Thieves oil is an essential blend produced by various companies, some more affordable than others. This mix of essential oils is based on a story according to which four thieves in 15th century France blended these essential oils and covered themselves with them before stealing from plague victims; as the story goes, they never fell ill. When they were finally caught, the thieves had to choose between being burned at the stake and revealing their secret formula. They chose to share, and this type of blend has been used ever since.
In vitro studies, as well as countless user claims are a testament to the oil’s effectiveness, even though it has yet to be clinically proven. Thus, Thieves oil is known for its cleansing, antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral properties, as well as for its positive effects on the immune system.
Recipe
Thieves oil is made from the following organic essential oils:
– Clove: rich in antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties
– Lemon: an antioxidant that also has natural cleansing properties
– Cinnamon bark: cinnamon is not only a rich source of antioxidants, but it also aids circulation and the digestive system
– Eucalyptus: an excellent antibacterial
– Rosemary: energizing; fights fatigue and lung infections.
Or, if you prefer to DIY, take a glass bottle with a lid or a spray top, and mix the following:
- 40 drops clove bud essential oil
- 36 drops lemon essential oil
- 20 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
- 16 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops rosemary essential oil
Use as needed and store the rest on a dark shelf, away from direct sunlight.
Uses and reviews
It can have many uses, including:
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Topical
A drop of Thieves diluted with olive or jojoba oil can quickly heal pimples without leaving marks. Similarly, in case of toe nail infections, dilute 3-5 drops of Thieves oil with coconut oil, and apply the mix on the affected nails.
To relieve poison ivy rashes and insect bites, simply apply a few drops over the affected areas; Thieves oil can also neutralize toxins from bees and other insects. Massaging 3-4 drops of Thieves diluted in coconut or sesame seed oil is reportedly very helpful with shingles, whereas any cuts or open wounds will heal faster if you mix 2-3 drops of Thieves essential oil in half a cup of carrier oil, and apply over the wound.
Finally, when your joints get painful, apply a few drops to ease discomfort.
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Diffuse
If you have a diffuser, add a few drops of Thieves oil in water, and let the machine work for 20 minutes; it will clear the air significantly of bacteria, odor and mold. Since the oil smells so wonderful, it will also scent the house. Moreover, the blend of essential oils will improve your mood, help you feel more relaxed and able to concentrate better. Use it in the diffuser at the office to work more efficiently.
If you suffer from sinus problems, add 4 drops of Thieves oil in your diffuser, and turn it on while you are in the room.
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Spray or inhale
Use up to 6 drops of Thieves oil in a spray bottle to disinfect all surfaces, to replace commercial air fresheners and deodorize your rooms naturally. You can also spray your plants to protect them against insects, or use the spray to heal your sore throat.
Reviewers have found that inhaling Thieves oil is very useful in a range of health issues, such as allergies, lung congestion, headache and sinusitis; simply put a drop of oil on the palm of your hand and inhale the vapor.
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Cleaning
Thieves is highly recommended for cleaning and sanitizing the household, since most reviewers found it very effective and many have been using it constantly for several years now.
Add 2 – 6 drops of Thieves oil in water to clean all surfaces, such as floors, kitchen counters, and toilet seats, and remove any stains, including ink and marker stains, that are otherwise hard to deal with. When you need to clean your bathtub, sink or the bathroom floor, 6-8 drops of Thieves essential oil mixed with baking soda will do the trick.
Furthermore, a few drops of Thieves oil in a carpet steamer will disinfect your carpets, while mixing a few drops in your mop water will leave your floors free from bacteria. Don’t forget to add a couple of drops in your dishwasher as well to disinfect all plates and kitchen tools.
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Homemade toothpaste and mouthwash
Make your own toothpaste with solid coconut oil, a few drops of Thieves and 1 tsp baking soda, and brush your teeth as you would with any other paste. The Thieves oil toothpaste tastes great and many reviewers find it highly effective (and affordable).
You can also add some Thieves oil to a herbal tooth powder or apply it directly over your gums; the oil used this way promotes gum health and fights cavities. In case of toothache, you can find relief if you add a drop or two to the affected tooth.
Mix a few drops of Thieves oil in some coconut or sesame seed oil, and swish this around your mouth to promote oral hygiene.
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As complementary treatment
Thieves essential oil can help with various infections and conditions, such as toothaches, nausea, respiratory and digestive problems, muscular aches (clove oil in particular), nail fungus, congestion, cold sores, detoxifying the body (lemon oil), bruises, acne, migraines, tooth decay, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, fighting fever (eucalyptus oil), candida, cold, flu (lemon and eucalyptus oils), immunity boost (clove, lemon oil).
One user reports successfully dealing with her sore throat by gargling before bedtime with a drop of oil in water.
Another user suggests making a chest rub at home. Thus, mix 3 tablespoons of raw coconut oil (or olive oil) with 5 – 10 drops of Thieves essential oil; the result is useful in colds, flues, bronchitis, allergies, and can be rubbed on chest, throat and back, or, in case of congestion and cough, on the feet; make sure to put your socks on afterwards.
According to many users, this oil blend protects you from colds and the flu even when everyone else around you is sick. Many also recommend applying the diluted Thieves essential oil under the feet to prevent cold and flu from affecting you.
It can also be used (diluted!) to massage tired feet and sore muscles, and it is safe since it doesn’t use petroleum.
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Add it to your diet (internal use)
You can use Thieves oil to supplement your diet by adding a drop to half a cup of milk.
To boost your immunity, dilute 4-6 drops of Thieves oil with a tablespoon of olive oil, place the mix in a vegetable capsule, and take it as you would any dietary supplement.
Many users claim that drinking a drop of Thieves essential oil in a glass of water or orange juice can keep cold and flu at bay; drink it at the first symptoms. It also clears cough and congestion. Similarly, if you suffer from laryngitis, dilute a drop of Thieves oil in olive oil, and put it under your tongue. One person states that drinking the oil in her water throughout the day truly helps her sing better and longer.
When you experience a headache, take a drop on your fingertip and apply it to the roof of your mouth.
Where to buy this oil online? You can buy Theives Essential Oil here on Amazon.
Caution
Make sure the Thieves essential oil you are using is authentic; you can recognize it by its strong scent. A product that is too diluted may not be as effective, and this is a rather frequent complaint from many reviewers.
In rare cases, some people may be allergic to Thieves essential oil; to minimize the risk of irritation, always dilute it with a carrier oil, such as coconut, sesame seed, or olive oils. Moreover, overusing the oil can cause sensitization, so apply, inhale or spray it only when you need it.
Especially if you suffer from chronic illness or some severe condition, seek professional medical advice first, and be careful that the essential oil doesn’t interfere with any medicine you may be taking. No essential oils should replace conventional medicine.
Pregnant and breast feeding women should not use this type of blend (or other essential oils, for that matter), especially without the recommendation of their physician. Avoid using Thieves oil on children and pets.
