Infectious diseases caused by pathogens and food poisoning caused by spoilage microorganisms are threatening human health all over the world. The efficacious of some antimicrobial agents, which are currently used to extend shelf-life and increase the safety of food products in food industry and to inhibit disease-causing microorganisms in medicine, have been weakened by microbial resistance. Therefore, new antimicrobial agents that could overcome this resistance need to be discovered. Many spices—such as clove, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, and cumin—possessed significant antibacterial and anti-fungal activities against food spoilage bacteria like Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluoresces, pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, harmful fungi like Aspergillus flavus, even antibiotic resistant microorganisms such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, spices have a great potential to be developed as new and safe antimicrobial agents. This review summarizes scientific studies on the antibacterial and anti-fungal activities of several spices and their derivatives.

Antiseptic herbs are an agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the external surfaces of the body and are generally distinguished from herbal antibiotics that destroy microorganisms internally.

An antiseptic when applied to wounds and infections, ensure that they are clean and do not get any worse and have been used throughout history. An antiseptic is merely a substance that can be put directly on a cut or infection to ensure that it is properly clean and is going to remain clean as possible until the next application.

Antiseptics help to prevent and counteract infection and the formation of pus by inhibiting the growth of the infectious organisms.

Generally, quiet a few antiseptics are true germicides, proficient of tearing down microbes, where as others are simply bacteriologist which generally stops or slows down their growth. Antibacterials are basically antiseptics which only take action against bacteria. The widespread introduction of antiseptics in western medicine began after the publishing of the paper Antiseptic Principle of the Practice of Surgery in 1867 by Joseph Lister, inspired by the findings of Louis Pasteur.

Numerous herbs and oils are natural antibacterial and antiseptic agents and may be used as teas, skin washes, made into salves. Antiseptic herbs are herbs that contain essential oils are antibacterial and antiseptic. For example, Thyme is an Antiseptic herb that has been known about and used since ancient times and the Thymol contained in the herb makes it an excellent antiseptic and antimicrobial. Many people are seeking to lessen the effects of chemically-based antiseptics, on their bodies and there are many herbs and essential oils that have antiseptic properties.
Some Antiseptic Herbs used are

Top seven safe, effective natural antibiotics

Certain natural substances have antibacterial properties, but which are safe to use, and when should a person use them?

Prescription antibiotics, such as penicillin, have helped people to recover from otherwise fatal diseases and conditions since the 1940s.

However, people are also turning to natural antibiotics for treatment.

According to the NHS, 1 in 10 people experiences side effects that harm the digestive system after taking antibiotics. Around 1 in 15 people are allergic to this type of medication.

In this article, we look at the evidence behind seven of the best natural antibiotics. We also discuss which to avoid, and when to see a doctor.

Seven best natural antibiotics

Garlic may be an effective treatment against bacteria.

The scientific jury is still out concerning natural antibiotics. While people have used remedies like these for hundreds of years, most treatments have not been thoroughly tested.

However, some show promising results under medical review, and further studies are underway.

With an ongoing increase in drug-resistant bacteria, scientists are looking to nature when developing new medications.

Here, we examine the science behind seven natural antibiotics.

1. Garlic

Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers.

Research has found that garlic can be an effective treatment against many forms of bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Garlic has even been considered for use against multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.

2. Honey

Since the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to heal and prevents or draws out infection.

Healthcare professionals today have found it helpful in treating chronic wounds, burns, ulcers, bedsores, and skin grafts. For example, results of a study from 2016 demonstrate that honey dressings can help to heal wounds.

The antibacterial effects of honey are usually attributed to its hydrogen peroxide content. However, manuka honey fights off bacteria, though it has a lower hydrogen peroxide content.

A 2011 study reported that the best-known type of honey inhibits approximately 60 kinds of bacteria. It also suggests that honey successfully treats wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Antibacterial properties aside, honey may help wounds to heal by providing a protective coating that fosters a moist environment.

3. Ginger

The scientific community also recognizes ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies, including one published in 2017, have demonstrated ginger’s ability to fight many strains of bacteria.

Researchers are also exploring ginger’s power to combat seasickness and nausea and to lower blood sugar levels.

4. Echinacea

Echinacea has been used to treat infections for many years.

Native American and other traditional healers have used echinacea for hundreds of years to treat infections and wounds. Researchers are beginning to understand why.

A study published in the Journal of Bio-medicine and Biotechnology reports that extract of Echinacea purpurea can kill many different kinds of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes).

S. pyogenes is responsible for strep throat, toxic shock syndrome, and the “flesh-eating disease” known as necrotizing fascistic.

Echinacea may also fight inflammation associated with bacterial infection. It is available to purchase in health stores or online.

5. Golden-seal

Golden-seal is usually consumed in tea or capsules to treat respiratory and digestive problems. However, it may also combat bacterial diarrhea and urinary tract infections.

In addition, results of a recent study support the use of golden-seal to treat skin infections. In a lab, golden-seal extracts were used to prevent MRSA from damaging tissue.

A person taking prescription medications should check with a doctor before taking golden-seal, as this supplement can cause interference.

Golden-seal also contains berberine, an important component of natural antibiotics. This alkaloid is not safe for infants, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Goldenseal capsules are available to purchase in health stores or online.

6. Clove

Clove has traditionally been used in dental procedures. Research is now finding that clove water extract may be effective against many different kinds of bacteria, including E. coli.

7. Oregano

Some believe that oregano boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. It may have anti-inflammatory properties.

While researchers have yet to verify these claims, some studies show that oregano is among the more effective natural antibiotics, particularly when it is made it into an oil.

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Risks of natural antibiotics

Just because something is labeled natural, it is not necessarily safe.

The amounts and concentrations of active ingredients vary among brands of supplements. Read labels carefully. A person should also inform their healthcare provider if they plan to take these supplements.

While cooked garlic is usually safe to consume, research suggests that taking concentrated garlic may increase the risk of bleeding. This can be dangerous for people facing surgery or taking blood thinners.

Garlic concentrates may also reduce the usefulness of HIV medications.

Certain products should be avoided, including colloidal silver. This substance consists of microscopic pieces of silver suspended in water.

Colloidal silver has been recommended as a treatment for a variety of diseases, including the bubonic plague and HIV. However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it can be dangerous, and no credible studies back up these uses.

Taking colloidal silver supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and medication used to treat an underachiever thyroid gland.

Silver can also build up in the body and turn the skin bluish-gray. This condition is called argyria and is permanent in most people.

When to use prescribed antibiotics

Antibiotics may be prescribed to speed recovery from illness or to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Due to the current increase in drug-resistant diseases, most doctors do not prescribe antibiotics unless they are effective and necessary.

Antibiotics are most often prescribed to:

• prevent the spread of infectious diseases
• prevent a condition from becoming more serious or fatal
• speed recovery from illness or injury
• prevent development of complications

If a person is prescribed antibiotics, they should take the entire dosage as directed. This is especially encouraged in people with a higher risk of bacterial infection, or who face greater risks if they become ill, such as people who are:

Natural Antiseptics in 2018

Do you need an antiseptic around the home but are loathe to use potent antiseptic agents? There are some extremely effective natural antiseptics that are great for a wide range of applications. Natural antiseptics can treat internal problems, skin and even wounds. These are some natural antiseptics you should use to help maintain health.

Some Natural Antiseptics

Lemon has antiseptic properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function and the lymphatic, circulatory, and digestive systems. It is antibacterial and is beneficial for the skin. To sterilize the air, simply add a few drops of lemon to a spray bottle. To purify soy or rice milk, simply add two drops of lemon. Lemon can be used to treat verrucas, insect bites and tension headaches. It can also be used for sore throats, in pruritus of the scrotum, in uterine hemorrhage after delivery, or as a lotion in sunburn.

Honey is a natural antiseptic and there are several studies on how honey has been used to treat wounds. Applying honey to wounds helps to prevent infections, as it contains antimicrobial agents that kill the bacteria in and around the wound. Many types of bacteria cannot survive in honey so the wound heals, swelling eases, and the tissues can regrow. Honey is also great for treating ulcers and burns. When treating diarrhea, honey promotes the re hydration of the body and more quickly clears the diarrhea and any vomiting and stomach upsets.

Pineapple is high in vitamins A, C, and B, and is rich in manganese, which is an essential part of certain enzymes that are necessary for metabolizing proteins and carbohydrates. The pineapple enzyme, bromelain, is used for digesting proteins, and while it does so, it gives some effective anti-inflammatory benefits. It contains antibiotic properties and helps to enhance medical antibiotics. Pineapple is antiseptic and astringent. It reduces the acidity of urine, helps with normalising menstruation and can be used for abscesses, pneumonia, worm infestation, exhaustion, kidney infections, kidney stones, bronchitis, and digestive disorders. Pineapple also soothes sore throats.

Natural Antiseptics for Treating Wounds

You don’t need to use over the counter wound treatments. Natural antiseptics can do the job for you and are just as effective as over the counter medications. First you need to clean the wound and then apply natural antiseptics. Here are some natural antiseptics for treating wounds.

Tea tree oil is a fantastic natural antibiotic and it contains antiseptic compounds that are a very effective skin disinfectant. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can be used at a strength of 5 to 15 percent daily. Tea tree oil has been proven to help with acne, athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, fungal infections of the toe or finger nails, yeast infections, wound healing, and bad breath, amongst other things.

Garlic is another natural antiseptic and can be used on wounds. Fresh garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties and can be used on wounds. Before modern medicines were available, garlic was used to treat wounds.

Honey is another natural antiseptic. It has been used for centuries to treat wounds. Honey is a natural antibacterial solution and can be applied directly on wounds to help heal the wounds. It contains hydrogen peroxide and you should store it in a cool place or the hydrogen peroxide will break down.

Natural Antiseptics for Other Problems

Over the counter skin treatments can dry out the skin and cause problems. Natural antiseptics may be a safer choice. Some natural antiseptics include witch hazel, thyme, calendula, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, lavender and grapefruit seed extract.

However, they should be used with care, because they can irritate skin in some instances. Try them first on a small area and find out which ones may cause skin irritations. In many cases, making a tea of these herbs can be an effective treatment for skin problems.

Witch hazel tones the skin and has natural antiseptic qualities. It is also an astringent, which helps clean the pores of the skin and help prevent blemishes.

Thyme is another natural antiseptic. It should be a part of your daily diet, but it can also be purchased as thyme oil. Thyme oil is a natural antiseptic, but is also antibacterial and can be an effective treatment for menstrual problems. It also has a calming ingredient which can help some people.

Calendula has many properties that promote healing. It can be taken orally, but it is also used topically and is even used in many skin care products. Calendula is an antivirus and is a powerful antioxidant. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients which can help protect cells from free radical damage.

Tea tree oil has been used for centuries by Australian aboriginals. It is also called limescale oil and has many properties that are good for health. It contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-fungal qualities.

Eucalyptus oil is another high quality natural antiseptic that was also used by Australian aboriginals and has been scientifically proven to work. It has a number of qualities that should make it a product to have in the home. It is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antibacterial and a disinfectant. It also is a good decongestant, natural deodorant and has insecticidal properties, which can be of benefit when mosquitoes are present.

Lavender is another natural antiseptic, but it has more than just antiseptic qualities. It can help with anxiety and depression and help prevent insomnia. It can be used on scrapes and wounds because of its antiseptic properties. It can help with digestive problems, headaches and skin problems.

Grapefruit seed extract is both antimicrobial and antiseptic. For use as an antiseptic, make a solution of 4 to 40 drops in water and apply to affected areas two or three times a day. It can be used as a spray on larger areas.

Why Use Natural Antiseptics?

Before the advent of modern medicine, natural antiseptics were the only things people had to use. They included herbs, leaves and even the bark of trees. Over time, people in Europe, Asia, Australia, and other countries learned what natural antiseptics could do and shared their knowledge with others in their villages and towns. Different herbs, leaves and bark were used in different countries because not all countries had the same plants, but one thing was certain. Natural antiseptics worked for many skin conditions, mental disorders and internal problems.

Because different herbs, leaves and bark existed in other cultures, many other natural antiseptics are available. These include:

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Many herbs, leaves and bark have natural antiseptic properties and can also heal internal problems and some even lessen anxiety and depression and can help with mental issues.

Since natural antiseptics were used for thousands of years before modern medicine, they are worth looking into. An herbalist can give you advice on how to use them and it may be a good idea to contact an herbalist near you to avoid using natural antiseptics in the wrong way. They can be very powerful and you don’t want to overuse them. Take a safe course and if an herbalist is no