What Essential Oils Kill Viruses? Everything You Need to Know

How to Use Essential Oils for Combating Viruses

Before relying on essential oils as antivirals, here are a few important notes to remember:

• Look for research-backed evidence of that essential oil having antiviral activity. (Just because a recipe exists online doesn’t mean it’s effective)
• Some essential oils need to be diluted to work properly and safely, and not all oils are equally helpful.
• If you’re feeling unwell and your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a doctor.
• Essential oils should not be ingested, as they pose a risk of toxicity.

With that being said, here are a few suggestions for how to use essential oils to benefit from their antiviral properties:

Aromatherapy for Killing Viruses

Studies suggest that inhalation of essential oil vapors is the most effective method for combating viruses. One aromatherapy method is to add 1-2 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam.

Another popular option is to use a diffuser that will disperse essential oils into the air. You may also simply open your essential oil bottle and take a few deep breaths (being careful not to make skin contact).

You can also apply a few drops of essential oil to your shower walls. The steam from the hot water will release the aromatic compounds, allowing you to inhale them.

Massage Essential Oils into Skin

To fight viruses within your body, you can try massaging essential oils on your skin. The oils will enter through your pores and into your bloodstream, providing their therapeutic effects.

To prevent irritating your skin, use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil before applying it to your skin. Good carrier oils include olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba, sweet almond oil, and argan oil.

You can also use the carrier oil method by adding properly diluted essential oils to your bath.

Using Essential Oils as Disinfectants

Essential oils might also work as disinfectants or cleaning agents that kill viruses. To make an essential oil disinfectant spray or mixture, combine 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil with 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1/2 water, and 1/4 cup white vinegar. Use a spray bottle or damp washcloth to apply the cleaning agent to high-touch, germ-prone surfaces in your home, such as kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, and doorknobs.

Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Viruses?

Yes, tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia), which comes from the tea tree leaves, has demonstrated the ability to kill viruses and bacteria like:

• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Enterococcus faecalis
• Staphylococcus epidermidis

Remember: You should never ingest tea tree oil in any form because it’s highly toxic. Instead, try inhaling with aromatherapy or diluting the oil and massaging into your skin.

Does Eucalyptus Kill Viruses?

Eucalyptus globulus can reduce inflammation, relieve asthma symptoms, and lower stress. It might also fight pathogens and viruses like:

• COVID-19
• P. aeruginosa
• E. coli
• Shigella spp.
• Salmonella typhi
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• S. aureus

Remember: You should never ingest eucalyptus oil in any form because it’s highly toxic. Instead, try inhaling with aromatherapy or diluting the oil with a carrier oil and massaging into your skin.