AskDocDoc
/
/
/
what kills infection naturally
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Infectious Illnesses
Question #14087
10 days ago
29

what kills infection naturally - #14087

Arya

I am dealing with this annoying issue that's been bugging me for weeks now and I've been wondering, what kills infection naturally? I tried some over-the-counter stuff but my body is just not responding well. Last month, I had this minor cut on my hand after gardening, and it didn't seem like a big deal at first, but then it started getting red and swollen. I thought maybe it was just dirty or something but eventually, I ended up with these weird bumps. Long story short, I avoid antibiotics everywhere possible because I know they can do more harm than good. I've been reading on home remedies but I can't figure out what actually works. Garlic, honey, and probiotics keep popping up as options, but does garlic really do anything? And like, how much should I use or apply? Also, I've heard about certain teas that might help too, like echinacea or ginger — are they legit or just hype? I really need some solid advice because honestly, I’d love to kick this infection without having to go to a doctor if I can help it, ya know? What kills infection naturally and what have you guys experienced with that? Thanks!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

Treating infections naturally is something that many people explore, especially when they want to avoid antibiotics. It’s crucial to be careful though, especially if the infection keeps worsening. Garlic is often touted for its natural antimicrobial properties due to a compound called allicin. Crushing or chopping garlic activates allicin, so it’s best consumed raw for maximum benefit. You might aim to consume one to two cloves a day, raw, chopped into small pieces. However, directly applying garlic to a wound can be irritating to the skin, so it’s better to focus on dietary use.

Honey, particularly Manuka honey, has been shown to have effective antibacterial properties. You can apply it directly to a wound, as long as it’s clean, or use honey-infused dressings, but make sure you’re not allergic. Probiotics can support your body’s natural defenses by boosting gut health, which indirectly helps your immune system. Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, or kombucha are useful additions to your diet, though they won’t directly target the infection on your hand.

Echinacea and ginger teas have some anecdotal evidence supporting their immune-boosting abilities. While they’re not direct cure-alls, echinacea is thought to reduce inflammation, and ginger may help with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These might be a supplementary approach, but be aware that they should not replace other more effective treatments if symptoms persist.

Importantly, with the infection already lasting weeks and showing signs like redness and swelling, it’s essential to seek medical attention to avoid complications, such as progression to a more serious infection or even cellulitis. Natural remedies can complement treatment, but not always substitute for it, particularly in persistent or worsening cases. If you notice fever, increased pain, or expanding redness, that’s a cue to see a doctor soon rather than relying solely on home remedies.

4894 answered questions
65% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions