Tis this the season of rampant flu's and both viral and
bacterial infections (especially those caused by over indulgences in the recent
holiday seasonal culinary delights!) I therefore thought it best to start the
year focusing on how to naturally heal yourself from these ailments simply by
what we eat. It was Hippocrates (the father of Modern Medicine) that said “Let
your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food!”
Due to the overuse of antibiotics (including the high levels
of antibiotics in meat production), superbugs have been developed in humans
which are more resistant than ever. They are evolving at a rate that scientists
are simply unable to keep up with for synthetic antibiotics! The last report about
3 years ago indicated that 2 million American adults and children become
infected each year with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and at least 23,000 of
them die as a result of these infections. In the meanwhile, many others die
from other complications from an antibiotic-resistant infection!
Let’s therefore look at 7 of the most natural antibiotics
that you can find right in your kitchen and use every day to guard your bodies
against infections and to heal your system:
1. Garlic:
This is one of the best natural antibiotic that you will ever find. Notwithstanding
the very pungent smell of garlic it is one of the most flavourful or herbs! I love
to use an entire head of garlic when cooking my meats. High heat however will
destroy the active ingredient that allows it to heal so Its best consumed raw
to be effective as an antibiotic. Chop, slice, crush or mince the garlic and
let it sit for about 20 mins to activate the Allium Sativum ingredient which is effective at preventing and
curing common colds among many other ailments. Add it to some honey (which is
next on my list) and it becomes more palatable.
2. Raw Honey:
Is also considered one of the
best natural antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and antiseptics known to mankind.
There are many types of honey however the Manuka Honey from New Zealand is
known to have the highest levels of antioxidants and curative properties. An
enzyme known as methylglyoxal actually releases
hydrogen peroxide. This helps the body to fight infection and prevent the
growth of bacteria. Honey also removes toxins from the blood and helps with the
functioning of the liver. Raw organic honey is the best as honey that is
pasteurized might have a reduced antioxidant effect. Add this to some Raw Apple
Cider Vinegar (next on my list) as a daily natural supplement to remove toxins
from your body.
4. Coconut
Oil (virgin):
Growing up in the West Indies in the 80’s we were told that Coconut
oil was bad for your health while people from the Philippines call the coconut tree
“the tree of life”! Now whether that was a high level of conspiracy in order to
push corn and other vegetable oils or whether they were just not enlightened as
present I will let you be the judge of that, however Coconut has been found to
have naturally occurring anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and is
packed with more antioxidants than one can find anywhere else in nature! It is
also the oil that can best withstand very high heat without becoming toxic. I
use it to cook every day and I absolutely love the flavor it gives to my
dishes. Coconut oil can be used to boost the immune system, balance your blood
sugar and cholesterol levels as well as your thyroid but even more impactful is
the effect it has on the brain! Studies have now shown that it can even reverse
the Alzheimer’s disease! Coconut is certainly one of the best gifts from Mother
Nature!
5. Cabbage:
Researchers have now identified over 20 different flavonoids and 15
different phenols in cabbage all of them demonstrating antioxidant properties!
One cup of cabbage provides 75% of your vitamin C requirements for the day!
Several studies have now also linked it with anti-cancer fighters. Shred some
in you salad today!
6. Tumeric:
This is the bright yellow spice that gives curries their rich colour and smoky
flavor but it also has amazing healing properties! It is the compound called
Circumin that is found in turmeric that has all these antibiotic effects by
killing viruses and bacteria. Studies have even shown turmeric to be effective
against the E-Coli bacteria which causes food poisoning. It acts as an
antibacterial agent and can also be applied directly to the skin. A paste can
be made of turmeric and Manduka Honey and applied directly to a skin infection.
7. Echinacea:
This is an amazing flowering herb which Native Indians in North
America have been using for over 400 years to provide healing. It has
antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties and as such has many uses.
It is best available as an OTC Supplement however and can be taken in tea form
or as a liquid or capsule supplement.
With all these items hiding in your kitchen cupboard why
take synthetic antibiotics when they might not even work? Beats me!
Be blessed and Stay Healthy~
sharbs
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