How to Fight Infections with Essential Oils this Cold/Flu Season

Did you know many herbs and essential oils have powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties? Studies have shown that just like herbs, certain essential oils are as powerful as over the counter medications for treating infections such 

as skin infections and urinary tract infections! Below is a list of some of the most popular antimicrobial essential oils and Click here to see a list of antimicrobial essential oil products on my website.

• TEA TREE OIL has antiseptic properties making it ideal for healing minor cuts and scrapes as well as eliminating oral and acne-causing bacteria. Research showed that tea tree oil is effective against E. coli and staph infections when combined with eucalyptus essential oil (another of my favorites oils). Use tea tree as a household disinfectant, add three drops of tea tree essential oil to a glass spray bottle with 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, and three drops of lemon essential oil.

• GRAPEFRUIT OIL not to be confused with grapefruit seed extract is effective for killing off bacteria such as common infection-causing bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, and E. coli. Ingest by adding 1-2 drops to a glass of water.

• OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL + OIL OF OREGANO. Are effective against 20 different strains of E. coli and can be applied topically when mixed with coconut oil. It is VERY potent - 1 drop goes a LONG way!

• CINNAMON OIL. I love not only the taste of this oil, but it is also another excellent antimicrobial. Studies have proven this oil to be effective in eliminating bacterial growth even after 14 days after using it. You can use cinnamon internally by adding a drop or two when you are baking.

• THYME ESSENTIAL OIL. Highly antimicrobial. Studies have shown it is effective against salmonella. I have found it to be so potent that I make it part of my essential oil antimicrobial formula, this formula that works wonders to create antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer. I also use thyme herb in my cold/flu formula. I just love it!

• LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL is a potent antifungal. Studies have shown it is effective for athlete’s foot, thrush, and yeast infections. You can use lemon essential oil by diffusing it or applying it topically. To diffuse lemon essential oil, place three or four drops in the diffuser of your choice. To use lemon essential oil topically, mix it well with a carrier oil of your choice. Caution: Lemon essential oil is photosensitive, meaning that it reacts to natural sunlight, sun lamps, and other sources of UV rays. When using photosensitizing oil, wait a minimum of six hours before exposing skin to UV rays. Or wear sunblock and protective clothing.

The complete list of antimicrobial essential oils is long; others include peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, palmarosa, lemongrass, orange, geranium, and citronella, to name a few. All essential oils are very potent and need to be diluted in water or a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before using on skin.

Remember I’m here to help if you have any questions email me at Toni@drToniCamacho.com. Click here to listen to this week's radio show for FREE, my guest this week is Dr. Deb Sandella, the creator of RIM a wonderful method to help you let go of the past and promote positive emotions. It is a great show, so don't miss it, listen to it now!

See you next week,
​Toni