Don't Let Germs Steal Your Joy --Thieves Oil & Vinegar Can Help You Stay Well
I remember the first time I saw "Thieves" oil mentioned in a wellness magazine as being helpful for keeping kids healthy. I had no idea what it was and the name seemed pretty odd. I've come to learn it's wonderful blend with a sorted history.
Legend has it that during the time of the plaque there was a group of gypsies that would steal from the dead and dying. Not a very compassionate crew. They were caught and the police wanted to know how they were able to mingle with the sick without falling prey themselves -- with the promise of some leniency in their sentencing if they spilled the beans. And from there we got thieves oil and thieves vinegar -- blends of herbs and spices that offer germ fighting benefits and immune support.
While I'm not 100% sure the exact amounts and methods they used the modern day essential oil namesakes are very helpful at fighting germs, clearing the air, and supporting immune health. Under the name of immune blend, OnGuard®, or simply Thieves oil these blends typically contain orange or lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, clove, and sometimes a wee bit of oregano (it's very strong!). You can add a few drops of the blend to a diffuser or to a lotion for a topical rub (just be careful with clove, cinnamon, and oregano -- they do need to be diluted well as they can irritate the skin).
You can make your own immune blend by combining germ fighting essential oils. It can be as simple as adding a few drops each of tea tree, orange, and eucaplytus to a diffuser or an ounce of lotion. Add in a bit of rosemary or clove or cinnamon too if you like.
Mountain Rose Herbs (1) offers the following Thieves blend on their site:
40 drops organic Clove Bud essential oil
35 drops organic Lemon essential oil
20 drops organic, fair trade Cinnamon Bark essential oil
15 drops organic Eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops organic Rosemary essential oil
As an alternative or in addition to essential oils you can create a vinegar to take as a tonic or use in salad dressings. It's easy to make and easy to incorporate into your daily routine as a protective measure during cold and flu season.
Here's a recipe from Rosemary Gladstar (2):
To a quart jar add
4 cloves chopped garlic
1/2 cup lavender flowers
1/2 cup rosemary leaves
1/2 cup sage course chopped leaves
1/4 cup thyme leaves
1 teaspoon clove powder
warmed apple cider vinegar to cover herbs (preferably unpasteurized)
Cap and place in a warm sunny place for 3-4 weeks. Strain and cap tightly. Will last up to a year in a cool dark place.
So if you'd like to prevent germs from stealing your joy (and your health) this holiday season give these thieves blends a try. There's a pun in here somewhere!
If you have aromatherapy or essential oil questions or needs contact Tricia or visit the web-store. Today only you can save 25% off all items with the code ONEDAYSALE
1 From : https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/thieves-oil
2 Gladstar, R. Medicinal Herbs (2012), p 73
