408-854-1883 starts at $30 per hr home care

Motherhealth on-call nurses are there for you before your next doctor’s visit. Text 408-854-1883.

To all nurses who have the flexibility to be on-call in the bay area for critical home health nursing skills, email your resume to motherhealth@gmail.com

Mission: Motherhealth on-call nurses provide the service gap in in-home care and critical care hospital or doctor visits.  Before your next doctor’s visit, be with Motherhealth nurses to prevent more emergencies and take care of health issues that can turn to be a real emergency. Have the comfort and peace of mind that you can easily chat to a nurse and be visited by them for your own personal care, wound care or other critical home care that can’t wait until your next doctor’s visit.  408-854-1883

Email your resume, copy of last fingerprint report and drug test results to motherhealth@gmail.com

 

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Acupressure has various pressure points on body spots to cure Diabetes.

Acupressure is almost 5000 years old therapy to heal any illness through applying mild pressure on pressure points. Here we are going to discuss Acupressure Points for Diabetes Control. If you or your loved one is suffering from Diabetes, you can apply Acupressure Points for Diabetes after consulting your Family Physician. Acupressure Points for Diabetes are very simple to find, you only need learn applying technique for pressure points. There are several types of Diabetes which are as follows:

• Type1 Diabetes: This Diabetes occurs when the insulin cannot be produced in body. Type1 Diabetes is also called as Insulin Depended Diabetes. When the insulin is not enough in the body, the person is required to take injections to balance sugar intensity in blood.
• Type2 Diabetes: This Diabetes occurs due to lack of absorption of sugar. When the cells do not absorb the Sugar that lies outside the blood, the person is said to have Type2 Diabetes. The patient’s body cells create a constraint before insulin.

There is one more type of Diabetes that occurs in pregnant women. In this diabetes, the extra insulin is not produced in body of pregnant women. Acupressure is very effective to relieve Diabetes and its symptoms. Acupressure Points for Diabetes are situated at various spots on body (mostly on hand and foot). Acupressure Points which are helpful to heal Diabetes are described as under:

• Spleen Point (Lower Leg Point)
• Liver Point (Foot Toe Point)
• Kidney Point (Inner Foot Point)
• Stomach Point (Inner Lower Leg Point)
• Arthritis Point
• Intestine Point
• Urinary Point
• Stress Relief Point
• Big Toe Point

Acupressure Points are proven very effective and healing in Diabetes Problems. The above mentioned Acupressure Points for Diabetes that can be explained below:

Spleen Point (Lower Leg Point):

Spleen Point is situated in lower leg. The Lower Leg Point is directly connected with the Spleen. Move towards the lower side of your leg to find Acupressure spleen pressure point. You can find the exact spot of Acupressure Spleen Point in behind the Shinbones. The Spleen Point is at above side of ankle bones.

Applying firm pressure on Spleen Point for at least 3 minutes a day will give you relief in Spleen related problems.

6 Most Effective Acupressure Points for Asthma Relief

Liver Point (Foot Toe Point):

Liver Point is located on the foot between the Big Toe and Second Toe. You can find the Acupressure Liver Point exact between the Big Toe and Second Toe. Apply mild pressure on Liver Point as adverse round with clock (i.e. reverse circle). Massage the area for 3 minutes daily between Big Toe and Second Toe to get relief in depression, stress, emotional condition etc.

Please do not apply pressure or massage Liver Point if the patient is drained. Because Acupressure Liver Point for Diabetes can make the situation worse with a tired person.

Kidney Point (Inner Foot Point):

Kidney Point is situated in inner side of Foot. Find Acupressure Kidney Point exact between the Ankle bone and Achilles muscle. Find the Kidney Point spot and apply pressure for 3 minutes every day. Applying regular pressure on Kidney Point will help you to improve the functioning and develop production of insulin in body.

Stomach Point (Inner Lower Leg Point):

 

Stomach Point is also very effective. You can find Acupressure Stomach Point in the inner side of lower leg. The exact point of Stomach Point is about eight centimeters on upper side of outer malleolus. Malleolus is the bony protuberance on either side of the ankle, at the lower end of the fibula. Find the Stomach Point and apply pressure firmly on the point spot to get rid of unnecessary toxins from the body.

Arthritis Point is situated below the Knee. The Arthritis Acupressure Point is exactly situated at 2 centimeters distance in below side from the Knee. Find the Arthritis (Below Knee) Point as shown in the picture below. Apply mild pressure on Arthritis Point for 5 minutes in daily routine to get relief in Arthritis, burning in stomach, indigestion problem and other problems.

Intestine Point:

Intestine Point is very helpful for Diabetes. Acupressure Intestine Point is very popular for relieving many diseases. Intestine Point is also called Hand Valley Point. Acupressure Intestine Point is situated between the Index Finger and Thumb. Find the Intestine Point as displayed in below picture. Apply pressure on Intestine Point and massage that joint area on a regular basis to get relieve in Intestine. Applying pressure on Intestine Point will remove the excess heat from body and will give more energy. Massaging Intestine Point will help you to get rid of Stress.

Urinary Point:

Urinary Point is very important for Diabetes treatment. The person, who is suffering from Diabetes, must have urinary problem. Acupressure Urinary Point is helpful to decrease urinary related troubles. Urinary Point is located on backside of Knee cap. The exact place for Acupressure Urinary Point is behind the knee cap at center in leg. The picture of Urinary Point is presented below. Apply pressure on Urinary Point for 5 minutes on a regular basis to get benefits like relief in Additional Urination and other associated problems.

Stress Relief Point:

Stress Relief Point is situated on wrist on line up with Little Finger. Acupressure Stress Relief Point is helpful to relieve the Stress. Stress Relief Point is situated below the Little Finger, on Wrist as displayed in below picture. Apply pressure on Acupressure Stress Relief Point will help you to improve emotional state and reduce the Stress.

Big Toe Point:

Big Toe Point is very useful pressure point for Diabetes. Acupressure Big Toe Point is situated on Big Toe of your Foot. Find the pressure point on Big Toe as shown in picture. Apply firm pressure on Big Toe (in both feet, one by one) every day. Applying proper pressure on Big Toe Point with your fingers will help you to cure / remove various symptoms of Diabetes.

Acupressure Points For Diabetes Control

Acupressure Pressure Points for Diabetes are helpful as well as very effective. But it is advisable to consult an Expert or Acupressure Practitioner before you apply the Acupressure Points for Diabetes on yourself or any other person. Applying pressure in wrong way may create worse situation. If you have not learned pressure applying method, please do not try/apply Acupressure Points for Diabetes.

Radish seeds, sprouted, raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 3358mgGrape leaves, canned
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 2443mgBroccoli, chinese, cooked
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 2346mg

Spinach, frozen, chopped or leaf, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 2183mg

Grape leaves, raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1841mg

Spinach, canned, drained solids
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1548mg

Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1522mg

Cauliflower, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1452mg

Cauliflower, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1452mg

Arugula, raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1360mg

Lettuce, cos or romaine, raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1329mg

Spinach, canned, no salt added, solids and liquids
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1284mg

Spinach, canned, regular pack, solids and liquids
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1284mg

Lettuce, butterhead (includes boston and bibb types), raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1277mg

Peppers, sweet, green, sauteed
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1213mg

Turnip greens, canned, solids and liquids
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1200mg

Spinach, raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1200mg

Beans, pinto, mature seeds, sprouted, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1180mg

Peppers, sweet, red, sauteed
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1165mg

Broccoli raab, raw [Broccoli rabe, Rapini]
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1027mg

Squash, zucchini, baby, cooked
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1009mg

Onions, yellow, sauteed
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 1000mg

Squash, winter, spaghetti, raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 961mg

Brussels sprouts, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 961mg

Cauliflower, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 953mg

New Zealand spinach, cooked
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 943mg
Broccoli, flower clusters, cooked
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 921mg

Turnips, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 895mg
Cauliflower, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 853mg

Cabbage, chinese (pak-choi), raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 846mg

Squash, winter, all varieties, cooked, baked, with salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 846mg

Pickles, cucumber, sour
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 836mg
Kale, frozen, cooked
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 836mg

Seaweed, wakame, raw
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 836mg

Kale, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt
Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 833mg

 

Fish and other meats do not have GI scores because they do not contain carbohydrates.

However, cold-water fish may help manage or prevent diabetes better than other types of meat.

A 2014 studyTrusted Source included data taken from 33,704 Norwegian women over a 5-year period. The researchers found that eating 75–100 grams of cod, saithe, haddock, or pollock daily reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

However, the researchers were uncertain whether the reduction in risk was a direct result of eating the fish or whether other healthful lifestyle factors, such as exercise, could have influenced the findings.

When you have a cold, your body sends out hormones to fight the infection. The downside: That makes it hard for you to use insulin properly, and your blood sugar levels may rise.

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Summary: Patients with mood and anxiety disorders have abnormally low activation in brain areas associated with cognitive and emotional control. Brain scans also revealed hyperactivity in brain areas linked to the processing of emotional thoughts.

Source: University of British Columbia

New research published today in JAMA Psychiatry shows for the first time that patients with mood and anxiety disorders share the same abnormalities in regions of the brain involved in emotional and cognitive control.

The findings hold promise for the development of new treatments targeting these regions of the brain in patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders.

“These brain imaging findings provide a science-based explanation as to why patients with mood and anxiety disorders seem to be ‘locked in’ to negative mood states,” said Dr. Sophia Frangou, the study’s senior author and a psychiatry professor at UBC. “They also corroborate the patients’ experience of being unable to stop and switch away from negative thoughts and feelings.”

Mood and anxiety disorders account for nearly 65 percent of psychosocial disability worldwide and represent a major public health challenge. In Canada, one in three — or approximately 9.1 million people — will be affected by mental illness during their lifetime, according to Statistics Canada. The defining symptoms of these disorders are persistent or recurring negative feelings, mainly depression and anxiety.

Frangou, who recently joined UBC as the President’s Excellence Chair in Brain Health at UBC’s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, started this research as head of the research team at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York.

For the study, Frangou and her research team analyzed more than 9,000 brain scans from previous published studies that compared the brain activity of healthy adults to those diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder, ranging from major depression to post-traumatic stress disorder.

They found that patients exhibited abnormally low activity in the inferior prefrontal and parietal cortex, the insula and the putamen–regions that are key parts of the brain circuit for emotional and cognitive control and are responsible for stopping ongoing mental activities and switching to new ones. They also discovered hyperactivity in the anterior cingulate cortex, the left amygdala and the thalamus, which work together to process emotional thoughts and feelings.

Following her move to UBC, Frangou plans to pursue further research to leverage these findings toward more targeted interventions, such as non-invasive simulation of specific regions of the brain, that could improve outcomes for those living with mood and anxiety disorders.

The study is believed to be the largest analysis of brain scans of patients with mood and anxiety disorders to date. It was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S., German research funding organization Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

ABOUT THIS NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH ARTICLE

Source:
University of British Columbia
Media Contacts:
Thandi Fletcher – University of British Columbia
Image Source:
The image is in the public domain.

Original Research: Open access
“Shared Neural Phenotypes for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Meta-analysis of 226 Task-Related Functional Imaging Studies”. Sophia Frangou et al.
JAMA Psychiatry doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3351.

Abstract

Shared Neural Phenotypes for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Meta-analysis of 226 Task-Related Functional Imaging Studies

Importance
Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders are highly comorbid and have shared clinical features. It is not yet known whether their clinical overlap is reflected at the neurobiological level.

Objective
To detect transdiagnostic convergence in abnormalities in task-related brain activation.

Data Source
Task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging articles published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar during the last decade comparing control individuals with patients with mood, posttraumatic stress, and anxiety disorders were examined.

Study Selection
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guidelines, articles were selected if they reported stereotactic coordinates of whole-brain–based activation differences between adult patients and control individuals.

Data Extraction and Synthesis
Coordinates of case-control differences coded by diagnosis and by cognitive domain based on the research domain criteria were analyzed using activation likelihood estimation.

Main Outcomes and Measures
Identification of transdiagnostic clusters of aberrant activation and quantification of the contribution of diagnosis and cognitive domain to each cluster.

Results
A total of 367 experiments (major depressive disorder, 149; bipolar disorder, 103; posttraumatic stress disorder, 55; and anxiety disorders, 60) were included comprising observations from 4507 patients and 4755 control individuals. Three right-sided clusters of hypoactivation were identified centered in the inferior prefrontal cortex/insula (volume, 2120 mm3), the inferior parietal lobule (volume, 1224 mm3), and the putamen (volume, 888 mm3); diagnostic differences were noted only in the putamen (χ23 = 8.66; P = .03), where hypoactivation was more likely in bipolar disorder (percentage contribution = 72.17%). Tasks associated with cognitive systems made the largest contribution to each cluster (percentage contributions >29%). Clusters of hyperactivation could only be detected using a less stringent threshold. These were centered in the perigenual/dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (volume, 2208 mm3), the left amygdala/parahippocampal gyrus (volume, 2008 mm3), and the left thalamus (volume, 1904 mm3). No diagnostic differences were observed (χ23 < 3.06; P > .38), while tasks associated with negative valence systems made the largest contribution to each cluster (percentage contributions >49%). All findings were robust to the moderator effects of age, sex, and magnetic field strength of the scanner and medication.

Conclusions and Relevance
In mood disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders, the most consistent transdiagnostic abnormalities in task-related brain activity converge in regions that are primarily associated with inhibitory control and salience processing. Targeting these shared neural phenotypes could potentially mitigate the risk of affective morbidity in the general population and improve outcomes in clinical populations.

Summary: Previous studies have documented how infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of ASD and a range of psychiatric disorders in the offspring. A new study reveals how maternal infections can affect neural development and how the timing of infection plays a critical role in elevating the risks of mental health conditions.

Source: University of Copenhagen

The mother’s health is very important for the fetus’s brain development during pregnancy. Many factors play key roles for healthy brain development, including nutrition, stress, hormonal balance and the mother’s immune system.

It has been observed in both humans and animals that severe infections in the pregnant mother are a risk factor for developing psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders later in life for the offspring.

Now, researchers from Copenhagen have shown in mice how infections in the mother can cause the stem and precursor cells to neuronal cells in the brain to have their development impaired. The new study is published in the scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry.

“The connection has been made in animal studies and clinical observation studies. However, this is the first time that we show how infections during pregnancy affect brain development and can lead to cognitive impairment. While many factors have been hypothesised or indicated, it is important that we show the steps of neuronal development that are actually affected,” says Konstantin Khodosevich, Associate Professor in the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC).

Immediate and long-lasting effect

The researchers studied the development of neurons in mice. The mother’s immune response to infection had an effect stretching from stem cells and precursor cells to neuronal cells leading to profound disruption in their development in the brain. More specifically, the development of cortical GABAergic interneurons – the key neuronal class that provides inhibition in the brain – was impaired. The effect was immediate and cascaded to dramatic long-lasting impairments, thus resulting in multiple “hits” during the process of neuronal development – from the time neurons are born to the time they mature.

Furthermore, the researchers also concluded that the newborn mice showed symptoms resembling those from human psychiatric disorders including decreased prepulse inhibition, altered social interactions and cognitive decline.

“There are big technological and ethical issues about studying this in humans because of the vulnerability of pregnant women. That is why we study how the mechanisms work in mice. Psychiatric disorders are really complex and for some of them, we are still only guessing how they arise. We really want to contribute to the scientific understanding of these diseases,” says Konstantin Khodosevich.

Deep-dive into molecular mechanisms

One of the major findings of the study was showing the effects of having the infections at different times during the pregnancy. Depending on the time of infection, different precursor cells, and as a result different neurons, were affected. This means that the timing of infection is very important and can lead to varying outcomes based on which stage of brain development is affected. This can potentially underlie the complexity of psychiatric disorders.

The researchers are now looking forward to dive deeper into the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways behind the impairment of the interneuron development.

ABOUT THIS NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH ARTICLE

Source:
University of Copenhagen
Media Contacts:
Konstantin Khodosevich – University of Copenhagen
Image Source:
The image is in the public domain.

Original Research: Closed access
“Maternal inflammation has a profound effect on cortical interneuron development in a stage and subtype-specific manner”. Navneet A. Vasistha, Maria Pardo-Navarro, Janina Gasthaus, Dilys Weijers, Michaela K. Müller, Diego García-González, Susmita Malwade, Irina Korshunova, Ulrich Pfisterer, Jakob von Engelhardt, Karin S. Hougaard & Konstantin Khodosevich.
Molecular Psychiatry doi:10.1038/s41380-019-0539-5.

Abstract

Maternal inflammation has a profound effect on cortical interneuron development in a stage and subtype-specific manner

Severe infections during pregnancy are one of the major risk factors for cognitive impairment in the offspring. It has been suggested that maternal inflammation leads to dysfunction of cortical GABAergic interneurons that in turn underlies cognitive impairment of the affected offspring. However, the evidence comes largely from studies of adult or mature brains and how the impairment of inhibitory circuits arises upon maternal inflammation is unknown. Here we show that maternal inflammation affects multiple steps of cortical GABAergic interneuron development, i.e., proliferation of precursor cells, migration and positioning of neuroblasts, as well as neuronal maturation. Importantly, the development of distinct subtypes of cortical GABAergic interneurons was discretely impaired as a result of maternal inflammation. This translated into a reduction in cell numbers, redistribution across cortical regions and layers, and changes in morphology and cellular properties. Furthermore, selective vulnerability of GABAergic interneuron subtypes was associated with the stage of brain development. Thus, we propose that maternally derived insults have developmental stage-dependent effects, which contribute to the complex etiology of cognitive impairment in the affected offspring.

Active Aging First Friday is Nov 1! Wear blue, invite friends and come move
with GX24 in honor of American Diabetes Month. Explore Active Aging classes like SilverSneakers® and Zumba Gold®.

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #1—Garlic

Ahh, garlic. That pungent-smelling, mouth-watering clove of antibiotic goodness is my #1 favorite antibiotic alternative.

Spicy, bacteria-fighting, and perfect for when I want my own personal space. 😉

(If you want to learn how I take garlic to fight infection without SMELLING like garlic, be sure to grab your free copy of “The Miracle of Garlic.”)

It’s been shown to combat a wide range of infections and illnesses, including:

• Common colds
• Flus
• Fungal skin infections
• STDs (including genital warts)
• Lyme disease
• Pneumonia
• Candidiasis
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Yeast infections
• Intestinal parasites
• Meningitis
• Herpes

It has even shown promise for destroying three “nightmare superbugs”:

Robin Cherry writes, “Garlic is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it’s effective against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria…  Garlic shows promise against two of the three most dangerous bacterial infections (christened nightmare superbugs by the CDC):

Antibiotic resistant gonorrhea and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly found in hospitals where there has the potential to weaken those whose immune systems are already compromised).” (pp 31-32)

It can help prevent food poisoning by killing E. coli and salmonella.

And it is also shown to boost immunity, helping fight off bacterial infections.

There are many reasons we call garlic “miraculous.”

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #2—Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a perennial herb, also called “orange root,” native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.

The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine lists goldenseal as “one of the most effective of the herbal antimicrobial agents” (p 475).

Vaginal and bladder infections are destroyed by goldenseal.

A common winter infection—sinus infections—are treatable with goldenseal.

Goldenseal contains “berberine,” which has “been shown to inhibit the adherence of bacteria to human cells, so they cannot infect the cells” (p 959).

It is also thought to be effective in treating strep throat, diarrhea, gum disease, and pneumonia.

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #3—Licorice

The licorice root is a super-powered natural antibiotic.

Steven Orr, in The New American Herbal, says licorice root contains “glycyrrhizic acid,” which has been shown “to treat and soothe respiratory problems like bronchitis, usually in the form of cough drops and syrup, and also arthritis” (p 225).

It is even being studied to measure its ability to treat “hepatitis, cirrhosis, herpes, and flu” (p 225).

You May Also Enjoy: “17+ Benefits of Licorice: A Sweet Solution for Sore Throats, Digestive Issues, Allergies, and More!”

But the most impressive attribute of licorice is that glycyrrhizic acid in licorice root is showing promise for treating the deadliest illnesses of our time: HIV-1 and SARS-related coronavirus.

It’s an antibiotic, an antiviral, and it’s delicious! 😉

It is even used to treat conditions like eczema, asthma, and Lyme disease.

(See The Herbal Drugstore, The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (3^rd Edition), and Herbal Antivirals for more about licorice root). 

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #4—Echinacea

Echinacea has a particular scent that instantly opens up your airways. That’s how you know it is effective for colds, sinus infections, strep-throat and other respiratory issues.

The purple coneflower is pretty to grow in your garden and can be made into a tea, extract, juice, powder, or cream for treating a number of infections.

“There have been more than 300 scientific investigations on the immune-enhancing effects of Echinacea—one of the most popular herbs in the treatment of the common cold” (The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, p 437).

Paired with goldenseal, Echinacea helps knock out strep throat. It has also been used to treat a range of problems “from skin wounds to dizziness” (Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine, p 53).

The Herbal Drugstore lists treating Lyme disease and vaginal infections among its uses.

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #5—Aloe Vera

Perhaps you’ve already experienced the skin-soothing wonder of aloe vera gel.

But beyond its ability to soothe damaged skin, aloe vera has been shown effective in the treatment of gum disease, hypertension, angioedema (rapid swelling from trauma or allergies), asthma, Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, diabetes, peptic ulcer, and other skin issues, such as psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, plaques from the shingles virus, and cuts and scrapes.

It’s ability to “inhibit the production of reactive oxygen metabolites and inflammatory mediators by human colon epithelial cells” makes it effective in treating the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease—a particularly uncomfortable and often untreatable disease (The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, p 467).

It can also help relieve asthma symptoms in sufferers who are not dependent on corticosteroids.

(See The New American Herbal and The Herbal Drugstore for more about the antibiotic properties of aloe vera.) 

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #6—Coconut Oil

I use coconut oil as lotion. It heals dry and broken skin and gets rid of harmful bacteria in the process. Coconut oil (and coconut milk) is a common ingredient in homemade toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, and other beauty-related products.

Coconut Oil.com says: “The antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of the medium chain fatty acids/triglyucerides (MTCs) found in coconut oil have been known to researchers since the 1960s.

Research has shown that microorganisms that are activated include bacteria, yeast, fungi, and enveloped viruses.”

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which can form into monolaurin in your body. Monolaurin helps attack some of the nastiest forms of bacteria.

Oil-pulling is becoming a common practice, and for good reason. Chew up a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish in your mouth like mouthwash for a while to remove bacteria, clean and whiten your teeth, prevent gum disease, and repair cavities.

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #7—Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a well-known acne treatment.

“Tea tree oil possesses significant antiseptic properties and is regarded by many as an ideal skin disinfectant” (The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, p 250).

But did you know it’s also good for healing skin infections, relieving itchiness from rashes, soothing sun burns, treating warts, healing insect bites, treating psoriasis, and much more.

Plus, Tea tree oil is also good for clearing vaginal infections (vaginitis) and can help treat chronic candidiasis (see The Herbal Drugstore).

Be careful, though, using tea tree oil around house cats. Cats’ livers cannot process tea tree oil and if it comes into contact with their skin, it can have dangerous—even fatal—side effects.

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #8—Cayenne Pepper

If you like spicy food and suffer from asthma, joint and muscle pain, diabetes, psoriasis, or have a cut/scrape, you’re in luck. Cayenne pepper is good for treating all of those issues.

“The bright red fruit of the plant contains an ingredient called capsaicin, which has been found to deplete nerve cells of a chemical that helps transmit pain messages” (Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine, p 51).

Capsaicin is also shown to block “the small nerve fibers that transmit the pain” people with diabetes suffer from. “Topically applied capsaicin has been shown to be of considerable benefit in relieving the pain of diabetic neuropathy” (The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, p 541).

Capsaicin in cayenne pepper is also effective in getting rid of inflammation, which can help treat psoriasis, and helps to desensitize “airway mucosa to various mechanical and chemical irritants,” which makes it effective in preventing asthma attacks” (The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, p 335).

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #9—Turmeric

This bright orange spice, commonly used in Indian cuisine, is good for just about everything you can think of that would normally require a trip to the hospital and the consumption of harmful antibiotics.

“Research shows turmeric reduces liver toxicity, boosts the gallbladder’s performance, helps metabolize fat and reduce bad cholesterol, and may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease” (The New American Herbal, p 319).

Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, has been shown to treat osteoarthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, and has even shown promise in treating HIV/AIDS.

Curcumin has been “shown to inhibit HIV integrase, the enzyme that integrates a double-stranded DNA copy of the RNA genome, synthesized by reverse transcriptase into a host chromosome” (The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, p 260).

It is an effective anti-inflammatory, which makes it effective in treating psoriasis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sports injuries.

Add it to recipes, make it into tea, or brush your teeth with a combination of turmeric and coconut oil to whiten and fortify your teeth.  You can also add honey and hot water to help soothe symptoms of the common cold (particularly inflammation in your lymph nodes).

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #10—Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, an antibiotic substance. “It’s a virtual infusion of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals” (The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth, p 297).

According to Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen, authors of Healing Remedies, apple cider vinegar can treat a whole host of problems: arthritis, first-degree burns, sore throat, laryngitis, cough, fatigue, aches and pains, dry hair/scalp, rough skin, headaches, shingles virus, indigestion, itchy skin, sprains, cold sores, urinary tract infection, etc. Anything skin or respiratory tract related can be treated or improved with apple cider vinegar.

Drink apple cider vinegar with hot water, lemon, and honey to break up mucus and infection in your sinuses and relieve a sore throat. Break up that infected mucus and blow it out and away.

Apple cider vinegar is also shown to “improve insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant subjects,” which means it is an effective treatment for diabetes. “This makes apple cider vinegar a powerful natural weapon, along with cinnamon and chromium, in the fight to control blood sugar and help get carbohydrate metabolism on track” (The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth, p 298).

Be aware that apple cider vinegar can have some adverse effects if you take certain medications.

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #11—Ginger

Upset stomach? Stomach flu? Drink some ginger tea.

But that’s not all ginger is good for!

“Research conducted at RMG Biosciences of Baltimore showed that extracts of ginger and galangal, a member of the ginger family, helped inhibit the manufacture of inflammatory brain chemicals, and in turn slowed down the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s” (The Home Reference to Holistic Health & Healing, p 88).

It has also been shown “effective in reducing the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis” (p 150).

Green MedInfo.com references dozens of scientific studies and says, “At least one study that compares the effects of ginger and antibiotics on Staphylococcus aureua and S. pyreus infections shows that ginger extract may be superior…. Ginger has been shown to have an antibacterial effect on respiratory and periodontal infections.”

The Herbal Drugstore lists the following as treatable with ginger: angina, arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis, cervical dysplasia, colds and flu, ear infections, flatulence, headache, heart disease, hives, indigestion, intermittent claudication, intestinal parasites, morning sickness, motion sickness, nausea, Raynaud’s phenomenon, sinus infections, sports injuries, and stroke. 

In addition, ginger has antiviral benefits, which means it is able to treat “viral infections including colds, influenza, hepatitis, herpes, yellow fever, measles, chicken pox, and enterovirus” (Herbal Antivirals, p 172).

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #12—Grapefruit Seed Extract

Need to treat a nasty wart? Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is your natural remedy.

The Herbal Drugstore lists acne, canker sores, cuts and scrapes, diarrhea, ear infections, and fungal skin infections as treatable by grapefruit seed extract.

Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful antibiotic: “In one study, drops of concentrated grapefruit-seed extract were tested for antibacterial properties against a number of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.  The researchers concluded that GSE was comparable to ‘proven topical antibacterials. Although the GSE appeared to have a somewhat greater inhibitory effect on gram-positive organisms than on gram-negative organisms, its comparative effectiveness against a wide range of bacterial biotypes is significant.’” (The Healthy Home Economist)

Grapefruit seed extract can also help combat fatigue.

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #13—Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has been shown effective in treating tonsillitis and other bacterial infections. Dr. Axe calls it “the ultimate natural antibiotic.”

In essential oil form, oregano oil is particularly effective: “Essential oil components are fundamentally different [from antibiotics]. Their nonselective activity makes it practically impossible for microorganisms to develop resistance. Microorganisms may be able to resist the attack on one of their targets, but this leaves all the other targets of the essential oil still vulnerable” (The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, p 47).

Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, which both “have powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties” (Dr. Axe).

Hundreds of studies on PubMed have proven carvacrol able to treat bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasites, viruses, inflammation, candida, allergies, and tumors. It has also been shown to kill E. coli bacteria, cancer cells, and five other types of harmful bacteria.

Use oregano oil to treat foot or nail fungus, parasites and infections, and sinus infections.

Be careful about applying oregano oil directly to your skin as it may cause irritation. 

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #14—Honey

We’ve read the studies that claim bacteria can protect each other and resist antibiotics, but honey breaks up bacteria as it kills it, making it impossible for bacteria to evolve into resistant strains.

Healing Remedies lists honey as a key component in treating hay fever, asthma, cuts and scratches, sore throat, laryngitis, tonsillitis, cough, Emphysema, cataracts, fatigue, athletes foot, leg cramps, headaches, heart conditions, indigestion, acne, sores and lesions, skin problems, sleep disorders, stress, tension, and anxiety, teeth, gum, and mouth issues, and ulcers.

Eating local honey can also help alleviate allergies to local pollen, as the pollen is used to make the honey. Ingesting it can help you become immune to the pollen in the air.

Natural Antibiotic Alternative #15—Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one natural antibiotic we should always have on hand, particularly when traveling and at an increased potential of contracting bacterial infections:

“The antibacterial effects of cinnamon bark oil make it one of the best options when a person encounters violent bacterial infections of the intestinal tract, especially while traveling in unfamiliar territory!” (The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, p 73).