Table 2 Activity of top 10 essential oils that are active against stationary phase Staphylococcus aureus in terms of their activity against growing bacteria (MIC) and non-growing bacteria in drug exposure

Gentamicin ^a

–

+

+

Sandalwood oil

Santalum spicatum

–

–

Amyris

Amycris balsamifera

+

–

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

+

–

Cinnamon bark

Cinnamomum zeylanicum

–

–

Allspice

Pimenta officicalis

+

–

Thyme white

Thymus zygis

–

–

Health shield

Cassia, clove, eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary

+

–

Bandit “Thieves”

cloves, cinnamon, lemon, rosemary and eucalyptus

–

–

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon flexuosus

–

–

Palmarosa

Cymbopogon martinii

+

–