These 10 Plants Are Nature’s Herbal Antibiotics And Free To Forage In Your Backyard

Antibiotics are one of those "catch 22" classes of medicines, as they are made for a very specific life saving purpose, but they can destroy the good bacteria in your gut. You'll frequently see doctors prescribing probiotics with antibiotics to combat this.

There are some antibiotics that don't harm your digestive system. In fact, they can actually help in providing necessary vitamins and minerals. The wonderful thing about these particular antibiotics is that the majority of them are completely free to find in nature.

Dried flowersPhoto byRichelleg

*Safety First!!* Do not go running through the woods harvesting things unless you are absolutely sure you are picking what you think you are. Make a positive ID before consumption. Always consult with your health care provider before starting an herbal remedy. Stock up now.

Now, let's examine the ten most common and helpful wild antibiotic-type herbs that you'll want to remember:

Usnea

You can find Usnea growing wild above trees. It can be easily identified by its distinctive white center that resembles a rubber band, it's also called Old Man's Beard. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms like E. coli, Staph, and Strep. It works wonders against viruses and fungus as well. It's a lung drainer and works really well at clearing mucus.

UsneaPhoto byRichelleg

Any herbal treatment, but lichens especially, is best taken as a tincture. You can make one by putting Usnea in a clean jar with a lid and covering it with 90-proof or higher vodka. Shake it daily for two weeks, strain, and store in the dark.

Yarrow

Although most people consider it to be a weed, it is actually a potent antibacterial and blood-clotting agent. Usually, I powder it after drying it. Great for small cuts and wounds. I call this one "herbal stiches."

YarrowPhoto byRichelleg

With its fluffy foliage and flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers, yarrow is simple to identify. Because it also contains substances with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hemostatic qualities, it is one of the most widely used antibiotics. It can be prepared as a poultice, tincture, or tea.

Garlic Mustard Leaves and Root

Another plant that most people uproot or walk on is garlic mustard, which is found along roadsides and other disturbed places. You can use it as a spice or in salads and soups; it's super tasty. Compounds in garlic mustard have antibacterial properties that can combat infections such as Salmonella and E. Coli.

Garlic mustard, wildPhoto byRichelleg

Pine Needles

Did you know that pine needles can contain up to five times the amount of vitamin C of oranges?

They also contain a lot of antioxidants, which naturally have antimicrobial qualities. They can be used to make tinctures or teas. I start drinking this before the weather turns cold, and I hardly get sick. It can greatly lower inflammation and strengthen your immune system. Look for white pine trees, as not all pines are medicinal or edible.

Mullein

Mullein is tall, has hairy leaves, and yellow flowers; it's actually quite beautiful. It's sometimes referred to as the Cowboy Toilet Paper Plant, and I'll let your imagination figure out why.

MulleinPhoto byRichelleg

This herb can be smoked, made into a tea, or into tincture. Because it contains chemicals with expectorant and anti-inflammatory qualities, it is excellent for respiratory infections. Mullein grows everywhere, too, including fields, disturbed soils, and the sides of roadways.

Lungwort

In old-growth woods, lungwort can also be seen growing on the deciduous tree bark. It likes cool, humid environments with lots of rain. It acts by rupturing the bacterial cell membranes of bacteria such as E. coli and Staph. The same applies to fungal infections! It's a potent substitute for traditional antibiotics.

LungwortPhoto byRichelleg

Juniper Berries

These berries give gin its characteristic bitter, piney, almost citrusy flavour. The majority of people are unaware of their rich essential oil content, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and germs. They can also help fight yeast and their overgrowth.

Juniper berriesPhoto byRichelleg

Because of their expectorant and diuretic properties, they can also aid in the treatment of respiratory disorders and urinary tract infections. They can be used to make a potent tincture; it will resemble your own homemade gin and tonic with antibiotics!

Root of Burdock

Burdock has detoxifying and antibacterial qualities, and it's antibacterial effectiveness against a variety of infections is well documented. It can be made into a tincture or a tea.

Burdock rootPhoto byRichelleg

Wild Sage

This variety of sage, which grows wild practically everywhere and can be harvested for free, has more therapeutic elements, including antibacterial qualities, than conventional cooking sage.

It can help with memory and cognitive function in addition to being a potent antibacterial and antifungal, and even helps with pain.

Elderberry

This one grows among riverbanks and wooded areas. They work well to shorten the duration of colds and the flu, it's an amazing immune booster. It's one of the rare tinctures that people with specific ailments, such as autoimmune illnesses, can also use. You can use a tincture, tea, syrups, and gummies with sweet elderberries.

Elderberry syrupPhoto byRichelleg

Citations:

Morales-Brown, P. (2023, November 14). Top seven safe, effective natural antibiotics. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321108

Clinic, C. (2024b, August 29). Why You Shouldn’t Self-Treat With ‘Natural Antibiotics.’ Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/natural-antibiotics

Chaunie Brusie. (2023, February 13). What Are the Most Effective Natural Antibiotics? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-antibiotics