The Story Behind Thieves Oil -- an Immune Support Essential Oil Blend
Years ago, I was waiting in my chiropractor's office when I first read about thieves oil. It was in an article about supporting kids immune systems when they had an ear ache. I remembering thinking -- thieves oil? Sounds kind of weird. But I had no idea that I would soon be using it to help my own family.
Legend has it that during the bubonic plague there was a band of thieves that would go from house to house robbing those afflicted by the disease. They were eventually caught and a judge offered leniency if they would divulge the secret of their being in contact with the ill without getting sick. The thieves were said to use a combination of herbs and spices that kept them safe from illness. So what were these herbs? The mixture contains things such as clove, cinnamon, citrus, eucaplytus, and rosemary. The basic recipe for Thieves oil was born from this mixture. A combination of clove bud, orange or lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon bark, and rosemary essential oils generally comprises Thieves oil. You can combine these oils yourself and many companies sell thieves oil under names such as immune blend, Immune defense, but the basic recipe is the same. These oils are each very effective on their own at at combating germs or stimulating the immune system and together they make a great blend to support immune health. How to use:
* Diffuser: Add 5-6 drops to clear the air when you've been around germy people.
* Aromastick: add 10-15 drops to cotton wick and used as needed. (note clove and cinnamon are very strong oils can be irritating for some).
* Add a drop to water and gargle at the first sign of a sore throat (you can also do this with tea tree and orange).
* Adults/ages 12 and up: Add 10-12 drops to an ounce of unscented lotion or carrier oil and apply to chest and neck. (Under 12 try 5-6 drops of a combination of lavender and orange). Under 5 best to diffuse 15-30 minutes or cuddle with parents that have applied mixture.
NOT suggested for steaming. Cinnamon, clove, and citrus can be irritating when used in this way.
If you'd like to make your own thieves oil immune blend here is a basic recipe:
40 drops of Clove Essential Oil 35 drops of Lemon Essential Oil or Orange Essential oil 20 drops of Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil 15 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
If you'd rather purchase than make the blend I carry an organic and wildcrafted Thieves oil immune support blend in 5ml, 15ml, and 10ml ready to use rollerball in my online store. Made with clove bud, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and rosemary ct. verbenone 100% pure essential oils and starting at $8. GC/MS data is available for each oil. The rollerball is a 3% dilution in organic jojoba oil.
If you have questions about how to use essential oils to prevent colds and flu or any other aromatherapy wellness needs feel free to contact me. When you learn to use essential oils properly at the first sign of a cold or sore throat they can really help. And even if you get sick they can help you feel better faster.
And now you've got an interesting story to share with friends and family.
take care
Tricia
