Essential oils (EO) are a great addition to the items in your medicine cabinet. Here are my favorite seven EOs with antibacterial properties along with some suggestions for use.

TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil comes from Australia and boasts a long history of use as a topical antiseptic for acne (in place of benzoyl peroxide), nail fungal infections, and athlete’s foot. There’s even early evidence that tea tree could help treat MRSA--a particularly virulent strain of staph that people often contract in the hospital. I like to mix it with baking soda and put it inside my trash cans to keep things smelling fresh. While applying it neat on skin (without a carrier oil) is possible, it can be irritating, so most recipes recommend a 2% dilution.* Warning: Tea tree oil is toxic when taken by mouth.

EUCALYPTUS

Stay Down Under with eucalyptus. You’ll recognize this EO from the ingredient label on dental products. That’s because it contains cineole, an antiseptic that can kill bacteria that cause bad breath. Eucalyptus can also be used as a decongestant for upper respiratory infections by rubbing a 2% dilution* on the skin. When I’ve got a nasty sinus infection, I like to put a few drops of eucalyptus in a steam inhaler. It smells great and opens up my nasal passages. Warning: Eucalyptus oil is toxic when taken by mouth.

LEMONGRASS

Like tea tree oil, lemongrass oil appears to be helpful in the treatment of infections caused by multidrug resistant organisms. Traditionally, it’s been used to treat everything from colds and flus to nausea and headaches, and there’s ongoing scientific investigation into these remarkable properties. There may even be a useful antibacterial application of lemongrass in preventing food spoilage. Pretty cool, right? Most recipes I found recommended a 0.75% dilution rate which works about to about 4 drops per fluid ounce. Warning: Lemongrass oil is toxic when taken by mouth.

CINNAMON

Sure, cinnamon rolls are your favorite breakfast indulgence, but did you know that in its EO form, cinnamon also has antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties? Recent evidence points to cinnamon’s ability to kill staph and e. coli, and a new study suggests that using cinnamon oil in packaging for meat and produce could actually help prevent foodborne illness. You can apply cinnamon oil at higher dilution rates as a hand sanitizer (up to 10%), or you can ingest directly if you purchase a food grade oil.

PEPPERMINT

It’s not just for candy canes and ice cream--peppermint oil shows good evidence for killing e. coli as well as lysteria and staph. I like to use peppermint along with eucalyptus in my steam inhaler as a decongestant. Long known as a soothing agent for upset stomachs, there’s even emerging evidence that peppermint EO could be used to treat IBS as it, like cinnamon oil, can be ingested. Eating an entire box of Thin Mints, however, does not count as “therapeutic application”--hee hee!

GERANIUM

Geranium works as an effective antibacterial in the treatment of wounds. At home, many people either mix geranium with a carrier oil or with honey before applying to the skin. Delicious as that combination smells, there’s good evidence that it kills staph. Of all the EOs listed here, geranium is the most floral smelling, so I use it in my DIY deodorant, and it even serves a dual purpose if I’ve nicked myself while shaving.

LAVENDER

To me, lavender is the smell of relaxation, and historically this EO has been used to relax muscles, lift moods, and treat insect bites and burns. There’s emerging evidence that these ancient uses may hold up in clinical trials, and, as one study remarked, the “potential therapeutic benefit is seen as a possible 'bonus' to the simple love of lavender.” You can apply lavender neat on skin (without a carrier oil), but if you experience irritation, you can always make a 2% dilution.* My suggestion: add some to your favorite lotion, and enjoy your massage!

*It’s easy to properly dilute EOs in carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond. The recommended 2% dilution works out to about two drops of EO per teaspoon of carrier oil.

I love Sheer Miracle's refreshing vegan, organic facial mist which contains several anti-bacterial essential oils - making it great for acne prone skin.  Plus, it smells like heaven and is positively addicting.

What's your favorite essential oil?  Let us know in the comments below.

About the Author: Gia Mora

Gia Mora, a.k.a. Einstein's Girl, is a multifaceted performer and writer. She brings her unique blend of brains and beauty to her work on screen and stage and now as the newest artist signed to Modern Songbook Records.