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 Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Viruses
Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Viruses
Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca alternifolia
Tea Tree Essential Oil Benefits
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Viruses
Clove Bud Essential Oil
Eugenia caryophyllata
Clove Essential Oil Benefits
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender Essential Oil Benefits
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Geranium Essential Oil
Pelargonium graveolens
Geranium Essential Oil Benefits
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Virginian Cedarwood Essential Oil
Juniperus virginiana
Virginian Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Fungal Infections: Yeasts
Fungal Infections: Dermatophytes
Spearmint Essential Oil
Mentha spicata
