1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
This oil is only one of a few antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin without diluting it first. It’s well-known for its ability to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne and warts.
Also known as melaleuca oil, it comes from the leaves of the tea tree, or Melaleuca plant, which is native to Australia, and was used for centuries by aboriginal communities in the country as an antiseptic by crushing the leaves of the tea tree, and applying them to cuts, infections, and burns.
In the 1920s, it became widely-known beyond Australia’s borders when chemist Arthur Penfold published a series of papers on its antiseptic properties.
Since then, there have been countless studies conducted that have shown the potential of this oil for healing. For example, in 2004, a scientific review examined its ability to kill bacteria and found that it may be used as an adjunctive treatment for wounds, and may also be able to treat severe infections like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
A 2013 study replicated tea tree oil’s effects on humans who had wounds infected with the superbug Staphylococcus aureus – the participants treated with tea tree oil experienced significantly faster healing time compared to those who were treated conventionally.
You can use it in a diffuser or a nebulizer to help alleviate head and chest congestion, a stuffed up nose and other cold or flu symptoms. Steam inhalation helps to clear congested nasal passages as well as fight off bacteria. You can simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to a pot of steaming hot water, cover your head with a towel and then breathe in the vapors for five minutes or so.
Tea tree oil can also be utilized for its antifungal properties by applying it directly to problems like toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.
2. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano is a commonly used spice adding flavor to lots of dishes, but it also offers excellent therapeutic antibiotic effects. It was first recognized for its antibacterial and disinfecting properties in ancient Greece, where it was frequently used to treat wounds and bacterial infections on the skin.
It contains bacteria-killing abilities and can even help control staph infections. It also provides antiseptic, antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties as well.
In fact, a 2001 study conducted out of Georgetown University and published in Science Daily found that the oil’s germ-killing properties were nearly as effective as most antibiotics. It’s especially noted for battling conditions like foot and nail fungus.
To do so, just place a few drops of the oil in a small tub of water and soak your feet in the solution. Or, you can use it directly on the affected area by diluting one drop of oregano essential oil in a carrier oil.
The oil can also be quite helpful if you’re suffering from a sinus infection. Relief may be found by placing a few drops of oregano essential oil into steaming water (such as the tea tree oil solution above), and then inhaling the steam. The oil not only causes significant damage to bacteria, but it also helps minimize the bacteria’s ability to produce toxins that can be extremely hazardous.
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