Essential oils have been considered for hundreds of years for their therapeutical properties, in spite that very little is still known about how they exert their antibacterial effects in humans. Australian aborigines used Tea tree oil to treat colds, sore throats, skin infections and insect bites and the remedy was sold commercially as a medicinal antimicrobial agent from the early 20th century. Various scientific studies have demonstrated that essential oils are not only well tolerated, but also are efficacious against a range of bacterial and fungal species. Their therapeutic value has been shown for the treatment of a variety of conditions including acne, dandruff, head lice and oral infections.

The essential oils of thyme and cinnamon were found to be extremely effective antimicrobial agents against a range of Staphylococcus species. Strains of these bacteria are common inhabitants of the skin and some may cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. Drug-resistant strains such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are exceedingly difficult to treat.