Maggie Tisserand first became interested in alternative medicine in the early 1970s when it was called 'fringe medicine'. Based on practical experience of using essential oils to overcome serious chest infections picked up in India, Maggie began investigating the possibility that a combination of essential oils might be effective in combating multi-drug resistant infections. This led to working with the MRSA Support group and successful trials with volunteers. Maggie was inspired to continue the research and worked with the University of Brighton to investigate the antimicrobial effects of essential oils against MRSA. Maggie established Benchmark Oils Ltd to raise investments for long-term research and to help bring important laboratory discoveries into the public realm. She lives in Dorset, South West, England, and has three children and three grandchildren.