In times of crisis, medical supplies are sure to become scarce or even inaccessible. Knowing how to find and use natural antibiotics can be invaluable. Throughout history, people have relied on the healing properties of plants and other natural resources to fight infections and promote healing. Keep in mind, people have been getting sick and injured long before big pharma and drug companies ever came on the scene.
Foraging for these natural remedies before a SHTF scenario will give you a crucial edge in maintaining health. Let’s explore some of the most effective natural antibiotics, how to identify them, where to find them, and how they’ve been used in the past.
1 – Garlic
Garlic is more than just a flavorful addition to meals; it’s been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This potent plant is renowned for its ability to combat a variety of infections due to its natural antimicrobial compounds. Whether you’re dealing with a common cold or a minor wound, garlic could be a valuable asset in your natural medicine kit.
Where and When to Find It:
- Cultivated Areas: Garlic is commonly grown in gardens and farms.
- Wild Varieties: Wild garlic, also known as ramsons, can be found in damp woodlands and shaded areas, particularly in Europe and parts of North America.
- Season: Best harvested in spring when the leaves are tender.
How to Identify:
- Leaves: Long, narrow, and pointed leaves with a strong garlic scent when crushed.
- Flowers: Small, white, star-shaped flowers arranged in clusters.
- Bulbs: Underground bulb divided into cloves.
Proven Efficacy:
Garlic contains allicin, a compound with demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Studies have shown that garlic can inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Historical Uses:
- Used by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for treating infections.
- During World War I and II, garlic was used as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene.
How to Use:
- Internal Use: Crush or chop fresh garlic to release allicin and consume raw or cooked.
- External Use: Apply crushed garlic to wounds with caution, as it can irritate the skin.
2 – Honey
Honey isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s a natural antibiotic that has been used for millennia. With its unique properties, honey can help heal wounds and fight infections, making it an essential item to consider when foraging for natural remedies.
Where and When to Find It:
- Wild Beehives: Found in hollow trees, rock crevices, or man-made structures.
- Season: Bees are most active in spring and summer, but honey can be harvested year-round.
How to Identify:
- Bee Activity: Look for areas with increased bee traffic.
- Beehives: Natural hives may be hidden; observe bees entering and exiting a specific spot.
Proven Efficacy:
Honey has antibacterial properties due to its low pH, high sugar content, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus and has been effective against antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA.
Related: Have You Been Using Fake Honey?
Historical Uses:
- Used by ancient Egyptians for wound care and embalming.
- Traditional medicine across cultures employs honey for treating coughs, wounds, and gastrointestinal issues.
How to Use:
- External Use: Apply raw, unprocessed honey directly to clean wounds as a natural dressing.
- Internal Use: Consume to soothe sore throats and coughs.
3 – Usnea
Usnea is a type of lichen that hangs from tree branches like wispy gray-green beards. This unassuming organism packs a powerful antimicrobial punch, making it a valuable resource for natural healing.
Where and When to Find It:
- Habitat: Grows on the branches of trees, especially conifers, in cool, damp forests.
- Geographical Range: Common in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Season: Available year-round.
How to Identify:
- Appearance: Looks like pale green or grayish stringy hairs hanging from branches.
- Texture: Slightly elastic but brittle; breaks when pulled.
- Growth Pattern: Often found on dead or dying trees but can also grow on healthy ones.
Proven Efficacy:
Usnea contains usnic acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Research indicates it’s effective against Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species.
Historical Uses:
- Used traditionally by Native Americans and European herbalists to treat wounds, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.
How to Use:
- Tincture: Soak usnea in high-proof alcohol for several weeks to extract its beneficial compounds.
- Application: Can be applied externally to wounds or taken internally in small doses.
4 – Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial herb known for its feathery leaves and clusters of tiny flowers. Revered since ancient times for its medicinal properties, yarrow is a versatile plant that can aid in wound healing and infection prevention.
Where and When to Find It:
- Habitat: Found in meadows, fields, and along roadsides throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
- Season: Blooms from late spring to early fall.
How to Identify:
- Leaves: Fern-like, feathery leaves that are aromatic when crushed.
- Flowers: Flat-topped clusters of small white, pink, or yellow flowers.
- Height: Grows up to 3 feet tall.
Proven Efficacy:
Yarrow has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Historical Uses:
- Named after Achilles, the Greek hero who, according to legend, used yarrow to treat his soldiers’ wounds.
- Used traditionally to stop bleeding, reduce fevers, and treat digestive issues.
How to Use:
- Poultice: Crush fresh leaves and flowers to apply directly to wounds.
- Tea: Brew dried or fresh parts of the plant for internal use to combat colds and flu.
5 – Echinacea
Echinacea, commonly known as the purple coneflower, is not only a beautiful addition to gardens but also a powerful medicinal plant. It’s well-regarded for its ability to boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections.
Where and When to Find It:
- Habitat: Native to prairies and open wooded areas in North America.
- Cultivation: Often grown in gardens for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
- Season: Blooms from late spring to late summer.
How to Identify:
- Flowers: Large, pink to purple petals surrounding a spiky, dark brown central cone.
- Leaves: Lance-shaped and slightly rough to the touch.
- Height: Stands 2 to 5 feet tall.
Proven Efficacy:
Echinacea is known for its immunomodulatory properties. Some studies suggest it can stimulate the immune system and may reduce the severity and duration of colds and respiratory infections.
Historical Uses:
- Used by Native American tribes to treat wounds, burns, toothaches, sore throats, and snake bites.
- Adopted by early settlers for medicinal use in treating colds and infections.
How to Use:
- Tea or Tincture: Prepare from the roots, leaves, and flowers.
- Consumption: Taken internally to support immune health.
6 – Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a perennial herb prized for its bright yellow root and potent medicinal properties. Though overharvesting has made it less common in the wild, goldenseal remains a valuable plant for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Where and When to Find It:
- Habitat: Prefers rich, shady soils in hardwood forests of Eastern North America.
- Season: Best harvested in late summer to early fall.
How to Identify:
- Leaves: Large, lobed leaves with a rough texture, resembling a maple leaf.
- Flowers: Small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in early spring.
- Fruit: Produces a single red berry resembling a raspberry.
Related: Create Your Own Self-Sufficient Backyard (Video)
Proven Efficacy:
Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid with demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s been effective against bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis and E. coli.
Historical Uses:
- Used by Native Americans for skin diseases, wounds, digestive issues, and eye infections.
- Early European settlers adopted it as a multipurpose remedy.
How to Use:
- Decoction or Tincture: Made from the dried root.
- Application: Can be taken internally in small doses or applied externally to affected areas.
7 – Plantain
Often considered a common weed, plantain is a highly beneficial plant with a range of medicinal uses. Its leaves are known for their ability to soothe and heal, making plantain a useful natural remedy readily found in many environments.
Where and When to Find It:
- Habitat: Thrives in lawns, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed soils worldwide.
- Season: Grows from spring through fall.
How to Identify:
- Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major): Broad, oval leaves with prominent veins and a smooth edge.
- Narrowleaf Plantain (Plantago lanceolata): Long, lance-shaped leaves.
- Flowers: Small, inconspicuous flowers on a tall stalk.
Proven Efficacy:
Plantain exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been effective against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and promotes wound healing.
Historical Uses:
- Used traditionally to treat wounds, insect bites, and skin inflammations.
- Known as “heal-all” or “soldier’s herb” due to its widespread use in folk medicine.
How to Use:
- Poultice: Chew or crush fresh leaves and apply to the skin for insect bites, stings, or minor wounds.
- Tea: Brew leaves for internal use to soothe digestive issues.
8 – Pine Resin
Pine resin, the sticky substance exuded from pine trees, has been used for centuries as a natural antiseptic and wound sealant. Easily accessible in pine-rich areas, it can serve as a valuable resource for first aid.
Where and When to Find It:
- Habitat: Pine forests across the Northern Hemisphere.
- Season: Available year-round.
How to Identify:
- Appearance: Sticky, golden to amber-colored sap oozing from tree bark.
- Collection: Found on the trunks where the bark has been damaged.
Related: The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments
Proven Efficacy:
Pine resin has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts as a protective barrier over wounds, preventing infection and promoting healing.
Historical Uses:
- Used by indigenous peoples and ancient civilizations for treating wounds, sores, and skin infections.
- Employed in traditional medicine for its antiseptic qualities.
How to Use:
- Application: Warm the resin to soften it and apply directly to clean wounds.
- Salve: Can be mixed with carrier oils or beeswax to create a healing ointment.
9 – Black Walnut Hulls
The black walnut tree offers more than just nutritious nuts; its hulls are rich in compounds with medicinal properties. Black walnut hulls have been traditionally used to combat fungal infections and parasites.
Where and When to Find It:
- Habitat: Grows in hardwood forests and along rivers in North America.
- Season: Nuts mature and are harvested in late summer to early fall.
How to Identify:
- Leaves: Compound leaves with 15–23 leaflets arranged alternately along the stem.
- Fruit: Round nuts encased in a thick green husk that turns black as it decays.
- Bark: Dark, deeply furrowed bark on mature trees.
Proven Efficacy:
Black walnut hulls contain juglone, tannins, and iodine, which have antifungal and antiparasitic properties. Effective against fungal infections like athlete’s foot and may help expel intestinal parasites.
Historical Uses:
- Used by Native Americans and herbalists to treat fungal infections, skin conditions, and as a natural dewormer.
How to Use:
- Tincture or Infusion: Made from the green hulls.
- Application: Apply externally to fungal infections; internal use should be approached with caution and preferably under guidance.
10 – Elderberry
Elderberry is a shrub whose berries and flowers have long been used in traditional medicine. Renowned for its antiviral properties, elderberry is a go-to remedy for supporting the immune system during cold and flu season.
Where and When to Find It:
- Habitat: Found in wetlands, along streams, and in forest clearings.
- Season: Flowers bloom in late spring; berries ripen in late summer to early fall.
How to Identify:
- Leaves: Compound leaves with 5–11 leaflets, serrated edges.
- Flowers: Flat clusters of small, fragrant white or cream-colored flowers.
- Berries: Small, dark purple to black berries in drooping clusters.
Proven Efficacy:
Elderberries are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. Studies suggest that elderberry extract can reduce the duration and severity of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Historical Uses:
- Used in European folk medicine to treat colds, flu, fevers, and sinus infections.
- Native Americans used elderberry for infections and to promote healing.
How to Use:
- Syrup or Tea: Cook ripe berries to make a syrup or tea. Note: Raw berries can be toxic; always cook before consumption.
- Flower Infusion: Flowers can be used to make teas that may help reduce fever and soothe respiratory symptoms.
Related: The Most Powerful Painkiller That We Lost to History
Safety Precautions:
- Proper Identification: Misidentification can lead to poisoning. Always use a reliable field guide or consult an expert.
- Allergic Reactions: Test a small amount first to check for adverse reactions.
- Dosage and Preparation: Some plants can be toxic if misused. Research proper preparation and dosages.
- Consult Professionals: When possible, consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Knowledge Is Power!
The 10 natural antibiotics we highlighted above are just a small fortune of what nature can offer you. If you want to be truly self-sufficient, you need to know how to identify the best and most useful wild foods. You can easily use the information offered by The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods for this very purpose.
The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods teaches you how to identify edible and poisonous plants, medicinal plants, herbs, and a whole lot more. You will learn things like:
- The ultimate survival swamp food
- The herb you can add to your coffee or tea to empty your bowels effortlessly each morning
- The superweed of the Great Depression
- Edible trees growing in the US
- The berry that is illegal to grow in some states, but perfectly fine to forage
- Beneficial weeds you shouldn’t have pulled from your garden
The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods gives you access to an endless, free, healthy supply of food that can also be your lifeline in a crisis. And it is now available at a discounted price, together with 3 extra free books:
- The Wilderness Survival Guide
- Household Remedies
- 104 Long Lasting Foods You Can Make At Home
The bundle normally costs $128 and you can grab your copies now for just $37 at this link!
Foraging for natural antibiotics before a crisis empowers you to take control of your health when conventional medicine may not be available. These natural remedies have stood the test of time, offering effective ways to combat infections and support healing. By learning to identify, harvest, and use these resources responsibly, you enhance your self-reliance and preparedness.
Remember, while natural antibiotics can be beneficial, they are not a substitute for professional medical care when it is available. In a survival situation, however, this knowledge could make a significant difference in your well-being.
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this is the type of articles i like to see. its full of useful info that we can all use whether we live in cities or in the country. i plan on getting the bundle of books and add it to my prepper library. i know there is alot of articles already posted about items to help us in rough times and they need repeating for those who missed them the first time. thanks for the helpful info.
Liqueur made from Black Wanut hulls has been used as an antibiotic for centuries. Calendula was widely used to treat wounds during the War of Northern Aggression. Honey likewise has a history of long use. One of the most effective wound treatments, long used by farriers and country veterinarians, is a slurry of sugar and iodine called sugardine. Best to keep in mind that none of these treatments are anywhere near as effective as modern antibiotics which were pronounced ‘miracle drugs’ because they actually worked. Tens of thousands of Americans died every year from Tuberculosis, syphilis, strep, and staph infections. Good idea after the SHTF and antibiotics disappear is to not nick yourself while shaving, it could be a death sentence.
The sap from the black walnut can be boiled down to make syrup. It’s known to be more prized than maple syrup.
As a trained Natural Healer who’s been using herbs far almost 30 years, I have to ask that you avoid harvesting any plants completely in the wild. Take only as much as you need and leave enough for the plants to come back the following year/s. Also, please, please do not take any Goldenseal from the wild! It has been so badly over harvested that it’s endangered.
Do NOT harvest ANY plant from the roadside! Sadly, those are the most contaminated plants around. Even the soil is highly contaminated, it will take years of no use of any kind of that road before any thing growing along the road could be safely used.
You can very easily grow your own Echinacea, Yarrow, and even Plantain.
Don’t just read a website or a book. Take a class or three on botany and/or herbalism while things are still stable.
How can I locate such classes? I’ve tried everything I could think of but haven’t found anyone teaching herbal usage in my area. (Pierce County, Washington state)
Repurposing is a fine idea when it doesn’t involve life
saving situations.
Pharmaceutical antibiotics are available every day to fight
most medical problems.
The costs are reasonable and several tests have shown
that shelf life is much longer than expected.
When SHTF do you really want to be foraging and
Scrounging for the ingredients to make a eye of newt
wing of bat potion that may or may not work?
When your child is dying from a easily treatable disease
or condition it’s not the time for Marie LaVo bullshit!!!
People mean well but I don’t think they think it thru.
There is also a cancer treatment that people claim is very effective because cancer is caused by parasites in the body. There are three items to take for treatment. One of them is black walnut holes while they’re still green. The second one is clove, but I don’t remember the third. I’d have to go back and find the book and read it. Something to keep in mind. That’s going to be my go to in the event I ever get diagnosed. Not about to stick any of that chemo crap or radiation in my body.
I meant hulls, not holes. Damned autocorrect.
What method to take? Pulverized in water? Chopped and baked into bread? What is the suggested method?
Hi Missouri Prepper….I just learned that Euphorbia…Aka..petty spurge …Cancer Weed…ect….the sap is linked with the virtual elimination of squamous cell skin cancer. It pops up as a winter / spring weed in my yard . I guess they smear the sap on the skin cancer….do not eat……i need to study it more….☮