The article reviews the antimicrobial properties of essential oils and their components, highlighting recent advancements in nano-encapsulation and synergistic combinations. Essential oils, derived from various plant sources, have been extensively studied for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other biological activities. The mechanisms of action include disruption of cell membranes, interference with metabolic processes, and disruption of efflux pumps. Key components such as terpenes, terpenoids, and phenylpropenes are discussed, along with their specific antimicrobial activities against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Nano-encapsulation techniques, such as chitosan nanoparticles, have been shown to enhance the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of essential oils, making them more effective in controlling multidrug-resistant pathogens. Synergistic effects between different essential oils and their components have also been observed, suggesting potential for developing more potent antimicrobial blends. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding these interactions to design new antimicrobial strategies and improve the efficacy of essential oils in combating microbial infections.The article reviews the antimicrobial properties of essential oils and their components, highlighting recent advancements in nano-encapsulation and synergistic combinations. Essential oils, derived from various plant sources, have been extensively studied for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other biological activities. The mechanisms of action include disruption of cell membranes, interference with metabolic processes, and disruption of efflux pumps. Key components such as terpenes, terpenoids, and phenylpropenes are discussed, along with their specific antimicrobial activities against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Nano-encapsulation techniques, such as chitosan nanoparticles, have been shown to enhance the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of essential oils, making them more effective in controlling multidrug-resistant pathogens. Synergistic effects between different essential oils and their components have also been observed, suggesting potential for developing more potent antimicrobial blends. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding these interactions to design new antimicrobial strategies and improve the efficacy of essential oils in combating microbial infections.