Article in today's Sydney Morning Herald

[Guest guest]

Aromatherapy oils may kill superbugsDecember 22, 2004 - 5:34AM

 

Essential oils normally used in aromatherapy could be used to kill deadly MRSA

bacteria, scientists said.

 

 

In tests carried out at the University of Manchester, three essential oils

killed MRSA and e coli bacteria within two minutes of contact.

 

Researchers believe the oils - chemical compounds found in aromatic plants -

could be blended into soaps and shampoos to eradicate the spread of superbugs.

 

Peter Warn, from the University's faculty of medicine, who worked on the

research, said the findings could help save lives.

 

He said: " We believe that our discovery could revolutionise the fight to combat

MRSA and other superbugs but we need to carry out a trial and to do that we need

a small amount of funding, around STG30,000 ($A76,628).

 

" We are having problems finding this funding because essential oils cannot be

patented as they are naturally occurring, so few drug companies are interested

in our work as they do not see it as commercially viable.

 

" Obviously we find this very frustrating as we believe our findings could help

to stamp out MRSA and save lives. "

The researchers tested 40 essential oils against ten of the most deadly bacteria

and fungi.

 

Two of the oils killed MRSA and e coli almost instantly, while a third was found

to act over a longer period of time.

 

This means that any soaps made by blending the three oils would be effective

through a course of treatment.

 

Jacqui Stringer, clinical leader of complementary therapies at Christie Hospital

in Manchester, instigated the oils research.

 

She said: " Our research shows a very practical application which could be of

enormous benefit to the NHS and its patients.

 

" The reason essential oils are so effective is because they are made up of a

complex mixture of chemical compounds which the MRSA and other superbug bacteria

finds difficult to resist.

 

" The problem with current treatments is that they are made of single compounds

which MRSA relatively quickly becomes resistant to, so treatment is only

successful in around 50 per cent of cases. "

 

She added: " While a wide range of products currently exist to help prevent the

spread of MRSA these are often unpleasant for patients as their application can

cause skin irritation.

 

" MRSA is often carried inside the nose which means that patients often have to

insert treatments up their nostrils, whereas these essential oils can simply be

inhaled to prevent the patient being at risk. "

 

© 2004 AAP

 

 

Now if only they told us what oils they used!!

 

 

 

Regards

Merinda

 

If all else fails, cry!

 

 

 

 

 

Find local movie times and trailers on Movies.

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hmmmm. Thanks for that Merinda. Shame they didn't mention which oils they

were, wonder if one of them was Lemon Myrtle.

 

Cheers!

Kathleen Petrides

The Woobey Queen

The Warming Touch, Therapeutic Pillows

http://www.woobeyworld.com

 

 

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> Aromatherapy oils may kill superbugsDecember 22, 2004 - 5:34AM

> Regards

> Merinda

[Guest guest]

Heck Kathleen,

 

We ALL know that there are alternative methods that work SO MUCH BETTER

than what allopathic medicine has to offer and with NO side

effects...this is

why they are trying to shut us all down....

 

Sandi

BlackKat Herbs

http://ww.blackkatherbs.com

 

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