Foods, Vitamins and Supplements for Boosting the Immune System

A healthy immune system is essential to protect you against disease and prevent infection. You can boost your immune system by eating foods containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Supplements are also helpful to strengthen your immunity as they can address any nutritional deficiencies and give your immune system a boost.

Some of the best foods that are immune boosters are garlic, ginger, green leafy vegetables, and citrus fruits. The rich vitamin C, vitamin E, and natural antioxidant content mean these types of foods are great for health. These immune-boosting foods can help you avoid colds, the flu, infections, and even prevent chronic infections.
Immune system supplements also help to increase white blood cells to help you when you are sick. Some of the best supplements for the immune system are selenium, zinc, curcumin, olive leaf extract, and echinacea.

In this article, you will learn about natural immune boosters that will help improve your health. Immune boosting supplements and foods can help to prevent disease and also help you recover quicker from a bacterial or viral infection.

At the end of the article, you will find a recipe for a health tonic that combines some of nature’s most potent plants which will help to kill your infections. This natural antibiotic has a strong taste and creates a powerful concoction.

How Diet and Supplements Boost Your Immune System

Boosting your immune system with a healthy diet and appropriate supplements can help keep you in good health.

Immune-boosting foods help your body fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Your immune system detects these ‘foreign’ invaders and increases white blood cells (WBC) to kill off the organisms. In order to ‘win’ the battle, your immune system should be as strong as possible.

Most doctors agree that the best way to strengthen your immunity is through a healthy lifestyle that involves a good diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.

For example, researchers from Harvard Medical School report that healthy nutrition helps decrease your risk of disease. An immune-boosting diet should contain micronutrients such as vitamins A, B6, C, and E. You also need to get minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron, and folic acid from vegetables and fruits.

You can also take supplements that support a healthy immune system. This can help to prevent any vitamin or mineral deficiencies that can put you at risk of infection and disease.

In general, doctors from the Cleveland Clinic recommend boosting your immunity with fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. You also strengthen your immune system by getting exercise, plenty of sleep, and avoiding stress. 

Foods That Boost the Immune System
Let’s look at some of the best foods you can add to your diet to help keep you well and healthy.
Garlic Helps Strengthen the Immune System
Garlic is a pungent herb with antimicrobial properties that can help ward off infections and strengthen your immunity.

The Journal of Immunology Research reports that garlic contains a sulfur compound called allicin. This immune-stimulating compound increases natural killer cells in the body and helps prevent immune dysfunction. Garlic is a powerful medicinal herb for treating microbial infections, reducing inflammation, and keeping your heart healthy.

Studies have also shown that garlic and garlic extracts help to increase WBC count and inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines.

Help to boost your immune system with garlic by adding it to your meals. One 2015 study found that adding crushed garlic to a meal helped boost immunity. Researchers also noted that the meal with crushed garlic helped to kill off certain cancer cells.

If you can’t add garlic to every meal, you can also take garlic as a supplement to boost your immune system. Research has found that aged garlic supplements help reduce the severity of respiratory infections such as colds and flu.

Learn about other ways to use garlic as a natural antibiotic and why it is always best to crush garlic and wait few minutes before using it as a medicine.

Ginger for a Stronger Immune System

Ginger is an immune-boosting ingredient that you can take as a food or supplement for immune support.

A 2019 study into the medicinal properties of ginger found that ginger can strengthen the immune response in the body. Consuming ginger tea regularly helped to increase antibodies that help fight infections. Researchers also noted that ginger boosted the number of white blood cells and red blood cells in smokers.

Another way that ginger helps to promote a healthy human immune system is that it positively affects thyroid function. Ginger can help to keep your thyroid working properly during acute infections.

Find out more information about why using more ginger in your diet can help to improve your health. You can also find a recipe to make your own anti-inflammatory ginger and turmeric tea.

Foods Rich in Vitamin C Strengthen Immunity
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins to boost the immune system and help you ward off infections.

The journal Nutrients reported in 2017 that vitamin C helps build the body’s defenses against infection and disease. Vitamin C for immunity is important because it kills off free radicals that can cause oxidative damage.

There is also evidence to support the fact that vitamin C increases white blood cells and natural killer cells. It is also a known fact that people who are vitamin C deficient are more prone to infection.

Some studies show that taking vitamin C supplements along with zinc helps to shorten the duration of cold and flu infections. Also, vitamin C is a great immune booster supplement for kids.

Studies also show that increasing your vitamin C intake through food or supplements at the first sign of a viral infection can help you recover quicker.

The best foods containing vitamin C include red bell pepper, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and tomato juice. Researchers say that consuming 5 varieties of vitamin C-rich foods every day can help meet your daily vitamin C needs of 200 mg. 

Citrus fruits are great for boosting your immunity
If you really want to boost your immunity when you are sick, then you should increase your intake of citrus fruits.

Citrus fruits contain high levels of vitamin C that can give your immune system a boost when you have an infection. Researchers have found that citrus fruits contain antioxidants and vitamins that are essential to human health. Citrus fruits also contain anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardiovascular protective properties.

Consuming oranges, lemons, and grapefruit can help to increase your body’s ability to fight off infection.

You may be surprised to learn that guava fruit has 4 times the amount of vitamin C than oranges.

Find out why starting your day with a glass of lemon water can help to keep you healthy and improve your immunity.

Foods Rich in Vitamin E Boost Immunity
Another vitamin needed for your immune system to function properly is vitamin E. Like vitamin C, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to stimulate your body to fight disease.

Extensive research into the uses of vitamin E has shown that it is essential for good health. Dietary intake of vitamin E helps to boost immune cell responses and help fight off infectious diseases. The antioxidant effect of vitamin E helps to reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and age-related vision problems.

Vitamin E also helps to boost white blood cells which are necessary for enhanced immune function.

The best way to maintain a healthy immune system with vitamin E is by making sure food in your diet contains it. Foods to boost your immune system that contain plenty of vitamin E include nuts and seeds, olive oil, green vegetables, and some fortified cereals.

You can also supplement your diet with vitamin E capsules at the recommended dose of 15 mg daily.
Probiotic Foods for a Healthy Gut and Stronger Immune System
Regularly consuming foods such as raw yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso help keep your immune system healthy.

The reason why these foods are good for your immunity is that they contain probiotics.

The journal Microorganisms in 2017 reported that your gastrointestinal health is connected to your immune response. Increasing your intake of probiotic yogurt can help to improve your gut’s microbiota and, therefore, build up your immune system.

Another interesting study from 2018 found that probiotic supplements can help to reduce the time it takes to recover from the common cold or flu. Taking probiotic drinks containing Lactobacillus strains helped to reduce the severity of respiratory infections by promoting healthy immune function.

For more information on the benefits of probiotics to your digestive health, immunity, and mental health, please see my article on probiotics for good health.

Green Leafy Vegetables

One of the best food groups to include in an immune-boosting diet is green leafy vegetables.

Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, chard, and beetroot tops are packed with vitamins and minerals for a healthy diet. Many studies point to the fact that consuming many such vegetables help to strengthen your body’s immune response.

Because elderly people usually have impaired immune systems, it is very important to ensure a high intake of vegetables to maintain a healthy body. In fact, fruit and vegetable consumption can help reduce the risk of chronic disease in people over the age of 65. 

Broccoli

A 2018 study on the benefits of eating broccoli found that compounds in broccoli help to boost immunity and may also help prevent the development of cancer.  You can read more about the health benefits of broccoli in this article.

Spinach
Spinach is a good source of beta-carotene that helps the body produce vitamin A. Researchers say that vitamin A is an immune enhancer that helps protect against infection. 

Button Mushrooms
You may be surprised to learn that consuming mushrooms can be good for your immune system.

The Journal of Nutrition reported that the benefits of mushrooms for your immunity are that they improve the microbiota in the gut. The results of laboratory results have led scientists to realize that eating white button mushrooms can help to reduce your risk of disease. Consuming button mushrooms also helped to reduce inflammation.

Mushrooms also contain compounds such as selenium, vitamin D, and other minerals that may help lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Learn more about the benefits of adding maitake and shiitake mushrooms to your healthy diet.

Colored Foods to Support the Immune System

Including fruits and vegetables in your diet that have vibrant colors can help to ensure that you get enough vitamins and minerals for a strong immune system.

The journal Advances in Nutrition reports that colored fruit and veg usually contain healthy compounds for boosting immunity.

For example, orange and yellow vegetables contain beta-carotene that strengthens the immune system.

Red vegetables such as tomatoes, pink guavas, and watermelons contain lycopene that has powerful antioxidant activity and immune-boosting properties.

Purple vegetables such as purple sweet potato or purple carrots contain anthocyanins that are bioactive compounds that help improve the immune response. 

Carrots

Carrots are an immune-boosting food due to the presence of carotenoids. Research has found that carrots help enhance immune function and may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. 

Sweet potatoes

Another orange-colored vegetable that boosts your immune system is sweet potatoes. The vitamin A content in sweet potato helps to promote healthy immune function.
Purple potatoes

Sweet potatoes with purple flesh also have immune-enhancing properties. One 2019 trial on mice found that compounds in purple-fleshed sweet potato stimulated the immune response and enhanced immunity. 

Red tomatoes

The journal Molecules reported that tomato and tomato juice can help to boost immunity by helping to prevent inflammatory responses in cells. 

Brazil Nuts to Boost Your Immune System
Another of the great foods to enhance your immune function and help stay healthy is Brazil nuts.

The reason why Brazil nuts are good for your immune system is that they are a rich source of selenium. Researchers have found that selenium stimulates the immune system to be more active. One of the best sources of selenium is Brazil nuts.

To get enough selenium to help improve your immune system’s function, you only have to eat one or two Brazil nuts a day. One Brazil nut contains around 90 mcg which is 130% of your daily selenium requirement.

Green Tea to Boost Your Immune System
Regularly drinking a cup or two of green tea every day can help keep you healthy and prevent disease and infections.

Studies have shown that green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins. These compounds support the immune system by helping to reduce the effects of oxidative stress. Scientists also found that green tea compounds enhance immune responses and help lower inflammation.

You can find more information about green tea in my article about the proven benefits of green tea.

Chicken Soup

Consuming chicken soup is one of the best foods to eat if you have a cold or other viral infection.

It is not just an old wives’ tale that chicken soup is good for boosting your immunity. Scientists have found that chicken soup contains compounds that inhibit mild inflammation. Other studies have found that chicken soup can help to prevent influenza virus infection.

Did you know that chicken soup is one of the proven remedies to help break a fever fast?

Supplements That Boost the Immune System

All of the foods that help to boost your immune system work effectively due to one or more minerals or vitamins in them.

You can also help to prevent infection by using the best supplements to enhance the immune system.

Turmeric (Curcumin) is an Immune System Booster
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that helps to strengthen the immune system and prevent disease.

Various studies into the benefits of curcumin have found that the yellow spice can enhance the activity of immune-related antibodies. The effect of curcumin on the immune system can help to prevent various chronic diseases and treat immune disorders.

Learn more about the many health benefits of taking curcumin supplements to help strengthen your immune system.

Folic Acid Strengthens Immunity

Another of the immune system supplements that can help prevent disease and infection is folic acid.

Scientific research has found that people who have a folate (vitamin B9) deficiency often have poor resistance to infections. Taking folic acid supplements could help to address this vitamin deficiency and act as a supplement to strengthen the immune system. 

Iron for a Healthy Immune System

In order to keep your immune system functioning as it should, you need to have adequate levels of iron in your blood.

Iron is an important mineral to help deliver oxygen to cells to keep them healthy. Researchers have found that iron is linked to the immune system and poor iron absorption can negatively affect the immune system.

Other scientists have found that a lack of iron can put a person at greater risk of developing infections. 

It is important to spot the signs of an iron deficiency to determine if you need to take a supplement to increase iron levels.

Selenium is an Immune Boosting Supplement

You need to have adequate levels of selenium to make sure that your immune system works effectively to combat disease.

Scientists say that selenium levels have a direct effect on your body’s immunity and inflammation. Adequate levels of selenium can help to prevent the invasion of certain pathogens that can cause infections. Selenium can also lessen the severity of viral infections such as influenza. 

Learn about the tell-tale signs of a selenium deficiency and what you can do to prevent it.

Zinc to Boost the Immune System

Many supplements to enhance the immune system contain zinc because it helps to prevent immune dysfunction.

Research into the immune-enhancing properties of zinc has found that it is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists also say that zinc boosts the immune system in a number of ways.

If you have a zinc deficiency, you can take a zinc supplement to help support your immune system.

Shellfish such as oysters, red meat, beans, and nuts are also dietary sources of zinc that can help to keep your immune system healthy. 

 

Olive Leaf Extract for Immune System Support

One of the best immune booster supplements you can take to stay healthy is olive leaf extract.

A 2018 study on the immune-enhancing effect of olive leaf extract found that it can help prevent chronic diseases. Olive leaf extract supplements have antioxidant properties that help improve cardiovascular health. Taking these olive leaf supplements regularly can also help to increase your body’s ability to fight off disease. 

Learn more about the health benefits of olive leaf extract and find out how to make your own immune-boosting olive leaf tea.

Echinacea to Boost Your Immune System When Sick

Echinacea is a medicinal herb that stimulates the immune system and can help you fight off a cold or flu infection quicker.

Scientists have found that taking echinacea to strengthen your immunity works because it increases the number of white blood cells. Research has shown that echinacea supplements help to prevent and treat infections of the upper respiratory tract.

 

Echinacea also contains compounds that have immunostimulatory properties that help to kill off viruses. 

If you want to get rid of a winter cold virus quicker, find out how to make your own health-boosting echinacea tea at home.

Astragalus for Immunity Strengthening

One of the supplements to boost your immune system is astragalus.

The journal Molecules reports that astragalus supplements help regulate the immune system that results in a stronger immune system. 

Other studies have shown that taking astragalus may help to ward off the influenza virus. 

 

Ginseng to Increase your Body’s Immune Response
If you are feeling sick and under the weather, taking ginseng supplements can help your body recover quicker.

Ginseng contains a number of antioxidants that help to maintain healthy immune function. However, taking ginseng also helps to increase your body’s resistance to disease and infection. Ginseng stimulates killer cells that are essential for an effective immune system. 

Other studies have shown that the beneficial effects of ginseng include helping to relieve stress, improve your cardiovascular health, manage diabetes, and help protect against cancer. 

 

Kill Your Infections With This Natural Antibiotic – Recipe
This wonderful health tonic combines some of nature’s most potent plants and brings them together in a powerful concoction. It is not for the squeamish as the taste is strong and hits your taste buds with unusual force. But the health benefits are manifold, so it is definitely worth the effort.

The master tonic has been credited with healing not only common colds and infections, but also chronic conditions and antibiotic-resistant infections. It is 100% natural and works as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal substance. It boosts your immune system and helps you combat even stubborn diseases.

It combines garlic, onion, horseradish, ginger, hot peppers (chilies) and apple cider vinegar. All ingredients should preferably be organic and have to be used fresh.

Ingredients:

– 1 part garlic, chopped
– 1 part white onion, chopped
– 1 part ginger root, grated
– 1 part horseradish, grated
– 1 part hot peppers, chopped (you can use cayenne, habanero, serrano, jalapeño, etc.)
– 1 gallon raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

Prepare all your ingredients. Put them in a glass jar so that the jar is ¾ full with equal parts of the chopped and grated ingredients. You can either use small jars or go for big gallon glass jars.

Pour apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until the jar is full. Make sure all the ingredients are covered by the liquid.

Close the jars and shake them vigorously, so the ingredients mix and bind.

Store the jars in a dark and cool place for at least 2 weeks and shake them daily.

After 2 weeks, use a colander to drain the liquid into a different bowl. Line the colander with cheesecloth and place the mixture in it. Press all the moisture out of the mixture. At the end, wrap the cheesecloth around the remaining mixture and squeeze out the rest of the liquid.

Pour the tonic into glass bottles using a funnel. You can use 8 oz. (200 milliliters) amber bottles or any other size.

Dosage:

For a general immunity boost or for fighting candida overgrowth, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons in a cup of water. Drink twice daily. As mentioned earlier, be prepared for the spicy, potent taste.

If you are battling an infection, take the tonic 3 to 4 times a day.

How do the ingredients work?

The tonic’s ingredients quickly enter your bloodstream and detox the body. They stimulate your immune system and improve the circulation. Each of them has numerous health benefits.

Garlic is a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic (read more about garlic in my article how to use garlic as a medicine). Onion has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory potential and is very good for respiratory infections.

Horseradish is antibacterial and anti-parasitic. Ginger is known for its antimicrobial properties and it aids digestion (read more about ginger in my article how to use ginger as a medicine). Hot peppers act as natural painkillers (read more about cayenne pepper here).

The list of apple cider vinegar’s healing benefits is very long.

When all these jewels come together, you get a universal tonic that will help you maintain and improve your health.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.      https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes     https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

13 Proven Natural Antibiotics That Don’t Require a Prescription

Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria and certain parasites, and they are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the US.

Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria and they don’t differentiate between good or bed bacteria. As a result, every time you swallow antibiotics, you kill the beneficial bacteria within your intestines. Good bacteria in the gut help people in many ways, including helping make vitamins and boosting immunity. Some researchers think that killing them off with antibiotics may be contributing to an increase in chronic health conditions such as obesity, asthma and cancer. (1, 2, 3). If you do need to take antibiotics you should also take probiotics which will help to restore the good bacteria in your gut.
Nature has several other highly effective substances with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, all able to protect the human body safely and with deep healing powers.

Here are 13 natural antibiotics still in use around the world. I would like to note that this article is not intended to replace medicine, a doctor’s care or medical treatment.

1. Goldenseal is a Natural Antibiotic
Goldenseal is used by many people as a homemade antibiotic. Goldenseal is easily grown in the United States and has become a popular natural method of killing bacteria.

Medicinal uses of goldenseal include treating digestive problems, UTIs, eye infection and canker sores. It’s also sometimes mixed with echinacea to alleviate cold symptoms. The berberine found in it can destroy bacteria, parasites, and even strengthen white blood cells.
How to use goldenseal as a homemade antibiotic:

There are several forms of Goldenseal including pills, extracted liquid and glycerites. The most popular method of ingestion is mixing liquid extract to wash over your skin since it doesn’t absorb effectively when taken orally.

Precautions
Ask your doctor before taking goldenseal if you’re currently on any other type of medication. It may cause irritation of the skin and increase it’s sensitivity to sunlight in some users. Avoid using it if you have high blood pressure.

2. Oregon Grape (Berberine) is Anti-bacterial and Anti-viral
Oregon Grape (Berberine) is a natural antibiotic that functions like its close relative goldenseal. Medical practitioners are beginning to shift toward this herb because it’s less difficult to produce. The alkaloid berberine is the most effective ingredient in the root. It helps digestion and can kill a variety of harmful microbes that cause viral sickness.

Use – People tend to use this supplement in tincture or tea form. The root can be chopped into hot water and actually tastes pretty good thanks to the alkaloids.
Precautions
The dried root shouldn’t be exposed to much light or heat and should be thrown away after a year of storage. Some people experience nausea after the first few doses.

3. Andrographis Paniculata is a Strong Herbal Antibiotic
The root and leaf of this South Asian plant has a commonplace in relieving cold symptoms. It’s also been used to treat insect bites, hemorrhoids and a wide variety of infections. The active ingredient in most andrographis supplements is called andrographolide.

How to use Andrographis Paniculata as an herbal antibiotic:

The best bet for this supplement is to search for capsules and tablets containing no less than 20% andrographolide. Look at the recommended dosage on the label.

Precautions
Don’t use the product for longer than three months. If you experience diarrhea, upset stomach, or a headache stop taking it immediately.

4. Manuka Honey is Naturally Antibacterial
Some people call Manuka honey a natural penicillin because it’s naturally antiseptic.

Interestingly enough, this natural antibiotic comes from New Zealand bees that pollinate the Manuka bush. It can be used to repair infected tissue, reduce cholesterol and treat diabetes. Methylglyoxal is the compound identified as the active ingredient and primarily responsible for the antibacterial action of Manuka honey. The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) level in Manuka products measures the concentration of methylglyoxal and should be no less than 10 UMF for medical benefit.

Use – You can apply Manuka honey directly to a wound or burn for optimal results.

Further reading: The 10 most amazing Manuka honey health benefits and uses.

Precautions
Manuka honey may elevate blood sugar or cause an allergic reaction. It also interacts negatively with chemotherapy medication.
 
5. Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is Antimicrobial
Tea tree oil is extracted from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree is now becoming a widely-used natural health remedy thanks to its versatility. The most recurrent use is treating cuts, acne, toenail fungus and infections.

Studies have shown that tea tree oil is antibacterial and it works effectively in both infection preventing and healing bacterial issues.

Use – You can find tea tree oil in many products such as hair products, lip balms, lotions, soaps, and pure essential oil. It shouldn’t ever be taken by mouth.
If you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy. This book will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them.

Precautions
Test the oil on a small area of your skin to check for allergies prior to use.

6. Garlic is a Very Strong Natural Antibiotic
Studies confirmed that garlic is a very strong natural antibiotic that can also add flavor to your meals. 

Garlic is used as an alternative to antibiotics because it fights heart disease, cold symptoms, boosts your immune system, and has effective antibacterial properties. Research found that some sulfuric compounds in garlic contribute to heart health, but the main medical component in garlic is allicin, a chemical that also contributes to its trademark smell.

Use – The most popular way to use garlic is by adding it to your dishes, eating it raw or in powdered form. There are also garlic oils, extracts, and freeze-dried tablets. Find more information in my articles how to use garlic as a medicine and avoid these 6 common mistakes when using garlic as an antibiotic.

Precautions
Some people who take too much garlic may experience a burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, body odor and diarrhea. These side effects are often worse with raw garlic. Also garlic might prolong bleeding, so stop taking garlic at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery. It can also interfere with certain medications.

7. Echinacea can Fight off Infections
Native Americans have used echinacea as a way to fight off infections and treat injuries for over 400 years. Medical studies have confirmed that echinacea is an effective alternative to antibiotics.

Studies have revealed its ability to lessen pain, diminish inflammation, act as an antiviral and antioxidant. The glycoproteins, volatile oils, flavonoids, and alkamides in the root all help treat athlete’s foot, UTIs, ear infections, and injuries that heal slowly.

Use – Echinacea is available in tinctures, pills, extracts, and ointments. It’s commonly found in capsules and tablets mixed in with other natural health supplements. The root, leaves and flowers can also be steeped into hot tea. See here the recipe for echinacea tea to boost your immune system.

Precautions
Some supplement companies use misleading labels with products that contain very little echinacea so read carefully the product label. Avoid taking if you have diabetes, HIV, liver troubles or multiple sclerosis. Echinacea can also cause a rare allergic reaction in some people.

8. Pau D’Arco

This supplement is extracted from the wood and bark of the Pau D’Arco tree. Evidence suggests that Pau D’Arco can help treat intestinal worms, ulcers, yeast infection, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The main chemical extracted from the tree for medical purposes is called lapachol.

How to use Pau D’Arco as a homemade antibiotic:

Pau d’arco is sold as tablets, dried bark tea and tincture. The chemicals that give pau d’arco its medicinal effects don’t dissolve well in water, so a tea is not recommended.

Precautions
Exercise extra caution when using this natural antibiotic. High doses can result in serious diarrhea, nausea and internal bleeding. It interferes with medications that slow blood clotting, so talk to your physician before using a Pau D’Arco product.

9. Ginger

Ginger is a common staple in the culinary world that has a prevalent presence in holistic medicine as a natural antibiotic. 

Ginger is considered an effective way to ward off nausea caused by motion sickness or pregnancy. The phenol compounds like shogaols and gingerols are the main medicinal component in the root that contribute to the anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as lowering cholesterol.

Use – Ginger is best known for its use as a spice in the kitchen. You can also find ginger extracts, tinctures, capsules and essential oil. A popular method is brewing hot ginger tea, and you can find in my previous article how to make anti-inflammatory and pain relief ginger turmeric tea. You can also find more information in my previous article on how to use ginger as a medicine.

Adding ginger to your diet is also one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.

Precautions
Pregnant women should consult with a doctor before taking a concentrated amount of ginger as in ginger supplement (ginger is considered safe when used in amounts found in food), and ginger should not be given to children under 2 years old.

Ginger may also interact with certain prescription medications. For example it may not be safe if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning drugs. Therefore talk with your doctor before taking it.

10. Olive Leaf Extract

Medical studies have confirmed that olive leaf extract has strong antibacterial activity.
The fruit, leaves, and seeds of the olive tree are packed with natural health benefits. Olive leaf extract can treat infections, both viral and bacterial, and also increases healthy bacteria in the stomach.

The polyphenol called oleuropein and fatty acids found in the plant are the main components in medical use.

Find more information in my article about the health benefits of olive leaf including how to make your own olive leaf tea.

Use – Olive leaf extract is most effective as a pill, topical cream, and liquid extract. It can be applied directly to the skin or consumed with a suggested maximum dose of 60g per day.

Precautions
Generally it’s one of the safest options on this list. The pollen created by the plant will sometimes irritate people with seasonal allergies. 

11. Oil of Oregano is Naturally Antimicrobial

The leaf of the oregano plant has been used for a variety of medical purposes. Scientific studies have shown that oregano oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Oregano oil also has antiviral properties.

Its main use is in respiratory health by treating symptoms of coughing, asthma and bronchitis. When the carvacrol is extracted from oregano it has the potential to fight off parasites, eliminate bacteria and alleviate acne.

Use – Oregano oil can be mixed with hand sanitizer, vaporized into the air, rubbed onto the skin, or taken in pill form. 600 mg a day is sufficient for stomach parasites.

Precautions
Oregano is relatively harmless when found in recipes for cooking. In medical amounts it can cause upset stomach if too much is taken and can interfere with medications containing lithium. Also pregnant women should avoid taking it. There’s also potential for allergic reactions.

12. Turmeric (curcumin)

A relative to ginger, turmeric has a lineage of antibiotic use.

It’s been suggested to help with stomach ulcers, indigestion, heart disease, and viral as well as bacterial infections. The curcumin found in the root of the plant is the main source of antioxidant and antibiotic benefits.

Use – Turmeric root can be consumed raw but is most commonly dried and powdered. The powder can either be ingested in a drink, sprinkled onto food, or simply found in a capsule. There are also tinctures dissolved in alcohol and liquid extracts of turmeric. Find more information in the article about the health benefits of turmeric, including a recipe for a golden milk.

Precautions
Turmeric is considered a generally safe herb but when used too much it can cause an upset stomach and even ulcers. If you have surgery scheduled within two weeks turmeric should be avoided because of the blood thinning properties. Also taking turmeric by mouth in medicinal amounts is likely unsafe in pregnancy.

13. Virgin Coconut Oil

The saturated fats found in coconut oil contain antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties which strengthen your immune system. Coconut oil can further benefit the skin by treating and preventing skin infections and also helps in treating various skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and many more.

Coconut oil has anti-microbial properties which help to fight indigestion-causing bacteria, fungi and parasites, and has been effectively used to prevent and cure candida. Some of the most promising research in recent years has been in the area of using lauric acid or monolaurin, both derived from coconut oil, in treatments for antibiotic resistant super germs.

One medical study was conducted at Georgetown University in 2005 and found the these substances in coconut oil can inhibit the growth of many pathogenic microorganisms. (54) Lauric acid in coconut oil in combination with oregano oil, has even been found more effective in fighting the staph bacteria than antibiotics.

Find more information in the article about the many health benefits of coconut oil.

Use – Coconut oil can be added to smoothies, hot drinks, stir fries, baked goods or as a spread on a toast.

Precautions
Always opt for organic, virgin coconut oil and avoid all the refined stuff. Coconut oil is safe for most people if used in amounts commonly found in foods, and despite the many health benefits of coconut oil, like many things in life, moderation is the key. This means that up to 3 tbsp. daily per adult is an appropriate dose.

Mother Nature gives us great natural alternative to antibiotics – next time the you feel unwell try these natural alternatives to antibiotics. if you are pregnant or breastfeeding please consult with your doctor before using any of these herbal antibiotics.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

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Many Health Benefits of Olive Leaves

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 The olive leaf has been a sign of peace and prosperity for many generations. In the book of Genesis, a dove returns to Noah's Arc with a fresh olive leaf in its mouth, pronouncing the end of the flood. Today, the olive branch has become a symbol of peace, and even appears on the flag of the United Nations.

 It all begins with phytochemicals ("plant chemicals") whose main purpose is to protect the plant from parasites and maladies. By consuming the plants, our bodies absorb the phytochemicals that protect us from the same hazards. One of those phytochemicals is called Oleuropein, which can be found in olive leaves.

 1. They help prevent or slow down the development of cancer
Findings from a study conducted in 2010-2011 show that the active ingredient in olive leaves can slow down the development of cancer cells in women suffering from breast cancer, as well as slowing down the development of melanoma in cells that were taken from mice.

2. They encourage bone formation
In a study conducted in Spain in 2011, researchers discovered that the Oleuropein found in olive oil encourages the production of osteroblasts - large cells responsible for the development of the bone, which prevent osteoporosis and decreases in bone mass.

3. They fight against bacterial and viral infections
Oleuropein is especially useful in fighting against micro-organisms such as viruses and bacteria. It transforms into elenolic acid in the body, which stops the reproduction of amino acids in viruses and bacteria, thus preventing them from replicating and spreading.

4. They prevent aging
Free radicals can damage the skin by disrupting the process of DNA formation. Olive leaves are rich in phenols, antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and help revitalize our skin.

5. They reduce inflammation
Oleuropein's ability to fight against germs can cure infections and relieve inflammation.

6. They lower blood pressure
Researchers found that oleuropein can also improve blood circulation and prevent blood clotting. Olive leaves can also balance your blood sugar levels by improving the activity of liver insulin receptors.

 7. They fight against cholesterol
 Olive leaves are also known for their ability to stop the formation of LDL ("bad cholesterol") by preventing oxidation.

8. They reinforce the immune system
The phytochemicals found in olive leaves support the activity of Vitamin C, which is essential to our immune system.

9. They cure infections
As part of its antiviral activity, olive leaf extract can also cure viral infections such as herpes and influenza.

10. And the list goes on and on...
Since olive leaves have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, they can also help in cases of malaria, allergies, psoriasis, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and more.

Convinced? Go to the nearest health & nature shop and ask for olive leaf extract.