Essential Oils with Antimicrobial Effects

Among 14 products evaluated by Inouye S et al, essential oils of the following botanicals had the highest antibacterial activity:

• cinnamon bark,
• lemongrass,
• thyme oils,
• perilla, and
• peppermint oils.

Sources: Inouye S, et al. Antibacterial activity of essential oils and their major constituents against respiratory tract pathogens by gaseous contact. J Antimicrob Chemother 2001;47:565-573; Inouye S, et al. Screening of the antibacterial effects of a variety of essential oils on respiratory tract pathogens, using a modified dilution assay method. J Infect Chemother. 2001;7:251-254.