Antibacterial Herbs: Fight Infections And Kill Bacteria



Many herbs and oils are natural antibacterial agents, in fact this catagory is so broad that we can only list some of the more prominent anti-bacterial herbs here. Many herbs may be used as teas and skin washes, herbal oils, and salves to help heal infections. Some of the most effective herbs contain berberine - goldenseal and Oregon grape root are two of the most widely used. Herbs that contain aromatic essential oils are also naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, with oregano, tea tree, cinnamon and thyme some of the top choices.


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


    • See List Herbs by Botanical Name
  • Ajwain Seed Ajwain Seed, Trachyspermum ammi : Ajwan, Ajwon
    herbaceous annual : The high concentration of essential oils in ajwain seeds, primarily thymol, give them an aroma and flavor resembling thyme, with a stronger bite...
  • Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe vera :
    Tender Perennial succulent : The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and lotions....
  • Andrographis Andrographis, Andrographis paniculata : Creat, chuan xin lian, Kan jang, Kalmegha
    small annual shrub : Andrographis paniculata is an herb native to the Indian subcontinent and is used in Ayurveda,the ancient (before 2500 b.c.) Indian system of health care and longevity. ...
  • Anise Seed Anise Seed, Pimpinella anisum : Aniseed
    Annual : Sweet and very aromatic, anise is commonly used to break up congestion, ease coughing and relieve gas and indigestion....
  • Balm of Gilead Balm of Gilead, Populus spp : Poplar Buds
    Evergreen tree : The dried, unopened buds of the poplar tree are used in ointments and skin treatments to reduce pain and inflammation....
  • Balsam Fir Balsam Fir, Abies balsamea (L.)Mill. : Christmas tree, North American fir
    Evergreen tree : As a popular Christmas tree the balsam fir is noted for its aromatic needles and pleasing shape. It is even more notable for its benefits and uses in home herbal medicine....
  • Barberry Barberry, Berberis vulgaris L. : Huang Lian, Chinese Goldthread, Pepperidge-bush, Daru Haridra
    Shrub : Both Chinese goldthread (native to the mountains of Szechwan province in China) and the barberry known in Europe and North America are rich natural sources of berberine....
  • Bayberry Bayberry, Myrica cerifera : Candleberry, wax myrtle
    Shrub : Early American colonists used the wax covering the plants berries to make candles. Some research shows that bayberry contains astringent and antibacterial compounds. ...
  • Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot, Monarda didyma : Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea, Bergamot, Horsebalm
    perennial herb : This species of mint has an aroma similar to the citrus Orange Bergamot, but the two are not related. A safe herb to use in both animals and humans. Like most mints, bee balm has a special affinity towards the digestive tract. Bee balm has excellent antib...
  • Bergamot Oil Bergamot Oil, Citrus bergamia :
    Citrus tree : The fresh, citrus scent of bergamot essential oil is beneficial for anxiety and depression, and very useful as an anti-infectious agent....
  • Bloodroot Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis L : red puccoon blood root, pauson
    Herbaceous Perennial : Bloodroot's name is derived from the color of the reddish roots which contain the phytochemical sanguinarine- The red juice from the root is used externally in pastes and salves to remove warts, skin tags, and some skin cancers....
  • Boldo Boldo, Peumus boldus Molina :
    tree : The Incas used the herb to treat are used to treat bladder and urinary tract infections, the same uses as you will find it recommended for today. Boldo leaves are used to treat bladder and urinary tract infections, gallbladder discomfort, gallstones, he...
  • Boneset Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum : Common Thorough wort, Agueweed, Indian Sage
    : This Native American remedy for colds and fever was adopted by early settlers to America. Only the advent of aspirin displaced boneset as the popular choice for colds and fever....
  • Buchu Buchu, Agathosma betulina :
    Woody perennial : The leaves of the buchu are an effective diuretic, are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. These medicinal properties make Buchu effective in the treatment of bladder infections, kidney infections, urinary tract infections (UTI). Buchu is also often us...
  • Burdock root Burdock root, Arctium lappa : Niu Bang Zi, Go Bo, Gobo
    Biennial : Burdock helps to cleanse the body from the inside out and is most useful in those conditions that can be traced back to liver disorders or a general overload of toxins in the system....
  • Cajeput Oil Cajeput Oil, Melaleuca leucadendron, M. leucadendra : Weeping tea tree, weeping paperbark
    Tree : Cajeput essential oil has a sweet middle note and is very stimulating and warming with a penetrating, camphoraceous scent. Cajeput is a good inhalant oil for colds and sinus infections....
  • Calamus root Calamus root, Acorus calamus : Sweet Sledge. Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Flag
    perennial wetland monocot : Sweet flag, or calamus has been in use worldwide in Asian European and Native American herbal traditions since the times of ancient Greece...
  • Calendula Calendula, Calendula officinalis : Pot marigold
    perennial herbaceous plants : Calendula flower oil is one of the first herbs to consider in minor first aid applications. Particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, and minor wounds....
  • Catuaba Catuaba, Erythroxylum catuaba : caramuru, catagu, catigu, catigua, chuchuhuasha, pau de reposta, or tatuaba
    tree : Catuaba is the most famous of the Brazilian aphrodisiac plants, noted for it's ability to strengthen erections....
  • Cayenne Pepper Cayenne Pepper, Capsicum minimum : Capsicum ,African Pepper, Chillies, Bird Pepper
    Tender perennial shrub : Capsicum, an extract from cayenne and other peppers, can dramatically reduce chronic nerve pain, and is effective against chronic pain like arthritis and neuralgia...
  • Chaparral Chaparral, Larrea tridentata : hediondilla, Shegoi
    Desert Shrub : Chaparral has potent and long-lasting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in the treatment of arthritis. Chaparral herb should only be externally in baths,creams and lotions...
  • Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum morifolium, C. sinense : Mums, Ju Hua, Chu Hua,Florist's Chrysanthemum
    herbaceous perennial : We value the chrysanthemum for their burst of fall color that signals the approach of winter, but like many ornamental plants, chrysanthemums have an ancient reputation in the East as a medicinal plant. ...
  • Cinnamon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia : Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon
    Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar....
  • Clove Oil Clove Oil, Syzygium aromaticum :
    Tropical evergreen tree : Clove is an antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic essential oil that is used to treat colds, viruses, and dental pain. Put a few drops on a cotton ball for toothache...
  • Coconut oil Coconut oil, Cocos nucifera :
    tree : Coconut oil works wonders for dry and damaged skin, cuts, bruises, and speeds the healing while it fights infection. Coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, MCFAs....
  • Copaiba Balsam Copaiba Balsam, Copaifera Officinalis : balsam, copaiva, Jesuit's balsam, copal, palo de aceite, capivi
    tropical tree : Copaiba is used topically to relieve inflammation and help heal athlete's foot, eczema and psoriasis, and heals damaged skin with minimal scarring. ...
  • Coptis Coptis , Coptis spp : Chinese goldthread, Huang Lian, Figwortflower,Canker Root
    perennial : Coptis root is used in much the same manner as other berberine containing herbs; barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root....
  • Couch grass Couch grass, Agropyron repens : Twitch grass, witchgrass, dog's grass, scutch, quackgrass
    Perennial Grass : Couch grass it valued by herbalists for its mucilage rich rhizome....
  • Cranberry Cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon : cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry
    berry : Cranberry may help reduce both urinary tract infections and the amount of dental plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth....
  • Echinacea Echinacea, Echinacea angustifolia : Purple coneflower
    Herb : There are dozens of dozens of biochemical compounds that act in therapeutic synergy in this complex plant that support disease resistance in several ways...
  • Elecampane Elecampane, Inula helenium : Wild sunflower, Horseheal, Yellow Starwort
    Perennial composite plant : Elecampane has been used since the days of ancient Greece and Rome. Elecampane is known primarily as a respiratory tonic and is used to ease breathing....
  • Eucalyptus Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus : Eucalyptus
    tree : Eucalyptus is one of the best known cold and congestion remedies. Eucalyptus oil is also a good pain reliever for sore muscles and arthritis pain....
  • Galangal Root Galangal Root, Alpinia officinarum : Galanga, lesser galangal, Blue ginger, Chinese ginger
    Tropical perennial : Galangal is a sub tropical Asian member of the Ginger family. Herbalists consider the galangal root antispasmodic and antibacterial, and recommend its use in cases of dyspepsia (upset stomach or indigestion) and l...
  • Garlic Garlic, Allium sativum : Poor Man's Treacle, Bawang, Bauang
    Monocot Perennial : Readily available and inexpensive garlic may be the first line of defense in treating high blood pressure, and dealing with common skin and fungal infections....
  • Goldenrod Goldenrod, Solidago virgaurea : Woundwort, Aaron's rod, golden rod
    Perennial flowering plant : This common wildflower is a traditional kidney tonic. Goldenrod's primary aspects are as an anti-inflammatory urinary tract antiseptic, and a treatment for upper respiratory catarrh....
  • Goldenseal Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis : Yellow Root
    Perennial herb : Goldenseal is a folk medicine staple widely used in many herbal salves and ointments as a contact disinfectant. The root contains berberine and hydrastine...
  • Grindelia Grindelia, Grindelia spp : Gumplant, tarweed, rosinweed
    scrub bush : Gridelia which grows wild in the Western states is better known as a external skin treatment for rashes, burns and insect bites. Gridelia was traditionally used for coughs and asthmatic conditions....
  • Hibiscus Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa : Roselle, rosemallow, Jamaica Sorrel, red sorrel, agua de Jamaica
    Perennial Tropical : The calyx of the hibiscus flowers is used to make a wine red tea that is naturally high in Vitamin C...
  • Holy Basil Holy Basil, Ocimum sanctum : Tulsi, Tulasi, Indian Basil
    Herb : Holy Basil has been used for thousands of years in the traditional medicinal of India, Ayurveda. Known to Hindus as Tulsi ...
  • Horseradish root Horseradish root, Armoracia rusticana :
    perennial plant : Grated, fresh horseradish is pungent source of mustard oil, and is used in herbal kitchen medicine in much the same way as mustard. Horseradish may be one of the fastest ways to clear congested sinuses, and its antibiotic properties helps to h...
  • Juniper Berries Juniper Berries, Juniperus communis :
    tree : Juniper is used as a mild diuretic to treat to treat urinary problems. Juniper detoxifies the system and helps prevent the buildup of uric acid in cases of gout and rheumatoid arthritis....
  • Kava-Kava Kava-Kava, Piper methysticum : Ava. Intoxicating Peper
    shrub : Kava kava can be used as a mild sedative for nervous tension and stress. The active constituents in the roots, kava lactones, have relaxing and intoxicating properties....
  • Lemon Lemon, Citrus limonum :
    Fruit Tree : Lemon is used in herbal medicine to help build immunity against colds, influenza, and other viral infections. Lemon has high vitamin C content, antibacterial and astringent properties...
  • Lemongrass Lemongrass, Cymopogon citratus, C.flexuosus : lemongrass
    grass : Lemongrass is a well-known medicinal and culinary herb in the east. In Ayurveda lemongrass with pepper has been used for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea....
  • Lime Oil Lime Oil, Citrus aurantifolia :
    Citrus tree : The lime fruit is antiscorbutic, (high in Vitamin C). The delightful, tangy, citrus aroma of lime essential oil is used in aromatherapy to compliment or substitute for the lemon....
  • Long Pepper, Pippali Long Pepper, Pippali, Piper longum : Bengal Pepper, Indonesian Long Pepper, Java Pepper
    Flowering plant : Pippali is valued in Ayurvedic medicine and foods for enhancing digestion and metabolism....
  • Marsh Mallow Root Marsh Mallow Root, Althaea officinalis L. : Marshmallow, Wymote
    Perennial Herb : Marshmallow is a soothing and healing plant mainly due to it's high mucilage content. Marshmallow is added to cough and cold formulations for the treatment of harsh coughs, it acts as a mild expectorant and helps coat sore throats. Marshmallow's tannins ...
  • Mullein Mullein, Verbascum spp. : Flannel Leaf, Mullein Dock, Aaron's Rod
    Biennial : The ancient reputation that mullein enjoyed in both in Europe and Asia of having the power to exorcise evil spirits may be attributed to the magic mullein oil can perform on a ear ache....
  • Mustard Mustard, Brassica nigra : Mustard Seed, Brown mustard
    : Pungent mustard oil is antibacterial and antifungal, warm and stimulating....
  • Myrtle Myrtle, Myrtus communis :
    Evergreen shrub : In traditional herbal medicine myrtle has been taken internally for urinary infections, digestive problems, bronchial congestion, and dry coughs....
  • Neem Neem, Azadirachta Indica : Margosa, Neem oil
    tree : Neem oil is rich, thick and protective of skin and hair. Use it as a topical treatment for athletes foot, scabies and any fungal infections of the skin. Neem contains essential fatty acids and Vitamin E that moisturize and protects skin. Neem also acts as...
  • Niaouli Oil Niaouli Oil, Melaleuca quinquenervia :
    : Much like tea tree in its antiseptic properties, but with a much milder, fruity aroma. ...
  • Oregano Oregano, Origanum vulgare : Wild Marjoram
    herb : Oregano has a very ancient reputation and has been used in both the kitchen and the sickroom since the time of the ancients. Many would be surprised to learn that oregano is ranked first among the culinary herbs in antioxidant power. Many of the ...
  • Oregon Grape root Oregon Grape root, Mahonia aquifolium : Mountain Grape, holly leaved barberry
    Evergreen shrub : Herbalists use the immune-stimulating and bacteria fighting properties of Oregon grape root in the treatment of bacterial diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and eye infections. Oregon grape shared many of the properties of goldenseal, but is not botanically ...
  • Parsley Parsley, Petroselinum crispum :
    : Parsley leaves and root are high in iron content and rich in vitamins A, B, C and trace minerals. Parsley adds color and aids digestion of the foods we eat and acts to prevent gas and bloating...
  • Pasque Flower Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla nuttalliana : Pasque Flower, Prairie Crocus
    Perennial Wildflower : Pasque flower was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia at the time Millspaugh published his "American Medical Plants" in 1882, and was prescribed by both Eclectic physicians and homeopaths...
  • Periwinkle Periwinkle, Vinca minor : lesser periwinkle, myrtle
    Shrub : The leaves, and seeds of the periwinkle contain vincamine, a precursor to the chemical vinpocetine, which is used as a medicinally to enhance memory naturally while the mind ages....
  • Pine Pine, Pinus sylvestris : Scots Pine
    : Pine oil is used in aroma lamps to clear congestion and disinfect the air and surfaces. Pine needles can be used to stuff therapeutic pillows and to make balms....
  • Poke Root Poke Root, Phytolacca americana : Pokeweed, American nightshade, pigeon berry, chui xu shang lu
    herbaceous perennial plant : Poke root tinctures are used in creams and ointments as a treatment for skin diseases, and the plant has a folklore reputation as a cancer cure that needs further study....
  • Ravensara Oil Ravensara Oil, Ravensara aromatica : ravensare, havozo, hazomanitra
    tree : The essential oil is referred to as the oil that heals and is is obtained by steam distillation from the leaf. ...
  • Saffron Saffron , Crocus sativus :
    crocus : Saffron, the world's most expensive spice, is derived from the dried stigma of the flower of the saffron crocus. Traditional uses of saffron extend far beyond the kitchen. ...
  • Sage Sage, Salvia officinalis :
    Perennial Woody Herb : Sage is a well-regarded herb for relieving the hot flashes of menopause. Sage is used both as a culinary herb and medicinal herb. Sage essential oil is used sparely...
  • Sarsaparilla Root Sarsaparilla Root, Smilax sarsaparilla : zarzaparrilla
    perennial trailing vine : Sarsaparilla makes a good all round tonic, and the spicy, pleasant smelling root is what gave old fashioned root beer its bite and is the part used medicinally....
  • Sassafras root Sassafras root, Sassafras albidum : Sassafrass, Saloop, ague tree, root beer tree,
    Tree : A cup of sassafras root tea has been a traditional spring tonic in the South for hundreds of years, and was part of the home medicine of the early American colonists...
  • Savory, Winter, Summer Savory, Winter, Summer, Satureja montana :
    Perennial Herb : Savory is a carminative herb recommend for gas and digestive upsets, including colic, diarrhea and indigestion....
  • Schisandra Schisandra, Schisandra chinensis : Magnolia vine, wu-wei-zi, Schizandra
    : Schisandra is a well known in Chinese medicine as an adaptogenic herb used to improve mental function, reduce tiredness, and improve endurance....
  • Tea Tree oil Tea Tree oil, Melaleuca alternifolia : Melaleuca
    tree : Tea tree oil is a fast and easy way to treat insect bites and any type of skin fungus. Apply a few drops neat, or use a clean compress to apply to the skin...
  • Thuja oil Thuja oil, Thuja occidentalis : Arborvitae, tree of life, white cedar, yellow cedar, American cedar
    evergreen coniferous tree : Thuja may be used in hot compresses and steam baths to ease rheumatism, arthritis, and achy muscles....
  • Thyme Thyme, Thymus vulgaris : Common Thyme, Wild Thyme
    Woody Perennial Herb : Thyme is one of the best herbs to use as a cough and cold remedy, addressing all your cold symptoms in a holistic way. Thyme acts to clear the lungs of congestion...
  • Tribulus terrestris L Tribulus terrestris L, Tribulus terrestris, : Burra Gookeroo, Burra Gokhru, puncture vine,
    : Native to India, the role of Tribulus Terrestris in Eastern European folk medicine for muscle strength and sexual potency....
  • Turmeric Turmeric, Curcuma longa L. : Curcuma, Indian saffron
    herbaceous perennial plant : Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders and mustards.The curcumin in turmeric has recently been shown effective in the fight against breast cancer, Alzheimer's and arthritis...
  • Uva Ursi Uva Ursi, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi : Bearberry
    Woody Evergreen Shrub : Uva ursi contains a considerable amount of tannins ( up to 40 percent) making it one of natures most powerful astringents. Uva usi is a strong herb that should be reserved for those times when a quick intervention is needed....
  • Wormwood Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium L. :
    Perennial Herb : Wormwood is used today mainly as a bitter tonic, and in natural pest control. As the name implies, wormwood is a powerful worming agent that has been used for hundreds of years to expel tapeworms, threadworms, and especially roundworms from dogs, cats, hu...
  • Yarrow Yarrow, Achillea millefolium : Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Nosebleed
    Perennial herb : Yarrow is one of the best-known herbal remedies for fevers and bleeding. The chemical makeup of yarrow is complex, containing many active medicinal compounds ...