ESSENTIAL OILS
Updated: Oct 24
I truly believe in essential oils. Some have been studied in the lab against Lyme and co-infections, and many people use them on the skin and in the air for pain, inflammation, immune support, sleep, mood and more. Here's what the research shows, how Lyme literate doctors use them, other health benefits people use them for, how to choose a brand, and pet safety.
Short on time or energy? A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
USED FOR LYME AND CO-INFECTIONS: THE RESEARCH
-In a 2017 Johns Hopkins lab study, researchers tested 34 essential oils against the hard-to-kill "resting" form of Lyme bacteria. Oregano, cinnamon bark and clove bud oils were the top three. They showed strong activity even at the lowest strength tested (0.125%), and in a follow-up test they completely killed the resting bacteria with no regrowth after 21 days.
-In a 2018 follow-up, the same team tested 35 more oils. Ten were highly active, including garlic, allspice, myrrh, thyme white and Litsea cubeba (may chang). Garlic oil still cleared the resting bacteria at an even lower strength.
-For Bartonella, a 2019 lab study from the same group screened 149 oils and found 32 with high activity. Oregano, cinnamon bark and mountain savory oils killed all of the resting Bartonella within one day.
-For Babesia, a 2020 lab study screened 97 oils. Garlic and black pepper oils worked best, and garlic oil combined with the antibiotic azithromycin cleared Babesia duncani in the lab with no regrowth.
-A separate 2020 study found myrrh oil slowed several types of Babesia that infect cattle and horses in the lab, and slowed Babesia microti in mice, but it didn't clear the infection.
-A 2023 review by Dr. Samuel Shor and Dr. Sunjya Schweig notes that most of what we know about natural remedies for tick-borne infections, including these oils, comes from lab and animal studies.
-As of 2026, I couldn't find any studies of these oils in people with Lyme, Bartonella or Babesia, and the lead Johns Hopkins researcher says clinical trials are still needed.
HOW LYME LITERATE DOCTORS USE THEM
-Dr. Marty Ross uses a liposomal cinnamon, clove and oregano oil capsule in his herbal plans for Lyme and Bartonella. He chose these oils because lab studies show they kill both resting and growing Lyme bacteria and appear to break up biofilms. He is open that the research in people is still missing and that his use is based on limited science and what he sees in his practice.
-Dr. Richard Horowitz lists the cinnamon, clove and oregano oil combination among his biofilm agents for Bartonella.
-Only take oils by mouth in a product made for that purpose, and only with your doctor's guidance. Never swallow regular essential oils from a bottle. These posts of mine go into more detail:
Oil of Oregano
Cinnamon, Clove and Oregano Oil Combination
OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS PEOPLE USE THEM FOR
There are endless oils I could mention and benefits they could provide, but I wanted to stick to a few basics and let you explore this topic on your own.
-Pain and inflammation: a 2023 review of small trials found that essential oils used on the skin, most often diluted lavender, lowered muscle and joint pain (like arthritis and low back pain) more than a placebo, though the researchers rated the evidence as very low certainty. A 2024 Cochrane Australia review also found aromatherapy may ease chronic muscle and joint pain, though the evidence is weak.
-Frankincense: NIH says Boswellia (frankincense) taken by mouth may help reduce inflammation and pain from osteoarthritis, and a 2025 review ranked it first among supplements for knee arthritis pain. Most of this research used an extract taken by mouth, not the essential oil, but a small 2023 trial found a frankincense extract in oil, rubbed on the knees, eased knee arthritis pain.
-Eucalyptus (coughs and colds): traditionally used to ease coughs from colds and sore muscles. In a small 2021 trial, people with acute bronchitis who took capsules of cineole (a compound found in eucalyptus oil) along with an antiviral medicine had less cough than people who took the antiviral alone. The study was paid for by a drug company.
-Lavender: NIH says a lavender oil product taken by mouth might help with anxiety. A 2023 review of five trials found the lavender capsule Silexan lowered anxiety more than a placebo (the studies were funded by its maker).
-Peppermint: some evidence suggests peppermint oil on the skin may ease tension headaches, and breathing it in may help nausea in people going through chemotherapy. The American College of Gastroenterology's 2021 guideline recommends peppermint oil for IBS symptoms, and enteric-coated capsules may help adults with IBS.
-Skin care: a small amount of evidence suggests tea tree oil may help acne when used on the skin. A 2025 review of skin care studies found tea tree oil was especially helpful for acne, and lavender and rosemary showed anti-inflammatory and anti-aging potential, though researchers say longer studies in people are needed (several of the authors worked for the company that funded it). Frankincense is also popular in anti-aging skin care, and a 2023 study in rats found frankincense oil showed some protective effects against sun damage to the skin, though it hasn't been tested in people yet.
USING THEM SAFELY
-Dilute oils in a carrier oil before putting them on your skin, and do a small patch test first.
-Never swallow essential oils from a bottle.
-Some citrus oils, especially bergamot, can cause burns or dark spots if your skin goes in the sun after using them.
-Keep oils away from your eyes. If oil gets in your eyes, flush them with cool water.
-Peppermint shouldn't be used on the face of babies or young children, and eucalyptus isn't for children under 30 months or children with a history of seizures.
-Talk with your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing.
-Old oils can change over time and become more likely to cause skin reactions. Store them out of heat and light and out of reach of children.
IF YOU HAVE MCAS OR ASTHMA
-Odors and fragrances are a known trigger for many people with MCAS.
-Doctors answering for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology urge caution with diffusers for people with asthma, and Johns Hopkins advises against diffusers in general. UW Health uses personal inhaler sticks instead of diffusers in its hospital.
CHOOSING A BRAND
-"Therapeutic grade" is not an official standard. No U.S. government agency grades or certifies essential oils, and Johns Hopkins calls it a marketing term.
-The FDA treats essential oils sold only for skin care or to make you smell good as cosmetics, which don't need FDA approval. If a company claims an oil treats or prevents an illness, the FDA treats it as a drug, which generally needs FDA approval for safety and effectiveness.
-In an independent 2022 ConsumerLab test, lavender oils from Aura Cacia, doTERRA and Young Living were all found to be authentic and free of contamination.
-doTERRA and Young Living are sold through independent distributors (a multi-level marketing model). Aura Cacia is sold in stores and on Fullscript, and says it tests every batch of its oils.
-A higher price doesn't mean better quality. In ConsumerLab's test, prices varied a lot, but all the lavender oils were authentic. From what I've learned, part of the higher price of doTERRA and Young Living comes from their multi-level marketing model, since sales also pay commissions to their network of distributors.
MY EXPERIENCE
-I love and use doTERRA, and I'd use Young Living too. Lately I've been slowly buying Aura Cacia on Fullscript because it's so much cheaper. I'm no expert and can't say which brand is best, but from the research I've done, these three are pretty comparable, and I'm sure there are plenty more good ones to choose from.
-Moving forward, based on my research, I plan to buy Aura Cacia as I run out of the oils I have, because I'm confident they're authentic and clean, and I know they're cheaper.
-I've used oils on the bottoms of my feet and in my facial products, and making my own intention sprays is a fun hobby of mine.
-I like putting frankincense on the bottoms of my feet, and peppermint oil there has been really helpful for my foot pain.
-Frankincense is a popular oil for anti-aging skin care, and I've added it to moisturizers when I'm being creative and mixing my own concoctions.
-Citrus is definitely mood lifting for me.
-I'll openly admit I'm very paranoid about using oils around my dogs, so I'm very selective about what I diffuse. If I didn't have pets, I'd be slathered in it and walking through clouds of diffused oils! The ones I'm worried about around my pets, I just open, smell and put away.
PET SAFETY
-There is so much conflicting information out there about essential oils and pets. When in doubt, it's always better to be safe, because it's our job to protect them.
-Vets don't agree on essential oils. Some say to avoid them completely around pets, while others, especially holistic vets, use them in their practices with careful safety guidelines. The American Kennel Club notes there's little oversight of how strong or safe these products are, so be careful with "pet safe" claims on labels.
-Cats and birds are at the greatest risk. Cats' livers can't break down some compounds in essential oils well, and they groom oil off their fur. Birds have very sensitive lungs, so the ASPCA says it's best not to use a diffuser in your home if you have birds.
-Dogs don't have the same liver problem as cats, but they can still be poisoned by essential oils.
-The ASPCA says the same concerns apply to rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.
-Oils most often flagged as dangerous for pets include tea tree, wintergreen, sweet birch, pennyroyal, pine, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, peppermint, ylang ylang and citrus oils. Tea tree is the most commonly reported pet poisoning from essential oils.
-Never put essential oils directly on your pet unless your vet advises it, and keep oils up and out of reach so pets can't swallow them.
-Diffusers that spray a fine mist (like ultrasonic or nebulizing ones) put tiny oil droplets in the air that can land on fur and get licked off, which is extra risky for cats and birds. The American Kennel Club says it's best to avoid essential oils around dogs completely, and the ASPCA says to skip diffusers if you have a pet with breathing problems.
-Signs of poisoning can include drooling, vomiting, wobbliness, tremors, trouble breathing, pawing at the mouth, or a smell of oil on their fur or breath. Get your pet into fresh air and call your vet right away. Don't make them vomit.
-ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
-Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee applies)
-I'll admit, although I love doTERRA and would totally use Young Living, I'm very cautious about taking their advice on using oils around pets from their own websites. Pet safety information can be controversial, especially when it comes from the companies that sell the oils. After many hours of digging, frankincense is the one oil I feel most comfortable using around my dogs. Mostly, I'm just paranoid! Every pet is different, so please talk with your vet first.
WHERE TO BUY
Buy products on Fullscript for a 25% discount
Fullscript has several brands of essential oils. Here are a few Aura Cacia oils from Fullscript:
Buy here (Frankincense: Boswellia sacra oil):
Buy here (Lavender, organic: Lavandula angustifolia oil):
Buy here (Lemongrass, organic: Cymbopogon flexuosus oil):
Buy here (Lemon, organic: Citrus limon oil):
Buy here (Peppermint, organic: Mentha piperita oil):
RELATED POSTS
Natural Antibiotics
SOURCES
Microorganisms - Dr. Samuel Shor and Dr. Sunjya Schweig, The use of natural bioactive nutraceuticals in the management of tick-borne illnesses (July 2023)
Dr. Marty Ross, Best herbal antibiotic plans for Lyme, Bartonella and Babesia (updated 2026)
Dr. Marty Ross, The Ross Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Protocol (2024)
LymeDisease.org - Dr. Richard Horowitz, Medical Detective: Effective treatments for Bartonella infections (February 2025)
LymeDisease.org - LYME SCI: Might essential oils cure Lyme disease? A tantalizing premise (October 2017, older source, still worth reading)
Frontiers in Medicine - Feng et al., Selective essential oils from spice or culinary herbs have high activity against stationary phase and biofilm Borrelia burgdorferi, Johns Hopkins lab study (October 2017, older source, still worth reading)
Antibiotics - Feng et al., Identification of essential oils with strong activity against stationary phase Borrelia burgdorferi, Johns Hopkins lab study (October 2018, older source, still worth reading)
Global Lyme Alliance - Essential oils from garlic and other herbs and spices kill "persister" Lyme disease bacteria (December 2018, older source, still worth reading)
Johns Hopkins University Hub - Essential oils from garlic, herbs kill persistent Lyme disease bacteria (December 2018, older source, still worth reading)
Antibiotics - Ma et al., Essential oils with high activity against stationary phase Bartonella henselae, Johns Hopkins lab study (November 2019, older source, still worth reading)
Pathogens - Zhang et al., Identification of essential oils including garlic oil and black pepper oil with high activity against Babesia duncani, Johns Hopkins lab study (June 2020, older source, still worth reading)
Pathogens - AbouLaila et al., Myrrh oil in vitro inhibitory growth on bovine and equine piroplasm parasites and Babesia microti of mice (February 2020, older source, still worth reading)
NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Lavender (February 2025)
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience - Dold et al., Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials (January 2023)
Cochrane Australia for the Australian Government NHMRC - Aromatherapy for any health condition: systematic review report (March 2024)
Pharmaceuticals - Bakó et al., Efficacy of topical essential oils in musculoskeletal disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (January 2023)
NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Boswellia (April 2025)
Nutrients - Zhang et al., Comparative effectiveness of nutritional supplements in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis (August 2025)
BMC Research Notes - Mohsenzadeh et al., Evaluation of the effectiveness of topical oily solution containing frankincense extract in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (March 2023)
Clinical Phytoscience - Kardos et al., Efficacy and safety of cineole in the treatment of patients with acute bronchitis: results of an open-label randomized clinical phase III study (November 2021)
NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Peppermint oil (May 2025)
Frontiers in Medicine - Pezantes-Orellana et al., Evaluating efficacy, safety, and innovation in skin care applications of essential oils: a systematic review (August 2025)
PLoS One - Kotb et al., Protective potential of frankincense essential oil and its loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against UVB-induced photodamage in rats; a promising anti-aging therapy (December 2023)
NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Tea tree oil (April 2025)
European Medicines Agency - Eucalyptus oil (February 2025)
Johns Hopkins Medicine - Aromatherapy: do essential oils really work? (2026)
University of Minnesota Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing - Are essential oils safe? (no date shown)
Cutis - Botanical briefs: Phytophotodermatitis is an occupational and recreational dermatosis in the limelight (April 2021, older source, still worth reading)
UW Health - Clinical use of aromatherapy (March 2025)
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Essential oil diffusers and asthma (October 2026)
Allergy & Asthma Network - What is mast cell activation syndrome? (October 2026)
FDA - Aromatherapy (September 2023)
ConsumerLab - Best lavender and tea tree essential oils identified by ConsumerLab (August 2022)
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy - General safety guidelines (no date shown)
NutraIngredients - Young Living warning letter points to need among MLMs to have plan to police language used by distributors (July 2022)
Salt Lake Tribune - A doTERRA rep claimed we don't need glasses to fix our vision. The internet erupted. (September 2023)
Aura Cacia - Quality (no date shown)
Merck Veterinary Manual - Toxicoses from essential oils in animals (March 2025)
VCA Animal Hospitals - Essential oil and liquid potpourri poisoning in cats (July 2026)
VCA Animal Hospitals - Dr. Renee Schmid, Dr. Ahna Brutlag and Dr. Charlotte Flint, Essential oil and liquid potpourri poisoning in dogs (July 2026)
ASPCA - The essentials of essential oils around pets (June 2022)
Pet Poison Helpline - Essential oils (September 2022)
Pet Poison Helpline - Dr. Kia Benson, Updates on essential oils (March 2020, older source, still worth reading)
American Kennel Club - Are essential oils safe for dogs? (April 2026)
Veterinary Clinics of North America - Dr. Carol Falck, Introduction to veterinary medical aromatherapy (November 2025)
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Pet Poison Helpline
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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