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The top 10 best & strongest antiviral essential oils to diffuse to keep our homes, bedrooms and work spaces healthy and sanitized and keep viruses, bacteria and germs at bay

Hello my beautiful friends,
in these unusual times now more than ever it’s important to keep our homes, bedrooms and work spaces healthy and sanitized. That’s why today we’re discussing the top 10 best & strongest antiviral essential oils to diffuse in your home.
Essential oils have so many powerful benefits, and the following list can be a great ally when it comes to keeping viruses, bacteria and germs at bay. And as we’re currently facing the Coronavirus outbreak, these can certainly come in handy to help you keep your home a safe place for you and your loved ones.

Nowadays, essential oils are widely studied in research centers around the world: there is hardly a university that doesn’t have a unit especially dedicated to their study. It now appears that the most effective natural remedies against viral infection are essential oils. Some of them have powerful virucidal (meaning that it can effectively deactivate or destroy viruses) effects because they are extremely reactive. That’s also why they need to be handled with care and kept away from children.

Most antiviral essential oils combine other interesting actions such as immune stimulation or an anti-inflammatory effect. Many are also antibacterial, which is particularly interesting because secondary bacterial infections are one of the most common complications of viral infections. To check which are the best essential oils to use in Winter to help you fight a flu, check my dedicated post Top 5 essential oils for Winter.

What will you need to sanitize your home?

Well, once you made your own DIY hand sanitizer gel, make sure to choose 5 (or all 10) of the following essential oils, and your favorite diffuser. We’re currently using and loving the Anjou Cool Mist Essential Oil Diffuser in light brown wood. I just love that I can set it and let it go for up to 15 hours without even thinking about it. It will shut off automatically, and in the meantime, as it’s designed on the base of the principle of hydrokinetics, it will operate below 30dB which doesn’t  affect work or even sleep.

You can also add up to 10 drops to your washing machine before starting the cycle to sanitize your laundry; and up to 20 drops in the warm water/cleaning product when you mop your floor: you’ll get rid of the grime and disinfect at the same time.

Top 10 antiviral essential oils

The following essential oils can be used in combination, which greatly improves their performance against viruses. Their antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions are best combined in order to act on the different levels of viral infections and prevent possible secondary infection.

But without further ado, let’s jump into the top 10 list of antiviral essential oils to diffuse to sanitize your home.

Ravintsara essential oil

If you only use one essential oil as an antiviral weapon, then use this one.
Ideal for preventing winter epidemics, especially in the ENT (ear, nose, throat) area, Ravintsara has exceptional antiviral and anti-infectious power. It facilitates the elimination of cough and a runny nose, and limits the risks of secondary infection. Very versatile, it can be used for both a cold and the flu.
Avoid to use with children under 3 and pregnant women (during the 1st trimester).

The one I use & love:  Organic Ravintsara Essential Oil (100% Pure – USDA Certified Organic) Best Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus radiata)

Anti-infectious par excellence, this is typically the essential oil to use in winter. Antiseptic for the respiratory tract, it decongests the bronchi, throat, sinuses and promotes the evacuation of secretions. It’s also a stimulant of the immune system, and it helps prevent ENT (ear, nose, throat) infections. Sweeter than Ravintsara, it is very well tolerated by children.
Avoid in pregnant women (1st trimester) and in infants under 3 months.

The one I use & love: Eve Hansen USDA Certified Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Niaouli essential oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

The so-called little sister of the Tea Tree e.o., Niaouli is very useful for congested bronchi as it clears the upper respiratory tract thanks to its antiviral and anti-infectious properties. Particularly interesting to diffuse in case of a stuffy nose, sinusitis, sore throat and fever, it also improves the body’s resistance during bacterial attacks.
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding and in children under 3 years of age.

The one I use & love: Deve Herbes Pure Niaouli Essential Oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia) with Glass Dropper 100% Natural Therapeutic Grade Steam Distilled

Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Does this e.o. need any more explanations? I feel it’s the one to have at hand all year long.
A powerful antiviral, with major anti-infectious and broad spectrum antibacterial properties, Tea Tree defeats 90% of viruses and bacteria. Very useful for all infectious pathologies, it quickly relieves symptoms, clears the respiratory tract and prevents secondary infection. Immunostimulant, it is an anti fatigue.
Avoid during the first 3 months of pregnancy and in infants under 3 months.

The one I use & love: Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil – 100% Pure and Natural – Premium Therapeutic Grade with Premium Glass Dropper

Thyme essential oil (Thymus vulgaris)

Antibacterial and major antiviral, Thyme is useful for all winter ailments, especially respiratory infections. Immunostimulant, it tones up the body and helps fight fatigue.
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in children under 3 years old.

The one I use & love: SVA Organics Thyme Essential Oil 4 Oz with Dropper 100% Pure Natural Premium Therapeutic Grade Oil 

Coriander essential oil

Powerful and delicate at the same time, coriander essential oil is ideal for fighting viruses that reach the ENT (ear, nose, throat) area as well as the urinary tract.
Avoid during pregnancy and in children under 6 years old.

The one I use & love: Organic Coriander Seed Essential Oil (100% Pure – USDA Certified Organic) Best Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil 

Hyssop essential oil

Pretty purple flower, the hyssop gives an essential oil whose properties are suitable for the treatment of influenza, bronchitis and various ENT (ear, nose, throat) conditions.
Avoid during pregnancy and in children under 6 years old.

The one I use & love: Pure Gold Hyssop Essential Oil, 100% Natural & Undiluted

Marjoram essential oil

The essential oil of marjoram, more commonly known as oriental marjoram, is reputed to fight against viruses that affect the ENT (ear, nose, throat) area, and also viral or skin infections, such as shingles, chickenpox or psoriasis. Antifungal, it also helps to fight fungal infections.
Avoid during pregnancy and in children under 6 years old.

The one I use & love: Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil (Citrus limonum)

Lemon essential oil, recognizable by its fresh and tangy aroma, is known for its ability to to sanitize the air. Anti-infectious and anti-viral, this essential oil is renowned for its purifying and antibacterial properties and it will help you eradicate the viruses that enter your home, your office or your bedroom.
Avoid during pregnancy and in children under 6 years old.

The one I use & love: Ola Prima Premium Quality Therapeutic Grade Lemon Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)

This e.o. is found to have antiviral and fungicidal properties which result in the inhibited growth of microorganisms. The enhanced properties of peppermint aren’t new, even the ancient Egyptians cultivated it for its medicinal and antiviral properties! [source] Avoid during pregnancy and in children under 6 years old.

The one I use & love: Handcraft Peppermint Essential Oil – 100% Pure and Natural Premium Therapeutic Grade with Premium Glass Dropper

And a last word of advice:
You might want to ask advice to your doctor or pharmacist before using essential oils. Do not use on young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Never use pure on the skin (always in strong dilution in a carrier oil).
WARNING: These properties, indications and methods of use are in no way medical advice. They come from aromatherapy books or specialized websites. This information is given for information purposes. For any use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, consult a doctor.

Thank you for reading all about the top 10 antiviral essential oils to diffuse to sanitize your home. If you have tips, a favorite essential oil, or if you’re planning to use these let me know down in the comments.

And don’t forget to pin this post to share the love ♥
I wish you a love-filled day, stay safe! xoxo

Disclaimer: I’ve been fortunate enough to receive some of the above mentioned products for free to try, but opinions and the choice to review are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links.