Oil Profile: Thieves

Thieves History

This special essential oil blend was created from research based on stories about a group of thieves during the 15th-century who would rub oils and spices on themselves to avoid contracting the plague while they robbed the bodies of the dead and dying.

At a time when it seemed impossible to be in the vicinity of a diseased person and not come down with the Black Death, coming across men who had been around many diseased bodies and not gotten sick or died was quite amazing. Thus, when the thieves were caught, the judge agreed to be more lenient with them if they agreed to share their secret.

The thieves turned out to be perfume and spice merchants who lost their livelihoods due to the great devistation of the disease. They combined cloves, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary and applied the blend to their hands, ears, feet, temples, and on a mask that they wore over their mouth.

Thieves Benefits

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is a great immune system booster and a fighting agent against bad bacteria.

Clove – Clove oil is high in antioxidants and has strong antimicrobial properties. This makes is a great oil for boosting the immune system and helping to create a strong defense against respiratory conditions. Clove oil, however, can be overdone. Taking large doses internally for long periods of time could harm the digestive lining. It is best not to ingest it longer than two weeks at a time. This is a hot and very concentrated oil, so a little goes a long way.

Eucalyptus – The main component of Eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, has antimicrobial effects against many strains of bacteria and viruses, thus helping to stimulate the immune system and improve many respiratory conditions. Eucalyptus works as an expectorant, making it a most effective oil for coughs.

Lemon – Lemon oil has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great option for boosting the immune system and helping to fight respiratory conditions and benefit the lymphatic system and promoting healthy drainage.

Rosemary – Rosemary helps to improve circulation and mental health, and its main component, menthol, is a great reliever of congestion. This makes Rosemary a great oil for fighting against respiratory issues and boosting cognitive function.

Thieves Uses and Cautions

I love to apply a drop of Thieves to the back of my throat when it just begins to feel sore, or add a drop or two to a spoonful of honey.

This is also a great one to add to the diffuser to get your home smelling nice and cozy for the fall weather WHILE cleaning up the air.

Because Thieves contains Lemon, Cinnamon and Clove, remember to use the same cautions as you would with those single oils.

Cinnamon and Clove are considered “hot oils”. They can cause skin irritation if you apply them directly to your skin. It is always recommended to patch test new oils on your wrist if you are ever in doubt. With hot oils, I also recommend you use a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) if you apply it topically.

Remember your three “Ds”: When in Doubt, Dilute and Diffuse!