Latest news with #naturalremedies
Health Line
a day ago
- Health
- Health Line
What Are the Most Effective Natural Antibiotics?
Certain plant extracts, essential oils, and even foods have antibiotic properties. For example, some food and vegetable extracts can prevent the growth of bacteria in food. This includes garlic, honey, and certain herbs. Antibiotics are used to kill or inhibit bacteria growth. Although you might think of antibiotics as modern medicine, they've actually been around for centuries. Like many of today's antibiotics, the original antibiotics are derived from natural sources. Sometimes, the properties of these natural sources extend beyond the food and can aid in your personal hygiene. Cranberry extract contains antibacterial and antioxidant compounds, making it a home remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Herbs can be antibiotics, too. A small sampling study of 58 Chinese plants found that 23 had antibacterial properties and 15 had antifungal properties. A 2014 study found that an herbal therapy was just as effective as a chemical antibiotic in treating a small intestine bacterial overgrowth disorder. Keep reading to learn about five natural remedies with antibiotic effects you can try at home. Honey Honey is one of the oldest known antibiotics, dating to ancient times. Egyptians frequently used honey as a natural antibiotic and skin protectant. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which may account for some of its antibacterial properties. It also has a high sugar content, which can help stop the growth of certain bacteria. Additionally, honey has a low pH level. This works to pull moisture away from bacteria, causing them to become dehydrated and die off. To use honey as an antibiotic, apply it directly to the wound or infected area. The honey can help kill off the bacteria and aid in the healing process. If possible, opt for raw Manuka honey. This form of honey offers the most health benefits. You can also ingest honey to aid in the treatment of internal infections. For a soothing treat, simply swallow a whole tablespoon or stir it into a warm cup of herbal tea. Honey is generally safe to use on the skin or in the body, though you should never give honey to an infant under a year old. Instead, consult your healthcare professional for an appropriate alternative. Garlic extract Garlic has long been thought to have antimicrobial properties. A 2021 review concluded that the organosulfur compounds in garlic are effective against a wide variety of bacteria. You can purchase garlic concentrate or extract at your local health food store. You may also be able to make your own by soaking a few garlic cloves in olive oil. Garlic is generally safe to ingest, but large doses might cause internal bleeding. Up to two cloves per day is considered an acceptable dosage. If you're taking a garlic supplement, be sure to follow the dosage directions as provided. If you're taking blood-thinning medication, consult your healthcare provider before using garlic as an antibiotic. Large doses of garlic can amplify the effects of this medication. You can also apply garlic concentrate directly to a wound or blemish. Myrrh extract Many people are familiar with myrrh, but its ability to ward off harmful germs is less well-known. Researchers in a 2000 study concluded that an extract of myrrh could kill off several everyday pathogens. This includes: E. coli Staphylococcus aureus Pseudomonas aeruginosa Candida albicans A 2020 in vitro study found that myrrh oil preferentially kills nongrowing bacteria without the organisms building any resistance. Typically, nongrowing bacteria tend to be more antibiotic-resistant than growing bacteria. Myrrh is generally well-tolerated, but ingesting it may cause diarrhea. If myrrh is applied to the skin, it's possible to experience a minor skin rash. If consumed in large doses, myrrh may cause heart problems. Myrrh is typically prepackaged, so be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label. Thyme essential oil Many all-natural household cleaners use thyme essential oil. This oil has been shown to be especially helpful against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In a 2011 study, researchers tested the effectiveness of both lavender and thyme essential oils. Both oils were tested in a pool of over 120 strains of bacteria. The researchers found thyme essential oil to be more effective at killing bacteria than lavender essential oil. Thyme essential oil is for external use only. You shouldn't take thyme oil by mouth. Before applying to the affected area, be sure to dilute the essential oil with equal parts carrier oil. Common carrier oils include coconut and olive oils. Applying undiluted essential oil to the skin may cause inflammation and irritation. People with high blood pressure or hyperthyroid problems shouldn't use thyme essential oil. Oregano essential oil Carvacrol is an ingredient found in oregano essential oil. It has important therapeutic properties that further activate healing in the body when inhaled. Carvacrol in oregano oil has been found to help heal gastric ulcers and reduce inflammation. To treat fungal infections on your skin, add one drop of oregano essential oil per teaspoon of a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the affected area. You can also diffuse oregano oil in the air to help clear sinus infections. You shouldn't ingest oregano essential oil or use undiluted essential oil on the skin. You may also be able to eradicate bacteria in the home with a homemade cleaning agent made of: oregano essential oil vinegar water lemon The bottom line Be sure to discuss your interest in natural antibiotics with your healthcare professional. They can help you explore your options and help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of each regimen. You shouldn't take antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. Taking antibiotics for the sake of taking antibiotics can lead your body to build up a resistance to the medication. You can learn ways to help prevent antibiotic resistance here.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Gardening pro reveals three household items that will keep pests away – and one is lurking in your food bin
SPENDING more time outside as the weather warms up is one of the best parts of summer. But as the sun comes out, so do common garden pests. 2 2 That doesn't mean you have to stay inside though, and it definitely doesn't mean your plants need to suffer. The gardening experts at Yel l have put together their top tips for deterring common garden pests that can appear all year round - and they're easier than you might think. Use garlic to keep green flies off your plants Green and black flies, commonly known as aphids in the gardening world, can be found on both indoor and outdoor plants. While a few aphids may not cause significant damage, large numbers crawling on stems or a sticky residue left on your plants could indicate a problem. Garlic contains allicin, a sulphur compound that repels insects and may also act as a natural antifungal agent. If you'd prefer not to have the smell of garlic in your garden, you can mix a few drops of washing-up liquid with water in a spray bottle and apply it to affected plants. This can help remove and deter aphids effectively. Aphids are also drawn to nitrogen-rich fertilisers, so it's important not to over-fertilise your plants, as this can make them more attractive to these pests. Use cupboard staples to get rid of garden ants If ants are causing problems in your garden or finding their way into your home, some of the best natural deterrents involve strong citrus scents Lemon is a particularly effective method; you can mix lemon juice with water and spray it around ant trails to keep them away. My 3 favorite plants to repel pests from your vegetable garden - they're pretty and will increase your harvest too Another scent they dislike is peppermint oil, which can be used in a similar way by mixing a few drops with water and spraying affected areas. Other common household staples like vinegar, sugar, and baking soda can also be useful when tackling ants in the garden. Mixing equal parts of vinegar and water creates a natural repellent. Coffee grounds and eggshells could help keep slugs away from plants While snails and slugs are common in gardens across the UK, they can cause significant damage to garden plants. Slug pellets are not recommended, as they can be harmful to other wildlife in your garden. Although manually searching for and removing slugs is effective, it can be time-consuming. You could consider planting flowers that slugs tend to avoid, such as foxgloves, geraniums, and lavender, all of which are thought to be less attractive to slugs. Other deterrent methods include adding crushed eggshells, copper tape, or coffee grounds around your plants to act as a barrier. Coffee also contains nutrients beneficial to soil health, making it a dual-purpose solution. To protect specific plants, place eggshells around the base of the plant's soil to prevent slugs from reaching the leaves. Natural ways to deter rats from your garden, including citronella oil and onions Essential oils like citronella and eucalyptus are also effective. You can use outdoor citronella candles, or soak cotton wool balls or tissues in the oils and place them around the garden. Alternatively, mix the oils with water and spray them in areas where rodents are likely to appear. Other strong-smelling food items that rats typically avoid include onions, garlic, and vinegar. The smell is thought to be off-putting to them. You can place small quantities of these in areas across your garden. Onions, in particular, contain sulphur compounds that can irritate a rat's eyes and nose. While it's unlikely a rat would consume a large amount, large quantities can be toxic if digested, so it's safest to use small slices around your garden. IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
CNET
3 days ago
- General
- CNET
4 Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits You May Not Know About
Though it's been used throughout history as medicine and for food preservation, apple cider vinegar is having a moment on social media. In the last few years, ACV has been lauded for its supposed health benefits, but is pouring yourself an ACV drink actually all you need to give your body a boost? While apple cider vinegar does offer some potential health benefits, it isn't a miracle cure. To find out exactly what ACV has to offer and its potential side effects, we spoke with registered dietitians for the full story. Taste-Testing 6 Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks Taste-Testing 6 Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 1:32 Loaded : 25.71% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 1:32 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Taste-Testing 6 Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks What is apple cider vinegar? When you combine apples, sugar and yeast and allow it to ferment, it creates apple cider vinegar. Over several weeks, the yeast will digest the sugar to make alcohol. Once this happens, natural bacteria will turn the alcohol into acetic acid, which gives apple cider vinegar its pungent odor and taste. You have two options when you buy apple cider vinegar: filtered and pasteurized, or raw and unfiltered. The cloudy sediment that collects in the bottom of the bottle is "the mother," which is a combination of bacteria and yeast. Some speculate that the mother is what provides the health benefits, as it contains trace amounts of healthy bacteria and probiotics. Apple cider vinegar can be used in the kitchen, around the home and for your health as a: Cleaner Dandruff treatment Denture cleaner Deodorizer Dressing or vinaigrette Facial toner Fruit and vegetable wash Hair rinse Marinade Mouthwash Preservative Weed killer Anna Gragert/CNET 4 potential apple cider vinegar health benefits Although more research is needed, several small and medium-sized studies show the benefits of apple cider vinegar for some health issues and as a potential weight loss aid. 1. May help control blood sugar and diabetes Up to 95% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 2 diabetes occurs from insulin resistance, which is "when cells in the body don't respond properly to insulin, which leads to increased levels of sugar or glucose in the blood," according to Amelia Ti, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator in NYC. Even if you don't have diabetes, it's best to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can improve insulin response and lower blood sugar levels after meals. Consuming apple cider vinegar before going to sleep has also been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar after waking. Make sure to talk with your doctor before consuming ACV if you have diabetes, especially if you're on medication because of potential side effects. "ACV alone will not lower blood sugar levels and should not be considered a substitute for diabetes medications," Ti said. 2. Kills harmful bacteria Those looking to preserve food naturally may want to consider using apple cider vinegar. It is a known pathogen killer, which includes microbes like staph and candida. Vinegar is a popular preservative in Korea because it can prevent E. coli and norovirus from growing in food. E. coli can cause food poisoning when consumed but the bactericidal effects of the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can prevent it from occurring. 3. Could lead to weight loss Another benefit of apple cider vinegar that may be useful is its ability to help with weight loss. When taken before or during a meal, ACV has been shown to help with satiety (the feeling of fullness). In one study, participants ate approximately 200 to 275 fewer calories when apple cider vinegar was combined with a meal. In three months, participants taking one to two tablespoons of ACV per day saw up to 3.7 pounds in weight loss and a reduction in body fat. 4. Might improve cholesterol levels High cholesterol and triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart disease. Incorporating up to an ounce of apple cider vinegar into your day, along with a lower-calorie diet, may reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides while also increasing HDL "good" cholesterol. Those with type 2 diabetes may also see positive results on their total cholesterol and triglyceride levels when adding a half ounce of ACV to their diet. Potential apple cider vinegar side effects Although there are benefits of apple cider vinegar use, there are also potential side effects to consider. The high acidity can strip tooth enamel, which won't come back once it's gone. If you drink it undiluted, it may cause damage to your esophagus or throat. Here are some other potential side effects of apple cider vinegar: Can cause esophageal (throat) burns or ulcers when consumed in excess Can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) Can cause nausea or vomiting Can interact with diuretics, insulin and other medications Can weaken tooth enamel Watering it down with water or juice not only makes ACV more palatable but it can also reduce the risk of damaging your throat and teeth. Combining one or two tablespoons with either may also cure an upset stomach. Marisa Moore, a registered dietitian nutritionist, also advises, "It's important to remember that no one food is a silver bullet. If you choose to incorporate apple cider vinegar, do so safely and with a focus on maintaining a balanced whole diet for your overall health and well-being." How much apple cider vinegar should you drink daily? Apple cider vinegar dosage depends on the reason you're using it. In general, Ti says, "I recommend 1 teaspoon to tablespoon ACV diluted in 6-8 ounces of warm water before meals." If you want to drink it, dilute it with water or your favorite juice or tea. You can also eat it by incorporating it in your favorite foods, especially dressings, vinaigrettes and even when making your own mayonnaise. There are also premade apple cider vinegar drinks, which may make ACV more pleasant to taste. You can find these drinks from brands such as Bragg, Poppi, Remedy and Sidekick Sodas. Local health stores and even grocery stores may carry these, so keep an eye out if you're interested in apple cider vinegar drinks. You can also add a cup or two to a bath for skin issues. Mixing a tablespoon of ACV with a cup of water, and then soaking gauze or cotton in the solution can make a wet wrap. To use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse, combine up to two tablespoons with a cup of water, then pour over the hair after shampooing. Wait five minutes, then rinse. It can be drying, so use it sparingly. ACV can also irritate the scalp, so a weaker dilution may be better. Annick Vanderschelden/Moment/Getty Images The bottom line Some studies have found the benefits of apple cider vinegar but we need more research to definitively prove how beneficial it is. It may help with weight loss, controlling type 2 diabetes, blood sugar and cholesterol and it can also prevent harmful bacteria growth on foods. Drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause tooth enamel erosion or throat damage. Mixing ACV with water or juice before consuming it can prevent damage to the teeth and throat. As with any natural remedy, speak with your doctor before trying apple cider vinegar and do a skin test before using it on your skin. "Remember that the advantages of adopting an overall healthy lifestyle (e.g. nutritious and balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular physical activity/movement, good sleep, stress management, etc.) are far greater than those of any single food, drink, or supplement," Ti said. "There is no quick fix and ACV is definitely not a miracle solution."
The Sun
7 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Two cheap products just 70p in total can repel pests including ants from your home and garden this summer
AS the hot weather approaches, homes across the country will be trying different tips and tricks to keep insects at bay. But you don't need to spend a fortune on posh products, in fact, this 70p hack is all you need. 3 3 3 As temperatures rise, most pests are on the search for a tasty snack - with countertop food, waste and even spillages making for a tasty treat. Ants are no different and alarmingly, they can lay up to 800 eggs a day once they are in your home. And since these insects love anything sweet, even the smallest of spills in your kitchen can attract them. While wiping up your countertops and storing leftovers properly is essential, there's an extra step you can take. But instead of reaching for some ant killer, there are kinder options that will simply deter them from your home, rather than killing them. With this in mind, cleaning pro Chantel Mila, who posts under the handle @mama_mila_ on TikTok shared her method for deterring ants. Chantel said: "Say goodbye to ants in your kitchen, this mix is a must-have to keep ants away, and it doubles as a great multipurpose cleaner." Chantel suggested creating an all-natural spray combining lemon peel with white vinegar and allowing it to infuse for two weeks. After two weeks, she explained you should combine the mixture with equal parts water in a spray bottle. Chantel then said: "This powerful mix can be used on cracks to deter ants, due to the D-limonene in the lemon peels." Nature's Defenses: Organic Solutions to Garden Pest Problems She explained that the ants are also not fans of the scent of white vinegar. And that the concoction is not only good for deterring ants from your home, but it can also double as a great multi-purpose cleaner. With a costing as little as 99p in Aldi, and white vinegar at only 35p in Sainsbury's - this is an easy way to prevent pests without using harsh chemicals. Chantel's followers were quick to comment on the video, with one joking: "Couldn't wait two weeks, burned down my house!" Keep pests out all summer Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mossies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. While another said: "Need a solution ASAP, these ants are irritating me, I'm constantly cleaning but don't know why they keep coming back." One fan simply said: "Love how simple this is." Meanwhile, a cheap 6p item from Home Bargains creates a 'relaxing' atmosphere in your garden as well as repelling insects. You can also use soap and tights to repel flies from your home this summer. A budget-friendly hack can also help to banish slugs and snails from your garden. You can also use a £1.40 household item to deter ants from entering your home. Plus Lidl is selling a £9 garden gizmo in stores that will keep insects away when entertaining outside this summer. And finally, a 49p hack helps to keep wasps from your garden, but you'll want to act soon.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussies urged to try $2 supermarket hack to rid common pest from home: 'It's worth a try'
Aussie homes are no stranger to a pest or two, and one resident who has been recently wrestling with an army of ants in her home claims she has a "very easy and simple" hack to rid them once and for all. She claims the answer lies in cloves, holding up a $2 packet of the spice from Coles in a video shared online. The resident said a sprinkling of the spice near the ants is all it takes to send them packing. "If you have ants, what you want to do is get whole cloves and you want to put them along the ant trail and that is it, it will get rid of them. I've tried this one time and I have not had ants in my house since," the resident said, adding that she recommended it to a friend and it worked with her too. 😲 Homeowners warned after tradie called in to investigate destructive find in roof 🪹 Aussies urged to make 'critical' backyard change to combat national crisis 🔥 Winter warning to Aussie residents after surprising discovery in fireplace Eduardo Garcia from Toro Pest Control told Yahoo News he's been inundated with calls from Aussies recently and said he wasn't surprised people were turning to natural remedies in a desperate attempt to rid their homes of ants. However, he reckons there are other, more efficient methods to try. "Getting a spray bottle with water and vinegar with peppermint oil would help more than cloves," he told Yahoo News. "Or people often use baby powder. Campers often sprinkle it around their caravan or tent as it neutralises the ants' ability to communicate because they communicate through pheromones... They get lost and veer off and then just move onto the next area where they can communicate." While natural remedies can be beneficial, fellow industry expert Warren Bailey from ABC Pest Control suggested steering clear of them altogether as they're not often effective long-term. "It's worth a try but often with ants, they get immune to it very quickly. You can try it once and it works then you go to use it again and they've built up resistance," he told Yahoo. "People can get lucky with natural remedies but we usually have to come back with something stronger." While many of us think about the heat encouraging pests into our homes, high rainfall can do the same, Eduardo explained. "Pests are coming out at the moment with all the rain. The water is saturating their workings in the mud and they get destroyed easily so they come out of the ground. Obviously our properties are nice and sturdy, so they go in for food, shelter and water," he said. To reduce the likelihood of ants coming into your home, it's recommended to block entry points such as weep holes or visible gaps in the walls and floor to stop ants from entering. Keeping indoors clean and crumb-free is also vital. However, the best to avoid pests getting inside your home is to call a professional. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
