Bacterial and viral respiratory infections kill thousands of people every year, and antibiotics often fail to relieve the problem. In fact, they are becoming a part of the problem. The constant use of antibiotics has resulted in the creation of superbugs which are difficult to get rid of it and plague whole countries each year.

Luckily, the answer to any kind of bug lies in nature. Here are 15 super-efficient natural antibiotics that can destroy any type of respiratory infection:

1. Sage
Sage leaves are rich in volatile oils that can treat respiratory inflammation and problems such as coughs, asthma and sore throat. Some of the most beneficial volatile oils found in the leaves of this plant are thujone, camphor and terpene, and all have the power to treat sinusitis and similar problems.

2. Coltsfoot
Thanks to its natural ability to clean and reinforce the lungs, coltsfoot has been used as a natural remedy against respiratory infections in the past. The herb can clean out excess mucus in the lungs and will also clean the bronchial tubes, helping you to breathe better. You can use the herb against asthma, sinusitis and bronchitis as well.

3. Mullein
The mullein flowers and leaves can be used to create a powerful extract which can improve your lung health. Mullein tea can cut through the excess mucus in your lungs and reduce the inflammation within, effectively improving your lung health.

4. Osha
Osha is a herb native to the Rocky Mountain are and has been used as a natural remedy against respiratory problems by Native Americans in the past. It is rich in camphor oil and other anti-inflammatory compounds which can improve your lung health. Consuming osha tea often will help you breathe much easier.

5. Elecampane
Elecampane can reduce inflammation in your lungs and remove the excess mucus from them. It is a great antibacterial agent, so drinking the tea 3 times a day will keep your lungs in perfect health.

6. Chapparal
Chaparral is a powerful lung-detoxifying herb that can improve the health of your respiratory system and help you breathe easier. It contains a variety of antioxidants that can relieve inflammation in your lungs and prevent the histamine response. Furthermore, chaparral has been known to inhibit anaerobic and aerobic glycosis in cancer cells and destroy harmful organisms. You can use it in the form of tincture or tea – both can clean the excess mucus from your lungs.

7. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is an ancient herbal remedy against respiratory infections that can reduce the irritation in your throat and relieve the inflammation in your lungs. It is rich in a compound called cineole which is often present in cough syrups and lozenges. Cineole can treat coughs and chest congestion, and destroy all the bacteria which might have caused the problem in the first place.

8. Cannabis
Cannabis is surely among the most powerful natural remedies against cancer. Smoking or vaporizing the herb will open up your airways and help you breathe easier, while also soothing the irritation in your lungs.

9. Licorice
Licorice is a soothing herb that can relieve inflammation in the throat and lungs thanks to the presence of the powerful saponins. These compounds can reduce the excess phlegm in your respiratory tract and calm down your bronchial spasms. Furthermore, the plant contains antioxidants which can prevent free radical damage and fight any kind of bacteria in your lungs.

10. Thyme
Thyme has been used as a natural remedy against chest congestion in the past. It contains essential oils with antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Drinking thyme tea every day can fight almost all respiratory infections including pneumonia.

11. Lobelia
Lobelia is known as “asthmador” in Appalachian folk medicine thanks to its ability to soothe asthmatic symptoms. The plant contains lobeline, a compound that can treat different infections and is even beneficial against various types of cancer cells. Lobeline can break up the excess mucus in your lungs and boost the production of norepinephrine in your body, effectively helping you breathe easier.

12. Peppermint
Mint is a soothing herb which has a positive effect on your respiratory system. It contains compounds such as menthone, menthol, methanofuran, menthyl acetate and cineole, all of which can help in cases of chest congestion and respiratory infections.

13. Oregano
Oregano is rich in rosmarinic acid and carvacrol, two powerful compounds and natural decongestants which can decongest your respiratory system and reduce the amount of histamine. Oregano will improve your respiratory system’s health and help you breathe easier.

14. Plantain
Plantain is a herb which can soothe your mucous membranes and fight coughs, colds and other respiratory infections. The compounds it contains have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which make it an ideal remedy for your ailing lungs.

15. Lungwort
Finally, lungwort has been used to treat respiratory ailments since the 17th century and with great results. The compounds it contains can easily destroy various bacteria in your respiratory system and prevent them from causing nasty infections.

Before using any of these herbs, we suggest consulting with a naturopathic doctor. You can use them in the form of tea or extracts, as well as in the form of essential oils, which might be the most powerful.