Scientific Research Confirms Essential Oils Are an Alternative to Antibiotics

Aromatherapy students have always known the power of essential oils, yet those unfamiliar with the use of essential oils, often dismiss the "real" power of what essential oils can do.  Science is constantly testing essential oils and verifiable research goes a long way to helping essential oils become recognized as more than "just a pretty smell."

Science Daily reports that Professor Yiannis Samaras and Dr Effima Eriotou of the Greek Technological Educational Institute of Ionian Islands recently presented research at the Society for General Microbiology's spring conference in Edinburgh, Scotland which proved the efffectiveness of some antibacterial essential oils in fighting certain "superbugs".

Thyme and cinnamon essential oils were found to be effective against several strains of bacteria in tests carried out.  Professor Samaras said:

" Not only are essential oils a cheap and effective treatment option for antibiotic-resistant strains, but decreased use of antibiotics will help minimise the risk of new strains of antibiotic resistant micro-organisms emerging."

Anti-bacterial essential oils include tea tree, thyme, cinnamon, lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint and black pepper.  Research such as this can only help strengthen the campaign to get essential oils accepted for use into medical settings.  Many scientific studies have been conducted over the years on essential oils - and perhaps slowly the medical profession is truly starting to realize the potential of essential oils...