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 one study, which included both laboratory and "real-world" experiments, diffusing a blend of essential oils was found to be effective in eradicating bacteria. In closed boxes, the vapor was found to inhibit the growth of MRSA on agar plates by 38%. In an office environment, after running the diffuser for fifteen hours, the total bacterial count in the air was reduced by 89%. The blend was a simple combination of two highly regarded antibacterial essential oils: lemongrass and geranium.
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.
A company in the United Kingdom has been hard at work producing a new strain of the herb thyme. One of the many types of thyme essential oil have long been staples of aromatherapy treatment of bacterial infections. This new strain is an effort to produce an essential oil with a complex chemistry, one that mimics an essential oil blend -- yet in a simple single oil. Thus far, the oil produced by "Benchmark Oils" has been able to eradicate MRSA in preliminary results released this year (2010). More research is underway and is eagerly anticipated.
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.
Author Resource:
The Ananda Apothecary carries some profoundly therapeutic essential oils, including Corsican helichrysum essential oil -- and geranium essential oil .
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