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Thieves essential oil
Essential oils have been in use for centuries.
Essential oils have been in use for centuries. They have been hailed not only for their pleasant aroma but also for their potential benefits in boosting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. One such essential oil, called thieves oil, has been popular for ages for its multi-faceted benefits. Folklore has several variations about the origin of thieves oil. One of the stories says that it was used by four thieves in the 15th century to rob people during the bubonic plague. The thieves applied a mixture of several herbs, spices, and essential oils on their clothes and bodies that would allow them to rob ailing people without catching the illness. Because it was believed to be first used by thieves, the mixture of essential oils got the name “thieves oil.”
Thieves oil is a blend of several essential oils. The most commonly used constituents in thieves oil are cinnamon, eucalyptus, clove, lemon, and rosemary. The oil has a rich and spicy aroma and is thus used in various household and personal care products. You can also make thieves oil at home by following this quick and easy recipe:
- Take 2 mL each of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils in a small tinted glass bottle (15-20-mL capacity).
- Add 2.5 mL cinnamon bark oil to the bottle.
- Shake the bottle to mix all the ingredients well.
- Cover the bottle with a tight lid and keep it in a cool and dark place away from sunlight.
- Alternatively, you may use a bottle with a blue tint to prevent the oil from breaking down due to sunlight.
Several studies have been conducted to study the benefits of thieves oil. You must, however, consult your healthcare provider before trying any new product on yourself. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several warnings to consumers to resist the lure of the claimed benefits of herbal products over prescription medicine. Any product including natural products may have side effects. Hence, you should use any product with caution. The constituents of thieves oil (especially cinnamon, clove, and eucalyptus oil) can irritate the sensitive skin, especially of infants and children. The safety of thieves oil has not been proven in pregnant and breastfeeding women; hence, it should be avoided in pregnant and lactating women.
Some of the popular uses of thieves oil are as follows:
- Indoor air purifier: Thieves oil is said to have antimicrobial properties. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), adding 50-100 drops of essential oil to your diffuser and leaving the room with closed doors for a few hours can make the air clean. It also imparts a refreshing aroma.
- Body massage oil: Add one to two drops of thieves oil to any oil of your choices such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil and massage on your body for smooth and healthy skin.
- Breathing problems: Adding a drop of thieves oil to your steaming bowl and inhaling the vapors are believed to relieve congestion and discomfort associated with lung conditions such as cold and bronchitis. Avoid using the oil for infants and young children. Take your doctor’s advice before trying any non-prescription remedy.
- Household cleaning: Add 15-20 drops of thieves oil in a tinted or dark spray bottle containing two ounces of distilled water. Add a teaspoonful of witch hazel to it and mix well. Use the spray for disinfecting your kitchen, bathroom, or upholstery. Do not use it as a hand sanitizer in place of the FDA- or World Health Organization (WHO)-approved hand sanitizers. The FDA has warned consumers to not use any do-it-yourself (DIY) hand sanitizers because they are ineffective and can be harmful as well.
- Aches and pains: Add one to two drops of thieves oil to a carrier oil and gently massage over the affected area to get relief from aches and pains.
Other uses of thieves oil include: