Antibacterial Essential Oils
The antibacterial properties of essential oils and essences have been proven by scientific research.
The principal antibacterial essential oils and essences have been sorted into two categories:
Major antibacterial agents
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| Thymol Thyme | Winter Savory | Oregano | Clove Buds | Tea Tree |
These essential oils are the most effective but are dermacaustic. The essential oils must not be applied to the skin. Tea Tree oil is the exception. It requires no special precautions when used in therapeutic doses. It can be applied to the skin of adults and children.
Average or lesser antibacterial agents
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| Lemongrass | Citronella | Citriodora Eucalyptus | Bourbon Geranium | Palmarosa |
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| Peppermint | Fine Lavender | Linalool Thyme | Scots Pine Eucalyptus | Globulus |
These essential oils require no special precautions (except Eucalyptus with asthmatics). Thsee essential oils may be used by adults and children, by application to the skin (diluted in a vegetable oil) or by air diffusion (alone or combined).
Peppermint is an irritant for mucous membranes in the eye. It is diffused in a blend at a low percentage (maximum 5%), or applied to a small skin area.It should not be used onchildren under 7.