Several Aromatherapy Essential Oils Deadly to MRSA and E.coli Bacteria

Continuing the turn from medicinal to traditional remedies begun in my previous post, I stumbled upon news from the University of Manchester about research on the antibacterial properties of essential oils.

Researchers recently tested 40 of these oils, derived from aromatic plants and used in aromatherapy, against 10 infectious bacteria and fungi. Surprisingly, two of these oils killed MRSA and E. coli instantly, while a third was effective but over a longer period.

While this is good news because the oils can be used in soaps and also inhaled into the nose (where staph germs are rampant), there's a down side as well:

We are having problems finding...funding [for our research] because essential oils cannot be patented as they are naturally occurring, so few drug companies are interested in our work as they do not see it as commercially viable. Obviously, we find this very frustrating as we believe our findings could help to stamp out MRSA and save lives,' added Peter [Warn], who is based at Hope Hospital.

(Hat tip: Theory of the Daily)

Update 27 May 2005: Apparently the university's research into this promising antibacterial treatment is being stymied by EU regulations.