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The volatile oil of Lippia javanica was prepared by hydrodistillation of leaves, flowers and stems, and characterized by GC–MS. The major component was 3-methyl-6-(1-methylethylidene)-cyclohex-2-en-1-one. The oil was tested for antimicrobial activity on cultures of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and found to inhibit E. coli and S. aureus at 1% dilution. The oil was also active against Plasmodium falciparum in micromolar concentrations.