5. Onion
Onions are garlic’s cousins with many of the same phytochemical properties. Effective against various strains of pathogenic bacteria, onion (best raw when used as medicine) reduces fever, relieves nausea, clears ear infection, relieves respiratory ailments, and performs many other healing wonders. The very thin onion membrane between layers can be placed directly on a cut or abrasion to stop bleeding, relieve pain, and kill germs.
The very thin onion membrane between layers can be placed directly on a cut or abrasion to stop bleeding, relieve pain, and kill germs.
6. Vitamin C
Arguably the most effective nutrient against human pathogens, vitamin C support the immune system in general. Maybe more important than its direct antibiotic activity is vitamin C’s stimulation of natural antibody response (8).
“A striking phenomena [sic] of vitamin C is the similarity of response either to correct pathology due to a deficiency of this compound, or to correct the pathology caused by the action of the virus bodies and other similar toxins and ferments.” (9)
Foods high in vitamin C include:
- Bell peppers
- Berries
- Broccoli
- Citrus fruits
- Dark leafy green vegetables
- Kiwi
- Papaya
- Peas
- Tomato
7. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a by-product of grapefruit juice that is taken orally to treat a bacterial or viral infection. While seeds can be eaten straight from the fruit, they’re quite acidic and bitter on their own (10).
GSE is also used in agriculture to fight bacteria, fungus, mold, and parasites as well as preserve food and disinfect water.
One study found that the antibacterial properties of grapefruit seed extract are comparable to proven topical antibacterials for a wide range of gram-negative organisms and gram-positive organisms (11).