Some positive effects of antibacterial essential oils include the inhibition of growth of bacteria or destroy bacterial cells. Nevertheless, it is difficult to distinguish the differences in the actions. In regards to this, antibacterial activity is frequently measured as the minimum bactericidal concentration or the minimum inhibitory concentration. The effectiveness of each essential oil differs from one type to another. Concurrently, each essential oil also differs against different target bacteria depending on their structure (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria). For example, certain essential oil might not have gram-negative bacterial strains but they exhibit higher inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
Using essential oils are a great remedy for keeping your family and yourself healthy as it is powerful enough to boost one’s immunity system to kill harmful bacteria and fight off infections. They have also shown that certain essential oils are just as powerful as medication for treating infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), and conditions caused by bacteria such as skin infections and urinary tract infections. Utilizing essential oils to treat bacterial infections may be a more effective and healthier option as compared to medication with its antibacterial resistance function. The top few essential oils with the best antibacterial properties are tea tree oil, grapefruit essential oil, oregano essential oil, Cinnamon essential oil, Citronella, eucalyptus essential oil, and thyme essential oil.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is originated from the leaves of the tea tree plant from Australia. It’s been used in the past for centuries to heal burns, cuts, and scrapes, due to its antiseptic properties. It is also effective for distinguishing oral and acne causing bacteria, and can naturally disinfect things in your home, such as sponges, toothbrush, inner area of a washing machine, and the bathroom.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Research shows that grapefruit essential oil is effective for killing off bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, and E. coli.
Oregano Essential Oil
Studies have shown that oregano essential oil is effective against E. coli and pseudomonas aeruginosa, the pathogen that causes cystic fibrosis. Oregano oil has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut and help digestion.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon essential oil has the strongest antibacterial activity against infectious diseases caused by germs found in food. Other studies revealed that it has activity against Gram-positive bacteria (such as staphylococcus) and Gram-negative bacteria (such as E. coli) which is responsible for human infectious diseases, as well as bacteria that cause degradation of food or cosmetics.
Citronella
Citronella oil is best known for being an effective insect repellent. In addition to that, it’s also shown to protect against systemic bacteria – for example, bacteria in the digestive tract – which leads to infections on the skin, such as wounds or cuts, and in the body, the colon, stomach, intestines, and kidneys.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is best known for curing common cold, such as a cough and runny nose, as it helps your body eliminate bacteria from your respiratory tract. It is also able to suppress against both Gram-positive and negative bacteria.
Thyme Essential Oil
One study used thyme essential oil in bacterial vaginosis treatment, and found it being effective for getting rid of recurrent episodes of BV, making it an ideal alternative to antibiotics