Jodi Kelsey is back with more amazing information on incorporating essential oils for dealing with bacteria, microbes, and viruses.See episode notes below for more information from the podcast on specific essential oils and their uses.
Essential Oils that contain…
- Monoterpenes (generally antibacterial, antiviral – also expectorant, decongestant, analgesic, mucolytic (drying)
- huge chemical family found in many EOs
- great airborne deodorizers
- citrus: grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, bergamot, rosemary, juniper berry, fir balsam, frankincense, pine, nutmeg
- Sesquiterpenes (harder to generalize, but often antibacterial): cedarwood, German chamomile, ginger
- Monoterpenols (antiviral, antibacterial): basil, citronella, geranium, lavandin, peppermint
- Phenols (strong bactericidal, anti-infectious, immune stimulant): cinnamon, clove, thyme, oregano
- irritating to skin & mucous membranes, restrict duration
Another way to break it down:
- Antibacterial (so many): anise, basil, bay, bergamot, black pepper, cajuput, cardamom, Roman chamomile, cistus, clary sage, clove, eucalyptus, fennel, fir needle, geranium, grapefruit (citrus), helichrysum (immortelle), juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, oregano, patchouli, peppermint, pine, Ravensara, rose, rosemary, spearmint, tea tree (Australia & New Zealand aka Manuka), thyme, vetiver, yarrow, ylang ylang
- use these for general cleaning: counter tops, toilets, refrigerators
- use citrus (grapefruit) to clean produce (just a couple drops in the water)
- Antimicrobial: basil, bay, black pepper, cajuput, cardamom, Roman chamomile, cinnamon, cistus, clove, fennel, helichrysum, juniper, lavender, marjoram, neroli, oregano, patchouli, peppermint, pine, Ravensara, rose, sandalwood, tea tree (both), thyme, vetiver, yarrow, ylang ylang
- also good for general cleaning
- Antiviral: anise, basil, bay, bergamot, black pepper, cajuput, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, helichrysum, jasmine, marjoram, patchouli, peppermint, pine, Ravensara, rose, sandalwood, tea tree (both), thyme, vetiver, yarrow, ylang ylang
- great during cold and flu season: spray everything, use as a hand sanitizer
How to use:
- Diffuser: put a few drops in a diffuser to help clean the air and prevent the spread of viruses
- Safety: caution kids & pets
