1. Garlic 
Garlic cloves are a classic natural antibiotic food. Compounds like Alicen fight a wide array of bacteria, including E. coli, Staphylococcus, and others.
How to use:
•    Fresh minced garlic in food
•    Garlic extract or supplement (if tolerated)
•    Possible side effects: stomach upset, garlic breath.
Be careful – raw garlic may cause stomach upset and vomiting. Small, frequent doses are generally easier to take than large doses (1/4 to 1 teaspoon juice as needed).

2. Manuka Honey
Medical-grade Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal and other antibacterial compounds that inhibit bacterial growth and may even synergize with antibiotics. Uses include wound care and infection control, including against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How to use:
•    Apply topically on wounds
•    Add to warm drinks for sore throat relief
Note: Not all honey labelled “manuka” has high antibacterial potency — use UMF/MGO rated varieties. See “Honey as Medicine” for more information.

3. Echinacea
Traditionally used for upper respiratory infections and sore throat, Echinacea has immune boosting and antimicrobial properties. Try Echinacea tea or during early cold onset. Avoid if you have allergies to plants in the daisy family.
4. Ginger 
Ginger roots bioactive compounds support the immune system while slowing bacterial growth in lab studies. Use in tea or cooking, or take ginger honey by the spoonful or add to tea.

5. Licorice Root
Traditional licorice root uses include fighting microbes and soothing mucous membranes. Use with caution — at high amounts may elevate blood pressure or cause water retention.
Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon powdered licorice in 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep the tea for 15 minutes and then strain. Use up to three times per day. This herbal sore throat syrup combines licorice root with other soothing herbs.

6. Oregano & Oregano Oil
Oregano contains caracole and thymol. Studies suggest these compounds work against various bacteria, including some resistant strains.
How to use: Culinary use or diluted essential oil (topical use only).
7. Thyme
Thyme’s thymol content gives it antibacterial effects against a range of bacteria. Use in cooking or herbal extracts.

8. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage has traditional use for throat infections, cough, and microbial control. One of the simplest ways to use it is sage tea. To brew it, simply steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried sage in hot water for 5–10 minutes

9. Aloe Vera
Aloe gel can help soothe skin and wounds while offering antibacterial effects against organisms like Staphylococcus. Honey and aloe vera are two of the most effective treatments for burn victims when applied externally.
To use aloe, slice open the leaves of the fresh plant to get at the sap. Apply the aloe gel to the wound or burn until well covered, repeating as necessary. To use aloe, slice open the leaves of the fresh plant to get at the sap. Apply the aloe gel to the wound or burn until well covered, repeating as necessary.

10. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Often used as a natural preservative, grapefruit seed extract (GSE) has demonstrated activity against bacteria and fungi. Use for gut troubles, diluted in water or in capsule form. Make sure to choose a reputable brand with third party testing, and avoid prolonged internal use.
11. Usnea (Old Man’s Beard)
Usnea is traditionally used for wound treatments, respiratory infections, urinary tract support and fever. Studies show that lichen-derived usnic acid shows promise against bacteria the are resistant to standard antibiotics. Most commonly, fresh or rehydrated dried usnea was applied directly to wounds.

12. Juniper Berries
Historical use of juniper includes treatment of urinary tract discomfort and supporting urinary flow — likely due to antibacterial compounds.

13. Wormwood
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) has a long history of use as a strong antimicrobial herb. It’s most common traditional use was for intestinal infections, especially when symptoms suggested bacterial or parasitic involvement. Use with caution and professional guidance.

14. Cryptolepis
Used in traditional African medicine, Cryptolepis extract is thought to support immune responses and inhibit bacteria. May be difficult to find in the U.S..

15. Eucalyptus
Known for respiratory support, use eucalyptus in steam inhalation for congestion and sore throat. Eucalyptus leaves and oil contain eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), which:
•    Inhibits growth of certain bacteria
•    Helps loosen mucus
•    Supports easier breathing
This makes eucalyptus especially useful when infection is accompanied by chest tightness or sinus pressure.