Antiseptic

Antiseptic ointments are topical disinfectants applied to cleanse microbes from tissue and surface areas to prevent the spread of infections.

Antiseptic Recipes

All Purpose Spicy House Cleaner Recipe

Calendula Skin Serum Recipe

Herbal Infused All Purpose House Cleaner Recipe

Honey and Lavender Wound Salve

How to Enjoy Using Cinnamon Essential Oil Safely

Blog Articles

Do Essential Oil Diffusers Really Work?

Green Cleaning

How to Enjoy Using Cinnamon Essential Oil Safely

Research on the Cinnamaldehyde Constituent

Rosemary for Skin Irritations

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

GENERAL

• This article summarized antimicrobial research on essential oils with strong research on topical and antiseptic uses, as penetration enhancers, and in fighting medicine resistant species.  From:  Solórzano-Santos, F., & Miranda-Novales, M. G. (2012). Essential oils from aromatic herbs as antimicrobial agents. Current opinion in biotechnology, 23(2), 136-141.
• Antibacterial abilities of 96 essential oils and their constituents were assessed. Marigold, ginger, jasmine, patchouli, gardenia, cedarwood, carrot seed, celery seed, mugwort, spikenard, and orange bitter oils along with the constituents of cinnamaldehyde, estragole, carvacrol, benzaldehyde, citral, thymol, eugenol, perillaldehyde, carvone R, and geranyl acetate were strongest against C. jejuni.  Those most active against L. monocytogenes were gardenia, cedarwood, bay leaf, clove bud, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, thyme, and patchouli and the constituents of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, citral, geraniol, perillaldehyde, carvone S, estragole, and salicylaldehyde.  From:  Friedman, M., Henika, P. R., & Mandrell, R. E. (2002). Bactericidal activities of plant essential oils and some of their isolated constituents against Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica. Journal of Food Protection®, 65(10), 1545-1560.
• A thorough review of research on the antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities of essential oils was provided.  From:  Reichling, J., Schnitzler, P., Suschke, U., & Saller, R. (2009). Essential oils of aromatic plants with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and cytotoxic properties–an overview. Complementary Medicine Research, 16(2), 79-90.
• This article provided a thorough overview of the antimicrobial activities of essential oils against skin pathogens. From: Orchard, A., & van Vuuren, S. (2017). Commercial essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

• A review of research on various types of vinegar showed a potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-obesity effect with potential in improving wound healing time, cardiac health, and cognitive function.  From:  Budak, N. H., Aykin, E., Seydim, A. C., Greene, A. K., & Guzel‐Seydim, Z. B. (2014). Functional properties of vinegar. Journal of food science, 79(5), R757-R764.

BASIL

• A total of 146 organisms were tested against O. basilicum, and the results showed a lack of antifungal activities, but anticandidal and antibacterial effects.  From:  Adigüzel, A., Güllüce, M., ŞENGÜL, M., Öğütcü, H., ŞAHİN, F., & Karaman, I. (2005). Antimicrobial effects of Ocimum basilicum (Labiatae) extract. Turkish Journal of Biology, 29(3), 155-160.
• Ocimum basilicum essential oils and their principal constituents were found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and mold.  From:  Suppakul, P., Miltz, J., Sonneveld, K., & Bigger, S. W. (2003). Antimicrobial properties of basil and its possible application in food packaging. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 51(11), 3197-3207.
• The following essential oils were tested against a variety of microbes in a variety of environments:  cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), basil (Ocimum basillicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), dill (Anethum graveolens), and ginger (Zingiber officinalis).   From:  Lopez, P., Sanchez, C., Batlle, R., & Nerin, C. (2005). Solid-and vapor-phase antimicrobial activities of six essential oils: susceptibility of selected foodborne bacterial and fungal strains. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 53(17), 6939-6946.

BAY

• Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Laurus nobilis were assessed.  From:  Marzouki, H., Khaldi, A., Chamli, R., Bouzid, S., Piras, A., Falconieri, D., & Marongiu, B. (2009). Biological activity evaluation of the oils from Laurus nobilis of Tunisia and Algeria extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide. Natural product research, 23(3), 230-237.
• The leaf extracts of Allamanda cathartica (golden trumpet) and Laurus nobilis (bay) promote wound healing activity.  From:  Nayak, S., Nalabothu, P., Sandiford, S., Bhogadi, V., & Adogwa, A. (2006). Evaluation of wound healing activity of Allamanda cathartica. L. and Laurus nobilis. L. extracts on rats. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6(1), 1.

BENZOIN

• Benzoin was an efficient and strong local skin antibiotic and could be used effectively prior to surgery.  From:  Marsalic, R. N. C., Agrawal, A., Dange, N., & Goel, A. (2007). Tincture benzoin as an antiseptic and adhesive for preoperative surgical preparation. Neurology India, 55(1), 88.

BERGAMOT

• This mega-analysis discussed the research on the therapeutic actions of bergamot.  Modern medicine utilizes the plant as an antiseptic and antibacterial.  Human studies have demonstrated the aroma to be anxiolytic and help with insomnia.  Italian folk remedies rely on the plant to reduce fever, and as an anti-parasite, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial.  It has been used by Italian people to treat skin, oral, respiratory, urinary, and vaginal infections.  From:  Navarra, M., Mannucci, C., Delbò, M., & Calapai, G. (2015). Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application. Frontiers in pharmacology, 6, 36.
• The following commercially bought oils showed antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens:  patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), geranium (Geranium maculatum), sandalwood (Santalum album), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and lavender (Lavendula officinalis).   From:  Maudsley, F., & Kerr, K. G. (1999). Microbiological safety of essential oils used in complementary therapies and the activity of these compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Supportive care in cancer, 7(2), 100-102.

CALENDULA

• A combination of Cassia tora, Calendula officinalis, and Momordica charantia was antibacterial in treating psoriasis.  From:  Roopashree, T. S., Dang, R., Rani, R. S., & Narendra, C. (2008). Antibacterial activity of antipsoriatic herbs: Cassia tora, Momordica charantia and Calendula officinalis. International Journal of Applied research in Natural products, 1(3), 20-28.
• Calendula extracts showed anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, wound healing activities in vivo.  From:  Parente, L. M. L., Júnior, L., de Souza, R., Tresvenzol, L. M. F., Vinaud, M. C., de Paula, J. R., & Paulo, N. M. (2012). Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect in animal models of Calendula officinalis L. growing in Brazil. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2012.
• The use of plants to treat skin conditions was reviewed. Plants identified included Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Glycyrrhiza, Hamamelis virginiana, Melissa officinalis, and Plantago major.  Conditions included acne, dermatitis, herpes simplex, and psoriasis.  From:  Brown, D. J., & Dattner, A. M. (1998). Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1401-1404.

CANNABIS

• In a review of using cannabis in a dermatology clinics, the author summarized the following approved indications included: psoriasis, lupus, nail-patella syndrome, and severe pain. The author further indicated that preliminary studies show potential for the plant in treating: acne, dermatitis, pruritus, wound healing, and skin cancer. More human studies are needed.  From:  Dhadwal, G., & Kirchhof, M. G. (2018). The Risks and Benefits of Cannabis in the Dermatology Clinic. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 22(2), 194-199.

CARAWAY

• Patchouli, caraway, and geranium showed antibacterial action against S. aureus isolated from skin lesions of infected people.  From:  Kwiatkowski, P., Mnichowska-Polanowska, M., Pruss, A., Dzięcioł, M., & Masiuk, H. (2017). Experimental Paper. Activity of essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from skin lesions in the course of staphylococcal skin infections. Herba Polonica, 63(1), 43-52.

CHAMOMILE

• German and Roman chamomile extracts demonstrated varying antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria and fungi.  From:  Boudıeb, K., Kaki, S. A. S. A., Oulebsir-Mohandkaci, H., & Bennacer, A. (2018). Phytochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Potentialities of Two Medicinal plants, Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All and Matricaria chamomilla (L.).
• A Chamaemelum nobile ointment was antibacterial and wound healing in vivo.  From:  Kazemian, H., Ghafourian, S., Sadeghifard, N., Houshmandfar, R., Badakhsh, B., Taji, A., … & Heidari, H. (2018). In vivo antibacterial and wound healing activities of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Infectious Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets-Infectious Disorders), 18(1), 41-45.  Read more:  Link

CINNAMON

• The following essential oils were tested against a variety of microbes in a variety of environments:  cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), basil (Ocimum basillicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), dill (Anethum graveolens), and ginger (Zingiber officinalis).   From:  Lopez, P., Sanchez, C., Batlle, R., & Nerin, C. (2005). Solid-and vapor-phase antimicrobial activities of six essential oils: susceptibility of selected foodborne bacterial and fungal strains. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 53(17), 6939-6946.
• The use of plants to treat skin conditions was reviewed. Plants identified included Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Glycyrrhiza, Hamamelis virginiana, Melissa officinalis, and Plantago major.  Conditions included acne, dermatitis, herpes simplex, and psoriasis.  From:  Brown, D. J., & Dattner, A. M. (1998). Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1401-1404.

CISTUS

• Tested cistus species showed a broad range of antibacterial activity, especially against pathogens associated with skin infections. From: Politeo, O., Maravić, A., Burčul, F., Carev, I., & Kamenjarin, J. (2018). Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils of Wild Growing Cistus species in Croatia. Natural Product Communications, 13(6), 1934578X1801300631.

CLARY SAGE

• Clary sage showed antimicrobial action against staphylococci that may be applicable for topical wound healing.  From:  Sienkiewicz, M., Głowacka, A., Poznańska-Kurowska, K., Kaszuba, A., Urbaniak, A., & Kowalczyk, E. (2015). The effect of clary sage oil on staphylococci responsible for wound infections. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postȩpy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 32(1), 21.

CLEAVERS

• Cleavers showed strong antimicrobial activity against tested skin bacteria and fungi.  From:  Jan, A. K., Shah, M. R., Anis, I., & Marwat, I. K. (2009). In vitro antifungal and antibacterial activities of extracts of Galium tricornutum subsp. longipedunculatum. Journal of enzyme inhibition and medicinal chemistry, 24(1), 192-196.

CLOVE

• The following essential oils were tested against a variety of microbes in a variety of environments:  cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), basil (Ocimum basillicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), dill (Anethum graveolens), and ginger (Zingiber officinalis).   From:  Lopez, P., Sanchez, C., Batlle, R., & Nerin, C. (2005). Solid-and vapor-phase antimicrobial activities of six essential oils: susceptibility of selected foodborne bacterial and fungal strains. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 53(17), 6939-6946.

CORIANDER

• Coriander seed essential oil was active against multiple tested bacteria that cause skin infections in vitro. Further, a 0.5% and a 1.0% cream was tested on 40 volunteers, none of which had skin any skin irritation reactions. From: Casetti, F., Bartelke, S., Biehler, K., Augustin, M., Schempp, C. M., & Frank, U. (2012). Antimicrobial activity against bacteria with dermatological relevance and skin tolerance of the essential oil from Coriandrum sativum L. fruits. Phytotherapy research, 26(3), 420-424.

DILL

• The following essential oils were tested against a variety of microbes in a variety of environments:  cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), basil (Ocimum basillicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), dill (Anethum graveolens), and ginger (Zingiber officinalis).   From:  Lopez, P., Sanchez, C., Batlle, R., & Nerin, C. (2005). Solid-and vapor-phase antimicrobial activities of six essential oils: susceptibility of selected foodborne bacterial and fungal strains. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 53(17), 6939-6946.

EUCALYPTUS

• Polytoxinol, a formula containing tea tree and eucalyptus, was successful in an administered percutaneously treat of intractable MRSA infection of the lower tibia in an adult male.  From:  Sherry, E., Boeck, H., & Warnke, P. H. (2001). Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plant-derived antiseptic. BMC surgery, 1(1), 1.
• Eucalyptus and tea tree showed an antibacterial effect against MRSA.  From:  Sherry, E., Boeck, H., & Warnke, P. H. (2001). Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plant-derived antiseptic. BMC surgery, 1(1), 1.
• Multiple eucalyptus species tested were antimicrobial against a range of microorganisms.  From:  Aldoghaim, F., Flematti, G., & Hammer, K. (2018). Antimicrobial Activity of Several Cineole-Rich Western Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oils. Microorganisms, 6(4), 122.

GERANIUM

• The following commercially bought oils showed antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens:  patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), geranium (Geranium maculatum), sandalwood (Santalum album), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and lavender (Lavendula officinalis).   From:  Maudsley, F., & Kerr, K. G. (1999). Microbiological safety of essential oils used in complementary therapies and the activity of these compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Supportive care in cancer, 7(2), 100-102.
• Patchouli, caraway, and geranium showed antibacterial action against S. aureus isolated from skin lesions of infected people.  From:  Kwiatkowski, P., Mnichowska-Polanowska, M., Pruss, A., Dzięcioł, M., & Masiuk, H. (2017). Experimental Paper. Activity of essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from skin lesions in the course of staphylococcal skin infections. Herba Polonica, 63(1), 43-52.
• A formulation containing Oliveria decumbens and Pelargonium graveolens essential oils improved healing of Staphylococcus aureus infected wounds in mice.  From:  Mahboubi, M., Feizabadi, M. M., Khamechian, T., Kazempour, N., Zadeh, M. R., Sasani, F., & Bekhradi, M. (2016). The effect of Oliveria decumbens and Pelargonium graveolens on healing of infected skin wounds in mice. World journal of plastic surgery, 5(3), 259.

HELICHRYSUM

• Tested helychrysum species demontrated antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities in vitro against a variety of tested pathogens. From: Kutluk, I., Aslan, M., Orhan, I. E., & Özçelik, B. (2018). Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral bioactivities of selected Helichrysum species. South African journal of botany, 119, 252-257.

JUNIPER

• Juniper berry extracts were effective against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria in vitro. From: Akhtar, S., Rauf, A., Rehman, S., & Siddiqui, M. Z. (2019). Antibacterial Screening of Aqueous, Alcoholic and Hydroalcoholic extracts of a Unani drug Abhal (Fruits of Juniperus communis). Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 9(4-s), 48-53.
• Juniper berry essential oil showed activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria as well as fungi / yeast species. From: Pepeljnjak, S., Kosalec, I., Kalodera, Z., & Blazevic, N. I. K. O. L. A. (2005). Antimicrobial activity of juniper berry essential oil (Juniperus communis L., Cupressaceae). ACTA PHARMACEUTICA-ZAGREB-, 55(4), 417.

KANUKA

• Antimicrobial activity of manuka, kanuka, and tea tree were assessed. From:  Lis‐Balchin, M., Hart, S. L., & Deans, S. G. (2000). Pharmacological and antimicrobial studies on different tea‐tree oils (Melaleuca alternifolia, Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka and Kunzea ericoides or Kanuka), originating in Australia and New Zealand. Phytotherapy research, 14(8), 623-629.

KUNZEA

• Kunzea essential oil showed in vitro antimicrobial activity, some mosquito repelling activity in humans, and may be useful in treating skin fungal and bacterial infections based on a study on horses. From: Thomas, J. (2012). Kunzea oil: investigation of composition, bioactivity and therapeitic potential (Doctoral dissertation, University of Tasmania).

LAVENDER

• The following commercially bought oils showed antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens:  patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), geranium (Geranium maculatum), sandalwood (Santalum album), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and lavender (Lavendula officinalis).   From:  Maudsley, F., & Kerr, K. G. (1999). Microbiological safety of essential oils used in complementary therapies and the activity of these compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Supportive care in cancer, 7(2), 100-102.

LEMON

• Antimicrobial action of litsea, rosemary, and lemon were demonstrated against tested skin microbes.  From: Ogbechie, A., Abioye, A. O., Shen, J., & Laird, K. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of Litsea cubeba, Rosmarinus officinalis and Citrus lemon essential oils against five skin-infection related pathogens. Phytochemical Society of Europe.

LICORICE

• The use of plants to treat skin conditions was reviewed. Plants identified included Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Glycyrrhiza, Hamamelis virginiana, Melissa officinalis, and Plantago major.  Conditions included acne, dermatitis, herpes simplex, and psoriasis.  From:  Brown, D. J., & Dattner, A. M. (1998). Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1401-1404.

LITSEA

• Antimicrobial action of litsea, rosemary, and lemon were demonstrated against tested skin microbes.  From: Ogbechie, A., Abioye, A. O., Shen, J., & Laird, K. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of Litsea cubeba, Rosmarinus officinalis and Citrus lemon essential oils against five skin-infection related pathogens. Phytochemical Society of Europe.

MANUKA

• Antimicrobial activity of manuka, kanuka, and tea tree were assessed. From:  Lis‐Balchin, M., Hart, S. L., & Deans, S. G. (2000). Pharmacological and antimicrobial studies on different tea‐tree oils (Melaleuca alternifolia, Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka and Kunzea ericoides or Kanuka), originating in Australia and New Zealand. Phytotherapy research, 14(8), 623-629.

MELISSA / LEMONBALM

• Lemonbalm essential oil was antimicrobial against common hospital pathogens in vitro. From: Jalal, Z., El Atki, Y., Lyoussi, B., & Abdellaoui, A. (2015). Phytochemistry of the essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. growing wild in Morocco: preventive approach against nosocomial infections. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(6), 458-461.
• The use of plants to treat skin conditions was reviewed. Plants identified included Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Glycyrrhiza, Hamamelis virginiana, Melissa officinalis, and Plantago major.  Conditions included acne, dermatitis, herpes simplex, and psoriasis.  From:  Brown, D. J., & Dattner, A. M. (1998). Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1401-1404.

MYRRH

• The following commercially bought oils showed antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens:  patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), geranium (Geranium maculatum), sandalwood (Santalum album), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and lavender (Lavendula officinalis).   From:  Maudsley, F., & Kerr, K. G. (1999). Microbiological safety of essential oils used in complementary therapies and the activity of these compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Supportive care in cancer, 7(2), 100-102.

NIAOULI

• Niaouli reduced topical bacteria in massage therapy.  From:  Donoyama, N., & Ichiman, Y. (2006). Which essential oil is better for hygienic massage practice?. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(3), 175-179.

OREGANO

• Oregano extract ointment decreased bacterial contamination and related skin infection on post-surgical wounds. From:  Ragi, J., Pappert, A., Rao, B., Havkin-Frenkel, D., & Milgraum, S. (2011). Oregano extract ointment for wound healing: a randomized, double-blind, petrolatum-controlled study evaluating efficacy. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 10(10), 1168-1172.

PATCHOULI

• The following commercially bought oils showed antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens:  patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), geranium (Geranium maculatum), sandalwood (Santalum album), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and lavender (Lavendula officinalis).   From:  Maudsley, F., & Kerr, K. G. (1999). Microbiological safety of essential oils used in complementary therapies and the activity of these compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Supportive care in cancer, 7(2), 100-102.
• Patchouli, caraway, and geranium showed antibacterial action against S. aureus isolated from skin lesions of infected people.  From:  Kwiatkowski, P., Mnichowska-Polanowska, M., Pruss, A., Dzięcioł, M., & Masiuk, H. (2017). Experimental Paper. Activity of essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from skin lesions in the course of staphylococcal skin infections. Herba Polonica, 63(1), 43-52.

PLANTAIN

• The use of plants to treat skin conditions was reviewed. Plants identified included Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Glycyrrhiza, Hamamelis virginiana, Melissa officinalis, and Plantago major.  Conditions included acne, dermatitis, herpes simplex, and psoriasis.  From:  Brown, D. J., & Dattner, A. M. (1998). Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1401-1404.

ROSEMARY

• The following essential oils were tested against a variety of microbes in a variety of environments:  cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), basil (Ocimum basillicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), dill (Anethum graveolens), and ginger (Zingiber officinalis).   From:  Lopez, P., Sanchez, C., Batlle, R., & Nerin, C. (2005). Solid-and vapor-phase antimicrobial activities of six essential oils: susceptibility of selected foodborne bacterial and fungal strains. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 53(17), 6939-6946.
• Rosemary and sage were tested against against 13 bacterial strains 6 fungi, and 5 dermatomycetes and showed strong antimicrobial activity.  Rosemary also showed strong antioxidant activities.  From:  Bozin, B., Mimica-Dukic, N., Samojlik, I., & Jovin, E. (2007). Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of rosemary and sage (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae) essential oils. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 55(19), 7879-7885.
• The following essential oils demonstrated an antimicrobial effect:  Satureja montana (winter savory), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), and Calamintha nepeta (calamint).  From:  Panizzi, L., Flamini, G., Cioni, P. L., & Morelli, I. (1993). Composition and antimicrobial properties of essential oils of four Mediterranean Lamiaceae. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 39(3), 167-170.
• Antimicrobial action of litsea, rosemary, and lemon were demonstrated against tested skin microbes.  From: Ogbechie, A., Abioye, A. O., Shen, J., & Laird, K. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of Litsea cubeba, Rosmarinus officinalis and Citrus lemon essential oils against five skin-infection related pathogens. Phytochemical Society of Europe.

SAGE

• Rosemary and sage were tested against against 13 bacterial strains 6 fungi, and 5 dermatomycetes and showed strong antimicrobial activity.  Rosemary also showed strong antioxidant activities.  From:  Bozin, B., Mimica-Dukic, N., Samojlik, I., & Jovin, E. (2007). Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of rosemary and sage (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae) essential oils. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 55(19), 7879-7885.

SAVORY

• The following essential oils demonstrated an antimicrobial effect:  Satureja montana (winter savory), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), and Calamintha nepeta (calamint).  From:  Panizzi, L., Flamini, G., Cioni, P. L., & Morelli, I. (1993). Composition and antimicrobial properties of essential oils of four Mediterranean Lamiaceae. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 39(3), 167-170.

TEA TREE

• The study showed antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil resulted from interrupting the permeability barrier in the microbes: E. coli, Staph. aureus and C. albicans.  From:  Cox, S. D., Mann, C. M., Markham, J. L., Bell, H. C., Gustafson, J. E., Warmington, J. R., & Wyllie, S. G. (2000). The mode of antimicrobial action of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil). Journal of applied microbiology, 88(1), 170-175.
• Polytoxinol, a formula containing tea tree and eucalyptus, was successful in an administered percutaneously treat of intractable MRSA infection of the lower tibia in an adult male.  From:  Sherry, E., Boeck, H., & Warnke, P. H. (2001). Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plant-derived antiseptic. BMC surgery, 1(1), 1.
• Eucalyptus and tea tree showed an antibacterial effect against MRSA.  From:  Sherry, E., Boeck, H., & Warnke, P. H. (2001). Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plant-derived antiseptic. BMC surgery, 1(1), 1.
• The following commercially bought oils showed antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens:  patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), geranium (Geranium maculatum), sandalwood (Santalum album), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and lavender (Lavendula officinalis).   From:  Maudsley, F., & Kerr, K. G. (1999). Microbiological safety of essential oils used in complementary therapies and the activity of these compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Supportive care in cancer, 7(2), 100-102.
• Antimicrobial activity of manuka, kanuka, and tea tree were assessed. From:  Lis‐Balchin, M., Hart, S. L., & Deans, S. G. (2000). Pharmacological and antimicrobial studies on different tea‐tree oils (Melaleuca alternifolia, Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka and Kunzea ericoides or Kanuka), originating in Australia and New Zealand. Phytotherapy research, 14(8), 623-629.

THYME

• Thyme possessed microbicidal activities, especially against gram positive bacteria, likely related to the carvacrol constituent.  This may be usable with products as an antiseptic and preservative.  From:  Juliano, C., Mattana, A., & Usai, M. (2000). Composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Thymus herba-barona Loisel growing wild in Sardinia. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 12(4), 516-522.
• The following essential oils demonstrated an antimicrobial effect:  Satureja montana (winter savory), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), and Calamintha nepeta (calamint).  From:  Panizzi, L., Flamini, G., Cioni, P. L., & Morelli, I. (1993). Composition and antimicrobial properties of essential oils of four Mediterranean Lamiaceae. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 39(3), 167-170.

WITCH HAZEL

• The use of plants to treat skin conditions was reviewed. Plants identified included Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Glycyrrhiza, Hamamelis virginiana, Melissa officinalis, and Plantago major.  Conditions included acne, dermatitis, herpes simplex, and psoriasis.  From:  Brown, D. J., & Dattner, A. M. (1998). Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1401-1404.

YLANG YLANG

• The following commercially bought oils showed antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens:  patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), geranium (Geranium maculatum), sandalwood (Santalum album), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and lavender (Lavendula officinalis).   From:  Maudsley, F., & Kerr, K. G. (1999). Microbiological safety of essential oils used in complementary therapies and the activity of these compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Supportive care in cancer, 7(2), 100-102.

Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 12/16/19