Antibacterial Essential Oils: What You Need to Avoid Infections
Even a little cut or scrape might cause serious health issues. Because germs may infect your wound, a little issue might become significant. Essential oils may help prevent airborne germs and diseases (EOs). Essential oils have great antimicrobial capabilities.
Essential oils have an antibacterial impact due to their unique natural chemical composition, which is made up of dozens, if not hundreds, of different natural compounds. Many have been discovered to have antibacterial properties as well as synergistic effects. A combination of these oils has higher power than any single oil.
Carvacrol, the principal component present in oregano oil, has been shown in many studies to have more antibacterial action than other molecules. Other research has shown that combining Carvacrol with Thymol is more effective than using them alone.
1996 Study Reveals Top Antibacterial Essential Oils
In 1996, ten major essential oils were examined for their capacity to resist 22 different types of germs in research. Those identical essential oils were also exposed to 12 fungi that often infect people throughout the clinical trials. Four of the essential oils were shown to be efficient in repelling and treating all 22 bacterial strains, which was rather remarkable
Every germ they were exposed to was suppressed by Eucalyptus, Orange, Peppermint, and Lemongrass oils. Essential oils of Palmarosa and Aegle inhibited 21 microorganisms. Geranium and Citronella oils were efficient in preventing at least a dozen bacterial strains, while Ageratum and Patchouli oils were useful in treating 20 of the 22 germs.
Lemongrass, Patchouli, Orange, Citronella, Geranium, Aegel, and Palmarosa Oils all inhibited the 12 fungi utilized in this clinical study. Two of the essential oils, peppermint, and eucalyptus were effective against all 22 bacterial strains and also inhibited 11 of the 12 fungi they were exposed to.
Sadly, not all of the more than 90 essential oils were examined in that pivotal 1996 study. Aromatherapy and essential oil practitioners, on the other hand, are aware of a number of other oils with antibacterial qualities for specific uses.
Tea Tree essential oil (also known as Melaleuca oil) is a good acne treatment, for example. This is because Tea Tree oil’s antibacterial capabilities protect against the germs that cause and worsen acne. Lemon essential oil is also beneficial in the treatment of skin infections caused by germs.
Antibacterial qualities may also be found in Cassia, Cinnamon, and Clove essential oils.
Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural insect repellant that may also be used as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent.
Lime essential oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and may be used straight from the bottle.
Thyme oil is effective as an antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic agent, albeit it should be diluted in virtually all cases.
Choosing The Right Oils.
For antimicrobial purposes, it’s critical to employ the proper essential oils in the right proportions.
Tea Tree essential oil is one of the most extensively used antibacterial essential oils, and it’s a great addition to a natural first aid box at home.
Geranium essential oil is an excellent alternative to have on hand at home since it is a milder antimicrobial with a pleasant fragrance. It has powerful healing capabilities and is suitable for both dry and oily skin types, making it an antibacterial that won’t dry out any skin tone. Geranium is beneficial for acne, general dermatitis, and eczema since it is an anti-inflammatory, astringent, and general tonic.
The lavender essential oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as stress-relieving characteristics. It may also be used to treat wounds, bug bites, burns, and scrapes.
Oregano oil is a fantastic option when extensive antibacterial activity is needed, and it’s perfect for battling tenacious nail fungus, but it’s too strong for use on soft tissue regions.
Natural treatments may be the appropriate remedy for many of the typical minor ailments we encounter daily, and essential oils may be the perfect alternative for that bottle of Neosporin or rubbing alcohol in your medical cabinet.
