The term broad spectrum antimicrobial room sprays, baths, gel and body oils here applies to any microbe, including bacteria and viruses. Sometimes it’s impossible to know what the microbial threats are; you just know that “something is going around” and you don’t want to catch it.
Colloidal silver is a known antibacterial agent and is a useful addition to
general antimicrobial sprays, creams, and gels. Colloidal silver can be used in sprays in conjunction with lavender or tea tree hydrolats, and it can be
incorporated into homemade essential oil waters. Blending colloidal silver in antibacterial creams and gels may lessen its effect somewhat, but it’s still worth trying.
BROAD-SPECTRUM ROOM SPRAYS
These blends are designed to counter any microbes that may be in the environment. Prevent the water in the spray from falling onto delicate materials and wooden furniture.
BROAD-SPECTRUM SPRAY 1
| Spearmint | 10 drops |
| Lemon | 10 drops |
| Orange, sweet | 10 drops |
| Basil linalol | 4 drops |
| Thyme linalol | 4 drops |
| Lemongrass | 6 drops |
| Bay, West Indian | 6 drops |
| Juniper berry | 5 drops |
| Niaouli | 10 drops |
Mix the essential oils together, then add to 4 fl. oz. (120 mL) of warm water.
Shake well, and leave to cool. Shake well before each use. If you prefer to use a diffuser, use up to 8 drops of the essential oil mix.
BROAD-SPECTRUM SPRAY 2
| Thyme linalol | 10 drops |
| Oregano | 12 drops |
| Palmarosa | 10 drops |
| Lemongrass | 9 drops |
| Clove bud | 4 drops |
Dilute the blend of essential oils into 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of distilled white
vinegar, then add the mixture to around 3½ tablespoons (50 mL) of warm water in a spray bottle. Shake well, leave to cool, and shake well before each use. If you prefer to use a diffuser, use up to 8 drops of the essential oil mix.
BROAD-SPECTRUM ANTIMICROBIAL GEL
Because it is sometimes more convenient to use a gel than a carrier oil as the base for the essential oils, here’s a preventative blend that would suit that medium:
| Manuka | 4 drops |
| Lavender | 5 drops |
| Tea tree | 2 drops |
| Thyme linalol | 5 drops |
| Lemon | 8 drops |
| Geranium | 5 drops |
| Eucalyptus radiata | 5 drops |
| Ravensara | 5 drops |
First blend the essential oils together. Then add to 2 fl. oz. (60 mL) of pure aloe vera or silica gel. Apply a small amount around the neck area — under the ears to the clavicle on both sides, across the top of the chest, and the solar plexus or abdominal area.
BROAD-SPECTRUM ANTIMICROBIAL BATHS
The following blends of essential oils should be diluted in 2½ teaspoon (2½ mL) of a carrier oil before being added to the bath.
BROAD-SPECTRUM BATH BLEND 1
| Fragonia | 1 drop |
| Niaouli | 1 drop |
| Frankincense | 1 drop |
| Palmarosa | 1 drop |
BROAD-SPECTRUM BATH BLEND 2
| Lavender | 1 drop |
| Lemongrass | 2 drops |
| Coriander seed | 2 drops |
BROAD-SPECTRUM BATH BLEND 3
| Eucalyptus radiata | 1 drop |
| Geranium | 2 drops |
| Ho wood | 1 drop |
BROAD-SPECTRUM ANTIMICROBIAL BODY OILS
If you are not sure whether the bug you’re trying to protect yourself against is a bacteria or a virus, try the broad-spectrum blends below, added to a light carrier oil such as sweet almond. For each application use a maximum of 6–10 drops in 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of carrier oil.
BROAD-SPECTRUM BODY BLEND 1
| Fragonia | 5 drops |
| Frankincense | 2 drops |
| Palmarosa | 5 drops |
| Geranium | 3 drops |
BROAD-SPECTRUM BODY BLEND 2
| Clove bud | 1 drop |
| Ravensara | 5 drops |
| Lavender | 5 drops |
| Frankincense | 2 drops |
| Lemongrass | 5 drops |
Note: Any essential oil with a citrus aroma has the potential to cause
photosensitivity, so avoid exposure to the sun after applying those oils in a body oil.