Top 10 Antibacterial Essential Oils

April 19, 2020

Have no fear essential oil warriors, we too, can have our antibacterial products and stay true to our natural living ways. In fact, there is extensive research that supports using essential oils for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Even though I've always heard this was so, I had never really done the proper research until recently and now I am more encouraged than ever to share my excitement.

This list is not exhaustive by any means but these are some of my favorites as well as being fairly common in oil households and also, represent well in the research I've done. I'm sure you've seen lots of these oils used in DIY household cleaners and now you can add antibacterial to the list of reasons why.

Though this article focuses on bacteria and viruses in the body, these can live on many surfaces in your home along with bacteria such as streptococcus, salmonella, E. coli etc... These oils are beneficial in household cleaning products as well as the many ways you can use them internally or topically. 

Here are the top 10 antibacterial essential oils:

1. Tea Tree (Melaleuca): Commonly used for acne, cuts and scrapes, insect repellant, etc... Traditionally tea tree was used, and still is used, for infections and to stimulate the immune system. This holds true today as many people use Tea Tree to prevent colds, fevers, flu and ear infections. Hello Apothecary's Flu Bomb roller blend uses Tea Tree for exactly this reason. The list is endless and probably why this is my number one choice.

2. Lavender: Known as the ultimate essential oil for relaxation, among other things, Lavender has incredible antibacterial properties too. Lavender can reduce infections in minor wounds, eliminate parasites in the body, and has been used extensively in pharmaceutical antiseptic ointments.

3. Eucalyptus: One of my favorite aromas, especially when I have a cold, also helps with several infectious diseases including, urinary tract, chickenpox, colds, flu, cold sores, measles and so much more. Eucalyptus is a go-to oil for many as a decongestant and now you can know for sure that it's working double time to kill whatever infections are causing that congestion.

4. Peppermint: Used to reduce pain and fevers, to help you stay alert and to rid yourself of nauseous feelings, Peppermint is incredibly versatile. It's antibacterial and antiviral properties assist with cold sores, shingles, prostate infections, stomach flu, and most other bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. A daily regime of Peppermint oil can do your body good.

5. Cinnamon: Often found in protecting blends, Cinnamon is very powerful in fighting infectious diseases. It can be used for diarrhea, urinary tract infections, air fresheners to disinfect the air, and inflammation in the intestines. Cinnamon is more than just a flavoring in some of our favorite natural products, it's working hard to keep us healthy too.

6. Rosemary: Rosemary has been used for centuries as medicinal so it's no wonder that it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Rosemary can be used for bronchitis, whooping cough, colitis, diarrhea, and to strengthen the immune system to fight cold and flu.

7. Clove: A favorite in my diffuser in the fall and also a go-to remedy for many respiratory infections, athlete's foot, cuts, and scrapes. Clove is a perfect oil to add to DIY cleaners because it smells great and disinfects properly.

8. Thyme: Traditionally used for fumigating against infectious illness, Thyme has powerful antibacterial properties. Thyme can be used for gum infections, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, diarrhea, urinary infections, viral infections, etc... Be sure to use caution with Thyme essential oil as it should be properly diluted and not overused.

9. Oregano: Oregano has a very strong aroma and very strong antibacterial properties. Not to be overused, it aids in fighting many respiratory infections, expels worms and bacteria in the body, and has been said by many researchers to have the strength of penicillin.

10. Clary Sage: Not only is Clary Sage amazing for menstrual cramps, depression, and preventing aging skin, it is also commonly used for throat and respiratory infections. This oil smells so good that it is often used to make products smell pleasant. Throw a drop or two in your DIY soap, household cleaner, or room spray. Antibacterial products can be used in many ways.

The possibilities for using these antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal oils are really limitless. Many can be used in veggie caps for internal ingestion or simply placed in a glass of water, a few drops in DIY household cleaners can go a long way, adding them to DIY soap, hand sanitizer, or using them topically are all options too.

Keeping myself and my family healthy but doing so with natural products is incredibly important to me. Keeping these oils nearby has helped us do just that.



For essential oil roller blends from Hello Apothecary, head over to helloapothecary.etsy.com!


Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.

Research:

Fifield, Bill. Integrated Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. 2nd ed., 2014.

Swamy, Mallappa Kumara, et al. “Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Essential Oils against Human Pathogens and Their Mode of Action: An Updated Review.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5206475/.