5 Effective Natural Antibiotics
Learn about some of the world’s more effective natural antibiotics, and get a few recipes to put them to use in your own home.By Stephen Harrod Buhner
January/February 2016
By now most of us know the many problems associated with the overreliance on antibiotics—these life-saving marvels are key to modern medicine, but their overuse in both medical settings and in the treatment of farm animals has helped develop antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Although of course we always recommend caution in the use of herbal medicine, and seeking the advice of a trained medical professional, this article can help you learn about some of the world’s most potent antibiotic plants. If you have an irritating but mild upper respiratory infection, ear infection or sinus infection, for example, you just might be able to cure it with these astounding plants.
This article is excerpted from the second edition, completely revised and expanded, of Stephen Harrod Buhner’s book Herbal Antibiotics. The authoritative text on this topic, Buhner’s book offers an immense amount of information—much more than we could ever include in an article—and is critical reading for anyone hoping to become truly knowledgeable about natural medicine. I highly recommend it. —Jessica Kellner
Herbal Antibiotic Remedies
• Herbal Glycerite Ear Infection Treatment
• Natural Nasal Spray for Sinus Infections
• Herbal Antibacterial Wash
• Honey and Sage Decoction for Colds and Flu
• Eucalyptus-Juniper Steam for Upper Respiratory Infections
• Natural Nasal Spray for Sinus Infections
• Herbal Antibacterial Wash
• Honey and Sage Decoction for Colds and Flu
• Eucalyptus-Juniper Steam for Upper Respiratory Infections
Cryptolepis
Cryptolepis is one of the top five systemic herbal antibiotics in the world. There are 20 to 30 species of the genus Cryptolepis. Tests have found the plant to be a stronger antibacterial than the pharmaceutical antibiotic chloramphenicol. The primary systemic antibacterial among the genus is Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. Some sources say all the members of this genus contain the antibacterial alkaloids cryptolepine, quinoline andneocryptolepine. I have been unable to verify this by finding any in-depth chemical analysis of the other species. Of the plants in the genus, C. buchanani and C. obtusa have stimulated the most interest outside C. sanguinolenta. Given the importance of C. sanguinolenta, in-depth chemical research needs to be done on the entire genus.
Parts Used
The root is usually the part used medicinally. The leaves can be used medicinally but rarely are. The root of the plant is generally about the thickness of a pencil, and has a light tannish color on the thin exterior bark and a brilliant yellow on the interior. It’s pretty. The root is exceptionally bitter due to the many alkaloids present.
Preparation and Dosage
Cryptolepis can be prepared as a powder, capsules, tea or tincture.
• Powder: For bacterial infections of the skin and wound sepsis, liberally sprinkle cryptolepis powder on the site of infection as frequently as needed.
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