This review discusses the antimicrobial properties of essential oils, their mechanisms of action, and their potential applications in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens. Essential oils, derived from plants, have been extensively studied for their antimicrobial activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. They are effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Recent studies have shown that essential oils can be functionalized with nanoparticles to enhance their antimicrobial potential, as well as encapsulated for controlled release, improving their bioavailability and efficacy. The review highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between essential oils and other antimicrobial compounds, as well as their synergistic effects. It also discusses the components of essential oils, such as terpenes, terpenoids, and phenylpropenes, which contribute to their antimicrobial activity. The review emphasizes the need for further research to develop new antimicrobial strategies, particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance. The study of synergistic antimicrobial activity between essential oils and other compounds is also highlighted, as it can lead to more effective treatments for multidrug-resistant pathogens. Overall, essential oils offer a promising alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents, particularly in the food industry and medical field.This review discusses the antimicrobial properties of essential oils, their mechanisms of action, and their potential applications in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens. Essential oils, derived from plants, have been extensively studied for their antimicrobial activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. They are effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Recent studies have shown that essential oils can be functionalized with nanoparticles to enhance their antimicrobial potential, as well as encapsulated for controlled release, improving their bioavailability and efficacy. The review highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between essential oils and other antimicrobial compounds, as well as their synergistic effects. It also discusses the components of essential oils, such as terpenes, terpenoids, and phenylpropenes, which contribute to their antimicrobial activity. The review emphasizes the need for further research to develop new antimicrobial strategies, particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance. The study of synergistic antimicrobial activity between essential oils and other compounds is also highlighted, as it can lead to more effective treatments for multidrug-resistant pathogens. Overall, essential oils offer a promising alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents, particularly in the food industry and medical field.