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| - Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a mixture of lemon juice, oregano and water substitute for antibiotics. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
A YouTube video says, “OreganoNatural antibiotic, May Improve Respiratory Conditions, May Improve Heart Health, strengthens immunity, Fight viruses like colds and flu, It is an effective disinfectant. The video is embed down below.
Fact Check
What are antibiotics?
Research by THIP states, “Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacterial infections and prevent their rampant growth and multiplication. They are quite effective against strep throat, urinary tract infection and diseases caused by Escherichia coli. Even though antibiotics are beneficial, you must consider taking antibiotics only when necessary. It is because they have side effects that may cause antibiotic resistance.”
Can a mixture of lemon juice, oregano oil and water substitute for antibiotics?
No. There is no scientific evidence that a mixture of lemon juice, oregano and water substitute for antibiotics. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not list oregano oil in their FDA-approved drug database to use in place of antibiotics.
Even though research has shown that oregano essential oil may be effective against some potentially antibiotic-resistant bacteria. But, further investigations are needed. While oregano has some antimicrobial properties as noted by a few researchers, it should not be used as a replacement for clinically studied medications as a full antibiotic course. Human trials are still left to be tested and prove their efficiency.
Similarly, research on lemon juice, lemon peel extract and citric acid was carried out and it was found that all above three samples at a certain dilution in combination with antibiotics modulated the activity of antibiotics which resulted in the inhibition of drug-resistant bacteria.
We checked with Dietitian Atasi Konar regarding the usage of lemon juice and oregano as antibiotics and she replied that, “Nobody should replace antibiotics with home ingredients. However, natural ingredients can be consumed along with antibiotics for a better immune response against bacterial infection”. For lemon juice, Dt. Atasi said “Antibiotic inhibits bacterial replication by damaging components of the bacteria, like cell walls, that allow them to protect themselves. Not much scientific evidence is present that shows how lemon juice, oregano and water attacks bacteria. Some evidence suggests that lemon concentrate can inhibit the growth of salmonella, staphylococcus, and candida infections. Lemon juice might also attack antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which causes pneumonia and blood infections. Citrus products in dilution and in combination with antibiotics can modulate the activity of antibiotic to inhibit a drug resistant bacterium.”
For oregano, Dt. Atasi said “Carvacrol is an active phytonutrient found in oregano essential oil, that helps to treat sinus infection and fungal infection of skin. It has important therapeutic properties that help to heal the body when inhaled. Oregano oil has been found to heal gastric ulcers and reduce inflammation. It can also be paired with white vinegar, distilled water, and lemon juice to create a natural homemade disinfecting cleaner, be an antimicrobial remedy, still it should not replace medical treatment”.
According to a social media post oregano can reduce viral activities from human respiratory syncytial virus within 15 minutes.
Dietitian Bhavita Shah explains it further saying, “Lemon juice and oregano help in reducing inflammation and improves fungal infection. But, neither oregano nor lemon can act as a substitute for antibiotics.”
If antibiotics have been prescribed to a patient, one should definitely not opt for any homemade substitute for it. Else, the disease might spread and serious complications might occur.
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