Aromatherapy to combat MRSA?

The MRSA 'superbug' could be killed by some of the essential oils normally used in aromatherapy, British researchers have claimed.

Essential oils are compounds which plants use to fight off infections. A variety of oils were tested by complementary therapy nurse Jacqui Stringer from the Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK.

Her team tested 40 essential oils on ten of the most dangerous bacteria and fungi including MRSA and E. coli. Two of the oils killed the bugs almost immediately, and a third was found have a beneficial effect over a longer period of time.

The researchers suggest that products like soaps or shampoos made by blending these three oils would be effective. The products could be used by hospital staff, doctors and patients, they say.

The team now plan to develop their work with a clinical trial.

Peter Warn from Manchester University, who worked on the research, thinks the findings could help save lives.

He said: "We believe that our discovery could revolutionise the fight to combat MRSA and other superbugs. We are having problems finding 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."

Nurse Jacqui Stringer added: "Some people regard the use of essential oils as unconventional. Our research shows a very practical application which could be of enormous benefit to the NHS and its patients."