Antibiotics vs Natural Infection Fighters

Antibiotics, which are regularly prescribed for infections, can indiscriminately destroy healthy bacteria along with the infection-causing organisms or pathogens. Chronic antibiotic usage weakens the body's natural resistance, creating increased vulnerability to fungal or yeast infections, which cause diarrhea, allergies, skin and vaginal problems. Furthermore, many people complain that while on antibiotics they feel weak and nauseous and even lethargic, so they stop taking the drugs as soon as they feel a little better! Abuse, misuse, over- and under-usage of antibiotics have allowed pathogens previously sensitive to antibiotics to develop new resistances. Newer, more potent and more expensive antibiotics with adverse side effects are then needed to counter emerging resistance strains.

Studies have validated that various herbs with antibiotic activities can deal with infection-causing organisms safely and effectively. Among these herbs are Houttuynia, Scutellaria barbatae, Woad, Dandelion, Commelinae, Chrysanthemum, Forsythia, Begonia, Hedyotis, Yedeon’s Violet, Skullcap, Ledebouriellae, Honeysuckle and Licorice.

Dandelion, for example, is considered to be an aperient, diuretic, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and detoxicant. Dandelion tea is used to treat fever, insomnia, jaundice, rheumatism, eczema and other skin diseases, and constipation. Common dandelion has also been used against warts, cancers and tumors.