Researchers have found a way to transform peppermint oil and cinnamon into a material that heals hard-to-treat chronic wounds.

In chronic wounds, bacteria clump together in sticky plaques in a way that makes them difficult to treat with traditional antibiotics. Because of this, doctors sometimes recommend cutting out infected tissue, which can mean a long recovery and permanent disability.

Peppermint oil and cinnamon are natural ingredients with known bacteria-fighting properties.

A new innovation involves packaging peppermint oil and cinnamaldehyde, the compound in cinnamon responsible for its flavor and aroma, into silica nanoparticles.

This microcapsule treatment was found to be effective against four types of bacteria, including one antibiotic-resistant strain.

It also promoted the growth of fibroblasts, a cell type important in wound healing.

In addition to its use on wounds, the material could be used to to disinfect medical devices, researchers reported.