Thieves Oil

Thieves Oil is a blend of five essential oils –  clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary. It has a rich, spicy, and earthy aroma. This essential oil blend has potent antiseptic, disinfectant, and antibacterial properties, according to a report published in The American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products. It is commonly used as a home remedy for colds and coughs, and to support general immune system health.

The easiest way to take in the oil’s scent is by diffusion or steam inhalation. You can also add a few drops to a skincare lotion or dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it directly to your skin. Or simply place a few drops on a tissue and inhale regularly.

Thieves Oil is also used in cleaning solutions due to its antibacterial and disinfectant properties.

The origin of the name, ‘Thieves Oil’, is a fascinating one. In 1413 AD the Bubonic Plague was rife in Europe, spreading like wild-fire among citizens of all ages. It seemed impossible at the time to live in the vicinity of anyone with this horrible bacterial disease without contracting it, and, at the time the sickness really did mean death as there was no cure.

During this time, in Marseille – France, four men were taking advantage of the death and devastation and became famous for robbing the possessions of the infected and dead – yet never actually catching the disease themselves. People were stunned that these thieves were able to touch the bodies and remain healthy. Word began to spread about a special concoction that the thieves were using to protect themselves. It was said that this special oil could be soaked into a cloth and wrapped over the nose to prevent the ‘pestilence’ from entering.

This blend of oils later became known as ‘Thieves Oil’ and it remains an effective protection today.