Significance

• Natural antibiotics have grown in popularity because of an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the cause of the resistant bacteria is widespread and sometimes indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
  
  

History

• The use of natural antibiotics dates back to the ancient Egyptians who used molds applied directly to the skin to treat infections.
  
  

Uses

• Naturally occurring alternative antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, herpes, allergies, skin disorders and upper respiratory infections.
  
  

Types

• Garlic, grapefruit seed extract, tea tree oil, colloidal silver, olive leaf extract and honey are examples of natural antibiotics.
  
  

Benefits

• Natural alternatives are less toxic and safer, providing protection from antibiotic side effects. They boost the body's ability to produce antibodies for which bacteria, viruses and fungi can't develop immunity.