Prepping with Antibiotic Plants: Top Picks

Introduction to Antibiotic Plants for Preppers

Having antibiotic plants in your prepper medicinal arsenal is absolutely essential. When disasters strike and access to modern healthcare is limited, these natural antibiotics can be literal lifesavers. Growing your own antibiotic herbs allows you to treat infections when prescription antibiotics run out or simply aren't available. Medicinal plants like oregano, garlic, and echinacea contain powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal compounds that can help fight illnesses and accelerate healing. With the proper identification, dosage, and preparation, antibiotic plants can be just as potent as traditional antibiotics against many common pathogens. On Weloveprepping.com you can find more in-depth plant profiles and step-by-step instructions for utilizing these healing herbs safely and effectively.

Top 5 Antibiotic Herbs to Grow

• Oregano - Contains carvacrol and thymol compounds in the leaves making it a potent natural antibiotic with additional antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties

• Garlic - The bulbs contain a broad spectrum antibiotic effective against pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi due to its allicin content

• Echinacea - The roots and flowers stimulate the immune system to ramp up production of white blood cells that fight infections

• Calendula - The antioxidant flavonoids in the flowers provide antimicrobial and wound healing properties

• Goldenseal - The root contains a powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, especially useful for treating respiratory infections

How to Properly Identify Antibiotic Plants

• Consult reputable field guides or experts to confirm identification of any wild-harvested plants

• Cross-reference at least 2-3 sources when identifying medicinal plants to ensure accuracy

• Look for key distinguishing physical characteristics of each plant like leaf shape, flower color, etc.

• Take clear, detailed photographs of the plant from various angles to aid in identification

• When in doubt, do not ingest any plant material that cannot be 100% positively identified

• Do an edibility test by gently touching the plant to your skin and mouth before consuming to check for allergic reactions

Cultivating Antibiotic Herbs at Home

• Choose suitable growing conditions for each antibiotic plant based on sunlight, soil, and water needs

• Start plants from seed, cuttings from an established plant, or purchase transplants for best results

• Space plants properly and tend the soil regularly by weeding, fertilizing, aerating, and rotating crops each season for optimal growth

• Control pests and diseases organically to protect plant health using neem oil, row covers, etc.

• Harvest antibiotic parts like leaves, flowers, or roots at the ideal stage of growth to maximize medicinal potency

Drying and Storing Healing Plants

• Pick plant parts when they are fully mature and dry as quickly as possible at low temperatures to best retain volatile medicinal compounds

• Use a food dehydrator, oven at lowest temp, or air drying bundles to dry herbs thoroughly before storage

• Store dried herbs in sealed mason jars or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for long term storage

• Label each container with the plant name and date harvested for easy identification

• Most dried leaves, flowers, and roots have a shelf life of 1-2 years if stored properly

Administering Antibiotic Herbs Safely

• Research recommended dosages for each antibiotic herb based on preparation method, age, and severity of illness

• Start with lower therapeutic doses and gradually increase if needed to achieve clinical effects while monitoring for side effects

• Be aware of potential interactions with prescription medicines and avoid contraindicated herbs

• Use caution when administering herbs to children, pregnant women, or those with pre-existing medical conditions

• Consult a trained herbalist or integrative medicine professional whenever possible

• Keep a detailed journal when taking herbs to document effects and watch for reactions

Top Antibacterial Antibiotic Plants

Certain herbs contain compounds that make them especially potent against bacterial pathogens. Having these antibacterial superstars on hand can help nip infections in the bud and prevent systemic illness when medical care is limited. Let's take a look at some of the top antibacterial antibiotic plants preppers should consider growing.

Garlic

• Contains the sulfur compound allicin which gives garlic broad spectrum antibacterial abilities, including against antibiotic resistant bacteria like MRSA

• Particularly effective at treating respiratory infections, SIBO, urinary tract infections, wound infections, and more

• For antibacterial benefits, best consumed raw, or prepared as an aged extract, tincture, or infused oil

• Works synergistically with other herbs like oregano, giving a boost to their antibacterial effects

Oregano

• Rich in thymol and carvacrol, antioxidants which can destroy bacterial cell membranes and disrupt other structures

• Clinical research shows oregano oil effective against common bacterial infections including E. coli, MRSA, listeria, salmonella, and more

• Oregano essential oil or alcohol tinctures provide the most concentrated antibacterial compounds

• Add fresh or dried leaves and oil to meat marinades, soups, and salves to help fight infection

• Also has potent antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral benefits

Goldenseal

• Contains berberine, a beneficial plant alkaloid with strong antibacterial properties against many common pathogens

• Eliminates bacteria responsible for respiratory infections, traveler's diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and more

• Use dried goldenseal root powder in teas, tinctures, capsules, and ointments

• Caution: Avoid long term use due to potential toxicity and interactions with several medications

• Works very effectively when combined with echinacea to provide both antibacterial and immune-boosting action

Echinacea

• Works by stimulating white blood cell production which ramps up the immune response against invading bacteria

• Clinically proven to help fight difficult infections like MRSA, flesh-eating bacteria, strep throat, and more

• The leaves, flowers, and roots contain antibacterial compounds and can be used fresh or dried

• Combine with antibacterial herbs like goldenseal, garlic or licorice root for enhanced effects

• Those with autoimmune disorders or taking immunosuppressant drugs should avoid echinacea

Calendula

• The vibrant orange flowers contain antibacterial flavonoids that accelerate healing

• Prevents infection in minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, burns when applied topically as an infused oil or salve

• Add calendula tea or oil infusion to baths to treat existing skin infections

• Gargling calendula tea can ease sore throats and oral infections

• A very gentle antibacterial herb suitable even for children and the elderly

Antiviral Antibiotic Herbs

Viral infections can be difficult to treat with antibiotics yet herbs contain unique antiviral compounds that can shorten duration and severity. Having these antiviral herbs in your medicinal arsenal helps provide relief when colds, flu, or even epidemics strike. Let's examine some of the top antiviral antibiotic plants preppers should know.

Oregano

• Carvacrol and thymol fight viral infections and boost immunity against the flu, herpes, viral meningitis, and more according to studies

• Essential oil or alcohol tincture preparations provide the highest concentration of antiviral compounds

• Add leaves and oil to bone broths, soup stocks, and chest rubs at first signs of illness

• Works synergistically with elderberry, garlic, ginger, boneset for optimal antiviral effect

Elderberry

• Flavonoids in berries bind to viruses and prevent them from entering and replicating in cells

• Clinically proven to reduce flu symptoms and shorten duration by roughly 3 days if taken at first signs

• Prepare as syrup, lozenges, gummies for relief of bad colds, flu, and sinus infections

• Also effective against herpes, hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, and HIV

• Safe antioxidant with immune boosting benefits when taken daily for prevention

Garlic

• The compound allicin blocks special enzymes that viruses need in order to infect and spread between cells

• Has antiviral effects against colds/flu, herpes, viral meningitis, viral hepatitis, and many others

• Eat 2-3 raw cloves every few hours at the first signs of viral illness

• Take aged garlic extract capsules regularly to boost immunity against viruses

• Use garlic infused oil topically to treat viral skin infections

Astragalus Root

• Boosts levels of interferon and macrophages which inhibit viral replication

• Reduces frequency and severity of colds and flu when taken regularly as a preventative

• Improves immune function in cancer patients undergoing immunosuppressive chemotherapy

• Use sliced astragalus root in bone broths, soups, and stir fries when sick

• Enhance antiviral activity by combining with reishi, ginger, lemon balm, licorice root

Lemon Balm

• Contains rosmarinic acid and tannins that inhibit viral attachment and replication

• Clinically proven to shorten and reduce symptoms of cold sores, shingles, and herpes

• Use lemon balm essential oil, tea, or tincture at first signs of outbreak

• Has the added benefit of reducing anxiety and improving sleep

Top Antifungal Antibiotic Plants

Fungal infections plague preppers more than ever these days. Having access to herbs with antifungal abilities can help treat conditions like Candida overgrowth, ringworm and athlete’s foot when traditional antifungals aren’t available. Let’s look at some of the top antifungal antibiotic plants.

Oregano

• Thymol and carvacrol damage fungal cell membranes and walls

• Highly effective against Candida overgrowth and provides relief from accompanying symptoms

• Use oil topically and tincture internally to fight fungal infections

• Add leaves to baths and foot soaks to treat athlete's foot

• Works well alongside garlic, thyme, and goldenseal for robust antifungal action

Garlic

• Allicin blocks special enzymes that fungi require for metabolism and survival

• Fights common topical fungal infections like ringworm, jock itch, nail fungus

• Eat 2-3 raw cloves per day and apply garlic infused oil to affected areas

• The compound ajoene found in garlic treats difficult nail fungus

• Avoid large amounts of garlic if taking blood thinners due to interactions

Black Walnut

• Contains juglone which disrupts fungal cell membrane integrity

• Most effective against athlete’s foot fungus but also treats other fungal overgrowth

• Use dried green hulls made into capsules, tinctures, or alcohol extracts

• Apply diluted preparations topically for fungal rashes and skin conditions

• Do not take internally for more than 2 weeks at a time due to toxicity

Tea Tree Oil

• Terpinen-4-ol damages fungal cell walls and membranes

• Treats topical fungal issues like ringworm, nail fungus, oral thrush

• Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying pure tea tree oil to skin

• Add to foot baths and soaks to treat athlete’s foot or nail fungus

• Do not ingest tea tree oil except under the guidance of an herbalist

Pau D'Arco

• Contains naphthoquinones that inhibit Candida overgrowth

• Use bark tea or tincture to treat systemic yeast infections and thrush

• Also has antibacterial and antiviral effects

• May cause nausea or dizziness in some individuals

Choosing the Right Herbal Antibiotic

When facing illness, it’s crucial to select the herbal antibiotic most appropriate for treating the condition. Identify the type of infection, its location, severity and any contraindications to determine the best medicinal plant for your needs. Combining 2-3 herbs creates synergistic effects for more stubborn infections. However, antibiotics should only be used when genuinely needed. Refer to Weloveprepping’s herb database or consult an herbalist to make the ideal choice for your situation.

Identify Causal Organism

• Get a proper diagnosis from a doctor to identify whether the infection is bacterial, viral or fungal

• Don’t guess - get lab tests done if cause is unknown! This guides treatment

• Research which antibiotic herbs have proven efficacy against the identified organism

• Understand natural antibiotics may not work against all pathogens like drug-resistant bacteria

Consider Infection Severity

• Assess how far the infection has advanced and the risks of letting it go untreated

• Try gentle antimicrobial herbs like calendula first for mild infections

• Moderate infections may need more potent antibiotics like oregano or garlic

• Severe or systemic infections require strongest broad spectrum antibiotic herbs

• Seek medical help immediately if infection is life-threatening

Treat Systemically or Topically

• Use topical antibiotics like infused oils or salves for localized skin infections

• Take antibiotics internally to treat systemic illnesses or infections in internal organs

• Some herbs like calendula work both internally and topically

• Match preparation method to treatment location for better absorption

• Infused oils, creams work best for topical fungal, bacterial infections

Consider Herb Interactions

• Research contraindications thoroughly for your health conditions

• Avoid herbs that may interact negatively with medications you take

• Introduce herbs one at a time and watch for adverse reactions

• Start with low doses of new herbs, gradually increasing over time

• Check WeLovePrepping’s guides or consult an herbalist for comprehensive herb interaction info

Don't Overuse Natural Antibiotics

• Only take antibiotic herbs when genuinely needed for an infection

• Avoid trying to fully sterilize your body - some bacteria are beneficial!

• Take probiotics to counteract antibiotic effects on your gut flora

• Limit shorter herb courses of 7-14 days maximum for acute infections

• Allow your body to fully recover before starting another round

Key Takeaways on Herbal Antibiotics

Herbal antibiotics like oregano, garlic, and echinacea can be powerful additions to your medicinal arsenal but proper identification, preparation, dosing, and use is crucial. While these plants contain compounds to fight infection, they are not substitutes for medical care in life-threatening situations. Combining 2-3 synergistic antibiotic herbs often provides more potent effects against stubborn infections. Check out WeLovePrepping for more detailed natural medicine resources to keep your family thriving, even when SHTF. Staying informed, vigilant, and prepared provides peace of mind no matter what the future holds.

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