Which Natural Antibiotics Are the Most Effective?

Natural antibiotics such as medical honey and echinacea may help to fight bacterial infection because they contain antimicrobial properties. The use of natural antibiotics is evidence-based in some cases, but more research studies are needed. It's still important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and other illnesses.

1. Honey

Medical honey fights infection, helps form a protective barrier, and moistens wounds. Honey contains vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other compounds with health benefits.

Medical honey products like Manuka honey offer significant antibacterial effects.

In a medical setting, honey can be used to treat:

• Postsurgical wounds

• Skin diseases, ulcers, burns, and necrosis (tissue death)

• Eye diseases

• Oral mucosa (mucous membranes in the mouth) problems

Raw honey that has the therapeutic benefit; heated or cooked honey does not offer the same antibacterial benefit.

More research is needed to understand what types and concentrations of honey will likely be effective for a particular kind of wound or infection, and how factors like growing conditions or contamination affect its potential use.

Use caution with honey: Children under 12 months old should never be given honey due to the risk of botulism. Consult a healthcare provider before applying honey from a jar to a wound.

Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infection but they are not useful for viral infections like the flu or the common cold.

2. Garlic

Several compounds in garlic have antibacterial properties, including allicin, ajoene, and allyl sulfide. Researchers have studied garlic in various forms, including powders, pastes, oils, and extracts. It's clear that garlic has antibiotic properties and is generally safe.

Lab studies show garlic products can effectively fight:

• Klebsiella pneumoniae

• Eshcerichia coli (E. coli)

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)

Research suggests garlic may help treat certain bacterial ear infections. However, researchers have not settled on dosing or the best way to administer garlic as an antibiotic substitute.

You can buy garlic extracts or allicin supplements over the counter. Note that garlic supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with some medications. Consider speaking with a healthcare provider about whether this is a good option.

3. Ginger

Several compounds in ginger provide a broad antimicrobial spectrum that protects against various microorganisms. Ginger may also help protect against bacteria that cause periodontal diseases, E. coli, and staph infections.

You can buy ginger extracts, tinctures, oils, and oral capsules. You can also get ginger in food and drinks such as tea, juices, candies, and lozenges. Don't give ginger to children under age 2. Adults should not take more than 4 grams (g) of ginger daily or 1 g if pregnant.

4. Echinacea

Echinacea is a perennial herb flowering plant, and its extracts have antibacterial properties. It has long been used to treat wounds and infections such as UTIs. Research suggests it may also be effective against bacteria that lead to respiratory infections.

You can get echinacea in many forms, including ointments, which you can apply as needed. It's also available in extracts, tinctures, tablets, and capsules. Generally, the dosage is three times a day for no more than 10 days.

5. Myrrh 

Antibiotic compounds in myrrh (also known as commiphora molmol) may fight infections that include:

• S. aureus

• E. coli

• Candida albicans (yeast infection)

Myrrh is used in mouthwash products to prevent gingivitis and, among other uses, it may help fight the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

Studies also have shown properties to promote wound healing. Unlike most antibiotics, myrrh can kill nongrowing bacteria. It also doesn't appear to cause antibiotic resistance. More research is needed, and there are no clear guidelines on dosing and administration.

6. Thyme

Thyme may offer protection against bacteria such as:

• E. coli

• Listeria monocytogenes

• Pseudomonas putida

• S. aureus

• Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)

Thyme may have therapeutic applications, but more research is needed to determine best practices. Some studies suggest it may offer benefits when used with antibiotics, perhaps requiring a lower drug dosage or reduced risk of antibiotic resistance.

As yet, there are no dosage guidelines for thyme or thyme supplements as an antibiotic.

7. Goldenseal

The bioactive compounds in the herb goldenseal have antibacterial properties. Some people use goldenseal to treat digestive disorders and skin diseases. Research suggests that goldenseal may help treat UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder's walls.

Research on the health benefits and risks of goldenseal in humans is limited. It's available as a dietary supplement, but scientific evidence doesn't support using goldenseal for any health-related purpose.

8. Oregano

Research suggests that oregano oil has an antibiotic effect, likely due to a compound called carvacrol. One study indicates that oregano oil may be effective against Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria that leads to dental cavities.

Oregano oil is available as a dietary supplement or essential oils. Scientific evidence for specific types of oregano or how to use oregano's antibiotic properties is lacking.

9. Cloves

In clove essential oil, the compound eugenol acts as an antibacterial. Research shows that eugenol is effective against S. aureus and E. coli.

Antibiotic substitutes may use cloves in the future, but more vigorous human studies are needed. There's not enough information on how to use cloves for antibacterial purposes.

10. Turmeric

A 2023 study of turmeric and its antibiotic properties found potential benefits in suppressing the growth of bacteria that included S. aureus and E. coli. It did not appear to have an effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a common infection in healthcare settings).

Other studies have confirmed antimicrobial properties and researchers are focused on how turmeric can be integrated into wound healing, food safety, and other uses. More studies are needed to better understand these benefits.

11. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been studied for potential benefits in oral health, eye care, and other medical uses including treatment for infections. Multiple studies have found tea tree oil shows promise as an antimicrobial, as well as an antifungal and antiviral treatment.

Still, there are few clinical trials in human populations and more research is needed to establish the benefits of tea tree oil.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications. As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label. When choosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such as NSF, U.S. Pharmacopeia, or ConsumerLab.com. For personalized guidance, consult your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

When to Use Prescribed Antibiotics

Natural antibiotics are not a substitute for prescription antibiotics. You typically need a prescription for antibiotics in treating serious conditions such as pneumonia or sepsis. A healthcare provider might prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections, especially if:

• You have a serious health condition, like pneumonia or sepsis, that needs treatment.

• You're at higher risk of complications due to an underlying health condition, like diabetes.

• Your immune function is weaker due to cancer treatment like chemotherapy

• Your infection is a complication of recent surgery.

Prescription antibiotics aren't always necessary, and overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance (when bacteria no longer respond to antibiotics). You can treat minor skin injuries with over-the-counter topical antibiotics such as Neosporin (neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin).

Fermented foods have been studied for their antibiotic properties and probiotic benefits, but they've also been linked with antibiotic resistance. Talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate treatment and take any antibiotics exactly as instructed.

Risks of Natural Antibiotics

Even natural products can be harmful, especially when taken at high doses, when taken for too long, or in people with certain underlying health conditions. They can produce side effects and interfere with other supplements or medications. Read labels carefully and discuss dietary supplement use with a healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

• Certain plants and foods contain elements with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and these may have a natural antibiotic effect.

• Natural antibiotics may be helpful for minor bacterial infections, but they're not a substitute for prescription medicine. If you have a bacterial infection, see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

• Research suggests benefits with products like manuka honey, myrrh, or thyme oil, but more studies are needed to better understand and confirm these benefits.