Herbal Antibiotics

Cloves

Cloves (syzygium aromaticum) add chai flavor to beverages and relieve nervous irritability. In addition, cloves help to alleviate pain when applied topically. While cloves contain antimicrobial and some antiviral properties (many spice plants do), they are best known for relieving tooth pain.

You can gently bite down on a whole clove when used this way. However, when applying clove to the skin, using the essential oil of clove is the preferred method. To avoid stinging or burning, dilute clove essential oil before applying topically. A little goes a long way.

Calendula

Calendula (marigold) is a member of the daisy family. Calendula has some antiviral properties, but it is best known for wound healing and may seal an infection when applied topically. You can make tea with dried calendula leaves and topically apply fresh leaves to relieve the pain of blisters and hemorrhoids. Add one heaping teaspoon of dried calendula leaves to 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for at least three minutes and strain. Allow it to cool, and apply it to the skin. You can also drink calendula tea made from petals. It's full of antioxidants. You can use calendula oil in many pain-relieving formulas. Calendula shouldn't be used in early pregnancy and may cause Atopic Dermatitis in some people.

Willow Bark 

Willow bark is anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. However, if you're sensitive to salicylates (what Aspirin is made from), you should avoid willow bark. Willow bark can be taken in teas (3-4 times daily), as capsules ( a suggested dosage is 225 mg of white willow bark four times daily or as directed on the label), or infused in carrier oils to apply topically for pain relief. When taken as a tea, 1-2 cups would be considered the same as taking low-dose Aspirin recommended for heart attack prevention. Don't use willow bark if you take blood-thinning medication, are elderly, pregnant, or nursing. Willow bark shouldn't be used internally for longer than twelve weeks.

Birch Bark

Birch bark is anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. When applied topically, birch bark helps ease muscle pain. Use the fresh, wet inside of the bark against the skin. Birch leaf is usually used in medicinal preparations, such as tea. However, anyone sensitive to salicylates (what Aspirin is from) should avoid birch bark. Don't use birch bark if you are on blood-thinning medication, are elderly, pregnant, or nursing. Also, avoid using birch bark essential oil, which can be toxic in minute amounts.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel (acemannan) is a complex polysaccharide found in the inner leaf gel of the aloe plant, which contains many nutritional qualities and is immensely responsible for all of the health benefits that the aloe vera plant provides. Scientific research has shown that aloe vera gel is helpful to the immune and digestive systems. You can use aloe vera gel to soothe skin complaints, such as rashes, sunburn, vaginal complaints, and hemorrhoids. Just be sure your topical gel doesn't contain alcohol (ouch!). You can take supplements (capsules) to help ease bladder pain.

Turmeric Root

Turmeric root is anti-inflammatory. Turmeric's active ingredient is curcumin. Turmeric root is often used in teas, while curcumin is available in capsules. Turmeric is also available in capsules and usually paired with a bit of black pepper for bioavailability. However, there are brands that no longer add it. I add the pepper, ginger, and other ingredients to my truly delicious anti-inflammatory turmeric tea recipe.