Antibiotics are lifesavers. They help us fight infections that would otherwise be difficult to treat with conventional medicine but can cause problems if they aren’t used responsibly. Unfortunately, studies show overusing antibiotics has caused the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (so-called “superbugs”), which our health experts warn against at every opportunity. So what do you do when you need an antibiotic—in terms of your health and the environment? The answer is simple: use natural antibacterial products instead!
5 Best Natural Antibacterial Products
- Inca Inchi Oil
Inca inchi oil is a seed oil native to Peru. It’s loaded with omega 3s, omega 6s, and antioxidants—all of which have antibacterial properties. This oil has been used for centuries by the people of Peru to protect against infections, making it a perfect choice for using as an antibacterial throughout your home. - Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant native to Australia. Its powerful antimicrobial action is well-known, so much so that tea tree oil has gained popularity in first aid kits around the world. It’s often sold as one part of a “first aid kit in a bottle.” If you want to stay healthy without antibiotics at home, tea tree oil may just be your best friend. - Oregano Oil
Oregano oil comes from wild oregano plants native to the Mediterranean. It’s a powerful antimicrobial oil that can be used topically or diluted with other oils like olive oil. The ancient Greek physician Dioscorides (40-90 C.E.) famously wrote in “De Materia Medica” that oregano could be applied to wounds inflicted by serpents for rapid healing. We now know it has antibiotic properties, making it one of the best home remedies around for when you need an antibacterial boost in your life. - Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is distilled from lavender flowers, which grow abundantly throughout Europe and North America. Lavender is known for its soothing aromatherapy benefits. Still, it also has powerful antimicrobial properties that make it an excellent choice for everything from cleaning your kitchen to using it on your skin. Just diffuse some lavender oil into the air through a diffuser, or mix with water and vinegar to create an all-purpose household cleaner! - Tea Tree Soap & Body Wash
Tea tree oil is known by aromatherapists for its ability to soothe skin conditions like acne, molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex, chickenpox vesicles, ringworm, impetigo, candidiasis (thrush), dermatitis of the hands and feet (athlete’s foot), lice bites, and stings (including bee stings), scabies (particularly useful when treating) and psoriasis. It is also effective for insect bites, including bed bug bites. Tea tree oil can be mixed with other essential oils like lavender or thyme to help the skin heal faster and feel better.
The best way to ensure you’re using natural antibacterial products is by choosing essential oils over synthetic ingredients whenever you can. Oils like oregano, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and thyme are all excellent choices that will boost your immune system while leaving your home germ-free.