Essential Oils For Antibiotic Resistant Bacterial Infections

Essential Oils For Antibiotic Resistant Bacterial Infections

Sadly, the misuse of antibiotics has led to the creation of antibiotic resistant bacteria. This simply means that many of the bacterial infections that used to respond to antibiotics, no longer do. But, this isn’t the whole story…

Unfortunately, the misuse of antibiotics has also led to the creation of superbugs, in much the same way that the use of wireless technologies has led to the creation of super toxins, where mould is concerned.

This situation also has parallels with viruses, and the use of vaccines. If we try to eradicate a virus with vaccines, but are unsuccessful, then this gives viruses the chance to mutate, and become even more virulent. Only the eradication of the virus in its weaker phases will lead to a successful outcome.

So, sadly, as we have been unable to do this with viruses, moulds and bacteria, the outcome of using modern treatment methods has effectively led to the creation of super breeds of pathogens in all three categories. We refer to these pathogens as super-bugs. But, whilst the modern medical infrastructure is still trying to devise an effective way to vaccinate against viral infections, the medical community is aware that the battle against bacterial super-bugs has all but been lost where antibiotics are concerned. According to the US National Institute of Health:

For nearly a century, bacteria-fighting drugs known as antibiotics have helped to control and destroy many of the harmful bacteria that can make us sick. But in recent decades, antibiotics have been losing their punch against some types of bacteria. In fact, certain bacteria are now unbeatable with today’s medicines. Sadly, the way we’ve been using antibiotics is helping to create new drug-resistant “superbugs.” Superbugs are strains of bacteria that are resistant to several types of antibiotics. Each year these drug-resistant bacteria infect more than 2 million people nationwide and kill at least 23,000, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and staph infections are just a few of the dangers we now face.¹

This article outlines why lines of enquiry into the importance of essential oils in combating antibiotic resistant bacteria, and also mould and yeast infections, not to mention viral infections, gives us cause for optimism, moving forward.

More Emphasis On Essential Oils Is Required

Thankfully, original concerns have been overplayed due to tunnel vision. In recent times, a more optimistic outlook has been engendered, owing to the fact that science has begun exploring natural alternatives to the super-bug issue. But, it certainly went round the houses, first!

It’s not possible to patent nature, which prevents pharmaceutical companies from obtaining exclusive profits from natural products.

The development of new drugs is costly, and so pharmaceutical corporations tend to look to things they can patent before looking to the natural world, despite the cost of research often falling to the taxpayer, and not the drug companies, themselves.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a burgeoning challenge of global priority, warranting immediate action to prevent the explosion of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Indiscriminate antimicrobial use is the most important driver for AMR. AMR has led to depletion of the antibiotic pipeline and developing new antibiotics is extremely challenging due to technical and financial issues and also resistance emerges as soon any new antibiotic is introduced. At present, preserving the power of existing antibiotics by prudent use and curtailing spread of pathogens by infection prevention and control (biosecurity) in both humans and animals are the best available options to defer AMR crisis. Meanwhile, to reduce dependence on antibiotics, other alternatives such as vaccines, antibodies, pattern recognition receptors, probiotics, bacteriophages, peptides, phytochemicals, metals, and antimicrobial enzymes are being explored…²

All of the highlighted text, above, refers to natural approaches of dealing with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The term phytochemicals, within this statement, refers to essential oils.

It’s important to note that the items listed first are ones which are produced synthetically by the pharmaceutical industry where exclusive profits can be obtained via the route of taxpayer funded research. These, therefore, may not be the best options, just the most financially attractive to the industry funding the science.

For more information about super-bugs, please refer to the list towards the end of this article, and the follow-on list of essential oils which have been proven to defend against, and remediate them.

Essential Oils For Super-Bugs

There are many antimicrobial essential oils that are effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Interestingly, a good number of antimicrobial essential oils that are effective against superbugs are also effective against viral infection, mould and yeast infections and parasitic infection.

The antimicrobial activity of EOs has been widely known and utilized for centuries due to their potential in combatting microbial infections. Their effectiveness has become increasingly important as microbes continue to develop resistance against antibiotics. Extensive evidence suggests that EOs possess remarkable activity against a wide range of pathogens, including fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Notably, certain EOs have the ability to completely eradicate all tested samples of specific bacteria, while a significant proportion demonstrates effectiveness against various types of microbes. This versatility is a distinct advantage compared to many antibiotics, which are often limited to fighting either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria
Many EOs can disrupt bacterial cell membranes, leading to cell leakage and death. For instance, tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil are known to damage bacterial cell walls. Preparations derived from Lamiaceae spp[square stemmed plants, including Basil, Lavender, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, and Thyme] have shown to be superior antimicrobials when compared to many commercially available pharmaceuticals.³

Please see the essential oils advocated for specific antibiotic resistant bacteria after the list of the most prevalent and pernicious bacteria, later on in this article.

Despite the challenge of elucidating their precise mode of action, essential oils [EOs] have shown remarkable results in rigorous testing against a diverse range of bacteria.

Like all of the studies reviewed in the writing of this article, this 2024 study states the critical need for research into alternatives for antibiotic resistant bacteria, highlighting the consistent increase in the severity of the problem, and states more reasons why this is the case:

The rise in antimicrobial resistance has renewed interest in plant-based medicinal remedies, including essential oils (EOs).
It is important to find alternative solutions because the issue of antibiotic resistance is a pressing global healthcare crisis. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to bacteria developing resistance, creating ‘superbugs’ that are challenging to treat. The pharmaceutical industry’s response has involved using broad-spectrum antibiotics and promoting their use in animal husbandry and crop cultivation, contributing to the problem. The illicit use of antibiotics, particularly counterfeit drugs in developing countries, further exacerbates the issue…³

The study further explains why essential oils are uniquely able to be so efficient against so many different strains of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections…

One notable advantage of certain EOs over antibiotics lies in their ability to reverse or prevent the development of resistance exhibited by certain microbes towards standard drugs. This remarkable attribute further highlights the immense potential of EOs as vital tools in combating microbial infections and finding alternative therapies… Investigations into the antimicrobial properties of essential oils have had a significant impact on the medical field. By utilizing the potency of these natural substances, scientists and researchers have been able to create new methods for treating microbial infections… Some EOs, such as oregano oil, can inhibit bacterial efflux pumps, which are mechanisms bacteria use to expel antimicrobial agents, thereby making them more susceptible to treatment. Bacteria often form protective biofilms that make them more resistant to antibiotics. EOs from cinnamon and thyme can penetrate and disrupt these biofilms, enhancing antibacterial effectiveness. EOs from clove and rosemary contain antioxidants which can reduce oxidative stress in bacteria, impairing their function and viability. When combined with antibiotics, certain EOs can enhance the effectiveness of these drugs, helping to overcome antibiotic resistance. This is seen with EOs from lavender and peppermint. Many EOs have broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, meaning they are effective against a wide range of bacterial strains, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative. For example, lemon and lemongrass oils have demonstrated effectiveness against various bacterial pathogens. The volatile nature of EOs allows them to penetrate deep into tissues and surfaces, ensuring comprehensive antibacterial action even in hard-to-reach areas…
One aspect of EOs is their ability to completely eliminate specific bacteria strains during testing. Moreover, they also demonstrate effectiveness against other types of microbes. This versatility sets EOs apart from many traditional antibiotics, which often have limited effectiveness against certain types of bacteria. This remarkable attribute further underlines their vast potential as essential tools in combating microbial infections and developing alternative therapies.³

Wild As The Wind Thieves 2020 Oil

The Wild As The Wind Thieves 2020 Oil is a prediluted essential oil blend, ready for topical application.

This product contains the top five essential oils that have been identified, through extensive scientific research, to be the most effective at fighting all of the many different forms of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Thieves 2020 Essential Oil Blend

Thieves 2020 Essential Oil Blend is also available for inhalation purposes only.

NB, you may want a different option for MRSA infection. Please read on…

Spotlight on Tea Tree Essential Oil [TTO]:

While most bacteria are susceptible to TTO at concentrations of 1.0% or less, MICs in excess of 2% have been reported for organisms such as commensal skin staphylococci and micrococci, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. TTO is for the most part bactericidal in nature, although it may be bacteriostatic [stopping bacteria from reproducing without killing them] at lower concentrations.⁴

This study shows the importance of working with the correct concentrations of essential oils. To do this with confidence, it is best to buy yourself a good book on the subject. Wild As The Wind advocates Valerie Worwood’s books.

Spotlight on Yarrow Essential Oil & Garlic Essential Oil:

There is a long history of the use of Yarrow and Garlic for the treatment of wounds within wartime settings. Obviously, the conditions during battle are anything but sanitary. But still, Yarrow and Garlic have been consistently taken into war, and were considered effective, regardless of the challenges.

In fact, Yarrow [Latin name: Achillea millefolium] is thought to be one of the most important wartime wound herbs throughout history. The common names for Yarrow provide some insight into how well regarded it has been for treating the injuries of war:

• Old man’s pepper
• Soldier’s woundwort
• Thousand-seal

However, it is because Yarrow is an highly effective blood-stopping agent, despite being an antibacterial, that it has made it into the medical kit of every physician’s arsenal of remedies.

And, its reputation for this extends a long way back in time. The Latin name for Yarrow provides a clue as to the reach its reputation extends. Achillea millefolium references Achilles, the Greek demigod, and hero of the Trojan War, who fell toward its end, when an avenging arrow from Paris, a prince of Troy, made its way into the heel of Achilles. The Iliad does not explain why this injury killed Achilles, but it is known that Achilles’ mother held him by the heel, as a baby, when she plunged him into the river Styx, making him immortal. Because Achilles’ heel was the part of his body that remained above water, it provided the only way to kill him. His heel was the single part of his anatomy that remained mortal.

Achilles, used yarrow to staunch the wounds of his fellow soldiers, on the battlefield. Sadly, Achilles had no Yarrow available at the time of his mortal wounding, and as he lay dying, as the story goes, he lamented that he would have survived had he been able to use Yarrow.

It is speculated that Achilles learned about the properties of yarrow during his tutelage, under Chiron, his mentor. Chiron is known as the wounded healer, thus creating a relationship between yarrow and the archetype of the wounded healer. Understandably, yarrow is purported to be a valuable healing force for those experiencing wounding of the soul, as well as for the healing of flesh.

Known as Herba militaris, the military herb, to the ancients, it wasn’t until 1753 that it earned the name of Achillea millefolium. Carl Linnæus, the swedish botonist, renamed yarrow Achillea millefolium to honour Achilles.

Garlic, and more specifically the constituent allicin, is known to be nature’s antibiotic, hence being used as an accompaniment of yarrow, in more recent times, where it was carried in the knapsacks of soldiers on the front.

British doctors are also known to have used calendula to treat gangrene.

In addition, French army surgeons during the Great War used a good number of essential oils that we use, in emergencies, today. These include:

• Lavender Essential Oil – burns and antimicrobial
• Lemon Essential Oil – neuroprotection, antimicrobial & excellent for drawing and purging.
• Thyme Essential Oil – antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiparasitic, & excellent for respiratory and digestive issues
• Clove Essential Oil – antimicrobial, analgesic & ideal for dental hygiene and numbing the mouth.

Antipodean troops used Tea Tree Essential Oil to disinfect tropical wounds, and insect bites. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil is native to Austrailia.⁴

Yarrow Essential Oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory, containing the compound azulen, which lends it its blue colour. A study published by NIH, in 2023, In vitro Antibacterial Activity and Wound Healing Effects of Achillea millefolium Essential Oil [AMEO] in Rats, concludes:

The results of this study indicated that AMEO has the potential to be used as a safe and effective wound healing agent.⁵

The study also highlighted the antibacterial benefits of Yarrow Essential Oil:

Our results revealed the bacteriostatic activity of AMEO against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Wound healing activity evaluation of AMEO showed the significant increase (p < 0.05) in the wound closure percentages in rats treated with AMEO 1% and 2% comparing to those of non-treatment group. In addition, hydroxyproline contents of tissue significantly (p < 0.01) increased in AMEO 1% and 2% comparing to non-treatment group. Histopathological evaluations of wound tissue samples on day 7 and 14 demonstrated higher accumulation of collagen fibers, reduction of edema and inflammation and also formation of tissue appendages in 1% and 2% AMEO treated groups in comparison with non-treatment group.⁵

List Of Super-Bugs

This list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is by no means exhaustive. this is partly because new strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are continuously being added, so there is no way of creating a full list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as the situation will never remain static.

In 2024 the WHO updated the list: WHO updates list of drug-resistant bacteria most threatening to human health.⁶

• Staphylococcus aureus: This is a common pathogen that can cause skin infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to many antibiotics. It is commonly caught in hospitals, and leads to extremely rapid necrosis of flesh. It is called the flesh-eating super-bug in common parlance.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae: This is a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections, and sinus infections.
• Enterococcus faecium: This bacteria is resistant to vancomycin.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This bacteria can cause many types of healthcare-associated infections.
• Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This super-bug is a high priority pathogen.
• Salmonella Typhi A bacteria: Causes typhoid fever, which is a potentially life-threatening disease.
• Fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella Typhi: This is another high priority pathogen, like Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Shigella spp: When infected with this bacteria, it causes diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal pain. Until recently, the most common cause of death in India was diarrhoea, exceeding death counts for heart attacks, respiratory disease & cancer.
• Fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella spp: This is another high priority pathogen.
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae: A bacteria that is resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and/or fluoroquinolones.
• Clostridioides difficile: A very common bacteria that causes diarrhoeal disease worldwide. Infections are most frequent in people who have had recent medical and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A bacteria that can develop drug resistance when antibiotics are misused or mismanaged.

Other common antibiotic-resistant bacteria include: Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter Spp, and Campylobacter, which compromises intestinal integrity, and is a common cause of leaky gut.

Essential Oils For Staphylococcus Aureus

A 2020 study, published by the US National Institute of Health, entitled: Identification of essential oils with activity against stationary phase Staphylococcus aureus, states:

Staphylococcus aureus is the most dominant human pathogen, responsible for a variety of chronic and severe infections. There is mounting evidence that persisters are associated with treatment failure and relapse of persistent infections. While some essential oils were reported to have antimicrobial activity against growing S. aureus, activity of essential oils against the stationary phase S. aureus enriched in persisters has not been investigated.⁷

The study evaluated the activity of 143 essential oils against both growing and stationary phase S. aureus by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing, and by colony forming unit assay.

The results identified the following essential oils, some at a 0.5% and others at 0.25% and 0.125% (v/v) concentration, as having high activity against stationary phase S. aureus with no visible growth on agar plates after five-day exposure.

Among the 10 essential oils which showed high activity at 0.25% (v/v) concentration, 9 (Oregano, Cinnamon bark, Thyme white, Bandit “Thieves”, Lemongrass, Health shield, Allspice, Palmarosa, Amyris showed higher activity than the known persister drug tosufloxacin, while Sandalwood oil had activity at a higher concentration.⁷

It Concludes that their findings indicate that some essential oils have excellent activity against both growing and stationary phase S. aureus.

• Oregano Essential Oil
• Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
• Thyme White Essential Oil
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Essential Oil
• Sandalwood Essential Oil
• Amyris Essential Oil
• Palmarosa Essential Oil
• Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
• Clove Bud Essential Oil
• Citronella Essential Oil
• Geranium Bourbon / Rose Essential Oil
• Marjoram Essential Oil
• Peppermint Essential Oil
• Lemongrass Essential Oil
• Elemi Essential Oil
• Ho Wood Essential Oil
• Organic Lemon Essential Oil
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• Litsea Essential Oil, aka May Chang Essential Oil
• Myrrh Essential Oil
• Parsley Seed Essential Oil
• Coriander Essential Oil
• Dill Essential Oil
• Hyssop Essential Oil
• Neroli Essential Oil
• Rosewood Essential Oil
• Tea Tree Essential Oil
• Cajeput Essential Oil
• Clove Bud Essential Oil
• Lavender Essential Oil
• Vetiver Essential Oil
• Palo Santo Essential Oil
• Sage Essential Oil
• Yarrow Essential Oil

Wild As The Wind sells several versions of many of these essential oils. please click on this link to see the full list of the 225+ Wild As The Wind Essential Oils.

Other Essential Oils For Staphylococcus Aureus

The above list is by no means exhaustive. Some potent essential oils have been omitted from the study. For example: Clary Sage Essential Oil. A 2015 study, also published by the US National Institute of Health, entitled: The effect of clary sage oil on staphylococci responsible for wound infections, shows how potent Clary Sage Essential Oil is against Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus].

The study states:

The spreading of bacterial antibiotic resistance among clinical strains of pathogenic bacteria has made investigators search for other active antibacterial agents which could provide a valuable complement to the existing therapies. The aim [of the study was] to determine the antibacterial activity of clary sage oil (Salvia sclarea L.) against Staphylococcus clinical strains which were isolated from patients with wound infections. A comprehensive evaluation of Staphylococcus clinical strain resistance to antibiotics was performed. The constituents of clary sage oil were assayed by GC-FID-MS analysis. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested essential oil against staphylococci by the micro-dilution broth method was determined. The results [show that] clary sage oil was active against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and S. xylosus with MIC values ranging from 3.75 to 7.00 µl/ml.⁸

Despite compelling proof, there is another important antibacterial and antiviral aromatherapy oil absent from the study.

Sweet Basil Essential Oil is effective against multidrug resistant clinical isolates from the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas.

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were reported between 0.0030% and 0.0007% (v/v). The data, obtained after application of different methods of investigation and validated with membrane filtration, showed a strong inhibitory effect of basil on the test bacteria. The chosen bacteria are widespread and pose serious therapeutic difficulties because of their high level of resistance.⁹

Other sources state:

Basil EO has antibacterial activity against S. aureus, as well as other bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, and Escherichia coli.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) essential oil (EO) is effective against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). It has a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) than other EOs.

Cleaning Essential Oil Blend

The Wild As The Wind Cleaning Essential Oil Blend contains a number of highly antimicrobial essential oils, that are tough on fungus / mould, bacteria and viruses.

Organic Sweet Basil Essential Oil is one of the key essential oils in the Wild As The Wind Cleaning Essential Oil Blend, and lends this beautiful smelling essential oil blend a deeply pleasing aroma.

The following aromatherapy oils have also be shown to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus

• Bay Leaf Essential Oil
• Laurel Leaf Essential Oil
• Rosemary Essential Oil

There are even more essential oils that deal with S. aureus, but sadly, the scientific research is scant.

Essential Oils For Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

MRSA is a profoundly pernicious bacteria that is defying the medical community, and causing great harms. However, essential oils like Clary Sage have proven effective in scientific research. According to the NIH:

Staphylococcus aureus isolates including eleven MRSA and sixteen MSSA were inhibited by the clary sage oil at the concentrations of 3.75–5.25 µl/ml. The concentrations from 4.50 µl/ml to 6.25 µl/ml inhibited the growth of S. epidermidis clinical strains.⁸

Additional research states that out of the essential oils tested:

A combination of Citricidal [grapefruit seed extract] and geranium oil showed the greatest-anti-bacterial effects against MRSA, whilst a combination of geranium and tea tree oil was most active against the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (Oxford strain). This study demonstrates the potential of essential oils and essential oil vapours as antibacterial agents and for use in the treatment of MRSA infection.¹⁰

Only Patchouli Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil, Geranium Essential Oil, and Lavender Essential Oil were tested within this study. Each essential oil was tested in combination with grapefruit seed extract.

Another limited study recommends Lemongrass Essential Oil and Oregano Essential Oil for the treatment of MRSA. It also recommends Lavender Essential Oil and Eucalyptus Essential Oil, but states that they perform best in combination with antibiotics. To understand this statement it would be helpful to understand who funded the research. It is possible, and perhaps even likely, that the research was commissioned by a manufacturer of antibiotics, whilst at the same time funded by the taxpayer.

MRSA can be treated and sometimes prevented by using essential oils, such as lemongrass and oregano oil, to kill the bacteria that cause MRSA infections. Some essential oils are most effective when they’re combined with antibiotics, such as lavender and eucalyptus oil.¹¹

Essential Oils For Streptococcus Pneumoniae

More than 25 essential oils have been made official in the European Pharmacopoeia, a good number of which are frequently used for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases. These include:

• Star Anise Essential Oil
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil (including Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil + Eucalyptus Smithii Essential Oil)
• Peppermint Essential Oil
• Tea Tree Essential Oil
• Thyme Essential Oil

Other effective aromatherapy oils for S. pneumoniae are:

• Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
• Clove Essential Oil
• Lemongrass Essential Oil

Among the EOs, thyme was the most effective against S. mutans (MIC: 0.04 mg/mL in BDT, but cinnamon bark and clove oils also presented high inhibition in liquid medium with MIC values of 0.06 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL against S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes, respectively. M. catarrhalis was the most sensitive to thyme EO (MIC: 0.09 mg/mL). Cinnamon bark EO was the most effective against Haemophilus spp. (MIC: 0.06 mg/mL). In the VPT, cinnamon bark was the most effective oil against all investigated pathogens with MIC values in the range of 15.62–90 μl/L. Surprisingly, the eucalyptus and Scots pine showed weak activity against the test bacteria in both test systems.¹²

According to the Community herbal monographs of the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, (HMPC), these essential oils can be applied generally, based upon long‐standing use.

Usage instructions vary from one essential oil to another, with the general advice for the use of Eucalyptus Essential Oil for the treatment of cough, cold, bronchitis, and symptomatic relief of colds and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract are as follows:

Inhalation: 12 drops per 150 ml of boiling water, used in the traditional way, with a towel over the head to trap the steam. Care should be taken as steam from boiling water can still burn

Application to chest and back: up to a 5% dilution in a suitable carrier oil, to be applied to chest and back, and repeated up to three times daily.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil is used in ointments containing 1.3% V/m oil, for adults and children over 12 years, applied liberally, up to three times daily.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil, and preparations thereof, should not be applied to the face, and especially not the nose, of babies and little children. Nor should it be used during pregnancy and lactation, without first seeking medical advice.

Respiratory tract diseases (RTDs) associated with bacterial infection and inflammation affect a large number of people from every age group worldwide. Because of volatility, EOs can easily reach the upper and lower parts of the respiratory tract via inhalation. Moreover, due to their antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory potency, they offer an effective treatment in respiratory tract infections (RTIs)… According to the data of World Health Organization (WHO), lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are responsible for 5% (3.1 million people) of deaths worldwide regarding both sexes. This number was 6% in the female group and 5% in the male group. In 2012, pneumonia was responsible for 13% of causes of death among post‐neonatal (1–59 month) children. Based on WHO data, LRTIs and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have remained the top major killers during the past decade. Although WHO has a well‐organized global vaccine action plan against most bacteria or viruses causing RTIs, many people suffer from influenza, pneumonia or tuberculosis and without proper treatment these diseases can kill many people worldwide. EOs may possess a preventive role in the treatment of RTIs. The application of EOs via inhalation seems to be the most effective way to cure patients, because of their volatile nature they can reach the site intended to be treated. ¹³

Essential Oils For Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Cinnamon Essential Oil: Studies state that Cinnamon Essential Oil is highly effective against CRPA, with some research even suggesting it can inhibit bacterial efflux pumps, a mechanism bacteria used to expel antimicrobial agents.

Thyme Essential Oil: has also been shown to effect antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, including antibiotic-resistant strains.

Tea Tree Essential Oil: has been identified for being effective against P. aeruginosa, and research suggests it can inhibit biofilm formation, a factor that contributes to bacterial resistance.

Oregano Essential Oil: has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and can also inhibit bacterial efflux pumps.

Other essential oils that have also shown some activity against P. aeruginosa include, (all the usual suspects): Clove Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil, and Rosemary Essential Oil, although Cinnamon Essential Oil and Thyme Essential Oil are considered to be “particularly promising”.

Essential Oils For Fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella Typhi

The most commonly quoted aromatherapy oils for Fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella Typhi:

• Clove Essential Oil: bactericidal activity against Salmonella typhi by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane.
• Thyme Essential Oil: effective in inhibiting Salmonella growth and biofilm production.
• Oregano Essential Oil: bactericidal activity against Salmonella and can inhibit bacterial efflux pumps, which are mechanisms bacteria use to expel antimicrobial agents, making them more susceptible to treatment.
• Cinnamon Essential Oil: significant efficacy for Salmonella strains.
• Lemongrass Essential Oil: antibacterial activity against Gram-negative strains, including Salmonella.
• Fennel Essential Oil: antibacterial activity against Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium

Essential Oils For Fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella spp

Essential oils that are high in Thymol are most beneficial in the fight against Fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella. These include

• Thyme Red Essential Oil
• Thyme White Essential Oil

Essential Oils For Clostridioides difficile

C-Diff is a serious problem, that is often caused by the use of antibiotics. Of course, many fungal infections can be the outcome of taking antibiotics too. However, fungal infections tend to be easier to treat than Clostridioides difficile, so it is appropriately named!

Clostridioides difficile, as well as being commonly called C-Diff, is also referred to as CDI.

Many Clostridioides difficile clinical isolates are considered ‘multi-drug resistant’. Biofilm production is related to CDI therapy failure.

The best essential oils for C-Diff are considered to be:

• Oregano Essential Oil
• Black Pepper Essential Oil
• Garlic Essential Oil

The reason why these essential oils are so helpful with C-Diff is because they posses potent anticlostridial and anti-biofilm activity.

How Effective Are The Drugs?

Obviously, antibiotics have become less and less effective over time. We are up to fourth generation antibiotics, and there will not be a fifth.

Sadly, many drugs, for all manner of conditions, achieve regulatory approval, but are later recalled owing to the harms they inflict on the people using them.

Tragically, pharmaceutical drugs, taken as prescribed, is officially known to be the third biggest killer worldwide. The US National Institute of Health states it thus:

Our prescription drugs are the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer in the United States and Europe. Around half of those who die have taken their drugs correctly; the other half die because of errors, such as too high a dose or use of a drug despite contraindications. Our drug agencies are not particularly helpful, as they rely on fake fixes, which are a long list of warnings, precautions, and contraindications for each drug, although they know that no doctor can possibly master all of these. Major reasons for the many drug deaths are impotent drug regulation, widespread crime that includes corruption of the scientific evidence about drugs and bribery of doctors, and lies in drug marketing, which is as harmful as tobacco marketing and, therefore, should be banned. We should take far fewer drugs, and patients should carefully study the package inserts of the drugs their doctors prescribe for them and independent information sources about drugs such as Cochrane reviews, which will make it easier for them to say “no thanks”.¹⁴

But, why are there so many problems with production, prescribing and the taking of medicines?

The many critics of the pharmaceutical industry identify the following as the key issues:

The largest criminal fine in history was awarded to Pfizer – [$2.3 billion settlement in 2009].

Since then Pfizer has continued in the same vein, as have its contemporaries.

Violation Tracker Statistics¹⁵

Industry: pharmaceuticals

Penalty Total since 2000: $123,758,752,376

Number of Records: 1,312

The Breakdown:

• Johnson & Johnson: $25,197,250,170 – From 91 Cases
• GSK plc: $11,772,803,406 – From 51 Cases
• Pfizer: $11,261,560,400 – From 106 Cases
• Merck $10,710,400,031 – From 89 Cases
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries: $10,695,276,796 – From 98 Cases
• Purdue Pharma: $10,178,372,787 – From 12 Cases – (Largely responsible for the US opioid crisis)
• AbbVie: $7,560,456,404 – From 84 Cases
• Endo International: $4,847,990,667 – From 31 Cases
• Takeda Pharmaceutical: $3,987,516,447 – From 32 Cases
• Eli Lilly: $2,831,299,676 – From 26 Cases

All of this is made all the more tragic in light of this:

Because of the spread of multidrug resistant bacteria and the growing antibiotic resistance to them many research groups have focused their research programmes on investigating the antimicrobial activities of plants and their extracts in the hope of discovering new antibiotics. Therefore, the number of publications about the in vitro antimicrobial activity of EOs [essential oils] has been dramatically increasing, in most cases without any innovation. It has been previously demonstrated that the oxygenated terpenoids in EOs, e.g. alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, peroxides, and phenols, are responsible for strong antimicrobial activity and influence bacterial growth.¹⁶

Medical & Scientific Sources

1. Stop the Spread of Superbugs – Help Fight Drug-Resistant Bacteria: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/02/stop-spread-superbugs
2. Role of alternatives to antibiotics in mitigating the antimicrobial resistance crisis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10101360/
3. Coatings Based on Essential Oils for Combating Antibiotic Resistance: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/13/7/625
4. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1360273/
5. In vitro Antibacterial Activity and Wound Healing Effects of Achillea millefolium Essential Oil in rats: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10315885/
6. WHO updated the list: WHO updates list of drug-resistant bacteria most threatening to human health: https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2024-who-updates-list-of-drug-resistant-bacteria-most-threatening-to-human-health
7. Identification of essential oils with activity against stationary phase Staphylococcus aureus: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7092464/
8. The effect of clary sage oil on staphylococci responsible for wound infections: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4360007/
9. Comparative studies on the activity of basil–an essential oil from Ocimum basilicum L.–against multidrug resistant clinical isolates of the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas by using different test methods: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12732427/
10. The effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a dressing model: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15555788/
11. Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-mrsa
12. Antibacterial activity evaluation of selected essential oils in liquid and vapor phase on respiratory tract pathogens: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6064118/
13. Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti‐inflammatory action: a review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7163989/#ffj3252-note-0050
14. Our prescription drugs kill us in large numbers https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25355584/
15. Violation Tracker: https://violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/industry/pharmaceuticals
16. Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti‐inflammatory action: a review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7163989/#ffj3252-note-0050
17. In vitro anti-clostridial action and potential of the spice herbs essential oils to prevent biofilm formation of hypervirulent Clostridioides difficile strains isolated from hospitalized patients with CDI