Antibacterial Essential Oils: A List of the Best and How To Use Them
- littleurbannest
- Jun 25, 2019
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 29, 2022
We use essential oils in our home every day. The top four we absolutely can’t live without include peppermint, melaleuca (tea tree), patchouli, and frankincense.
My husband uses peppermint to control heartburn and indigestion. I use patchouli and frankincense in my facial moisturizer. And despite other essential oils containing similar properties, melaleuca is our No. 1 go-to essential oil. We use it to treat just about everything. It’s an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal.
Why Use Essential Oils as Antimicrobials
The last thing I want for me and my family when we are sick is to be prescribed an antibiotic. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses. And most often a virus is the culprit for upper respiratory infections – colds, flu, runny nose with yucky-colored mucus, coughs, fluid in the middle ear, sore throats (except for strep), and bronchitis.
Misuse of antibiotics, including a misdiagnosis, will not cure your infection. And taking an antibiotic for a viral infection will only make it more difficult for your body to fight off future bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance is a global health problem because more and more pathogens are able to survive antibiotic exposure. The more resistant the bacteria becomes, the more potent the medication must be, and so on – it’s an ongoing cycle.
So to keep my family healthy, in addition to routine safeguards (hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, etc.) we take further precautions around the home to ward off viruses. For example, during cold and flu season we keep plenty of ginger, Manuka honey, and lemon on hand and I routinely diffuse essential oil blends in our home. I also use essential oils year-round in our DIY cleaning products.
In fact, it’s been a couple of years since we’ve purchased commercial cleaning products for our home. I started making my own recipes using ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, vodka, and essential oils not only because I made a choice to live greener but because I wanted to explore natural antibacterial options.
Keep in mind, you don’t always need a cleaning agent with antimicrobial properties. Sometimes soap and water will work just fine. However, with more and more bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics and commercial chemicals, it’s important to know how antimicrobial essential oils play a role as natural antibacterial agents.
A List of the Best Antibacterial Essential Oils
In countless studies on the antibacterial properties of essential oils, the following oils have consistently shown to possess strong antibacterial properties.
Please note, this list provides a selection of the most relevant essential oils used for their antimicrobial properties. It is not a complete list of essential oils with documented antibacterial activity.
Let’s have a closer look:
Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon essential oil has a peppery, earthy, spicy, intense yet somewhat woodsy scent. Cinnamon oil is used to treat colds and flu. It is also effective to aid in digestion and circulation as well as working as rheumatism and stress reliever.
In a report found on the U.S. National Library of Medicine Website, research showed that Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum cassia, and cinnamaldehyde (an aldehyde that gives cinnamon its flavor and odor) not only inhibits the growth of bacteria in planktonic form (floating as single cells in water), they also restrict the formation of biofilms, which are communities of microorganisms that attach to each other and to surfaces. The most susceptible biofilms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli (E. coli) microorganisms. The research suggested that these oils and cinnamaldehyde may be considered as sources for the development of new antimicrobial agents as well as in combination with synthetic antibiotics or antimicrobials presently on the market.
Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil has a warm, spicy, and somewhat woody scent. Diluted with a carrier oil, clove is used to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral skin infections as well as toothache and gum disease. It is also a potent pain reliever, including muscle pain and tired limbs. Other uses include flu, bronchitis, nausea, stomach cramps, and abdominal spasms. It is applied topically to treat warts, rheumatism, parasites, scabies, and ringworm. Clove essential oil should never be used neat (without diluting with a carrier oil), as it is very potent and may cause irritation.
In a report published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine and found on the U.S. National Library of Medicine Website, a study of the antibacterial activity of select essential oils, including clove, in liquid and vapor forms against respiratory tract pathogens, clove provided promising antibacterial activity against respiratory tract pathogens either in liquid medium or in vapor phase.
In a separate study published in the Brazilian Society for Microbiology and found on the U.S. National Library of Medicine Website, researchers studied the antimicrobial activity of clove essential oil against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as yeast. Clove was proven to be effective against all three microorganisms. The research concluded that clove is an effective antimicrobial agent for external use.
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella essential oil has a citrusy, somewhat fruity, fresh and sweet scent. Although it is best known as an insect repellent, citronella oil can also be used to treat muscular aches, infectious skin conditions, fevers, heat rash, excessive perspiration, fungal infections, fatigue, and insect bites.
Citronella is also a potent antimicrobial agent. In one study published in Microbios and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, the antibacterial properties of 10 essential oils were tested against 22 strains of bacteria including Gram-positive cocci and rods and Gram-negative rods as well as 12 fungi. Citronella was proven to be effective against 20 strains of bacteria and all 12 fungi.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil has a fresh, woody and intense medicinal aroma. It is best known for its respiratory benefits but is also used to treat ailments such as fever, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, arthritis, and urinary infections.
In a study published in Microbios and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, the antibacterial properties of 10 essential oils were tested against 22 strains of bacteria including Gram-positive cocci and rods and Gram-negative rods as well as 12 fungi, eucalyptus was proven effective against all 22 strains of bacteria and 11 fungi.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil has a floral, fresh, sweet and somewhat fruity scent. Historically, geranium oil has been used by women to treat female reproductive disorders, menstrual cramps, infertility, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome, and menopausal symptoms. It can also be used for fatigue, depression, emotional and stress-related conditions. Geranium is also an astringent and can be helpful with hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Likewise, geranium can be used topically to treat bruises, minor burns, wounds, acne, dermatitis, eczema, ringworm, head lice, and to help balance sebum (an oily, waxy substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands) production.
Geranium is also a potent antimicrobial agent. In one study published in Microbios and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, the antibacterial properties of 10 essential oils were tested against 22 strains of bacteria including Gram-positive cocci and rods and Gram-negative rods as well as 12 fungi. Geranium was proven to be effective against 12 bacterial strains and all 12 fungi.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous, and occasionally a somewhat fruity scent. Lavender oil is probably the most popular of all the essential oils. It’s best known for its calming and relaxing qualities and is often recommended to promote restful sleep and to help with stress, depression, and anxiety. It’s also a natural remedy to treat headaches, migraines, hypertension, and vertigo. Used topically, lavender is beneficial for the treatment of oily skin, scars, stretch marks, itching, dermatitis, as well as chickenpox, scabies, and acne. Other topical uses include treating rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, athlete’s foot, burns, bruises, cuts, and insect bites. It can also be used as an insect repellent.
In a report published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, four essential oils, including lavender, were tested for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Both bacteria tested were susceptible to the oils tested.
Likewise, in a 2018 report published in Nanomaterials and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, a first-time study of the hydrodynamic diameter of the essential oils lavender and basil as well as antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria showed very good antimicrobial activity for lavender, which could contribute to the development of new antimicrobial agents needed for combating antibiotic resistance.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil has a concentrated, fresh lemon scent. Most commonly, lemon oil is used to treat colds and flu. However, it’s also beneficial for athlete’s foot, varicose veins, oily skin, corns, and warts.
In a report published in Lipids in Health and Disease and found on the U.S. National Library of Medicine Website, research shows that lemon oil has natural antimicrobial agents effective against Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogenic bacteria that causes the infection listeriosis, suggesting it may be a viable source as natural antimicrobial agent in food systems and pharmaceutical industry.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has a fresh, lemony, and slightly herbaceous scent. It is traditionally used to treat muscular aches and pains (including headaches), gastrointestinal disorders, indigestion, acne, and is also used as an insect repellent.
Lemongrass is also a potent antimicrobial agent. In one study published in Microbios and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, 10 essential oils were tested for their antibacterial properties against 22 strains of bacteria and 12 fungi. Lemongrass along with eucalyptus, peppermint and orange oils were proven effective against all 22 strains, including Gram-positive cocci and rods and Gram-negative rods. Likewise, all 12 fungi were inhibited by lemongrass.
Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil has a citrusy and sweet scent. Traditionally, orange essential oil is used to treat colds, flu, constipation, dry skin, mouth and gums, digestion, and stress.
Orange oil is also a potent antimicrobial agent. In one study published in Microbios and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, 10 essential oils were tested for their antibacterial properties against 22 strains of bacteria including Gram-positive cocci and rods and Gram-negative rods as well as 12 fungi. Like lemongrass, orange was one of the essential oils proven effective against all 22 strains. Likewise, all 12 fungi were inhibited by orange.
Palmarosa Essential Oil
Palmarosa essential oil has a fresh, floral, and sweet scent. Palmarosa oil is used to treat a multitude of ailments including sinusitis, gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract infection, wounds, insect bites, bee stings, skin conditions, fungal infections, muscular aches, stress, irritability, and restlessness.
Palmarosa is also a potent antimicrobial agent. In one study found on the US National Library of Medicine website, 10 essential oils were tested for their antibacterial properties against 22 strains of bacteria and 12 fungi. Palmarosa was effective against 21 strains, including Gram-positive cocci and rods and Gram-negative rods. Likewise, Palmarosa was one of seven oils that inhibited all 12 fungi.
Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli essential oil has a deep, earthy, and woody scent. Historically, patchouli oil is used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, chapped skin, dermatitis, fatigue, hair care, mature skin, oily skin, and stress as well as an insect repellent. Patchouli is especially beneficial to those with eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. Additionally, patchouli is known to have a calming and grounding effect.
Patchouli is also a potent antimicrobial agent. In one study published in Microbios and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, the antibacterial properties of 10 essential oils were tested against 22 strains of bacteria including Gram-positive cocci and rods and Gram-negative rods as well as 12 fungi. Patchouli was proven to be effective against 20 strains of bacteria and all 12 fungi.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil has a very intense minty scent and contains menthol, which causes a cooling sensation. Peppermint has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Today it is found in everything from toothpaste and mouthwash to gum. Traditionally it’s used to treat digestion issues, headaches, nausea, vertigo, asthma, and the flu as well as exhaustion.
Peppermint is also a potent antimicrobial agent. In one study published in Microbios and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, the antibacterial properties of 10 essential oils were tested against 22 strains of bacteria and 12 fungi. Peppermint along with eucalyptus, lemongrass and orange oils were proven effective against all 22 strains, including Gram-positive cocci and rods and Gram-negative rods. Peppermint was also effective against 11 of the 12 fungi.
Melaleuca Essential Oil
Melaleuca essential oil, also known as tea tree oil, has a fresh, medicinal, woody, earthy, and herbaceous scent. Topical uses for melaleuca oil include cold sores, acne, cuts, athlete’s foot, insect bites, chickenpox, itching, ringworm, sores, warts, and oily skin. It can also be used against colds and flu. Likewise, melaleuca oil is beneficial in the treatment of migraines and sinusitis.
There is a significant amount of research to support that Melaleuca is a bactericidal (kills bacteria) in nature, although at lower concentrations it may be bacteriostatic (stops bacteria from reproducing). In a report published in Molecules and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, melaleuca (tea tree oil) showed promising antimicrobial evidence against seven drug-resistant Gram-negative microorganisms. The antibacterial evaluation of tea tree oil was performed in both liquid and vapor form and showed potent bactericidal activity against all the tested microorganisms.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano essential oil has a sharp, herbaceous scent. The oil is used as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and expectorant, as well as a stimulant. It is a very potent oil and should be used with caution. Dilute with a carrier oil, never use neat, as it can cause severe irritation.
In a study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity and found on the US National Library of Medicine Website, research supports that oregano oil has strong antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The antibacterial activities are mostly attributed to the active compounds found within the oil, carvacrol, and thymol.
*The content on this Website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
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