Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. Jeremiah 17:14

Watch Lana Drebit’s tutorial, Nature’s Penicillin on amazingdiscoveries.tv

God has provided for our health and healing by putting powerful medicinal compounds in plants that we use for food. Garlic, onions, lemons, oranges and grapefruit all contain powerful plant compounds that fight infection and kill germs.

Garlic, onions and citrus fruits have been used in traditional medicines for many years, but only in recent times have we begun to better understand the mechanism of the chemicals involved in disease prevention and treatment. As researchers work to unravel the mysteries behind these and other healing foods and herbs, we can only marvel at God’s magnificent provisions for our health and happiness.

Garlic

An article in The Journal of Nutrition reports that garlic has been used as medicine since the “beginning of recorded history and was found in Egyptian pyramids and ancient Greek temples.”¹ Ancient medical texts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and India prescribed garlic for a variety of ailments.

Because of its long history of use and corroborated effectiveness as a treatment, garlic is one of the most studied of medicinal foods. Recent studies have shown that garlic reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, has anti-tumor and anti-microbial effects.² It is a wide-spectrum antibiotic, killing a variety of bacteria. But unlike many antibiotic drugs that have resulted in drug-resistant strains of bacteria, the natural chemicals in garlic block resistance from developing. In fact, garlic is being studied for its potential to solve the global problem of drug-resistant bacteria.³ Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is notorious for causing epidemics due to its ability to develop resistance to drugs. A recent study found that an extract made from garlic was more successful in killing this bacterium than several types of antibiotic drugs that were also tested.⁴ Garlic also kills many types of fungi, parasites and viruses.⁵

We now know that one of the compounds in garlic that is responsible for its health benefits is allicin which is produced when garlic is crushed or chopped. Allicin loses its potency within a few days, so it’s best to consume garlic fresh, soon after it’s been prepared. However, it is effective as an antibiotic even when applied on the skin. (Do not apply directly to sensitive skin as it can burn.)

Onion

Onion, from the same family as garlic, has been used for centuries to treat chest infections. It is an expectorant, helping to loosen bronchial mucus and ease coughing. Onion also kills bacteria, parasites and fungi and protects against cancer and arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Onion is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Lemon, orange, grapefruit

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit and lemons boost the immune system, helping your body fight infections. When it comes to cold and flu, the consumption of citrus fruits shortens the length of illness and reduces the severity of symptoms.⁶

Taken together, the combination of these foods has a powerful healing and preventative effect. Here are two simple recipes that combine all the healing properties of garlic, onion and citrus fruit in a natural antibiotic to strengthen your immune system and help your body fight infections.

Note: If possible, use organic citrus when using the fruit with the peel on and wash the fruit well before using.

Nature’s Antibiotic Tea

3 lemons
1 grapefruit
1 orange (optional)
½ to 1 whole medium onion
3 bulbs garlic
6 cups water

Wash citrus. Slice with peels on. Remove the dry outer skin from the onion and garlic. Coarsely chop the onion. Remove skins from garlic.

Place all ingredients into a pot and cover with about six cups of water. Bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Pour the mixture through a strainer. Let cool a few minutes before drinking. Drink one cup, three or four times during the day, or every half hour until the tea is finished.

Nature’s Antibiotic Pudding

1 grapefruit
1 orange
1 lemon
½ onion, skin removed
2-4 cloves of garlic, skins removed
3 drops peppermint oil

Wash fruit and slice with peels on. (Some of the peel can be removed to reduce the bitterness.) Remove skins from garlic (see tip).

Putall ingredients, except peppermint oil, in a high-speed blender. Add just enough water to process. Process till smooth.

Add peppermint oil and process just enough to blend it into the mixture.

Adults: I cup, taken one spoonful at a time throughout the day.

Children: ½ cup, taken one spoonful at a time throughout the day.

Note: A little honey or maple syrup can be added to improve the flavour.

To see Lana’s demonstration, watch Nature’s Penicillin.

How to easily remove garlic skins.

Break apart the garlic bulbs.

Place the flat side of a large knife on the cloves and press down on the blade, crushing the garlic.

Remove the loosened skins.