Fighting infections: learn how essential oils can help resolve antibiotic-resistant skin infections.(SUPPLEMENTS: ASK THE NATUROPATH)

Q: I have recurrent MRSA [methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus] skin infections. Are there any alternatives to antibiotics?

--W.J., Juneau, Alaska

A: MRSA is a superbug--very prevalent in hospitals, but also in the community--that has become resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics. This class of antibiotics works by destroying the cell wall of the bacteria. The basic "bug" in question here, Staphylococcus aureus, is the most common bacterial species growing on human skin; it thrives in moist areas, such as the nostrils. Impetigo, a common childhood infection (which can be caused, for example, by chronically licking one's lips), is a staph infection. Regular overgrowth of S. aureus can generally be cured with over-the-counter antibiotics such as triple-antibiotic creams, as well as the nondrug options listed below. MRSA, however, is resistant to many drugs.

Luckily, MRSA still seems vulnerable to many natural antibacterials. My favorites are the volatile oils oregano, thyme, eucalyptus, tea tree, and rosemary, as well as cinnamon, geranium, cloves, and peppermint.

The oils may be taken internally in very low doses (three to five drops in 32 ounces of water, sipped over the course of the day; shake the bottle well before each sip). Oils can also be applied over the lymphatic tissue closest to the infection, as well as directly onto the infection (as long as the skin is not broken). Volatile oils are very strong and will burn an open wound--avoid this additional trauma to the area. Dilute the oils with carrier oils, such as calendula, jojoba, almond, or grape seed before applying topically. Any good-quality oil, even olive oil, will work. Use no more than 135 drops of volatile oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil.

If your MRSA infection is on or around the face (nose, lips, ears), place three to five drops of the volatile oil that smells best to you along the angle of the jaw or above the tops of the collar bones, as well as directly on and around the infection; dilute the oil in 15 to 25 drops of carrier oil. You can apply every two hours. If the infection is on your lower body, apply the antibacterial oil to the inguinal nodes, near the surface in the crease between the base of the abdomen and the tops of the legs.

If there is not a specific site of infection, such as a wound or postoperative site, the oils can be applied anywhere on the body, as the blood will circulate the oils throughout the tissues.