Eucalyptus oil has been used throughout history and in modern aromatherapy applications for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Some research has shown that eucalyptus oil can have a potent antibacterial effect on the hospital superbug known as MRSA, or methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that resists the most potent antibiotics available.
About Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is distilled from the leaves and branch tops of the Eucalyptus globulus tree, a tree native to Tasmania. Throughout history, native Aboriginal, Chinese and Ayurvedic healers have used eucalyptus to treat infections and heal wounds. Eucalyptus oil contains active ingredients, including eucalyptol, also known as cineole, which have antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in aromatherapy preparations to alleviate colds, asthma and other respiratory problems.
MRSA Facts
MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that resists many of the most commonly used drugs for treating staph infections. Many people carry the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin or nasal passages, but it doesn't typically cause infections. Some people carry the MRSA bacteria. MRSA infections known as HA-MRSA are most likely to occur in hospitals or other health care centers. CA-MRSA is a MRSA infection that can occur in the general public due to skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. When MRSA infects your body, you may experience the typical signs of a staph infection, which includes small red bumps that may become larger and deeper. However, since MRSA resists the typical course of treatment, you may develop more serious infections in your lungs, bloodstream, heart, bones and joints, according to the Mayo Clinic. MRSA does respond to certain types of antibiotics. Some research has shown that certain essential oils, like eucalyptus, may also have an antibacterial effect on MRSA.
Clinical Evidence
A study published in the November/December 2008 issue of the "Flavour and Fragrance Journal," an international, scientific journal on all aspects of flavor and fragrance, showed that a combination of myrtle, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus australiana, Eucalyptus radiata, marjoram, pine, cypress, lavender, spruce, peppermint and Eucalyptus citriodora oils had a high level of inhibition against MRSA bacteria in an in vitro study. Another study, published in the February 2010 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine," examined the effects of Thymus vulgaris and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils against isolates of MRSA. While the results showed that eucalyptus had an antibacterial effect against MRSA, thyme oil was shown to be somewhat stronger. More studies are needed to fully evaluate the effect of eucalyptus oil on MRSA.
Considerations
You can take certain precautions to prevent CA-MRSA infections from occurring by following basic hygiene rules, such as always washing your hands, keeping wounds covered and avoiding sharing personal hygiene equipment such as razors. While eucalyptus oil may fight MRSA, do not attempt to self-treat your symptoms with any over-the-counter remedy. Consult your doctor immediately if you develop signs of a staph infection.
References
- Tufts Medical Center: Eucalyptus
- MayoClinic.com; MRSA infection: Complications; May 2010
- "Flavour and Fragrance Journal"; Inhibition of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) by Essential Oils; S. Chao et al.; November/December 2008
- "Phytomedicine"; Antibacterial Effect of Essential Oils From Two Medicinal Plants Against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); A. Tohidpour et al.; February 2010
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