15 Natural, Antiviral/Antibacterial/Antimacrobial Essential Oils

Each of the following dōTERRA essential oils have been found to have antiviral properties to varying degrees. The oils marked with * are the most commonly known, widely used, and generally found to be strongest. 

 

Basil Essential Oil

Basil dōTERRA essential oil also has anti-infectious and antibacterial properties. It can be used topically (with or without dilution, depending on skin sensitivity) and can even be used in cooking or taken internally via capsules to fight systemic infections. 

 

Cassia Essential Oil

Cassia's other properties include antibacterial and Antifungal. It must be diluted (1 drop of cassia to aminimum 3+ drops of carrier oil) and can be massaged into reflex points or over areas of concern. 
 

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon dōTERRA essential oil has many properties, including antibacterial, anti-infectious (especially urinary and intestinal), antiseptic, and many more which aid and assist this and other antiviral essential oils. It is strong, so be sure to dilute it (1 drop of cinnamon to a minimum 3+ drops of carrier), but you can cook, bake, or even make candy with it too. (Healthy candy! Score!) 

 

Clove Essential Oil*

This potent oil is one of the best antiviral essential oils, a strong antiseptic, as well as Antifungal Oil. Great for cleaning and diffusing, and is also antibacterial, disinfectant, and even shows antitumor properties. It can be used topically, diluted with 2 parts carrier oil, or taken internally with the right precautions. 
 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus dōTERRA essential oil is a natural insecticide, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory oil that can usually be applied without diluting. It's most known for respiratory health and works great when massaged over the chest and throat. 

 

Helichrysum Essential Oil

This interesting little oil is powerfully antiviral, as well as antibacterial, antispasmodic, and more. It's one of my favorites for regenerative effects, can be used without dilution for most people, and is generally recognized as safe to consume when indicated. 
 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon dōTERRA essential oil is also an antioxidant, antiseptic, and even shows anticancer properties. It's great for cleaning, can be taken internally, or used topically, although sensitive skin may want to dilute and it can cause photosensitivity. 

 

Lime Essential Oil

This citrus oil is among the antiviral essential oils, but is also antibacterial, antiseptic, and a tonic, and many other things. It can usually be used without diluting, depending on skin sensitivity, and can be taken internally, but like all citrus oils, it can cause sensitivity to the sun with topical use up to 12 hours prior, so I recommend using it before bed. 
 

Melaleuca Essential Oil*

Being one of the best antiviral essential oils, melaleuca is also widely known for its anti-everything properties: antifungal, antibacterial, anit-infectious, antiparasitic, antiviral, and more, including tissue regenerative and neurotonic. Sensitive skin might find they need to dilute, and it works great as a household cleaner, too. 
 

Melissa (Lemon Balm) Essential Oil

Melissa dōTERRA essential oil is also antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihistamine, and more. You can add a drop to your tea, or apply to the skin or over the reflex areas for the area of concern. 

 

Oregano Essential Oil*

Oregano is a highly potent Antifungal and antiviral essential oil. It's also very strong, meaning you should never apply it without diluting first. But you can cook with it! Great for very persistant funkiness, too. Did you know it's being studied for Its Effectiveness Against MRSA? 
 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint dōTERRA essential oil is not only yummy (you can add the oil to tea or water), but is powerfully soothing to the digestive system. Apart from being one of the antiviral essential oils, it's also antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and more. You can usually apply it without diluting, inhale for nausea, or take internally as suggested. 

 

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme dōTERRA essential oil is said to be highly antibacterial, as well as Antiviral, antimicrobial, and antiseptic. It makes a great defense against many concerns, although it should always be diluted (1 drop thyme to aminimum 4 drops carrier oil). It can be cooked with, as can many other "spices" oil.