Antiviral Essential Oils

Antiviral Essential Oils for Herpes Viruses

When using essential oils to relieve symptoms of topical herpes lesions, I suggest using bases known to help combat the herpes virus, such as coconut oil, Saint John's Wort, olive oil, or tamanu oil. Otherwise, you can use almond, hemp, jojoba, neem, and just about any pure food-grade oil. You can also use vegetable glycerin and aloe vera gel as bases. For example, a mixture of essential oils from Saint John's Wort (6 drops) and lavender (6-9 drops) in one tablespoon of carrier oil helps relieve Post-Herpetic Neuralgia and joint pain in fingers and toes.

 

Here are three topical combinations to help heal herpes lesions quickly. Each of the highlighted oils is known to have antiviral properties. 

 

  • Add 30 drops of lemon balm essential oil to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
  • Add 15 drops of oregano, 10 drops of lemon, and five drops of lavender essential oils to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Add five drops each of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, myrrh, rosemary, and ravensara (not ravintsara) essential oils to 2 tablespoons of Saint John's Wort or vitamin E oil.

 

Once you've created an essential oil blend (diluted in a carrier oil) and performed a patch test, you can apply your oil as needed, every 3-4 hours. You can use more if you have wiped your mouth, gone swimming, or showered. You can also apply more after urinating or after a bowel movement if you're using the oil for a rash "down there" and have wiped it off with a tissue. Just remember not to slather it on. Instead, use a tiny amount each time, just enough to coat the irritated area.

 

Note: Never apply essential oils to the skin without first diluting them, place them in or too close to the eyes or bodily orifices, or swallow them (without sound advice from an expert). Also, avoid exposing your skin to the sun when using citrus essential oils topically, as you may experience sunburn.

Anitviral Essential Oils for Colds & Flu

Eucalyptus

 

Actions: Antiviral, expectorant, decongestant
Best for: Chest congestion, cough, sinus pressure

Uses:

  • Diffusion: 3–5 drops in a room diffuser
  • Steam inhalation: 1–2 drops in a bowl of hot water (eyes closed)
  • Apply topical (chest) at a 1% dilution in carrier oil

Note: Avoid near young children; radiata is gentler than globulus.

 

 

Tea Tree

 

Actions: Broad antiviral, antimicrobial, immune-modulating

Best for: Early infection support, air purification

Uses:

  • Diffuse 2–4 drops in a room diffuser
  • Surface spray: diluted in alcohol + water
  • Apply topically (neck/chest) at a 0.5–1% dilution

Note: Tea tree can be irritating undiluted. Avoid exposure to pets and very young children.

 

 

Ravintsara

 

Actions: Strong antiviral, respiratory tonic

Best for: Viral fatigue, immune support, bronchial issues

Uses: Diffuse 2–3 drops in a room diffuser or apply topically (spine/soles) at a 1% dilution.

 

 

Thyme

 

Actions: Potent antiviral, immune stimulant

Best for: Early-stage viral symptoms

Uses: Diffuse 1–2 drops  in a room diffuser, blended with gentler oils or topically at a 0.5% max dilution

Note: If using thyme essential oil, choose thyme "linalool" or "thujanol", which are safer than other types.”

 

Oregano 

 

Actions: Very strong antiviral

Best for: Short-term, targeted support

Uses: Diffuse one drop in a room diffuser blended with milder oils or apply topically at 0.25–0.5% dilution only.

Caution: Highly irritating (don't use daily)

 

 

Lavender 

 

Actions: Mild antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and calming

Best for: Stress reduction, sleep, and immune balance

Uses: Diffuse 3–5 drops in a room diffuser or apply topically in a 1-2% dilution

Benefit: Stress reduction itself improves immune response.

 

 

Frankincense

 

Actions: Anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive

Best for: Respiratory inflammation, anxious breathing

Uses: Diffuse 3–4 drops in a room diffuser or apply topically to the chest in a 1% dilution.

 

 

Antiviral Diffuser Blend

 

  • 2 drops of Eucalyptus
  • 2 drops Ravintsara
  • 1 drop Lavender

Uses: Diffuse 30–60 minutes in a room diffuser, 2–3× daily.

 

 

Chest Rub (1% dilution)

 

  • 5 drops Lavender
  • 3 drops Eucalyptus radiata
  • 2 drops Frankincense
  • 1 oz (30 mL) carrier oil

Uses: Apply to the chest and upper back.

 

 

Note: You can use individual essential oils in antiviral bases to provide more protection against viruses, bacteria, infections, and resulting pain.

 

 

Also, see Colds, Flu & COVID.