As preppers, we understand that the first (of many) problems survivors will come across is the scarcity of supplies… Clearly, this is why we are labeled preppers. We realize that all shops, including drug stores, will be wiped clean of anything worth having within a few hours of the confirmed crisis. When that happens, make sure you have these antibiotics stockpiled.

Transportation will more than likely be in a state up upheaval, anarchy combined with a bit of panic will fill the streets, and the thought of obtaining new supplies will probably be out of the question.

When it comes to hospitals and drugstores, you best believe they will be slap full and doctors will (if they have not abandoned post to be with their own loved ones during the crisis) no be able to tackle the cases of all the ones who need help.

As is the case with most things post-SHTF, your best bet will be to have been prepared to help yourself, and not expect it to come from the average, everyday avenues.

Of the many, many things we take for granted in the everyday hustle and bustle is medication, especially over the counter drugs. Have a cold, simply drive two minutes to the nearest get-it-quick, and bam! You are rolling in high cotton. When some unexpected accident happens, the hospital and ER is there to rescue and piece you back together.

But imagine when a true crisis strikes and suddenly obtaining something as elementary as headache medicine can become nearly impossible. And when you do find it (whatever medication you are needing), you can bet your ass that it will be worth a fortune to whoever has it, and it will, therefore, cost you a pretty penny (if those are even worth anything…). Prescription drugs, geez, those will be much, much more valuable.

Which leads us into today’s topic, antibiotics. Antibiotics will be of major use after shtf as disease and bacteria will shortly begin to spread. You will want to be prepared by having at least a portion of antibiotics tucked away for your families use (and you’d be smart to have a bit more backed up for trade-value).

Knowing when to take antibiotics is an important bit of information (they don’t fight viruses), and can save you some time, effort and money.

No antibiotic is all powerful against every type of microbe. Some kinds will destroy aerobic bacteria while others are specific for anaerobic bacteria. Still, others are useful against resistant strains of microbes; it should also be known that certain people are intolerant of assorted antibiotics.

Let’s break down the most important kinds of antibiotics by putting them into two separate antibiotics categories:

Synthetic and All-Naturale Antibiotics

Synthetic antibiotics:

When it comes to synthetic antibiotics, you may want to consider only keeping four to five types on deck, each having totally different actions (so in case the bacteria is immune to one of them, you have more options).

Below are listed some antibiotics that are known to work for most common bacterial diseases.

• Amoxicillin – Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. It can be used to treat various sorts of bacteria (including tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the throat, nose or ears).

• Ciprofloxacin – This antibiotic is grouped under fluoroquinolones. This sort of antibiotic is used for anthrax, prostate and urinary tract infections. As well as diverticulitis and several different forms of bronchitis and pneumonia.

• Clarithromycin – Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. This means it fights any bacteria in your body. It can be used to fight and treat an array of bacterial infections that affect the skin and respiratory system.

• Metronidazole – This antibiotic can be classed under nitroimidazoles. It can be sided to treat parasitic and bacterial infections that can include infections of the small intestine, liver abscess, fungating wounds, lung abscess, gingivitis, and colon infections.

All-Naturale antibiotics:

For rather obvious reasons, if you are an “earthy” type that is, the best medications are the ones that are entirely natural. For all of time mankind has counted on numerous herbs to treat a broad spectrum of bacterial infections and bodily conditions.

While manmade antibiotics have somewhat driven out the necessity and reliance upon herbal solvents, the fact still remains that those herbs used for so many years remain effective today.

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that many popular diseases have grown somewhat resistant to today’s antibiotics, rendering natural herbal remedies, at times, a more popular choice.

Suggested article: Plantain – A Common Weed With Medicinal Properties

Now, it should be noted, with caution and care, that if your physician puts you on a specific antibiotic, you should take them as guided. The natural remedy information in this article is to be used for emergency/SHTF situations (where meds will not be readily available). Keep in mind that there is no “absolute” guarantee that they will work.

Amazingly enough, however, you can destroy some of the scariest infections know to mankind with the assistance of all natural antibiotics:

Honey

Locally harvested honey will have many antibacterial properties that you will need. If you can, your best bet will be to stock up on Manuka Honey. This special type of honey is harvested only in New Zealand from bees that collect pollen from the native Manuka bushes.

Manuka honey has antibacterial components that are not found in other types of honey. This medicinal-like honey is good for treating ear and sinus infections.

Oregano

That’s right! Oregano is not only delectable in Italian dishes, but it can also be a potent antibiotic. Oregano can be used to fight sinus infections as well as bronchitis. Much like metronidazole, oregano can be used as a remedy for gingivitis, bladder infections, ringworm and fungating wounds. It is also good for yeast infections (which metronidazole is not good for).

You can use a diluted oregano essential oil or simply brew a tea out of its dried leaves. Be wary of using straight oregano essential oil, as it is a “hot oil” and can risk burning you or your insides (not fun). This herb can be easily grown and stored, making it a preppers best friend.

Echinacea

In recent studies, it has been shown that echinacea can act as an antiviral. It could potentially be one of the best cures for the flu. It is not only useful for this, but it can also boost the immune system assisting your body in getting rid of infections on its own.

You can even take this herb as a supplement prior to ever becoming actually sick. Say you are traveling to a new geographical location, you can take echinacea for a few days/weeks beforehand to help your body stave off any unknown attackers. Echinacea is also a family easy to grow.

Garlic

Garlic is a well-rounded, multi-functional herbal remedy that should always be used by preppers. It is known that garlic has one of the few chemicals of the world that bacteria, viruses, and fungi can’t develop a resistance to. Raw garlic is the best way to go. It can easily be grown. You can also find garlic pills on the market.

Related reading: Garlic: Facts and Uses of This Superfood

Keep in mind that garlic can also tend to act as a blood thinner. If you accidentally mix it with other herbs or medications that thin the blood, you can cause some unwanted issues. As with most herbs, it is best to begin doses small and across longer intervals, gradually working your way up in dosage as necessary.

Turmeric

This powerful herb is known to get rid of sinus infections, bacterial lung infections, viral infections…well, just about any adamant infections. If you really want an effective tincture, try mixing turmeric with a dash of black pepper and a bit of honey.

Turmeric is not only a good antibacterial agent, it is also an anti-inflammatory that can ease joint pain as well as ease congestion from flu, colds, or other lungs/sinus infections. Much like garlic, it is also known to help slow down early congestive heart failure.

Ginger

Ginger is related to turmeric. However, it is a mite milder in flavor. It’s powerful antibacterial qualities of ginger can get rid of sinus and lung infections. It is good for headaches, stomach aches and nausea that may be caused by sinus infections. Ginger ale, the soda, has a minute amount of ginger in it; so if you have grown accustomed to that taste, beware when you take a dose of real ginger tea.

Ginger tea can have an overpowering taste. By adding honey or lemon to it, you not only dilute that powerful taste, but you can also improve your chances of fighting coughs and congestion.

Salt

When salt clashes with bacteria or other disease-bearing organisms, it drives so much water into them that their cells burst. While salt can kill bacteria, it is still not considered an antibiotic.

Still, yet, it is one of the best anecdotes for treating sinus infections, mouth sores, gum infections, and abscesses. Simply mix salt with some warm water and rinse your mouth with it.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This remedy has been used for century upon century to treat viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. When stocking up on apple cider vinegar, you must be sure that it has the “mother” in it. The “mother” is basically debris from the fermentation process; it holds most of the medical qualities of the vinegar. As with many natural remedies, you must know how to use this one safely.

Do a bit of research to be sure that it will not affect the actions of medications you may already be on. You will also want to be sure that you are not taking it with other herbs that when mixed together can become dangerous, or otherwise useless. Always be careful when mixing different herbs together.

To use apple cider vinegar, simply shake it up (making sure to pour your shot before the “mother” has time to settle back to the bottom), and shoot it down the gullet. Apple cider vinegar can be fairly easy to make if you have the apples available and understand the process of turning their contents into vinegar. It is worth looking into, especially if you have an apple tree, or reside near an orchard.

A last word on Antibiotics for when SHTF:

This list of essential antibiotics is just the basics and should be used as an introduction to learning more about stocking up on antibiotics. Doing your homework is where it all begins.

Never forget that you should void using herbs, other natural remedies, and prescription antibiotics longer than truly needed. Remember, as well, that it is best to start out with smaller doses when using herbal or natural remedies across longer intervals; rather than “a dose a day” regime.

Overuse or improper use of commercial drugs or herbal/natural remedies can have harmful side effects. Only use the absolutely smallest amount required to treat the condition you have.

Remember to do your research prior to taking and mixing different stuff together!

This article has been written by Jonathan Blaylock for Prepper’s Will.

Useful resources to check out:

How To Build The Invisible Root Cellar

10 Things Cowboys Carried With Them In The Wild West To Survive

The Common Vegetable that Will Increase Your Heart Attack Risk at Least Two-Fold

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