Posted online: Dec 16th, 2009

ESSENTIAL oils are used to make rooms smell nice or are added to a bath for relaxing purposes but Sligo researchers have found that their antibacterial components make them efficient in treating hospital superbugs.
Scientists based at IT Sligo have discovered that some essential oils are capable of killing the most resistant bacteria including MRSA as well as Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL).
Superbugs, which have been attributed to overcrowding and poor hygiene in hospitals, are potentially life threatening, especially for people already frail due to illness.
The research team, which includes staff from the Department of Microbiology at Sligo General Hospital, said the oils were effective against bacteria which were resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Most antibiotics were useless, the researchers found, in the fight against superbugs because of their enzyme content while antibiotics which do have an effect are so toxic that they are administered as a last resort because of risks to the person’s physical health.
The researchers tested a large range of oils and their components, and found that among the most effective at killing the MRSA, VRE and ESBL strains were clove, lemongrass, citronella, thyme, oregano, cinnamon while the popular tea tree oil was also found the be effective.