The essential oils used in aromatherapy could offer a cheap and effective way to fight drug-resistant hospital superbugs, according to new research.

A team of researchers from the Technological Educational Institute of Ionian Islands, in Greece tested eight plant essential oils for antimicrobial activity and found thyme to be the most effective. The essential oil from the plant was able to almost completely eliminate bacteria within one hour.

Essential oils from thyme and cinnamon were also found to be efficient antibacterial agents. Strains of bacteria from the Staphylococcus species are commonly found on the skin and can lead to infections in people who have compromised immunity. These strains are extremely resilient and difficult to treat yet essential oils were found to be an effective and cheap way to combat the antibiotic-resistant strains.

The Greek team also believe that essential oils have wide-ranging medical and industrial applications and could easily be incorporated into creams and gels for external application.

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