(Natural News) We have entered a truly dangerous period in human history in which not only have we lost touch with traditional, natural treatments for infection, but improper and excessive use of antibiotics has led to drug-resistant superbugs. Back in 2012, Dr. Margaret Chan, then director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), noted that we are moving toward a post-antibiotic era in which "things as common as strep throat or a child's scratched knee could once again kill."

Then, just last year, Reuters reported that for the first time in the U.S., a patient had been diagnosed with an infection "resistant to a last-resort antibiotic." At the time, health officials "expressed grave concern that the superbug could pose serious danger for routine infections." [Related: Stay abreast of the latest information at Superbugs.news.]

As Dr. Chan noted, in terms of new antibiotics, the "pipeline is virtually dry. The cupboard is nearly bare."

It is therefore becoming increasingly important that we familiarize ourselves with the ancient knowledge of natural antibiotics that have all but been forgotten by modern medicine.

Rebecca Tarrant, writing for Ask a Prepper, provides a list of 12 of the most powerful antibiotics known to man – and not a single one was created in a laboratory. [Related: Learn more about natural healing at Nutrients.news.]

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): This plant, native to North America, is a traditional treatment for skin infections resulting from scrapes and cuts. The leaf extract is so powerful that it can treat not only minor abrasions, but even superbugs like MRSA – methicillin resistant Stapholococcus aureus.

Garlic (Allium sativum): While many of us are very familiar with garlic's delicious cooking properties, its powerful medicinal powers are less well known. Garlic is a potent antibacterial when crushed and exposed to air, and laboratory studies have found it as effective as penicillin at treating many infections, though studies on its efficacy against superbug infections is limited. [Related: Discover the healing power of garlic at NaturalPedia.com.]

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is a powerful anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial, and is traditionally used to treat coughs and colds. It has also shown promise in the fight against more serious infections like pneumonia and even superbugs.