Tea tree oil has strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA.[1]
Tea tree oil has been effective in helping or healing many maladies from athlete’s foot and acne to dandruff, nail fungus, eczema, ringworm, and even annoyances like lice and mosquito bites. This antiseptic, antiviral, and antifungal oil is wonderful for stopping pain and irritation while providing a soothing disinfectant for your skin.
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MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has been in the news recently due to outbreaks of the infection caused by mistakes and sloppy corners used in hospitals across the country. MRSA cannot be treated with normal antibiotics and is easily transferred through large environments of sick people (from hospitals to nursing homes) causing pneumonia and other serious infections. A Northern Ireland study conducted by Queen’s University Belfast, shows that tea tree oil may provide a simple approach to preventing the bacteria from spreading.
In the news published earlier this month, lead author of the study Dr. Bronagh Blackwood from the university and his colleagues are testing results of patients using a body wash with 5 percent concentration of tea tree oil to combat MRSA. Earlier studies have shown that tea tree oil-infused body wash has seemed to eliminate bacteria / viruses from the skin. Blackwood’s team is experimenting with newly-diagnosed MRSA patients on people in hospital’s intensive care units and even though they are only a year into the trial they are hopeful for a positive outcome, “We started this trial in November 2007,” Blackwood continued, “We aim to complete it in November 2010.”
LINDA'S NOTE: There are now many sources of information online showing the benefits of using Tea Tree Oil. This is especialy important during virus / flu outbreaks and the spreading of MRSA like we're seeing now. As a Registered Nurse of 30+ years, I've listed below some recommendations to keep yourself and your Family healthy ...
***Make sure you get plenty of rest and take a GOOD Multivitamin daily (one where the vitamins are actually absorbed!).
***Keep your immune system healthy by using GREEN or SAFE / CHEMICAL FREE household cleaners and household necessities in your home.
***Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash and WASH YOUR HANDS!
*** In fact, WASHING YOUR HANDS often with tea tree oil based soap and running water will wash off most of the viruses and bacteria you come in contact with! A tea tree oil / alcohol based hand sanitizer also helps prevent both YOUR / YOUR FAMILY getting sick and the spreading of bacteria and viruses. Follow the handwashing with tea tree oil based hand / body lotions.