Prescription antibiotics like penicillin have undoubtedly had a significant effect in the treatment of otherwise fatal diseases since their disclosure 80-odd years back. Nevertheless, specialists have demonstrated that almost 20% of patients who are treated with antibiotics experience adverse and unfavorable side effects ranging from mild hypersensitive responses to extreme gastrointestinal unsettling influences. Along these lines, more individuals are going to folk medicines that incorporate the utilization of natural antibiotic cures. The utilization of anti-microbials has shot up since the clinical upheaval arrived in the non-industrial countries. The requirement for quicker alleviation is one of the principal factors that push specialists just as patients to zero in on this sort of medication.

The drawn-out impact that antibiotics have on our body cannot be disregarded everlastingly; therefore, it is basic that we understand that working your way around diseases with the assistance of over the counter antibiotics can end up being lethal for our overall health. Long term use of these antibiotics can likewise prompt a condition called antibiotic resistance, which will make it hard for us to treat ourselves with prescription antibiotics after a timeframe.

Natural antibiotics are nothing but spices and herbs that are straightforwardly accessible from the nature and has properties which can decrease the functioning and spread of undesirable organisms. Sometimes, specific natural antibiotics additionally can clear out the presence of undesirable micro-organisms completely. The significance of these natural compounds lies in the fact that they are effective against various infections without causing enough side effects to our body as compared to over the counter drugs.

Various common conditions that occur consistently are caused due to certain microbial infections, for instance, flu or the common cold is also a viral infection. Likewise, dandruff is one more condition that can be made serious by the presence of yeast infection. These sorts of basic conditions ought to preferably not be treated with the utilization of prescription antibiotics, and hence it is important that we understand and implement the use of natural antibiotics for the treatment of such conditions.

Some of the natural antibiotics that can be used as an alternative to over-the-counter drugs are as follows:
• Garlic
An easily available spice in markets, garlic has long been used for treating infections in many cultures. Nonetheless, it was not until ongoing years that the specific reason behind why garlic has so many antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties were considered. Allicin, which has excellent antimicrobial functions, is the most prominent and active compound present in garlic. Its high effectivity against MDR (Multi-Drug Resistant) strains makes is extremely valuable for the medical community and works well against bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. Another compound present in garlic called Ajoene is capable in treating certain fungal infections, including athlete’s foot. Garlic extract is very beneficial in the treatment of herpes virus and influenza (flu).
• Honey
Honey has found its use as an ointment that prevents or draws out infection and helps wounds to heal since the time of Aristotle. Honey today has been found helpful in treating ulcers, burns, chronic wounds, skin grafts and bedsores by healthcare professionals. The hydrogen peroxide content of honey generally attributes to its antibacterial properties. Makuna honey is considered to one of the best and most medically potent and viable forms of honey. It is rich in a rare compound called methylglyoxal that has outstanding antimicrobial properties. The honey is additionally loaded with different compounds like propolis rich in flavonoids, phenolic acid and esters, which can effectively boost our immune system to battle against diseases.
• Ginger
An Asian spice, ginger has versatile use throughout the world. Natural medicine practitioners for a long time have exploited the antimicrobial effects of ginger. It is compact with active compounds such as gingerol, gingerdiol, terpenoids, zerumbone, shogaol and zingerone along with flavonoids. Helicobacter pylori, which flourishes in acidic stomach can be diminished by devouring ginger which can normalize the acid production in our stomach. Various ginger compounds are likewise effective against specific strains of microorganisms that cause gum infections. HRSV (Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can also be opposed with the utilization of ginger as it restrains the infection's capacity to join with the human host cells rendering them to be inert.
• Turmeric
The anti-inflammatory properties of the most active component found in turmeric, curcumin, make turmeric highly effective in the treatment of conditions caused due to inflammation in the stomach. Curcumin also ample benefits to our body as it is also quite effective in treating urinary tract infections (UTI). Turmeric is found to be helpful in reducing the inflammatory effects on the lungs. It is additionally popular for its effectiveness against the profoundly unstable HIV infection and furthermore for its capacity to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis C virus.
• Echinacea
Traditional healers and local Americans have utilized echinacea for many years to treat wounds and infections. Echinacea purpurea can effectively kill many different pathogens, including Streptococcus pyogenes, which is responsible for toxic shock syndrome, strep throat and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating syndrome).
• Neem
Neem is a well-recognized medicinal plant, and the neem oil has been utilized in Ayurvedic medication for over 2,000 years. Neem oil is generally used to battle bacterial diseases of the skin, for example dermatitis, skin inflammation and active acne. Neem leaves are used in the treatment of leprosy, bloody nose, intestinal worms, skin ulcers, eye disorders, cardiovascular diseases, gingivitis, diabetes and issues with the liver.

Except these, there are also several other kitchen compounds that hold the efficacy of being natural antibiotics. Black pepper, tea tree oil, cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, lemongrass, rosemary and goldenseal are some among them.

The use of natural antibiotics over western medicine can only benefit us in the long run. Frequently used antibiotics tend to take a toll on the organs and also the natural functioning of our body. It also leads to the collateral reduction and destruction of the good bacteria that are present in our intestines which help in building up a healthy immune system. Substitution of prescription drugs with natural antibiotics holds the capability to completely eradicate the adverse side effects of antibiotics. However, it is also not advised to continue on natural medication even if the symptoms do not disappear with prolonged use. People should be cautious in any such case and consult a specialist right away.