OLUFUNKE FROM PUNCH
I am glad to announce that the African walnut is in season. I will like you to incorporate it into your diet because it is loaded with nutrients. Do not forget that I said that to make it tastier, you need to cook it properly. When it is soft, it is almost like you are eating boiled eggs. Peanut is in season too. Nature has provided us with healthy snacks.
Severally, I have shared my bitter experience with peptic ulcer on this platform. One thing that baffled me was that all the antibiotics that were prescribed seemed ineffective. No wonder in 2017, WHO included antibiotic-resistant H. pylori strains as a high-priority pathogen on their list of drug-resistant bacteria that present the biggest threats to global health.
At some point, I got tired of the antibiotics and I stopped taking them. Light came at the end of the tunnel for me after I started boiling soursop leaves and taking the water as tea. Today, I am ulcer free. Obviously, the H. pylori bacteria which causes peptic ulcer is sensitive to some phytochemicals in soursop leaves and so, the bacteria was completely eradicated from my system by the tea.
On this note, I want us to look into the nature of plants that directly inhibit the growth or kill bacteria just like antibiotics. In nature, the list of plants with antibacterial and antimicrobial capabilities is endless. I will discuss some common ones and talk about non-indigenous ones as well.
1: Honey
In 2019, I accompanied a relation to one of the teaching hospitals in the country and I was surprised that honey was used to dress her wound. Honey is one of the oldest known antibiotics, tracing back to ancient times. Egyptians frequently used it as a natural antibiotic and skin protectant. It contains hydrogen peroxide, which may account for some of its antibacterial properties. A 2011 study reported that the best-known type of honey inhibits approximately 60 kinds of bacteria. It also suggested that it successfully treats wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).To use honey as an antibiotic, apply it directly to wounds or infected areas. It can help kill off bacteria and aid 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. The major problem is that there are too many adulterated honey in the market.
2: Garlic
Garlic has long been thought to have antimicrobial properties. A 2011 study found that its concentrate is effective against bacteria. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, do not forget that large doses of garlic can amplify the effects.
3: Clove
Clove has traditionally been used in dental procedures. Research is now finding that clove water extract may be effective against different kinds of bacteria, including E. coli. Clove essential oil, used as an antiseptic in oral infections, inhibits gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria as well as yeast. It is called Kanafuru in Yoruba. It is popularly used as a spice for zobo drinks.
4: Ginger
The scientific community recognises ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies, including one published in 2017, have demonstrated ginger’s ability to fight many strains of bacteria.
