On APA's bookshelf: Aromatherapy vs. MRSA by Maggie Tisserand

MRSA is a global problem. Known as a "superbug", some fatal cases of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) have also been reported in Hong Kong in recent years. In fact, the Centre for Health Protection announced the death of a 35 year-old man only last March who tested positive for a community-associated MRSA infection. The man with a good past health was admitted to hospital for multiple joint pain and fever. He was taken to the intensive care unit but tragically died two days later.

MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body and becomes increasingly difficult to treat due to its resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. Many infections are not serious, however, some can be life-threatening especially when dealing with tough, resistant strains of MRSA.

Essential Oil of the Month: Benchmark Thyme

Common Thyme

Known as a medicinal and culinary plant to all the early civilizations in the Mediterranean, our Essential Oil of the Month is highly bactericidal and an excellent remedy for treating all forms of infections: colds, sore throats, respiratory infections and infections of the urinary tract. It is also a digestive stimulant and intestinal antiseptic, valuable for gastric infections. It stimulates the production of white corpuscles, so strengthening the body’s resistance to invading organisms. Our Essential Oil of the Month is Benchmark Thyme.