New research suggests that essential oils may be an inexpensive and effective alternative to antibiotics and could potentially be used to combat drug-resistant hospital superbugs.

Researchers in Greece tested the antimicrobial activity of eight plant essential oils. They found that thyme essential oil was the most effective and was able to almost completely eliminate bacteria within 60 minutes.

Both thyme and cinnamon oils were found to be particularly efficient antibacterial agents against a range of Staphylococcus bacteria, which are common inhabitants of the skin and some may cause infection in immunocompromised individuals.

"Not only are essential oils a cheap and effective treatment option for antibiotic-resistant strains, but decreased use of antibiotics will help minimize the risk of new strains of antibiotic resistant micro-organisms emerging," said researcher Yiannis Samaras.

Essential oils have been recognized for hundreds of years for their therapeutic properties, although very little is known about how they exert their antimicrobial effects in humans.

Their therapeutic value has been shown for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including acne, dandruff, head lice and oral infections.