Posts Tagged ‘infection’

Essential oils are powerful antimicrobial that could potentially combat drug-resistant super-bugs.

Essential Oils

The next-generation of antimicrobial protection may be derived from plants. Essential oils are a cheap and effective first line of defense against infections. It can be used as an intervention in treating microbes responsible for staph infections. With it being both safer than antibiotics it could become a healthy alternative.

Professor Yiannis Samaras and Dr. Effimia Eriotou, from the Technological Educational Institute of Ionian Islands, in Greece led the research by testing the antimicrobial activity of eight plant essential oils. They found thyme essential’s oil was the most effective, and just about completely eliminated bacteria within 60 minutes.

The essential oils of thyme and cinnamon were found to be particularly efficient antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus a bacteria that is common inhabitant of the skin. Drug-resistant strains such as meticillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are extremely difficult to treat. “Not only are essential oils a cheap and effective option for antibiotic-resistant strains, but decreased use of antibiotics will help minimize the risk of new strains of antibiotic resistant micro-organisms emerging,” said Professor Samaras.

Essential Oil Use

The Greek team believes essential oils have diverse medical and industrial applications. “The oils-or their active ingredients-could be easily incorporated into antimicrobial creams or gels for external application. In the food industry the impregnation of food packaging with essential oils has already been successfully trialed. They could also be included in food stuffs to replace synthetic chemicals that act as preservatives,” they said.

Hibiscus has a range of powerful compounds that prevent E. coli from adhering to the urinary track and bladder wall linings. Both the flower and calyx are abundant in a distinct antimicrobial compound that has been shown to inhibit the activity of a host of microbes.

Essential oils can be used in hot or cold compresses for muscle aches and pains. They are used in gargles and mouthwashes. Also, they are used in sore throat remedies as an antiseptic.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has gained in popularity. The most common ones are lavender, myrtle, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, and thyme. The most basic method of administering aromatherapy is direct or indirect such as inhalation of essential oils. Aromatherapy steam devices are commercially available.

Essential oil diffusers, vaporizers can be used to disperse essential oil over large areas. Eucalyptus and tea tree oil are known for their antiseptic qualities and are used to disinfect areas.

Because of their potency, essential oils are diluted in carrier oil before being applied. Aromatherapy is used in health care practices by aromatherapists.

For direct application massage is a therapeutic technique used in conjunction with aromatherapy.