These 10 Plants Are Nature’s Herbal Antibiotics And Free To Forage In Your Backyard
4 hours ago
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.
*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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Yarrow has some deadly look alikes. it's supposed to have a dot of color in the middle of the flower.
Noneof Yourfuckingbusiness
16h ago
Just be careful where you harvest them. Roadside runoff, not good, pesticides, not good. Go into the middle of the woods somewhere or your back yard if you have them there.
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