Antibiotic drugs were accidentally discovered by Alexander Fleming. At that time, it was still a quite natural thing. Penicillium is a mold which is, or was, very efficient at killing certain strains of bacteria. Unfortunately, the pharma industry jumped on this discovery, giving rise to all sorts of the chemical antibiotics. And it is these that are now causing more harm than good to our health and environment.
However, they are still the most commonly prescribed drugs and globally overused. Moreover, this overuse gave birth to the superbugs who became resistant to the most powerful drugs out there. And they not only kill the harmful or sick-making bacteria they kill your beneficial bacteria as well.
Why would you opt for harmful drugs with all their side-effects if nature can provide you a safe and healthy solution? The only thing you need to do is go through your cupboards or open your fridge. And that is when a whole natural pharmacy will enroll in front of your eyes.
Here are 10 of the most powerful antibiotics to eliminate harmful bacteria and strengthen your immune system:
1. Garlic and Onions
To begin with, garlic and onions have been used for ages to treat all sorts of illnesses and inflammation. Moreover, it has a lot of antibacterial properties to sulfur compounds, allicin, and many other antioxidants which kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. As a matter of fact, you can add garlic and/or onions to a wide range of dishes, cooked or raw.
2. Turmeric
Curcumin, a potent antioxidant found in the turmeric root, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat stomach ulcers, indigestion, heart diseases, and viral and bacterial infections. Moreover, you can use fresh raw turmeric root or powdered turmeric in smoothies, Indian-style dishes, teas, or sprinkled on rice or salads. However, always combine with black pepper to amplify the effect and make curcumin more available for your body.
ALSO READ: Top 7 Health Benefits of Turmeric
3. Ginger
As a matter of fact, ginger is well known for its stomach-soothing and anti-nausea effect. However, ginger will not only help you to keep your food in when you’re sick, but its phenols have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well. Moreover, it works great in tea, smoothies, soups, and Asian style dishes.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut’s medium chained fatty acids (lauric acid) are great for your heart health and have antibacterial and antiviral effects. Further, lauric acid, also found in breast milk, destroys pathogens by dissolving their fatty cell wall. We cook nearly all or dishes with coconut oil or often add a spoonful to our morning smoothies.
ALSO READ: Refined Coconut Oil vs Virgin Coconut Oil
5. Honey
Honey has been used as an antibiotic to treat wounds and illness for ages. Moreover, its enzymes produce hydrogen peroxides which can kill bacteria and stop their growth.
Discover more powerful antibiotics below!
6. Cinnamon
Love cinnamon for its taste and antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, its medicinal properties come from the oils found in the bark. Moreover, it is active against more than 60 strains of bacteria and suppresses the growth of fungi as well. For a better effect combine with honey.
7. Cruciferous
When you’re sick, it is best to incorporate more healing, anti-inflammatory cruciferous vegetables to your diet. In fact, those include cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Futhermore, they are high in vitamin C to strengthen your immune system and kill invading bacteria. However, raw vegetables contain more beneficial phytonutrients. So, next time while cooking them for dinner, try green juices and smoothies as a natural liquid form of antibiotics. Click here to download my FREE green smoothie eBook.
8. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Moreover, its most common use is to treat cuts, acne, nail fungus, and lung infections. Tea tree oil can be used in toothpaste, lip balms, lotions, soaps, or as a spot-on treatment (test on a small patch first as some people show allergic reactions to this oil).
9. Fermented Food or Probiotics
These add beneficial bacteria to your digestive system, which help to kill harmful bacteria or restore the balance after an antibiotic cure. Fermented foods include yogurt, sauerkraut, raw pickles, kimchi, kombucha, and cultured vegetables.
ALSO READ: 7 Must-Eat Fermented Foods for a Healthy Gut
10. Echinacea
Echinacea tea or cough syrup has been used for ages to treat the flu, cold, or a sore throat. It works anti-inflammatory and acts as an antiviral and antibacterial agent.
FYI: Other Beneficial Herbs
There are many other beneficial herbs with antibiotic properties for you to try. So try and flavor your dishes or teas with those on a regular basis to fight bacteria and strengthen your immune system
- Goldenseal
- Thyme
- Mint
- Basil
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Chili peppers
- Cardamom
- Nutmeg
- Fennel
- Anise
- elderberries
Adding those foods to your daily diet will improve your overall health and reduce the risk of bacterial overgrowth.
Click here for my granny’s Echinacea-elderberry cough syrup or find more natural remedies to cure the flu or cold here.
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!

Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.



I didn’t know about the coconut oil. I typically use olive oil in/on everything. Even without the health benefits, I love the taste of all mentioned!
We cook nearly all our dishes with coconut oil or ghee (if you’re not a vegan) its medium-chained saturated fats are super healthy. And does wonders on dry skin as well. I wrote an article about the 3 best cooking oils a while ago (coconut, olive oil, and ghee). Here’s the link if you’re interested: https://eatlove.live/healthiest-oils//
Have a great and healthy weekend 😉
Great post Amy, love your site its stunning!
Thanks Cher 🙂