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What Herbs and Oils Have Antiseptic Properties?

Many people are seeking to lessen the effects of chemically-based antiseptics, on their bodies and on the environment. Fortunately for those people, there are many herbs and essential oils that have antiseptic properties, including echinacea, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and cinnamon bark oil.

  1. Echinacea

    • Echinacea is a perennial herb that is mostly known for its immune stimulating properties. However, this herb also can be used as an antiseptic. It can be easily grown and can be used fresh or dried for later use. The entire plant can be used for medicinal purposes, although the roots and the flowers are the strongest. Common uses for echinacea include boils, cuts, teething, wounds, gangrene, ulcerations, poison ivy and animal or insect bites.

    Tea Tree Oil

    • Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is widely used for its antiseptic properties. It is the most widely studied of the antiseptic herbs and oils. Tea tree oil comes from the Australian tea tree, and its leaves contain terpenoids, which are found to have antiseptic properties. It is commonly found as a pure essential oil or in a variety of creams, ointments and soaps. It is used to treat acne, dandruff, periodontal disease, boils, eczema or as a general antiseptic.

    Grapefruit Seed Extract

    • Grapefruit seed extract is often used as an antiseptic. It is a very stable product with a long shelf life and has a variety of uses. It can be used as a general antiseptic or as a rinse for fruits and vegetables. It also can be used to make drinking water safe, and it is often used by those who travel abroad. It is effective in killing staph, strep, salmonella and other organisms. It can be used to treat tonsillitis or other sore throats, mouth ulcers, cracked lips and cold sores.

    Cinnamon Bark Oil

    • Cinnamon bark oil is taken from the cinnamon tree. It was used in ancient times and was very expensive and highly sought after. In modern times, it is believed by many to be the most effective of the antiseptic essential oils. It has a very high antioxidant rating, and it may even be stronger than some prescription antibiotic medicines. Cinnamon bark oil can be used to treat infections, coughs, circulation problems, respiratory infections, rheumatism, exhaustion, warts and as a digestive aid.

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