Do Essential Oils Harm Your Microbiome? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion.

Everyone’s talking about gut health, microbiomes, and whether we should be waging war on bacteria or making peace with it.

So naturally, people are wondering: Can essential oils wipe out good bacteria along with the bad? It’s a fair question! These potent plant extracts are known for their antimicrobial properties. But let’s set the record straight.

First off, here at The Little Homestead Co., we use whole plant herbs, essential oils, & plant extracts in our various formulations. Due to FDA regulations, we cannot claim that our products cause physiological, psychological, or emotional curing. However, rest assured that the clean, natural ingredients we use do support better health & well-being, as the body naturally functions better when its toxic load is reduced.

The information below is not intended to claim that the ingredients we use cause or promote healing. It is shared for educational purposes only—for those who have questions about essential oils' potential therapeutic properties when working with a medical doctor or aromatherapist, as well as their possible effects on gut health.

The Truth About Essential Oils and Bacteria

Yes, essential oils can kill bacteria. That’s part of their magic! But here’s where things get twisted: A lot of the fear-mongering comes from studies where essential oils were tested at full, undiluted strength (100%). At that level, they can indeed have a significant impact on bacteria, both harmful and beneficial. And at that level, they can cause other harm as well (sensitivity, photo-toxicity, etc). Let’s be real though—no one should be slathering undiluted essential oils on their skin or swishing them straight in their mouth. That’s not how they’re meant to be used, and it’s definitely not how responsible formulators include them in products. 

What’s Actually in Essential Oils?

Essential oils don’t contain all the nutrients found in a whole plant. Instead, they contain the volatile aromatic compounds—the parts that evaporate easily and give plants their signature scents. When done properly, these compounds are extracted through methods like steam distillation, cold pressing, or CO2 extraction, and they’re what give essential oils their therapeutic properties.

So using essential oils won't give you the vitamins, minerals, fiber, or other non-volatile plant compounds from the whole plant, but they do capture the plant’s essence, which contains the most potent chemical constituents that fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

How Do Essential Oils Work in the Body?

Volatile aromatic compounds in essential oils aren’t just about smelling nice—they actually interact with your body in powerful ways.

When you inhale them, these tiny molecules travel to the limbic system—the part of your brain that controls emotions, memory, and even heart rate. This is why certain essential oils can help reduce stress, boost mood, or improve focus.

When applied topically (always properly diluted!), essential oils can penetrate the skin and interact with cells. Some have been shown to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, or soothe sore muscles. Essentially, nature has its own chemical messaging system, and essential oils are one of its most effective tools!

Dilution Is the Key to Safe Use

When properly diluted (usually up to 2%), essential oils offer their benefits without wreaking havoc on your microbiome. This applies whether we’re talking about skincare or oral care. Here’s the breakdown:

• Oral Care: Essential oils are often included in oral care products like our ToothPaste, ToothPowder at low, safe concentrations. They help freshen breath and combat harmful bacteria without disrupting the delicate balance of your oral microbiome. 

• Skincare: Well-formulated skincare products like our Body Butter & Lip Balm use diluted essential oils to support your skin’s natural defenses, rather than bulldozing the good bacteria that keep things in check. The key is balance—effective yet gentle.

And if you're going to use essential oils on your own, please make sure to learn about proper dilution, and actually dilute!

Prefer No Essential Oils? ~ Check Out Our 'Just Natural' Line

We know some people would rather products without essential oils, which is why we’ve created our Just Natural line, free from all essential oils. Perfect if you have sensitivities or... are still a little leary of "the science" on both sides & wanna just wait it out.

What About Ingesting Essential Oils?

Many believe that even 100% pure essential oils should NEVER be ingested, while others believe they can be ingested at any time by anyone, while many others believe they can be ingested only with proper guidance.

The International Federation of Aromatherapists does not recommend ingesting essential oils unless you’re under the supervision of a medical doctor trained in clinical aromatherapy. This is because certain oils can be toxic, cause internal damage, & interact negatively with medications.

Want Professional Guidance?

If you want expert advice, here are some resources for more information & to find a certified aromatherapist who can answer your questions:

• Alliance of International Aromatherapists

• National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

Safe Ways to Enjoy Essential Oils

"If ingesting isn’t the way to go, how should I use essential oils?"

Easy:

• Diffuse them to enjoy their volatile aromatic benefits.

• Apply them topically (always properly diluted) for body & skin care.

Bottom line? Essential oils are powerful tools when used correctly. Stick with properly formulated products, dilute when needed, and if you ever have doubts, seek professional guidance. We believe your microbiome (and your body) will thank you!