13 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Infection
Herbal essential oils for infection are highly concentrated plant extracts used to promote healing and reduce the severity of infectious ailments.
These oils have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, making them effective in fighting off bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause infections.
Some of the most beneficial herbal essential oils for infection include Tea Tree oil, which is known for its antiseptic properties and ability to combat acne-causing bacteria, while Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in soothing wounds and reducing pain.
Additionally, Geranium oil has antimicrobial properties that help combat fungal infections, while Eucalyptus oil has decongestant properties that aid in relieving respiratory infections, and Oregano oil has antiviral properties that help combat viral infections.
According to "Forschende Komplementarmedizin (2006)", essential oils derived from aromatic medicinal plants have been reported to exhibit exceptionally good antimicrobial effects against bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, and viruses.
Below there's a list of the 13 best herbal essential oils for infection.
- 1. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
- 2. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
- 3. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
- 4. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 5. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
- 6. Echinacea purpurea essential oils
- 7. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils
- 8. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 9. Salvia officinalis essential oils
- 10. Origanum vulgare essential oils
- 11. Calendula officinalis essential oils
- 12. Hyssopus officinalis essential oils
- 13. Cinnamomum verum essential oils
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1. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils, also known as tea tree oil, have been traditionally used to treat various infections due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
The terpenes and cineole present in this oil help to inhibit the growth of pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
The bioactive constituents, including eucalyptol and alpha-pinene, play a crucial role in combating bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, making it an effective natural remedy for wound healing and skin infections.
The benefits of using Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils include reducing inflammation, preventing the spread of infection, and promoting a speedy recovery, making it a popular choice for treating infections naturally.
Related Study
According to "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils, specifically 1,8-cineol, terpinen-4-ol, and methyl eugenol, have been reported to possess effective antibacterial and antifungal properties in vitro, making them useful for treating infections.
2. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
Eucalyptus globulus essential oils, derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus globulus tree, possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make them an effective treatment for various infections.
This herbal preparation helps to treat infections by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, reducing inflammation, and promoting the healing process.
The bioactive constituents of Eucalyptus globulus essential oils, including cineole and eucalyptol, play a crucial role in its antimicrobial activity, helping to combat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
The benefits of using Eucalyptus globulus essential oils to treat infections include its ability to reduce symptoms, prevent the spread of infection, and promote a rapid recovery, making it a popular natural remedy for respiratory and skin infections.
Related Study
According to the study, Eucalyptus globulus essential oils, particularly certain phloroglucinol--sesquiterpene-coupled constituents, showed antibacterial activity against oral pathogenic microorganisms with MIC values ranging from 0.20 micrograms/mL to 6.25 micrograms/mL.
3. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
Thymus vulgaris essential oils, also known as thyme oil, have been traditionally used to treat infections due to their antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
The bioactive constituents of thyme oil, including carvacrol and thymol, help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, thereby reducing the severity of infections.
The antibacterial properties of thyme oil help to combat infections by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, ultimately leading to their death.
Regular use of thyme oil can help to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it a valuable herbal preparation in the treatment of infections.
Related Study
According to "Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)", Thymus vulgaris essential oils for infection have shown antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties, which can contribute to alleviating symptoms and supporting the immune system in cases of upper respiratory tract infections.
4. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been traditionally used to treat various infections, including bacterial and fungal infections, due to their antimicrobial properties.
The herbal preparation's ability to inhibit the growth of pathogens and reduce inflammation makes it effective in treating infections.
The bioactive constituents, including linalool and linalyl acetate, contribute to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to combat infection.
The benefits of using Lavandula angustifolia essential oils to treat infections include reduced risk of antibiotic resistance and fewer side effects compared to conventional antibiotics.
5. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat infection ailments due to their antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
These properties help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, thereby reducing the severity of the infection.
The bioactive constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, including camphor, borneol, and pinene, contribute to its antimicrobial effects by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms and preventing their replication.
The benefits of using Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils to treat infection ailments include reduced inflammation, improved wound healing, and a decreased risk of developing antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
Related Study
According to "International journal of microbiology", Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils for infection showed inhibitory zones ranging between 8 and 23 mm against E. coli, and its MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) was between 12.5 and 50 mg/ml.
6. Echinacea purpurea essential oils
Echinacea purpurea essential oils have been traditionally used to treat various infections due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, caffeic acid, and echinacoside, have been found to inhibit the growth of pathogens and reduce inflammation, thereby helping to alleviate infection-related symptoms.
By stimulating the immune system and increasing the production of white blood cells, Echinacea purpurea essential oils can help to combat infections more effectively.
The benefits of using Echinacea purpurea essential oils to treat infections include reduced severity and duration of symptoms, improved immune function, and a lower risk of complications.
Related Study
According to "The Cochrane database of systematic reviews", Echinacea purpurea essential oils for infection may have some benefits, as suggested by the results of 16 included trials, with the majority reporting positive outcomes, but a specific product or preparation cannot be recommended.
7. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils
Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, also known as lemongrass oil, have been traditionally used to treat infections due to its antimicrobial properties.
This herbal preparation contains bioactive constituents such as citral, geraniol, and limonene, which help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, thereby reducing the severity of infections.
The antimicrobial properties of Cymbopogon citratus essential oils help to treat infections by reducing inflammation, preventing the spread of pathogens, and promoting wound healing.
The benefits of using Cymbopogon citratus essential oils to treat infections include reduced risk of complications, faster recovery time, and a lower risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Related Study
According to "African health sciences", Cymbopogon citratus essential oils have inhibitory activities against certain pathogenic organisms, including those causing male reproductive infections, and may be a potential source for antibacterial compounds for their treatment.
8. Zingiber officinale essential oils
Zingiber officinale essential oils, extracted from the rhizome of the ginger plant, have been traditionally used to treat various infections due to their antimicrobial properties.
This herbal preparation helps to treat infections by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses, thus reducing the severity of symptoms such as inflammation and pain.
The bioactive constituents of Zingiber officinale essential oils, including gingerols and shogaols, are responsible for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which help to alleviate infection-related ailments.
The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils to treat infections include reduced inflammation, pain relief, and improved immune function, making it a valuable natural remedy for treating various infection-related conditions.
Related Study
According to "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Zingiber officinale essential oils for infection show potential as an efflux pump inhibitor, specifically through the compound lariciresinol, which can enhance the antimicrobial potency of berberine and lead to effective killing of drug-resistant Salmonella typhimurium at lower minimum inhibitory concentrations.
9. Salvia officinalis essential oils
Salvia officinalis essential oils, derived from the leaves of the sage plant, possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in treating infections.
The herbal preparation's ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi helps to combat infection, reducing symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling.
The bioactive constituents of Salvia officinalis essential oils, including camphor, borneol, and thujone, contribute to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it an effective treatment for various infections.
Regular use of Salvia officinalis essential oils has been shown to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent the spread of infection, providing a natural and effective remedy for this ailment.
Related Study
According to the scientific study, Salvia officinalis essential oils for infection showed effective antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida species, with no observed cytotoxic effect.
10. Origanum vulgare essential oils
Origanum vulgare essential oils, extracted from the leaves of the wild marjoram plant, possess antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to treat infections effectively.
The bioactive constituents of Origanum vulgare essential oils, including carvacrol and thymol, exhibit potent antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of pathogens and reducing the severity of infections.
These properties help to treat infections by reducing inflammation, preventing the spread of disease, and promoting wound healing.
The benefits of using Origanum vulgare essential oils to treat infections include accelerated recovery, reduced risk of complications, and a natural approach to combating bacterial and fungal infections.
Related Study
According to "Future science OA", Origanum vulgare essential oils for infection exhibit synergistic antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, particularly when combined with Hypericum perforatum or its active components carvacrol and hypericin.
11. Calendula officinalis essential oils
Calendula officinalis essential oils are a natural remedy used to treat various infections, including wounds, cuts, and minor injuries, due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties.
This herbal preparation helps to treat infections by promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and preventing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
The bioactive constituents of Calendula officinalis, including triterpenoid saponins, carotenoids, and flavonoids, contribute to its therapeutic effects by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
The benefits of using Calendula officinalis essential oils to treat infections include reduced risk of infection, faster healing times, and minimized scarring.
Related Study
According to "Heliyon", Calendula officinalis essential oils show the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, indicating potential use in treating infections caused by these bacteria.
12. Hyssopus officinalis essential oils
Hyssopus officinalis essential oils, derived from the leaves and flowers of the hyssop plant, possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
The bioactive constituents of this herbal preparation, including camphor, borneol, and tannins, contribute to its ability to combat infection by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and viruses.
Hyssopus officinalis essential oils also help to reduce inflammation and congestion in the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe and recover from illness.
The benefits of using this herbal preparation to treat infections include its natural and non-toxic properties, making it a safe and effective alternative to traditional antibiotics.
13. Cinnamomum verum essential oils
Cinnamomum verum essential oils have been traditionally used to treat infections by leveraging its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
The active constituents, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamene, and linalool, help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, thereby aiding in the treatment of infections.
By reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, Cinnamomum verum essential oils help to prevent the spread of infection and promote a faster recovery.
The benefits of using Cinnamomum verum essential oils to treat infections include reduced risk of complications, faster wound healing, and improved overall immune function.
Related Study
According to "Fitoterapia", Cinnamomum verum essential oils for infection showed the highest and broadest antibacterial activity against locally prevalent pathogenic bacteria strains.