In 1858, Louis Pasteur first discovered the germ theory of the disease. He demonstrated that microbes were the cause of the decomposition of foods. He showed that the anthrax bacterium caused the dreaded disease of the same name, and discovered that small viruses cause rabies. In the first paper in which Louis Pasteur published his discoveries of the germ theory of disease, he also mentioned that garlic had antibiotic property. He noted that bacteria died when exposed to garlic. Thus, garlic was the first antibiotic food that was used against germs, within years of this discovery. Subsequently studies were conducted to ascertain anti-bacterial activity of various other foods that can be used as antibiotic against germs.
FOODS THAT FIGHT INFECTIONS
Cabbage, Carrot, Clove, Coconut, Cumin Seeds, Curd, Drumstick, Eggplant Leaves, Garlic, Ginger, Honey, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Margosa, Onion, Pineapple, Radish, Sage and Turmeric.
Cabbage
The cabbage is one of the most high-rated leafy vegetables and is a marvelous food. It is grown for its enlarged edible, terminal buds and is eaten all over the world. It is excellent as a muscle builder and cleanser. This vegetable is chiefly valued for its high mineral and vitamin contents and alkaline salts.
Cabbage is an antibiotic food and it possesses anti-bacterial powers. It can destroy a variety of bacteria in test tubes, including H. Pylori bacteria, which is now considered as a cause of stomach ulcers. Liberal intake of the fresh juice of this vegetable has thus been found very valuable in both gastric and duodenal ulcers. About 180 ml of this juice should be taken, mixed with a teaspoon of honey, twice daily in treating these conditions. This juice can also be used beneficially in treating some other infectious diseases like obstructive jaundice and bladder infection.
Carrot
Carrot is one of the most important infection-fighting foods, with wide protective powers. The carrot, a popular vegetable, is a highly protective food. It is rich in beta-carotene and other food ingredients. It is an antioxidant and a powerful cleansing food. This vegetable is rich in alkaline elements, which purify and revitalise the blood. It nourishes the entire system and helps in the maintenance of acid-alkaline balance in the body.
Carrot is one of the most important infection-fighting foods, with wide protective powers. It is especially valuable in the form of juice, which is a natural solvent for ulcerous and cancerous conditions. It is resistant to infections and does most efficient work in conjunction with the adrenal glands. This juice helps prevent infections of eyes, throat, tonsils and sinuses as well as of the respiratory organs generally.
Carrots are also valuable in the elimination of threadworms from children, as it is offensive to all parasites. A small cup of grated carrot taken every morning, with no other food added to the meal, can clear these worms quickly.
Carrot is best for health when eaten raw. It can be taken either whole, sliced or grated in salad. The skin should not be scraped off but should be thoroughly cleaned, as its mineral contents are very close to the skin. The leaves of this vegetable, which are usually discarded, are highly nourishing and health-building food.
Clove
Clove, one of the most popular spices, is the dried unopened flower bud obtained from a handsome, middle-sized, evergreen tree. It is of great medicinal value as an antiseptic food. This property arises from the volatile oil contained in it. Its use in case of toothache reduces pain and also helps decrease infection. Clove oil, applied to the cavity in a decayed tooth, relieves toothache.
Cloves are also effective in treating cholera infection. About four grams of this spice should be boiled in three liters of water until half the water has evaporated. This water, taken in draughts, will check severe symptoms of the disease.
Coconut
The coconut is known as a wonder food. It is a near perfect diet, as it contains almost all the essential nutrients needed by the human body. The water of the tender green coconut, generally known as mineral water, is an antibacterial food.
This water is especially valuable in cholera infection. About 250 to 375 ml. of this water, mixed with a teaspoon of fresh limejuice, should be given orally to the patient. It rectifies the electrolyte balance and neutralizes the acidosis of the blood. Green coconut water is a known source of potassium rich fluids and since cholera patients can almost invariably take oral fluids following initial correction of shock and acidosis, intake of coconut water has been found highly beneficial for them.
Coconut is also an ancient remedy for expelling all kinds of intestinal worms. A tablespoon of the freshly ground coconut should be taken at breakfast, followed by 30 to 60 ml of castor oil mixed with 250 to 375 ml of lukewarm milk after three hours. The process may be repeated till the cure is complete.
Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are one of the oldest spices, known since Biblical times. They are a powerful antibacterial food. They are rich source of thymol, which is an anthelmintic against hookworm infections and also as an antiseptic in many proprietary preparations.
Dilute cumin water is an antiseptic beverage and very useful in common cold and fevers. To prepare cumin water, a teaspoon of cumin seed is added to boiling water, which is allowed to simmer for a few seconds and set aside to cool. If the cold is associated with sore throat, a few small pieces of dry ginger should be added to the water. This soothes throat irritation.