THE ART OF IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT & NATURAL ANTIBIOTICS
While all public events in Chicago and most large cities are cancelled or postponed, social distancing and working from home is a required social norm, and the greatest minds alive are working on the treatment to beat the coronavirus, no one is fully protected from getting sick with the regular flu, cold or sore throat as stress level increases during this challenging time, weakening our immune system.
It’s enough to be in an elevator with your neighbor on the way to pick up mail and a few hours later you will start experiencing familiar cold & flu symptoms. Remember not to panic as it might be regular cold or flu and you do have natural antibiotics in your pantry that can be an efficient, not self-damaging way to get healthier and boost up your immune system to fight the known virus or bacterial infections. However, observing the symptoms development is crucial and it is important to get tested if your symptoms do indeed match the CDC description of covid-19 (fever, dry cough, shortness of breath). If you do experience such symptoms, please refer to CDC informational resources and methods of prevention such virus spreading.
Antibiotics we know are usually used to kill or prevent known bacteria growth. Although you might think of antibiotics as modern medicine, they’ve been around for thousands of years. The original antibiotics, just like many of today’s antibiotics, are derived from natural sources.
Please note that this article doesn't not present sources for COVID19 virus treatment/cure (as there is no known cure available at this time), but the evidence behind ten of the best natural antibiotics that can help boost immune system and beat known infections, such as cold & flu, without damaging the healthy bacteria in your gut.
Even if you don’t have some of them laying around your kitchen, luckily, today you can order all of them to be delivered curbside or by Amazon Prime, without the need to leave your house, exposing your health and immune system to the unnecessary risks.
10 Best Natural Antibiotics
Ginger
It's incredibly common for ginger to be used in the treatment of flus and colds. It's also great for treating an upset stomach and for nausea as well as treating muscle and joint pain.
There is reason to avoid consuming ginger in very large amounts if you are expecting to be pregnant, however; some experts fear it may lead to miscarriage. (source).
Garlic
By eating a few cloves of garlic each day, you can effectively fight off all sorts of bacteria, viruses and infections. Studies have even found that garlic can assist in areas as severe as AIDS symptoms, diabetes and high blood pressure. (source).
It's also a great help in relieving the effects of colds, flus and toothaches. It doesn't hurt that organic garlic is also quite affordable.
Cooking it into a meal is not good enough, however; to maximize its full antibiotic properties, you'll need to crush the garlic and eat it raw. A great way to try this is in a salad, soup or even drink.
Onions
Onions are closely related to garlic and have similar health benefits, reducing pain and inflammation as well as illnesses like colds and flus. (source).
Similar to garlic, you'll get the best results by eating onions raw. Cooking onions releases many of their healthiest nutrients, robbing your body of their help.
Echinacea
Native American and other traditional healers have used echinacea for hundreds of years to treat infections and wounds. Researchers are beginning to understand why.
A study published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology reports that extract of Echinacea purpurea can kill many different kinds of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes). (source).
Manuka Honey (or any honey)
Manuka honey is made by bees in New Zealand and, like other types of honey, contains peroxide which gives it its antibiotic properties. This property is present in many other honeys, its just that New Zealand has marketed their honey better than anyone else.
It also contains several other antibiotic components that are not found in other types of honey such as methylglyoxal. (source).
The downside to manuka honey is that it can be a bit costly. You can find it at Whole Foods or online starting at $20.00/package.
Oregano
Some believe that oregano boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. It may have anti-inflammatory properties.
While researchers have yet to verify these claims, some studies show that oregano is among the more effective natural antibiotics, particularly when it is made it into an oil. (source).
Clove
Clove has traditionally been used in dental procedures. Research is now finding that clove water extract may be effective against many different kinds of bacteria, including E. coli. (source)
Horseradish
Horseradish gives your body energy; this stuff is potent. Horseradish helps your body defend itself against potential illnesses. It also promotes healthy blood circulation and has antibiotic properties when broken down in the stomach. Horseradish can treat everything from urinary tract infections to kidney stones and bronchitis. (source). Consume it raw (blended or juiced) or diced up with a light amount of vinegar for best effects.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar in folks dealing with adult onset diabetes tendencies. It also contains antibiotic properties and can help treat yeast infections. (source).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, known to possess antibiotic properties. It can assist greatly in preventing and relieving a sore throat helping to kill the germs that cause the condition. (source).
Natural Immune System Supporters
Sambucus (Elderberry)
Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world.
Traditionally, Native Americans used it to treat infections, while the ancient Egyptians used it to improve their complexions and heal burns. It’s still gathered and used in folk medicine across many parts of Europe.
Today, elderberry is most often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms. Elderberries are a low-calorie food packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants in the form phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins. Elderberry extract has been found to reduce the length and severity of symptoms caused by the influenza virus (source).
Vitamin C, Lemon & Any citrus fruits
Vitamin C can be found in a wide variety of fruits including pineapple and popular citrus fruits:
grapefruit
oranges
tangerines
lemons
limes
clementines
It's known for its ability to strengthen the immune system—that's why orange juice is so relieving when you've got a cold. Vitamin C works wonders in areas of skin repair and prenatal health. (source). Getting your hands on a 100 percent natural organic orange juice is one way to consume vitamin C—also consider eating an orange or two a few days each week.
Graprefruit seed extract, referred to as GSE, is conventionally used as an anti-microbial compound. It has shown great promise in preventing the growth of various fungi and bacteria, even being recommended for use in bathroom cleaning. (source).
You'll need to dilute the extract when using it. The sitelinked to above lists a few helpful pointers for determining how much extract you need for specific applications.
Spinach
Spinach made our list not just because it's rich in vitamin C. It's also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems. (source)
Strawberries
Strawberries can toughen immune system. Strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which are excellent for fighting free radicals. ... Delicate strawberriesmay require gentle handling in the kitchen, but the little red fruits can toughen up the immune system and even protect the heart. (source).
Turmeric
You may know turmeric as a key ingredient in many curries. But this bright yellow, bitter spice has also been used for years as an anti-inflammatory in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, research Trusted Source shows that high concentrations of curcumin, which gives turmeric its distinctive color, can help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage. (source).
Broccoli
Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your table. The key to keeping its power intact is to cook it as little as possible — or better yet, not at all. (source).
Kiwi
Kiwis are naturally full of a ton of essential nutrients, including folate, potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts white blood cells to fight infection, while kiwi’s other nutrients keep the rest of your body functioning properly. (source).
Almonds
When it comes to preventing and fighting off colds, vitamin E tends to take a backseat to vitamin C. However, vitamin E is key to a healthy immune system. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it requires the presence of fat to be absorbed properly. Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with the vitamin and also have healthy fats. A half-cup serving, which is about 46 whole, shelled almonds, provides nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E. (source).
AMAZON Prime & Whole Foods Deliveries Through COVID-19
If you have not got your Amazon Prime account yet, it might be just about time!, as “Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a “shelter-in-place” order for the entire state starting Saturday [3/21/2020], essentially commanding residents to stay in their homes as officials take drastic measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus.” (Chicago Tribune)
In addition to the great selection of at home entertainment resources (movies, tv series, e-books, etc), there is FREE Whole Foods grocery delivery with your Amazon Prime account. Do not put yourself and your loved ones at risk of getting sick and spreading the virus, take advantage of this convenient and safe way to get essentials, now possible for fresh groceries, beverages, baby, and health supplies. Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial now.
We wish everyone to stay safe, be healthy and we can’t wait to reopen our calendar of public events to continue on our mission of producing creative events and unforgettable memories for our guests and clients. (Yours truly, Art Room Events)
*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Art Room Events; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program. This article doesn't not present sources for COVID19 virus treatment/cure (as there is no known cure available at this time). Observing the symptoms development is crucial and it is important to get tested if your symptoms do indeed match the CDC description of covid-19 (fever, dry cough, shortness of breath). If you do experience such symptoms, please refer to CDC informational resources and methods of prevention such virus spreading.