---------------------------------------------------------------------
Antibiotic-Resistant Staph Infections: An Ancient Remedy Takes on a 21st Century Killer
In the last ten years a frightening supergerm has emerged.
Paramedics call it "mersa" from the acronym MRSA or Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Most people have heard of being infected with "staph" while in the hospital. But this is no ordinary staph infection. Like some monster bacteria on steroids,this germ has mutated into a deadly and aggressive infection that laughs in the face of most antibiotics.
A decade ago, MRSA attacked the bodies of chronically ill patients in
hospitals who had weak immune systems: burn patients, kidney-dialysis patients, and AIDS-HIV sufferers. Today, it is found in young and healthy people including those in prime physical condition.
ABC News noted that MRSA is now resistant to "anywhere from 15 to 30 different antibiotics." This superbug moves rapidly. It can go from a skin infection to deadly pneumonia or blood or bone infection in mere days without proper treatment. And the "proper treatment" options are getting slim these days.
The rise of Superbugs is on an up hill climb because they are resistant to antibiotic from of the over use of triclosan. 100,000 people die of hospital acquired infections in America every year. More than 50% of staph infection in hospitals are caused from MRSA. MRSA causes meningitis's, toxic shock, pneumonia, as well as the more common skin and tissue infections.
Probably the most important thing one can do to prevent an MRSA infection is to wash your hands well. This means getting under nails and rubbing thoroughly for 20 to 30 seconds.
The Essential Science e-Newsletter has a article which raises an early alarm for the future. As you are probably aware, antibiotics surround us. They are overused in the livestock and poultry industries, they are overused in prescription medicine and they are overused in household soaps and cleaners. It is not that antibiotics are bad it is just that we can get too much of a good thing.
And just as the overuse of prescription antibiotics can result in a compromised digestive and immune system, so it can create unforeseen negative side effects in other areas. One which has been talked about in 'hushed' terms is the prospect of creating "suberbugs" which have adapted a resistance to antibiotic treatment. For generations now, we have lived in the assurance that if we ever really got a serious infection, some form of antibiotic would be there to save us.
For Antibiotic-Resistant Staph Infections: an Ancient Remedy Takes on a 21st Century Killer, documents the appearance of this nasty germ in hospitals across the country and what we know about what can and cannot kill it. Interestingly, independent research groups are discovering that antibiotics is no longer the secret to this serious infection. The heroes here are-you guessed it-essential oils.
This infection is hitting everywhere. Christopher McDougall of the
Miami Dolphins experienced MRSA infection and was hospitalized last
year. It has been found in a Colorado school where five members of a fencing team were also stricken, as were two high-school wrestlers in Indiana.
A new group is falling prey to this potent infection.
Heartbreakingly, four children who were otherwise in good health were killed by MRSA in North Dakota and Minnesota.
Like the Lone Ranger riding to the rescue comes a group of unlikely
superheroes! Pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils have the power to kill MRSA!
It was reported in December 21, 2004 from the {British Broadcasting Corporation} the BBC on a University of Manchester study headed up by Dr. Peter Warn that showed several essential oils "destroyed MRSA and E.coli bacteria in two minutes".
In World I out in the battlefields they used Essential oils when they ran out of penicillin. They became a valuable agent against the killer MRSA then.
Dr.Pierre Cornillat, the founding dean of the Bobigny School of Medicine and who, in 1982, against all odds, started the first degree program in alternative medicine in France. This veteran of many years of both allopathic and Complimentary forms of medicine has some very sage advice for our society, particularly as it concerns essential oils.
His address, The Place of Aromatherapy in Today's Therapeutic Arsenal is one that will stimulate much thought among health care professionals and lay people alike.
Essential Science Publishing
What can we do to protect ourselves:
Here is a list of Essential Oils that you can use to improve the immune system when fighting MRSA.
Eucalyptus Radiata, clove, lemon, Patchouli, Melaleuca Alternifolia
(tea tree oil), Geranium, Myrrh, Oregano, Thyme, Orange, Grapefruit,
Spearmint, Mountain Savory.
Per page 35 of Advanced Aromatherapy: oils that combat Staphylococcus are Tea Tree (Melaleuca), Cinnamon (0.86), Clove (0.62), Oregano 0.92), Mountain Savory (0.72), Thyme (0.65).
The Thieves essential oil blend has been found by research at Weber State University in Utah to kill 44% of Staph Aureus in only 10 minutes!
Following is some information on the Eucalyptus oils and what they can do.
Eucalyptus Radiata: is the gentlest and most effective eucalyptus oil. It is high in Eucalyptol (60-70%) and low in irritating aldehydes (less than 1%)-a characteristic that distinguishes it from E. Globulus, or E. Dives. This makes E. Radiata ideal for treating pulmonary conditions since it can be administered by direct inhalation and even prolonged aromatic exposure without irritating the mucus membranes or bronchial tubes. It is one of the best oils for diffusing. Dr. Penoel recommends E. Radiata for rhinitis, Otitis, bronchitis, cough, pulmonary infections, acnes asthma, and vaginitis. The first sign of a cold or flu, a drop of oil should be added to a Tablespoon of Agave and taken every hour for the first five hours and 5 times a day thereafter until symptoms abate. Dr. Penoel states. A drop or two of oil can also be sprinkled on a handkerchief or washcloth and inhaled directly as needed to help with respiratory or sinus conditions. In cases of serious respiratory conditions or yeast infections, you can do an enema or vaginal application which is recommend by Dr. Penoel. Add 1-2 drops of essential oils to 2-4 tablespoons of grape seed oil or massage oil.
Eucalyptus Globulus: It is listed in the British Pharmacopoeia as an herbal medicine, the essential oil of Eucalyptus Globulus is high in
eucalyptol (also known as 1.8 cineol). The oil has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, and is highly regarded for its ability to improve respiratory function and combat infections of the sinuses, esophagus, lungs, and throat. Eucalyptus Globulus also produces ozone, a highly reactive antiseptic of oxygen. Ozone is documented as one of the best air purifiers, being effective in removing odors and airborne bacteria. According to Dr.Jean Valanet, M.D., an emulsion of only 2% Eucalyptus Globulus can kill 20% of airborne Staphylococcus bacteria. Dr. Jean Valnet M.D. recommends to use Eucalyptus Globulus for:
General antiseptic purposes, Treating Malaria, typhus, measles, Reducing blood sugar, Fighting respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, influenza, pneumonia, and sinusitis, Combating asthma, opening the sinus and respiratory tract, Removing intestinal parasites and worm, Treating wounds and burns.
Eucalyptol (1.8 cineol) occurs in high concentrations in E.Globulus and other eucalyptus species. It is responsible for the oil's ability to decongest the lungs, clear sinus passages, and contributes to a good deal of its anti-infectious, respiratory supporting effects.
Eucalyptus Dives: Is high in piperiton (40-50%, which gives the oil a minty flavor.) In contrast to some other ketones, piperitone is well- tolerated and relatively nontoxic. E. Dives is also high in phellandrene (30% which generates air-purifying ozone that kills airborne bacteria and viruses.
Dr. Penoel recommends E. Dives for sinusitis, ear infection, kidney infection, vaginitis. Because this oil is the strongest and most caustic of the eucalyptus oils, it is best used in topical applications. Although it can be diffused, avoid direction inhalation. Avoid using on infants and young children or pregnant mothers.
Eucalyptus Polybractea CT cineol This chemotype boasts a cineol content of over 80% the highest of any eucalyptus oil. It is also low in aldehyde, which can irritate mucus membrane. Next to E. Radiata, it is the least irritating yet one of the most antimicrobial eucalyptus oils. This makes it suitable for most kinds of respiratory conditions, since it can be diffused, directly applied on the skin, or used in an enema or douche application. It can also be diluted in Agave or vegetable oil, and used as a dietary supplement. Daniel Penoel M.D. recommends E. Polybractea for infection of the nasal membranes and chronicbronchitis.
Eucalyptus Radiata and Myrrh together is great to raise the immune system when working with lung conditions.
Myrrh when used is 75% effective on viruses.
The studies from the Universities say that Essential Oils will kill
the SuperBug. Why? The reason is that Essential Oils are made up of a complex mixture of chemical compounds which can stop the MRSA and
other SuperBugs bacteria because they find it hard to resist. Here is a couple more descriptions on single oils and what they can do.
LEMONGRASS: Medical Properties-- It Eliminates Lactic Acid and stimulates microcirculation, regenerates connective tissue and
prompts the lymph flow, ligaments, dilates blood vessels, is anti-flammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic. The uses
are bladder infections, respiratory/sinus infections, digestive problems, parasites, torn ligament/muscles, fluid retention,
varicose veins, and Salmonella.
LEMON The Medical Properties are anti-infectious, disinfectant, antibacterial, antiseptic, & antiviral. It can improve circulation,promote white blood cell formation & improve immune function, Lemon has antiseptic-like properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function.
According Dr.Jean Valnet, M.D. the vaporized essence of lemon can kill menigococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one hour, Staphylococcus aureus in two hours, and Pneumococcus bacteria within three hours. Even a 0.2% solution of lemon oils can kill diphtheria bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivated tuberculosis bacteria
Thieves essential oil blend: has many of the above essential oils combined in a rich, effective blend. Thieves contains clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, rosemary, and eucalyptus.
The proprietary essential oil blend of Thieves was created based on research into that concoction used by the thieves of the 15th century. In 1997, studies conducted at Weber State University showed it to have a 99.96% success rate against airborne bacteria. The bacteria cultures were sprayed in an enclosed area, and Thieves was diffused for a given amount of time. After only 10 minutes of exposure, there was a reduction of: 82% in Micrococcus luteus
96% in Pseudomonas eruginosa
44% in Staphylococcus aureus
When you are dealing with illness you need to make sure that your body is acid free because when you are using the oils, it will eat the oils up and you will not get the desired effect you are looking for. So it is important to cleanse and get your body in an alkaline state. Drink a lot of water when your acid levels are high also.
When you are fighting an illness, you need to become an "aromatic warrior". That means to use the oils more frequently and in greater amounts that you would for simply maintaining health.
********************************
