Essential Oils as Antibacterials

Interviewer: You touched on this a little bit, but can essential oils treat things like bacteria? I know, [you're] careful to make claims like that - but viruses and things like that. Can you talk a little bit more about the benefits?

Mindy Green, RA, RH (AHG): There is research. If any consumer goes to PubMed . . . 

Interviewer: Mm-hmm.

Mindy Green, RA, RH (AHG): . . . and types in "essential oils and viruses", you can find information on what essential oils are antiviral; which ones are antibacterial. In fact, most essential oils have some antibacterial properties. So in terms of substituting a chemical cleanser for your countertops . . . 

Interviewer: Mm.

Mindy Green, RA, RH (AHG): . . . to something with essential oils, which is also very simple to make with a little bit of soap, or no soap and water and essential oils, and spraying your countertop. And spraying the places that carry bacteria, like your phone . . . 

Interviewer: Mm-hmm.

Mindy Green, RA, RH (AHG): . . . and your computer keyboard, and the toilet seat handle . . . 

Interviewer: Mm-hmm.

Mindy Green, RA, RH (AHG): . . . and things like that. Those are great ways to employ essential oils to cut down on bacterial in the house.