Echinacea | Image by Gene Wilburn
Recently I wrote about Vitamin D to boost the immune system but customers have been asking me about natural antibiotics. I have worked in the Health Industry for almost 20 years and Echinacea and Garlic are two that have stood the test of time.
Echinacea has both anti-biotic and anti-viral properties. This makes it very useful for treating colds and flus which are caused by viruses. But the anti-bacterial properties will help prevent the secondary bacterial infections that can often come at the end of a cold or flu which can result in chesty coughs. It’s recommended for anyone aged 12 and upwards and is not advisable if you’re allergic to the daisy family. Many use Echinacea to boost their immune system in order to prevent infection.
Garlic has been used for centuries for its extensive medicinal uses. As well as its antibacterial properties, it has been used to reduce mucous, blood pressure and cholesterol , boost the immune system, and can kill the yeast organisms which are associated with Candida. It can also thin the blood. It’s available odour free so that you won’t lose any friends! Economy brands are fine to use for general health but if you are needing to treat an existing problem/infection you will find that high dose products like Quest Kyolic garlic will be more potent.
When my two were toddlers I used either Echinacea or Garlic, but of course today you cannot use Echinacea for under 12’s. Instead you can use Comvita Olive Leaf extract for children and Olive Leaf full strength for adults. Olive leaf extract has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti- fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and has strong anti-oxidant properties. This makes it a very versatile remedy to have in the house. Olive Leaf is an amazing remedy.
This is only a small sample of anti-biotics that nature provides but are probably the most frequently used and researched. Always check with your healthcare practitioner if you are on any medication. My motto is: Food supplements are safe — if safely used!
Best wishes,
Clair
For more information about me see www.clairsclinic.ie or if you’re in Wexford Town, Ireland, call in to see me at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street.
Clair's Clinic 