In a study presented to the American College of Chest Physicians, researchers reaffirmed the limitations of antibiotic medications when treating certain health conditions. Although antibiotics can be a productive treatment for bacterial infections, they are not effective at all for treating most colds and flu viruses.
For many parents, the automatic response when their child is ill is to run to the doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics. However, researchers from the Clinic Center Private Hospital in Naples, Italy found that antibiotics do not resolve many coughs, colds or other upper respiratory infections. This may be due, in part, to the fact that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Many upper respiratory infections are due to viral infections and antibiotics have no impact on this type of infection.
An additional problem that the researchers found is that children who are repeatedly prescribed antibiotics have more difficulty fighting off infections via their own immune system. As result, bacterial infections may become more virulent and difficult to treat.
Natural Antibiotics
If you or your child gets an upper respiratory infection, there are many natural alternatives available that are extremely effective. They have been used for hundreds of years as effective treatments and are readily available.
Echinacea – Echinacea is derived from the purple cone flower. It is an immune system booster and should only be used for short periods of time or it becomes ineffective.
Garlic – Garlic is a natural multipurpose antibiotic. In addition to fighting off bacterial infections, it also fights fungal infections and parasites. It is also an excellent treatment for high cholesterol and is a good natural blood thinner. During World Wars 1 and 2, it was used a substitute for penicillin. It is best used when it is fresh.
Goldenseal – Goldenseal can be used as a gargle solution for throat infections or taken in capsule form. It has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is used to treat upper respiratory infections, ear infections, sore throats and vaginal infections. It should not be taken during pregnancy because it can stimulate uterine contractions.
Overexposure to antibiotics can make it difficult to treat many health conditions. Antibiotics have also been linked to the increasing rate of obesity in industrialized countries, since antibiotics are used extensively in the food industry, and they get passed down from food source to consumer. Speak to your healthcare practitioner about the natural alternatives to traditional antibiotics when you start to get a little tickle in your throat or the sniffles.
What other herbal remedies or supplements have worked well for you as an alternative to traditional antibiotics?
– The Alternative Daily