The development of resistance to various antimicrobial agents by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites poses a major challenge to the medical field in treating the infections they cause. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore new and innovative antimicrobials. A promising solution lies in the use of natural products, such as essential oils, as antimicrobial agents. Herbs and essential oils have been used since ancient times in various aspects of life, including perfumes, cosmetics, agriculture, and industry. In medicine, these essential oils have demonstrated numerous applications, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, fungicidal, and antitumor activities. Essential oils present a viable alternative to synthetic chemicals due to the presence of biologically active compounds, such as phenols and terpenes, that inhibit or prevent pathogen growth. This review paper aims to explore the importance of essential oils, their components, and the mechanisms they use to combat pathogens. It will also highlight their role as a potential solution to multidrug resistance and discuss future prospects.