Business

Aromatherapy oils could kill superbug

Published 12 March 2010

Essential oils could kill the deadly MRSA hospital 'superbug' according to scientists at the University of Brighton.

Researchers tested essential oils derived from thyme plants normally used in aromatherapy and found it destroyed MRSA within two hours.

The Brighton study was triggered when Maggie Tisserand, director of Sussex-based company, Benchmark oils Ltd, asked university researchers to conduct laboratory research with a small selection of oils. She was convinced that a specific blend of essential oils could be the answer to the growing MRSA problem, which not only affects people in hospital, but is also in the wider community.

The Brighton study concluded that Benchmark Thyme rapidly killed MRSA. Maggie said: "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."

The MRSA bacteria is often carried on the skin or in the nostrils of healthy people but when a carrier enters hospital for an operation or any procedure that punctures the skin, bacteria can enter the body causing serious medical problems, and each year up to 5,000 people die as a result.

The research was published in the International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics and was carried out by a team of microbiologists led by Professor Geoff Hanlon.

Benchmark Oils is now looking for partners in order to take the research further.

For further information go to www.benchmark-thyme.com.