What essential oils can kill germs?

Essential oils kill germs

Essential oils have been getting a lot of attention lately because of their health benefits. One of the best and most popular benefits that essential oils can give is that they can kill germs. Eucalyptus, tea tree, citrus, peppermint, cinnamon and neem essential oils are all effective against germs.

Of course, certain essential oils can kill germs better than others. Let’s look at some of the best germ-fighting essential oils.

How do essential oils kill bacteria

The way that essential oils kill bacteria and germs is believed to be by weakening the cell wall of the germs. This way they damage or kill the cells, and at the same time allowing that the antibiotic comes into the cell.

The top 6 best essential oils for killing germs

1 – Eucalyptus oil

First off, we have the essential oil eucalyptus. This oil has been known for its medical properties for many years. There is evidence that it can kill viruses, including flu viruses. Not only is it great for colds and coughs, but eucalyptus oil is also really good for headaches and other types of pain.   

The great thing about eucalyptus oil is that it can be applied in a manner of ways. One of the best ways to use eucalyptus is to inhale its smell. Inhaling its smell is a good way to get rid of germs, bacteria, and infections in the body.

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In addition, eucalyptus oil can also be used as an antiseptic if you have burns, wounds, or sores. It works well as a good substitute to conventional antiseptics that you can find over the counter in drugstores.

2 – Tea tree oil

Another great essential oil that you can use to kill germs is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils on the market today. It is great for aromatic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral purposes. So if you want to really wipe out all of those germs and viruses, tea tree is a great essential oil to have.

What’s more, is that tea tree oil is often used in hand sanitizer. It’s especially useful during this pandemic period when hand sanitizers are needed the most. While you’re out and potentially exposed to COVID-19 droplets, your tea tree-based hand sanitizer may be helpful to cleanse your hands and arms.

In addition to viral droplet protection, tea tree oil also has moisturizing properties. Unlike alcohol, which can dry out your skin, tea tree oil has hydrating properties.

3 – Citrus oil

Citrus oil is also a great type of essential oil that can help get rid of viral diseases and bacteria. Specifically, lemon is one of the most popular citrus essential oils. Lemons are made of 6% of citric acid which is why it is not only great as an overall essential oil but also as a disinfectant product.  

Some natural cleaners contain lemon essential oils inside of them. If you use these lemon-based cleaners, you can kill 99% of germs on your surfaces. Of course, lemon extracts are also used in hand sanitizer, helping to kill the germs on your hands.

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Just like tea tree oil, citrus oil also has hydrating properties that can help moisturize your hands while keeping them clean.

4 – Peppermint oil

Peppermint is usually known for being a massage oil that’s great for relaxation. But aside from that, it’s one of the best essential oils for colds. If you inhale peppermint essential oil, you’ll be able to decrease the allergens in your nose, thus decreasing the symptoms of your cold.

In addition, peppermint can actually help boost the performance of your immune system. It’s great for infections and bacteria in the body. On top of its antiviral properties, peppermint also has some really great antibacterial properties.

You can also use peppermint essential oils for purifying the air. Peppermint is especially good at killing allergens that may cause you the sniffles. That’s why peppermint is often the top choice of essential oil for those who have rhinitis.

5 – Cinnamon oil

If you’re looking for something really potent, then cinnamon is the key essential oil to have. What’s so different about cinnamon oil, anyway? Well, this essential oil happens to have a compound known as cinnamaldehyde. This component is often used for treating viral infections and killing off germs.

Cinnamon also has really strong antibacterial properties that can help with killing off bacterial infections.

6 – Neem oil

Last on the list is neem oil, which acts as not just a germ-killing oil but also as a skin soother. This is a great moisturizer that makes a very effective hand sanitizer. It’s also very versatile when it comes to people with sensitive skin. No matter how sensitive your skin is, neem oil won’t irritate it.  

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Frequently asked questions about essential oils

What’s the best way to use essential oils?

There are many ways to use essential oils. However, one of the best ways to do this is by topical application. You can put essential oil on your hands, rub them together and smell them. Inhaling the oils, in addition to spreading it topically will help get rid of viruses and bacteria.  

Are there hand sanitizers that have essential oils in them?

Several cleansers have essential oils in them. Many vegan, organic or water-based hand sanitizers have an essential oil base. You can also make your own essential oil cleanser by mixing essential oils with water. This kind of cleanser is a great alternative to harsh rubbing alcohol.

How do you cleanse the air with essential oils?

The best way to clean the air with essential oils is to use a diffuser. All you need to do is fill your diffuser with water and put a few drops of your chosen essential oil in it. Turn on the diffuser and the essential oil will spread into the air.

Essential oils have many purposes

These are some of the best essential oils that you can consider buying if you want to cleanse the air around you, kill germs, and prevent illnesses. What’s more is that these essential oils aren’t just for killing viruses, but they also have a lot of other functions as well. They’re gentle on your skin and good for killing off bacteria and fungus.

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