The 5 best natural ‘antibiotics’

Reminder: What are antibiotics?

Derived from the Greek words anti ('against') and biôtikos ('related to life'), an antibiotic is a natural or synthetic substance that specifically attacks bacteria (1).

More specifically, a distinction is made between bactericidal agents, which are capable of killing bacteria, and bacteriostatic agents, which merely restrict their proliferation.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics act on a vast array of bacteria, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics target only certain specific types. However, both are ineffective against viruses.

Before the advent of synthetic drugs, pharmacopoeias the world over had unknowingly used natural antibiotics, developing plant-based remedies to contain certain bacterial infections.

Later, researchers isolated bactericidal compounds produced spontaneously by micro-organisms, including the famous penicillins released by yeasts of the genus Penicillium (2).

While there is no question of denying their effectiveness, natural antibiotics cannot always replace synthetic antibiotics, particularly in the case of severe infections.

5 powerful natural antibiotics

Garlic: a powerful antibacterial agent

A member of the Alliaceae family, which also includes the onion, garlic (Allium sativum) is apparently as powerful in supporting the body as it is on the palate: it boosts the immune system thanks to its dual antibacterial and antioxidant action.

Its allicin is said to inhibit the growth of a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Studies have also highlighted its ability to enhance the efficacy of conventional antibiotic treatments, especially in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance (3).

Oregano essential oil: an unfailing support for natural defences

A famous Mediterranean herb, oregano (Origanum vulgare) helps maintain a healthy immune system and upper respiratory tract (5).

Aromatherapists traditionally recommend its invigorating and immunostimulating essential oil to help with bacterial or viral infections.

Studies show that many food-borne bacterial pathogens are more sensitive to it, probably due to its concentration of phenolic oxygenated monoterpenes (including thymol and carvacrol) (6).

Oregano essential oil is very potent and is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women, children or those with impaired liver function.

Other people should take oral supplements at the correct dosage (either as a single supplement with Oil of Oregano, standardised to 40% carvacrol, or in combination with peppermint, eucalyptus and Ceylon cinnamon in the Organic Defense Mix synergy) (7).

Neem: a digestive and skin protector

Neem (Azadirachta indica), also known as margosa or Indian lilac, has been cultivated in India for thousands of years.

Considered the ‘wonder tree’ by farmers, who praise its insecticidal, antifungal and fertilising properties, it has also made a name for itself in Ayurvedic medicine.

With 130 biologically active compounds, it supports the body's natural defences against microbes, particularly in the skin and digestive tract, where it has a purifying, antiseptic and detoxifying action (8).

Its leaves have also been used in cosmetics formulations for acne-prone skin (also found in capsule form in Neem Extract) (9).

Propolis: a natural antiseptic from the hive

Do you know how bees protect their hives? They do it by making propolis.

This clever mixture of plant resins, wax and saliva, used to coat their hives, not only strengthens and seals them but also protects them against microbial and fungal invasions.

The composition of propolis varies according to its region of origin.

The rarest forms are also those of the greatest therapeutic interest.

While European bees gather propolis from poplar trees, Brazilian bees primarily collect chlorophyll from the buds of the Baccharis dradunculifolia species.

They then produce a green propolis rich in cinnamic acid and artepillin C, which is thought to have immunomodulatory activity (which is why Green Propolis is standardised in phenolic acids and artepillin C, offering unequalled effectiveness) (10-11).

More powerful, but even rarer, red propolis also comes from Brazil. This time made from the legume Dalbergia ecastaphyllum, it contains over 300 exceptional nutrients that work in unison to repel aggressors.

It combines isoflavonoids such as formononetin, biochanin A and daidzein, as well as esters of caffeic acid (Red Propolis, harvested in the heart of the Brazilian mangroves, takes advantage of its unprecedented strength in a premium-quality formulation) (12).

Turmeric: a remarkable immune mediator

A key medicinal plant in Ayurveda, turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps to boost immunity.

Its most active curcuminoid, curcumin, is described in the scientific literature as a powerful antimicrobial agent, capable of cooperating with various immune cells (macrophages, B and T lymphocytes, killer cells, etc.) and inhibiting certain inflammatory responses (13).

Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body (14).

Some dietary supplements get round this problem by combining curcumin with complex lipids which increase its absorption (as in our patented Super Curcuma extract) or by micronising it to make it more soluble in the intestine (185 times more absorbable than traditional curcumin, Curcumin Solution is currently the most bioavailable form of curcumin on the market) (15).