medical advice. Always ask your doctor for advice before starting a natural remedy.
