Natural “antibiotics”: can we fight against infections thanks to plants?

What is a “natural antibiotic”?

An antibiotic is a substance that kills or prevents the growth of microorganisms called bacteria. These are referred to as bactericidal antibiotics and bacteriostatic antibiotics respectively. “We must distinguish “natural antibiotics” from antibiotics resulting from chemical synthesis in the laboratory: their antibiotic and radical biochemical action is not comparable, notes Laure Martinat from the outset, anesthesiologist-resuscitator, naturopath with a diploma in phytotherapy and aromatherapy and author. A natural antibiotic is naturally present in natural substances such as essential oils for example.” Antibiotics are thus to be distinguished from antivirals which act on viruses and antifungals which act on fungi.

Natural antibiotics: who are they for?

Natural antibiotics can be used in all cases of bacterial infections, i.e. infections linked to one or more species of pathogenic bacteria. Indeed, we live in symbiosis with billions of bacteria that make up our endogenous bacterial flora, such as the intestinal flora or the vaginal flora for example. These bacteria are not an infection, they are normally present in our body and we live in balance with them. They are therefore distinguished from those likely to cause an infection in our body: pathogenic bacteria. “There are also so-called opportunistic bacteria, normally present in our body but which, in the event of a particular event, can become pathogenic, explains the specialist. This is the case for example for an immunocompromised person, who has a decrease in the functioning and efficiency of his immune system. These natural remedies can therefore be used in combination with drug antibiotics derived from chemical synthesis, with a synergistic effect. “They can also sometimes be used alone, in the case of a non-serious infection, which does not require drug antibiotic treatment, adds Dr Laure Martinat. But this must always be discussed beforehand with a doctor trained in herbal medicine.”

Natural antibiotics: What are they?

There are several of them, especially in plants and bee products. Honey, royal jelly, propolis, garlic, certain mushrooms such as shiitake, grapefruit seed extract, certain essential oils and certain plants (such as thyme - excellent antiseptic with antibiotic action - bearberry and heather in case of urinary infections or burdock in case of skin infection…) are particularly renowned for their antibiotic properties. But the list is not exhaustive!

Let’s take a closer look at the most famous of them:

Essential oils

Some contain molecules with demonstrated antibacterial and therefore antibiotic action:

- Phenols: thymol in thymol thymol EO, in compact oregano EO, eugenol in clove EO, carvacrol in mountain savory EO…

- Monoterpene alcohols: linalool in thyme EO with linalool, fine lavender, coriander, terpinen-4-ol in tea tree EO, shell marjoram, citronellol in geranium EO, geraniol in HE of geranium and palmarosa.

- The oxides: 1.8 cineole in the EO of radiated eucalyptus, eucalyptus globulus, ravintsara, niaouli, noble laurel, etc.

- Aldehydes: citrals in EO of lemon myrtle and lemongrass.

“These are the main ones, but there are obviously others. The action of an essential oil is never limited to a single molecule, continues the specialist. In addition, these same molecules have other properties. For example, geraniol is also antiviral, sedative; eugenol is also a broad-spectrum anti-infective (viruses, fungi, parasites and bacteria), analgesic with an anesthetic effect, anti-inflammatory; 1.8 cineole is also anti-inflammatory, mucolytic etc. This makes the field of action complex!”

Eugenol

The eugenol¹ present in clove essential oil, in particular, is a powerful antibiotic. It has a broad-spectrum antibacterial action (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Helicobacter pylori, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, among others, responsible for sometimes serious infections in humans). "Eugenol has even shown a synergistic effect with certain antibiotics such as vancomycin." , completes Dr. Laure Martinat.

Tea tree essential oil

The antibacterial activity of tea tree essential oil² has also been demonstrated on many bacterial species frequently responsible for infections in humans (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes , Klebsiella pneumoniae, Propionibacterium acnes, Enterococcus faecium etc). “This essential oil also has bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity on bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium)”, adds the specialist.

Bee products

Honey

Manuka honey³ is regularly cited among natural antibiotics because it has been the subject of several scientific studies. “But honey in general is an excellent natural antibiotic, assures the specialist. Its properties are demonstrated with effects on different bacteria, some of which are resistant to antibiotics.”

Its antibiotic action is based on different elements:

Caution, however: for the healing of wounds, whether infected or not, it is advisable to use so-called medical honey and not edible honey, which has undergone checks and treatments to ensure its quality and harmlessness (sterilization with gamma rays, for example).

Propolis

Propolis⁴ is also an excellent antiseptic and antibacterial. Bees also use it, in this sense in the hive. Propolis has a broad antibacterial spectrum (gram positive and negative bacteria). It is effective on bacteria very often responsible for infections in humans: Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus, for example. “It also acts in synergy with antibiotic drugs, confirms Dr. Laure Martinat. It is a very powerful natural antibiotic.” Choose an organic propolis preferably.

Royal Jelly

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Among bee products: royal jelly⁵, whose antibacterial properties have been demonstrated by several scientific studies (with a particular action on Gram-positive bacteria). “Among the components of royal jelly, we have studied royalisin which is a peptide with antibacterial properties, notes Dr Laure Martinat. It is known to act on Gram-positive bacteria by targeting bacterial cell walls and membranes.” Note however that the antibacterial activity of royal jelly is not very strong: it is not consumed for that. “It will rather act in support of medicated antibiotics in the event of infections to help recovery, fight against fatigue, support the immune system. Unlike propolis which is a powerful antiseptic.”

Garlic

Garlic⁶ also has proven antibacterial properties, including synergistic action with medicated antibiotics. Its antibacterial effects are mainly based on its content of organosulfur compounds, including allicin and ajoene.

Grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seed extract⁷ is a natural antibiotic due to its laboratory-confirmed bactericidal effects. “Among its mechanisms of action, we know that it alters the membrane of bacteria, which allows them to be killed,” describes Dr. Laure Martinat. Note however: there is no data in humans, its effects have only been demonstrated in laboratory conditions.”

Shiitake

This mushroom⁸ supports the proper functioning of the immune system and is a good natural antibiotic, with proven efficacy on different bacterial species frequently responsible for infections in human being.

Natural antibiotics: What are their benefits?

These natural antibiotics have a bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic action, that is, they kill and/or prevent the growth of bacteria.

They have undeniable advantages:

- A broad spectrum of action and therefore effective on many ailments or diseases: “The natural antibiotic is not an isolated molecule like an antibiotic resulting from chemical synthesis (for example vancomycin), underlines the specialist. Here, we are in the presence of multiple molecules within the same substance which act in synergy both directly on the antibacterial character but also on other aspects. For example: linalool is a natural antibiotic, which also has analgesic and healing properties. Thus, if we apply true lavender essential oil to a cut, we prevent infection by preventing bacteria from developing. It calms the pain, the burning sensation and promotes healing. Similarly, honey is used in wound healing: a natural antibiotic, it also promotes and optimizes the healing process. Natural antibiotics thus support our terrain and in particular the immune system.

- A decrease in the risk of resistance: “When you use a medicinal chemical antibiotic, you use a single molecule. Bacteria can thus easily develop resistance mechanisms. Conversely, when we use the essential oil of thyme thymol or propolis, there are tens, hundreds of different molecules that attack the bacteria. This limits the possibilities for the bacterium to acquire resistance,” explains Dr Laure Martinat.

Natural antibiotics: When can they be used?

- In all cases of bacterial infections or for prevention in certain cases. “For example, in case of viral bronchitis or flu, an essential oil rich in 1.8 cineole is used, which has interesting antiviral properties and which, due to its antibacterial effects, prevents bacterial superinfections.”

- These natural antibiotics also act in synergy with antibiotic drugs: it is therefore interesting to combine them. “It is possible, for example, to add propolis to a drug antibiotic treatment or a local application of essential oils, confirms the specialist. They can also be combined with each other: essential oils and honey or propolis and honey (aromiel and propomel respectively).”

- They can also be used in case of small wounds or cuts to facilitate healing and prevent infection.

- Finally, it is useful to use it for prevention. For example: bearberry cure in case of recurrent urinary tract infections. “Be careful, however, to ensure more comprehensive care, recommends Dr. Laure Martinat. In the case of recurrent urinary tract infections, it is necessary to ensure that there is no organic cause that explains the recurrences. Hygiene measures (hydration, not holding back, fight against constipation, cotton underwear, restoring the balance of the intestinal and vaginal flora, etc.) are necessary to definitively stop the infection. ”

Natural antibiotics: How to use them well?

In case of bacterial infections (ENT, respiratory, digestive, urinary etc.)

Take an infusion of thyme (one heaped teaspoon per cup, 3 to 4 times a day).

Consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 3 days or worsen.

In case of respiratory infection (eg bacterial bronchitis)

Chew pieces of propolis 3 to 4 times a day.

Mix 50 drops of radiated eucalyptus EO, 50 drops of linalool thyme EO, 25 drops of thymol thyme and 20 ml of apricot kernel vegetable oil in a tinted glass bottle: one application of about ten drops 4 times a day in massage on the thorax and the back.

Consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 3 days or worsen.

In case of bacterial angina, preparation of an aromiel

Chew pieces of propolis 3 to 4 times a day

Mix 25 drops of rose geranium EO, 25 drops of thujanol thyme and 25 drops of tea tree EO in 100g of fir honey: one teaspoon 4 times a day. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 3 days or worsen.

Dental pain and probable tooth decay/abscess, while waiting to see the dentist urgently

1 drop of clove EO diluted in 2 or 3 drops of vegetable oil: massage the painful area, especially the gum around the tooth that hurts. Repeat 4 times a day.

In case of small wounds, small cuts

Always clean with soap and water first. Rinse and dry well, then apply the following mixture in the amount of two drops 3 to 4 times a day:

EO of tea tree: 25 drops

HE of cistus ladaniferous: 25 drops

HE of true lavender: 25 drops

Vegetable oil of inophyl calophyll: 7 ml

In case of urinary infection

Bearberry decoction: Pour 5 teaspoons (approximately 1.5 tablespoons) of bearberry into a liter of cold water in a saucepan. Turn on the heat and simmer covered for 5 minutes. Cut the fire. Filter by expressing the plants well through Chinese. Drink throughout the day.

Natural antibiotics: Where to find them?

You can find all these natural substances in herbal stores, in natural or organic health product stores, in pharmacies (phytotherapy area), drugstores or on the internet, in online health food stores.

Natural antibiotics: In what form should they be taken?

-Essential oils: in the form of drops, in local application diluted in a vegetable oil, orally (in general, they are never consumed pure: place them on a support such as a spoon of vegetable oil, a neutral tablet, a capsule/pre-filled capsule).

- Propolis: chewable pieces, chewing gums, powders, propolis-based sprays, capsules, mother tincture, etc.

- Honey: on a daily basis, it is relevant to consume it to sweeten your infusions, put it on your buttered toast instead of jam, etc. It has undeniable nutritional but also medicinal effects. Be careful when you add it to your infusions, decoctions etc.: be sure to put it only when the preparation has cooled down because some of its substances are heat-sensitive, so they are degraded by heat.

- Royal jelly: rather in cure during the period of convalescence after an infectious episode. In fresh form ideally: 1g per day in the morning on an empty stomach before breakfast, to place and let dissolve under the tongue, to continue for 3 weeks.

- Garlic: it is best to incorporate it raw into daily cooking or to prepare a garlic-scented oil to use in your recipes (2 to 4 drops of garlic essential oil in a liter of olive oil).

- Shiitake: 400 to 600 mg twice a day for a 3-week cure.

Natural antibiotics: What contraindications?

Natural antibiotics should be avoided in case of allergy or intolerance.

There are also specific contraindications:

Always seek advice from a trained practitioner before using natural antibiotics, especially essential oils, as there may be contraindications and like any substance, natural or not, they are not devoid of benefits. potential side effects.

Natural antibiotics: Is there resistance in some people?

There is no known and demonstrated acquired resistance (bacteria have not developed additional resistance mechanisms after exposure) listed to date. “On the other hand, there are natural resistances: certain bacteria are sometimes more resistant naturally than others, raises Dr. Laure Martinat. We can take the example of certain essential oils: tea tree EO is very effective on Escherichia coli, it is much less so on Pseudomonas aeruginosa for example. In addition, the effectiveness of HE is not always the same: for example, most often the antibacterial activity of tea tree HE is superior to that of niaouli in general. The effectiveness of the bacterial action of propolis, for example, is also very variable depending on the type of propolis used and its geographical origin in particular. These antibiotic substances are thus a line of thought around the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in medicine.