(ModernSurvival.org) – In modern times, fighting an infection usually comes in the form of prescription antibiotics. While these modern medicines are great, those with a survivalist mindset know a time could come when such treatments will no longer be available. Unfortunately, in such an event, infections will pose an even greater threat.
Avoid Getting Infections
The best way to treat an infection is to never get one to begin with. According to Harvard Health Publishing, good hygiene is the key to preventing infections. Most infectious microbes enter through openings in the body, such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or open wounds. Keeping these areas clean goes a long way toward preventing infection.
While good hygiene will help, there are other ways a person can get an infection. Bug bites, for example, can allow viruses and bacteria to enter the body. Rodents also spread pathogens that are known to cause infections. Taking the proper precautions, such as staving off biting bugs and keeping rodents out of the shelter, decreases the chances of developing an infection.
Natural Antibiotics
Many people have the misconception that antibiotics are a modern invention. However, they aren’t. In fact, people have been using natural antibiotics for centuries. This is good news for survivalists, as it means there are options available should modern medicine go the way of the dinosaurs.
So what natural sources have properties that may be able to fight off an infection?
Honey
The oldest known antibiotic, honey, is an amazing substance that may help to kill some types of infection-causing bacteria. We have dedicated an entire article to it, which can be viewed here.
Garlic
Garlic concentrate, created by soaking garlic cloves in olive oil, is known to have antibacterial properties. This mixture can be applied directly to wounds and may help fight off an infection. It can also be consumed, though garlic might lead to internal bleeding in large amounts. According to healthline.com, two cloves of garlic per day is a safe serving size.
Red Pepper
Red peppers, also known as capsicum, come in a variety of forms, from jalapeno and cayenne to chili. According to Cornell University, capsicums are capable of inhibiting or destroying up to 75 percent of known bacteria. When consumed, red peppers may reduce the levels of harmful bacteria present in the stomach. Medline reports that red peppers also act as antifungals and might be capable of treating athlete’s foot and other skin conditions when applied topically.
Other natural plants that are said to contain antibiotic properties include:
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
- Clove
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Echinacea
Humans survived and thrived on this planet for thousands of years before the invention of modern medicines. If an event were to occur, that thrust us back into the Stone Age, even temporarily, knowing some of the survival methods used in the past could mean the difference between life and death.
While no one wants to see a world-altering disaster occur in their lifetime, it’s better to prepare for one just in case. To learn another way one can prepare for TEOTWAWKI, check out our article on how to dispose of human waste after SHTF.
~Here’s to Your Survival!
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