The best natural disinfectants include alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, hot water, and some essential oils. Evidence suggests that in some cases, many of these natural disinfectants can be as effective at killing germs as chemical cleaners like bleach.
Garlic: contains the most powerful natural antibiotic “allicin“. Due to its antiviral effect, garlic can fight harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. It also has a mild blood thinning and blood pressure lowering effect, which can be beneficial for cardiovascular diseases.
Antibiotics are medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria. They do this by killing the bacteria or by keeping them from copying themselves or reproducing. The word antibiotic means “against life.” Any drug that kills germs in your body is technically an antibiotic.
Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics. We rely on antibiotics to treat serious, life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and sepsis, the body's extreme response to an infection.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), from the Myrtaceae family, is one of the most effective antimicrobial and antioxidant herbs.
It turns out the olden days' practice of using whiskey as an antiseptic was not just for (cinematic) show. A study published in the Annals of Microbiology shows that whiskey kills bacteria and can help keep infection at bay.
The only way to kill bacteria by temperature is by cooking food at temperatures of 165 degrees or more. Bacteria also die in highly acidic environments like pickle juice.
An anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, good quality sleep, and probiotics are all strategies to put in place before trying antimicrobials or antibiotics to get rid of bad bacteria.
There are no OTC antibiotics, but some herbal supplements can have antibiotic-like properties. You should still ask your doctor about any natural remedies you want to try for bacterial infections since they may interact with your other medications or may worsen certain health conditions.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV. With antibiotic and antiseptic properties, ACV can help in weight management and lowering cholesterol and cancer risk. ACV can also be used as a chemical-free astringent if you need to topically disinfect or sterilize a wound.
For an antibacterial cleaner, mix together 3 cups of water, ½ cup of white vinegar and 10-15 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil in a glass spray bottle. Shake to mix. Store with the lid on and use on cutting boards, counter tops, or anywhere that needs a good germ killing! Shelf life is no more than 2 weeks.
Garlic, onion, allspice and oregano, for example, were found to be the best all-around bacteria killers (they kill everything), followed by thyme, cinnamon, tarragon and cumin (any of which kill up to 80 percent of bacteria).
Bacteria can be removed from water through chlorine, UV disinfection, and ozonation. Chlorination is widely used by municipalities to remove bacteria from city water supplies. Many well owners also use chlorine to “shock” their wells and eliminate any bacteria present.
To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a stronger bleach solution. Clean the surface with soap and water first. Always read the label of disinfecting products to make sure the products can be used on the type of surface you are disinfecting (such as a hard or soft surface).
Vinegar's disinfectant qualities
The study also showed that household disinfectants made with bleach or alcohol solutions greatly outperform vinegar at killing germs.
Consuming foods high in vitamin C such as grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, sweet red pepper, broccoli, strawberries, kale, and kiwifruit are thought to increase white blood cell production, which is key to fighting infection.
Honey exhibits a broad-spectrum of antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant (MRSA) ones. Honey has been shown to have a strong activity against many bacteria in both media and in culture.
The best antiviral herbs and supplements to boost immunity include NAC, lemon balm, garlic, and other remedies. Since ancient times, humans have used herbs and supplements to treat every conceivable illness.
Flu-like symptoms: fever, head and body aches, fatigue. Upper respiratory symptoms: sore throat, cough, sneezing. Digestive symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Skin conditions: rashes, sores, blisters, warts.