Mrs. Money: Infection Control with Natural Antibiotics

I can't tell you how many times I've come down with a sinus infection or some other illness that normally are prescribed antibiotics.  I don't like taking antibiotics because they kill a lot of good bacteria in your gut and can cause all sorts of problems from a gut imbalance to antibiotic resistance.  Of course, I don't like being sick either, so I've had to find out some natural antibiotics. 

Here are some things that have worked for me.

• Grapefruit seed extract.  Grapefruit seed extract (also abbreviated as GSE) has been used forever for its antibiotic properties.  You can buy it in capsules and take them, and even break them and put them on your skin to combat infections.  It's one of the best antibiotic remedies out there.


• Garlic.  Garlic is amazing as an antibiotic.  You do have to take it raw though, and some people can't stand that.  When I feel an illness coming on, I take two cloves of garlic, chop them up, and put it in a teaspoon of honey.


• Honey.  Honey has antibiotic properties and is super yummy.  Take a teaspoon or two when you're feeling sick.


• Probiotics.  Learn how to make kefir, and you'll have an endless supply of cheap probiotics.  I love water kefir because it's easy to make, dairy free, and an awesome soda alternative.  Probiotics help balance out the good and bad bacteria by adding lots of good bacteria. 

Taking antibiotics can be absolutely necessary, so for major illnesses it's better to take them.  For minor infections, natural antibiotics can work very well.

Do you use natural antibiotics?

Mrs. Money writes at the Ultimate Money Blog, where she shares tips on frugal living, how to live green, and living a simpler life.