Antibacterial essential oils the new trend in the beauty world today. From time traditional women have always sought out ways to get perfect skin and uproot everything that stands as a hindrance to their goal, one of which bacteria. These bacteria sure know how to Rainone’s routine skincare. With the recent ban of some antibacterial ingredients such as triclosan, it is understandable why there is a search for more natural alternatives for eliminating bacteria. These bacteria are not just limited to the skin, they get everywhere.
Whether you want to make your hand sanitizer, deodorant, cleaning product, or toothpaste, a top-notch essential oil that eliminates bacterias and germs is great. They do their job and leave you with a beautiful fragrance giving you the peace of knowing that you are using only pure ingredients. Now there is a lot of essential oil claiming to have withered antibacterial, antifungal, or antimicrobial property so knowing which the most effective oils will be very helpful. A study revealed that four particular oil – lemongrass, orange, eucalyptus, and peppermint had a strong effect against twenty-two bacterial strains. We will be looking at this four oil and also an additional two essential oil which is considered most effective against bacteria.
Top 6 Antibacterial Essential Oil
1. Lemon Oil
This oil is commonly used in the production of several commercial products you see every day. The aisle of grocery stores filled with different cleaning material from hand soap to sparkling flavored water with lemon essence. Just like citrus oil, lemon oil scent mimics its fruit from where it is derived from.
Of course, there are artificial smells and flavors made these days but still, lemon is recognized universally for its cleanliness and freshness. The oil extracted from it is an astringent, antiseptic, and antibacterial agent.
When lemon oil is diluted it has a wonderful effect on the skin due to the high amount of a compound known as D-limonene which helps in removing wrinkles, skin toning, and promoting circulation. Studies conducted recently discovered that this D-limonene compound possesses anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties.
2. Cinnamon oil
You can consider cinnamon oil as the opposite of cool, bright, and invigorating lemon oil. This oil is spicy, warm, sweet, and musky. Derived from the leaf and bark of the C.verum tree, this essential oil is very ancient with a record of being used extensively by Egyptians.
Cinnamon oil can be used in aromatherapy to clear chest colds, and when used topically it soothes pains and aches due to its analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It can also serve as an antiseptic that makes for a strong natural preservative. It is antimicrobial, antibacterial, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory.
Some studies have even shown that this oil possesses strong antioxidants that can be used to fight heart disease and neurological disorders.
3. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass is one rapidly growing native tropical grass in south India and Sri Lanka. It is also cultivated in warmer climates like Asia and Africa. This plant is used in almost everything from cleaning, to making tea. It is also used by traditional Indian healers for malady treatment, like fever and gastrointestinal issues.
The essential oil derived from this plant is extracted through distilling the plant. A sweet, mild, herbal yet lemon scent comes from this plant. This oil possesses some pharmacological and medicinal properties that can potentially decrease delay tumor and cancerous cells’ growth.
Lemongrass has also been shown to have antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also effective in repelling insects.
4. Clary sage
You might not have heard about this oil, but it is a great oil with numerous skin benefits. It is antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, and can improve circulation. The sweet aroma of this oil makes it stand out from many.
Clary sage is derived from North Africa and the Northern Mediterranean. The oil gotten from it is via steam distillation. Clary sage has a reputation for its ability to control hormones and act as an antidepressant.
For Skin
1. Lavender oil
Lavender oil is one popular oil that you most likely have heard about. The particular species of lavender, which true name is Lavandula angustifolia wields strong antibacterial properties. The reason for this is that it contains strong ingredients like linalool, camphor, linalyl acetate, and eucalyptol.
Lavender is antispasmodic, sedative, antimicrobial,anti-anxiety, antiviral, anesthetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting. This oil is safe but its linalool content may be sensitive in some people this you should test a small portion first to see if your skin will react to it. This oil should also be diluted in a carrier oil when using it.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Another name for this popular oil is melaleuca oil. There is an esteemed spot reserved for this oil in the beauty world today because of its amazing properties. It is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and shows some anti-cancer activity. This oil kills off bacteria and may be effective in treating gingivitis, dandruff, and killing the influenza virus. Research showed that it slows down tumor growth in mice.
Tea tree oil works wonders in treating acne although it does that at a longer duration but with lesser side effects than some other essential oil of its kind. You can use this oil in almost all your DIY products.
How To Use
There is no particular way or recipe on how to use this antibacterial essential oil. The quantity you will use depends on what exactly you are making. But if you plan on using them for your skin, then like we said earlier, first test it to see if it is compatible with your skin. If yes, then proceed to apply it on your skin using a clean cotton pad. Due to the harsh nature of some of this oil, you have to use a carrier oil with it to avoid harming yourself.
