Treating Serious Bacterial Infections With Essential Oils
You've more than likely heard of MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a strain of bacteria known as a "superbug". It has also been referred to as "multi-drug resistant" and "oxacillin-resistant", and by definition it is any strain of Staphyulococcus aureus bacteria that has grown resistant to what are known as "beta-lactam" antibiotics (which include the penicillins). Having grown resistant to powerful synthetic antibiotics, infection with this microbe is now responsible for many thousands of deaths annually -- primarily in hospitals where patients are already immuno-compromised.
The bacteria has been such a challenge that a significant amount of research has been done investigating the efficacy of natural treatments. Browsing the research abstracts at Pubmed.gov, one will find a large number of papers investigating the use of essential oils, both in liquid and in vapor phases. Essential oils naturally present themselves in ways that can be of help: Because infections are found in the nasal cavities and respiratory system, as well as at wound (broken skin) sites, both inhalation and topical application of these natural antibiotics can be useful.
In a study performed by the Metropolitan University of Manchester, a vaporized essential oil blend containing lemongrass and geranium was tested against several strains of bacteria. The blend was found to reduce the spread of bacteria (including MRSA) on agar plates (with in a laboratory setting) as well as reduce the overall bacteria count in an office environment. The overall reduction of bacteria in the air was a staggering 89% with the diffuser running continually for 15 hours.
While a number of studies have evaluated the efficacy of tea tree essential oil, as it has historically been a highly effective and well-tolerated antiseptic, it is clear that tea tree is not the most effective oil for this purpose. For example, in a "dressing model" study (where preparations were made using wound dressings), the most effective formulas were either a blend of tea tree AND geranium, or of geranium and grapefruit seed extract. Several other studies have found blends of essential oils to be more effective than any single oil alone.
With this synergy of essential oils in mind, a company in the UK called "Benchmark Oils" has developed a new strain of thyme with unique chemical characteristics. In effect, this new strain of thyme produces an essential oil that chemically appears like a mixture of tea tree and thyme essential oils. This single oil alone was found to quickly eradicate MRSA, and at the same time its application at 100% strength did not cause skin irritation (as is possible with some "spice" essential oils such as cinnamon and clove). Maggie Tisserand, company director, noted: "What is interesting is that the thyme oil we use is food grade and, in preliminary company trials, shows no adverse effects on intact skin."
A complex blend of eucalyptus, tea tree, clove, lemongrass and thyme essential oils was reported to successfully treat individuals with MRSA infections. The blend, diluted in alcohol, was topically applied to two individuals where traumatic injury sites incurred infections -- the result was complete eradication of MRSA infections. In a third individual, MRSA infection was present in bone structure, and was not responding to any antibiotic treatment. Using a slow-release system, the essential oil blend also resulted in complete eradication of the infection.
The possibility of using essential oils for treatment of serious infectious illness is real. The data supports the use of oils for both prevention (by diffusion in your living and working spaces) and treatment of MRSA infections -- and it follows that the vast majority of common bacterial illnesses can be successfully prevented and treated with essential oils as well. The versatility, safety, and availability of essential oils should make them the choice for such treatment in the future, as their acceptance becomes more widespread.
Questions and Answers
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