Benefits of Essential Oils
Essential Oil Benefits and Uses Against:
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus is a common Gram-positive bacterium that can cause anything from local skin infections to fatal deep tissue infections. The pathogen is also found colonising acne and burn wounds. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the most well-known and widespread “superbugs” and is resistant to numerous antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains can be found to colonize the skin and wounds of over 63%–90% of patients and have been especially infamous as being the dreaded scourge of hospitals for several years. Staphylococcus aureus has developed resistance against erythromycin, quinolones, mupirocin, tetracycline, and vancomycin.
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Gram-negative pathogens present a serious threat with regard to drug resistance, especially Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These pathogens that are found to colonize wounds often cause multidrug resistance. β-Lactamase-positive E. coli is appearing frequently among nonhospital patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a regular cause of opportunistic nosocomial infections. It is often involved in localized skin infections, green nail syndrome, and interdigital infection, colonizes burn wounds, and may expand into a life-threatening systemic illness.
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Yeasts may act as opportunistic pathogens and can result in infection if presented with the opportunity, the most common pathogen being Candida albicans. Candida spp. can cause candidiasis at several different anatomical sites. Candida has started developing resistance to first-line and second-line antifungal treatment agents such as fluconazole.
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Infection with these organisms results in dermatophytosis, which affects the skin, nails, or hair. There is a 10–20% risk of a person acquiring a dermatophyte infection, and although the symptoms do not necessarily pose a threat, the treatment is costly and onerous due to resistance and side effects. Essential oils present an excellent option for treating superficial human fungal infections. This is encouraging considering the difficulty and challenges faced in treating these infections.
Viruses
Viral infections are a worldwide threat, firstly due to the lack of effective treatments available and secondly due to resistance. Essential oils are a potential source for novel medicines in this regard. Certain essential oils have previously displayed antiviral activity, with the best viral inhibitors specifically acting on the steps involved in viral biosynthesis. These work by inhibiting viral replication, thereby limiting viral progeny production. It is advantageous that the viral replication cycle consists of a complex sequence of different steps because it increases the chance of interference from antiviral agents.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Mentha piperita
Peppermint Oil has been used for centuries in many ways that have benefitted mankind. Extensive research in recent years has only supported the time honored uses of peppermint and it is through its fantastic benefits that it has become an essential item for any health advocate. The historical uses and research done on the benefits of it all have come to the conclusion that peppermint is one of the most naturally beneficial plants in the world.
The history and uses of peppermint oil have been dated back to 1000 B.C in Egypt as well as ancient Asia. Early Egyptian, Chinese and Japanese cultures used peppermint plants and oils for their healing and restorative properties and in Greek mythology, it is said that the god Hades/Pluto transformed a nymph into the peppermint plant. Today the plant’s scientific name is still titled after the nymph, being called Mentha Piperita.
Although it has been used throughout the world, the peppermint plant is a native to the Mediterranean and can most prominently be found in gardens in North American and European Countries. Commonly referred to as the world’s oldest medicine, this cross between a spearmint and water mint plant is used in soaps, shampoos, ice cream and toothpaste as well as used for medical reasons.
Peppermint Essential Oil Fights Against:
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Viruses
Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus essential oil is harvested from the leaf of the eucalyptus plant and is found all over the world. While its benefits have been known for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until recently that it began to be used commercially.
Also known as ‘Eucalyptus globulus’, but variations include: eucalyptus radiate, eucalyptus citriodora and eucalyptus dives. The original eucalyptus tree was found in Australia and belonged to the Myrtacae family. The trees grow up to 380 feet tall in damp areas, typically in hillsides or valleys with deep soil.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Fights Against:
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Viruses
Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca alternifolia
Tee Tree Essential Oil has a fresh, antiseptic and medicinal scent. It also has characteristic mint and spice back-notes. originally native to the Bungawalbin Valley in New South Wales, eastern Australia. Tea tree oil historically was used by Australian Aboriginal peoples in herbal remedies.
Tea Tree Essential Oil Fights Against:
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Viruses
Clove Bud Essential Oil
Eugenia caryophyllata
Clove Bud Essential Oil is derived from the tree Syzygium aromaticum plant. It is a slender evergreen that grows up to 12 meters in height (approximately 36 feet). At the start of the rainy season, long buds appear. They change color over time and are beaten from the trees and dried. These are the cloves sold commercially. Aromatically, Clove Bud Essential Oil possesses a strong, warm, spicy aroma.
Clove Essential Oil Fights Against:
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years. First by the Egyptians as a perfume, it was later discovered to have many other benefits. It was first commercialized to the United States and Canada when it was sold by the English Quakers. Today there are countless countries around the world that participate in the production and almost every nation in the world has their own uses for Lavender Oil.
Lavender Essential Oil Fights Against:
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Geranium Essential Oil
Pelargonium graveolens
Geranium essential oil rightfully holds a beautiful reputation as an essential oil that is especially well suited for women. It's a wonderful essential oil for use in balancing the skin's production of sebum and in helping with acne. Geranium Egyptian Essential Oil has a green, rosy-sweet, minty scent.
Geranium Essential Fights Against:
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Virginian Cedarwood Essential Oil
Juniperus virginiana
Virginian Cedarwood is a conifer. It's aroma is deep, woody and balsamic. It strongly resembles the aroma of cedar chests and closets. It can be helpful for all skin types, particularly oily or acne prone skin.
Virginian Cedarwood Essential Oil Fights Against:
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Spearmint Essential Oil
Mentha spicata
Spearmint Essential Oil has a fresh minty smell reminiscent of Peppermint. The major difference is that Spearmint oil is sweeter, and not quite as harsh. This is because Spearmint Essential Oil contains significantly less menthol.