Food cures: Cinnamon bark oil found to kill multidrug-resistant bacteria

Many infectious diseases around the world are becoming more and more difficult to treat because of the continuous and excessive use of antibiotics. In the search for alternative antimicrobial agents, researchers at Mahidol University in Thailand discovered that cinnamon bark oil can be used to fight against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

In their study, published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the team looked at a variety of essential oils that could potentially be used against P. aeruginosa, a gram-negative bacterium resistant to multiple drugs and can cause severe infections. Pseudomonas infections are caused by a free-living bacterium that belongs to the eponymous genus. The most common species that causes infection is P. aeruginosa. This type of bacteria thrives in moist areas and is commonly found in soil and water. It typically causes infections of the blood, lungs, skin, ear, and eye.

The risk for Pseudomonas infections is greater in people who already have a weakened immune system due to other conditions, such as burn wounds, chemotherapy, cystic fibrosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the presence of a foreign body like a catheter, and undergoing an invasive procedure like a surgery. Pseudomonas infections, such as skin rashes and ear infections can also occur in healthy individuals. The bacteria can also spread in hospitals through the hands of healthcare workers, or by hospital equipment that is not thoroughly cleaned. In some cases, infections occur after being exposed to hot tubs and swimming pools that are improperly chlorinated. People who wear contacts may also get eye infections if they use infected contact lens solution.

For the study, the researchers examined the antimicrobial activity of betel vine oil, cinnamon bark oil, citronella oil, clove oil, galangal oil, guava leaf oil, hairy basil oil, holy basil oil, kaffir lime oil, lemongrass oil, fingerroot oil, plai oil, sweet basil oil, and turmeric oil. Among the essential oils examined in the study, cinnamon bark oil was reported to possess high bactericidal activity against all P. aeruginosa strains. Bioautographic results also showed that cinnamaldehyde and eugenol were the active components of cinnamon bark oil that showed strong inhibitory effects against P. aeruginosa, although cinnamaldehyde showed more powerful antimicrobial activity than eugenol.

The findings of the study suggested that cinnamon bark oil and its active compound cinnamaldehyde could be used as an alternative treatment for multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infection.

Other benefits of cinnamon bark oil

Cinnamon is more than just a spice. Here are some more health benefits obtained from the well-known bark.

• It enhances circulation – both internally and when applied to the skin.
• It helps keep the immune system healthy. (Related: Cinnamon oil- Improves Brain Function, Cures Diabetes & Protects Against DNA Damage! How to Make it?)
• It promotes oral health.
• It helps relieve pain in the joints and muscles.
• It helps improve mood.

This oil is also used in different ways:

• For immune support, add two drops of the oil in an empty veggie capsule.
• For pancreatic health, add one to two drops in an empty veggie capsule or diluted over the abdomen.
• For soothing a sore throat, add one drop of cinnamon essential oil in hot water or tea, then drink the mixture slowly.
• It can also be used as a cleaning agent. Just add two to three drops in a spray bottle.
• To relieve joint pain, especially during winter, dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, then apply to the affected area.

Read more news stories and studies on the benefits of essential oils by going to EssentialOils.news.

Sources include:

Science.news

Healthline.com

SustainableBabySteps.com