People tend to fall into one of three groups when they start feeling an itchy nose or scratchy throat, which can indicate the early stages of a cold or sinus infection.
Some groups try to ignore it and hope it will resolve itself.
The second person immediately goes to the doctor to relieve the symptoms.
And a third group are those who scour medicine cabinets or visit local pharmacies and medical stores to find DIY solutions.
For some DIY enthusiasts, home remedies are just like medicine. decongestant. For others, it's something a little more natural, like teas, supplements, ointments, and lozenges that claim to have natural antibacterial or antiviral properties.
It is true that some plants and herbal medicines may have antibacterial and antiviral properties (at least in test tubes, non-human studies, and anecdotal evidence). But that doesn't mean it's the right solution for you. Also, they should not be used as a substitute for medical advice.
“Functional areas and integrated medicine I often use herbal medicine,” says the integrative medicine doctor. Melissa Young, MD. “This is based on our clinical experience, review of medical evidence, and hundreds of years of traditional herbal use. But for the average consumer, what to look for and what to avoid. It can be very difficult to know what to do and how to use natural medicines safely.”
There are many options for so-called natural antibiotics. However, it is important to know that the quality and safety of herbal supplements can vary widely. Also, just because a product is labeled “natural” doesn't mean it's safe. Therefore, self-treatment with herbal medicine is not recommended.
We talked with Dr. Young about the antibiotic and antiviral properties of some plants to understand what people mean by “natural antibiotics.” This will help you understand their possibilities, their drawbacks, and why you should seek medical advice before trying them.
What are natural antibiotics and antibacterial agents?
Let's start with some definitions.
- Antibiotics It is a prescription drug that has the power to kill bacteria.
- antibacterial agent is a compound that can kill, or at least slow the growth of, various microorganisms. This includes not only bacteria, but also viruses, yeast, fungi, and more. They may be derived from natural sources or man-made compounds.
Usually, when people talk about “natural antibiotics,” what they are actually talking about are natural antibacterial agents, not substances that specifically kill bacteria, but rather protect the body from a range of things (at least refers to plants or plant-based products that claim to be A creature that causes disease.
These include products such as echinacea and elderberry, which some believe can help fight colds. (However, research shows otherwise.) Or cranberries for urinary tract infections. (The scientific opinion on that is mixed at best.) Or maybe you've heard that mouthwash made with cloves can help prevent cavities. (These claims are not compared to traditional mouthwash.)
The difference between antibiotics and antimicrobials is more than semantics. When you think of certain plants as “antibiotics,” you might think that they are an alternative to traditional antibiotics like penicillin. But that's not the case. More on that later.
how to use
Antibiotics and antibacterial agents can be used in two main ways: therapeutic and preventive.
Health care providers may suggest natural antibiotics for some people to help prevent illness or treat very mild illnesses that do not require conventional antibiotics. Conventional medical measures are essential to overcome other infections.
Dr. Young explains.
Natural products: prevention
Certain natural antibacterial agents can be useful as preventive measures when used correctly. In some cases, this is because it is thought to help create healthy terrain to keep the body strong and healthy to avoid infections.
Think of it like this: Your body is constantly fighting germs. And it's only when those bacteria have multiplied thoroughly that you start to feel sick. Some natural products, along with lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet, enough sleep, exercise, and stress management, may be one strategy to prevent these bugs from getting out of control in the first place. There is a gender.
Natural products: mild symptoms
You probably already know that overuse of prescribed antibiotics can lead to resistance. Bacteria can mutate to the point that traditional antibiotics prescribed by your health care provider can no longer kill them. The result is the birth of dangerous bacteria called “superbugs” that are resistant to antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance is a major danger to public health. As a result, health care professionals are increasingly cautious about prescribing traditional antibiotics for early sinus infections and minor infections such as bronchitis. In many cases, the body can fight off these bacteria on its own without the use of traditional antibiotics.
In these cases, your integrative or functional health care provider may suggest natural antibacterial products. Doing so may give your immune system a bit of a boost, allowing you to fight off these illnesses without overusing traditional antibiotics, which can cause superbugs.
Conventional medicine: other cases
The thing to remember here is that natural products have not been thoroughly tested. They are not backed by as much science and research as traditional medicines. Therefore, there is much we do not know about natural antibacterial agents.
Rather than opting for natural products on your own when you're down with an illness, Dr. Young says it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms don't improve after a few days.
Your health care provider will likely prescribe conventional antibiotics or suggest more natural treatments. Perhaps they will advise just waiting. However, it is important to consult your doctor and always take any medicines, natural or conventional, as directed.
Disadvantages and risks
Before you run to your local health store and stock up on all the natural products and antibiotics, Dr. Young has a few words of caution.
Herbal medicine is not regulated
When your doctor prescribes a drug like an antibiotic, or you pick up a nasal decongestant at the drugstore, you can be confident that it's proven to be safe and effective. This is because foods and drugs are strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and undergo rigorous inspections before being released on the market.
On the other hand, natural solutions found online or in the vitamin aisle are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. These are sold as supplements and come with warnings such as “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.” This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ”
In other words, “proceed at your own risk.''
Dr. Young advises talking to a knowledgeable health care provider, such as a functional medicine or integrative medicine specialist, for recommendations on whether natural antibiotics are right for you. He should also guide you as to which natural products and brands are likely to be safe and effective. An experienced medical professional can also recommend companies you can trust, including those that have undergone independent quality testing and safe sourcing practices.
“Most people are aware that some dietary supplements may not contain what is listed on the label, or may not have been tested for contaminants such as pesticides or heavy metals. We don’t know it’s there,” Dr. Young explains. “It is very important to take the advice of a knowledgeable provider and choose herbs and supplements from reputable companies.”
you can get a lot of good things
Natural antibiotics can be powerful. It can be too powerful if taken in large quantities or for a long period of time. It may also interact dangerously with certain medications.
Keeping your body healthy depends in part on a healthy balance of bacteria in your body. For example, the intestines are a breeding ground for bacteria, and that's a good thing. You need good bacteria in your body to balance bad bacteria.Natural antibacterial agents – similar antibiotic medication —Don't differentiate between “good bacteria” and “bad bacteria.” Therefore, too much natural antibacterial agents can cause major damage to the body's systems.
“Some patients come to us for the first time with stomach problems, but they've been self-treating with oregano oil for months or years, killing off some of the beneficial bacteria in their bodies (gut flora). “We found that it's in the intestine,” explains Dr. Young. “If not used properly, natural antimicrobials can affect not only bad bacteria but also beneficial bacteria.”
Again, proper education and supervision by health care providers is essential.
Some people should not use
Natural antibacterial agents are not suitable for everyone. A specialist can also advise you about the risks of natural treatments, especially in the following cases:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (breastfeeding).
- Take your medications regularly, especially blood thinners and heart medications.
- Are you considering natural remedies for your child?
Talk to your health care provider before stocking up on natural remedies for colds, coughs, gut health, and more. These can help you weigh the pros and cons and limit the risks to your health.
