Four Thieves Essential Oil Uses – Fact Or Fiction?
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Essential oils continue to trend and grow in popularity throughout the world. While there are many oils and many manufacturers, there remains limited scientific evidence that essential oils are effective. Then why are so many consumers embracing essential oils?
Consumer testimonials continue to detail their positive reviews on the effectiveness of various oils. One of the oils which is frequently mentioned is Thieves Essential Oil or Four Thieves Essential Oil as it is commonly known.
History Of Thieves Oil
One story of the origin of Thieves oil is from the 15th century when Europe and Asia were being devastated by the bubonic plague. According to lore, the European group of four thieves miraculously avoided contacting the highly infectious plague while robbing hundreds of corpses.
When the thieves were finally caught and sent to court a deal was offered… The magistrate offered the group a reduced sentence in return for the secret of avoiding the plague.
Thieves story number two has the Oil being created in response to the thieves punishment. The punishment for crimes was was to bury victims of the plague and the oil saved the thieves from contracting the plague.
Thieves story number three and four attribute the oil as a derivation of vinegars concocted by Richard Forthave and George Bates in the 1700’s and 1800’s.
The legend and lore of the creation of the essential oil lives on, but what is consistent is the Federal Food And Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils.
However, the FDA does regulate the marketing of essential oils, click here for the FDA’s explanation of its’ regulation of aromatherapy.
The original Thieves essential oil was comprised of vinegar and a variety of aromatic herbs, such as clove, cinnamon and rosemary, as well as eucalyptus and lemon.
One of the popular blends of Thieves essential oil is based on the classic formulation from the “story” which is a combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary.
Four Thieves Oil Scientific Research
Many consumers would love scientific research to confirm the effectiveness of essential oils; unfortunately the scientific research has been slow in coming.
I’ve been intrigued by essential oils and while I’d love to see research to “prove” an essential oil accomplishes what is intended this simply does not currently exist.
But personal reviews of essential oils by people I trust and the desire to embrace natural products for myself overwhelms the lack of scientific data and propelled me to further investigate.
The good news is whether a fan or skeptic of essential oils more research is surfacing:
- A fourth grader won the science fair for comparing the results of cleaning with the traditional disinfectant, bleach and pure thieves oil during a flu outbreak in the Cleveland.
- The Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University has a thorough article How And Why To Use Essential Oils which details the most popular oils and intended uses.
- Dr. Annie, PH.D. Biochemistry has a website with her results from home experiments to determine the effectiveness of essential oils.
Thieves Oil As A Disinfectant & Household Cleaner
This blend of oils oil blend is reported by consumers as effective against the stemming flu virus and many common infectious diseases. The oil allegedly works by blocking the protein synthesis of the virus and reproducing which can help prevent it from spreading.
Common sense and research dictates when a family member or close contact has the flu or a cold surfaces need to be disinfected regularly to help prevent spreading the germs.
If you have ever had the flu then you know:
a. the misery
b. how contagious it is and
c. how you definitely do not want to infect others!
The oil can be mixed with water in a spray bottle that can be used to disinfect hard surfaces in the home or as a natural household cleaner. Search “how to make four thieves oil household cleaner” and there are a wide variety of How To articles and videos you take you through the process and measurements step by step.
For those who prefer the turn key version, it can be purchased already mixed from a variety of manufacturers.
More Household Uses Of Thieves Essential Oil
Four Thieves mixed with white vinegar, lemon essential oil and water in a spray bottle will yield a aromatic glass cleaner. Who doesn’t love a freshly scented and clean window!
Diffusers are very popular for use with essential oils and I am a fan! The diffusers allow a very nice wafting of the essential oil throughout a room or home.
I love the VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser because it is a combination diffuser, humidifier and has multiple light settings for sleep or mist.
The design of diffusers have indeed come along way! Seems not that long ago using hot water in a bowl with a towel over the head was a go to for colds and allergies. (Okay, I still use that too! Old school!)
Thieves Essential Oil Uses And Consumer Testimonials
The properties of the Thieves essential oils lie in the special blend of herbs that reportedly can kill airborne bacteria. The thieves oil benefits allegedly stimulates and enhance the immune system and works as a powerful antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-infectious treatment.
This makes the Thieves essential oil especially helpful during the flu season according to its’ fans.
A quick internet search will reveal many devotees of essential oils and aromatherapy. Ultimately it is up to the consumer; however, their are also reported cautions due to the use of certain oils either consumed or applied to the body.
Children And Sensitive Skin Alert
Children and those with allergies and sensitive skin must be very prudent and thoughtful when researching the use of essential oils. Always keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets!
Do your due diligence and research the properties of any oil before application or use. The National Capital Poison Center has an excellent article on the using essential oils and the cautions necessary for all.
Where To Buy Essential Oils
As you research where to purchase essential oils it will become clear that a few of the major brands operate the sales of the products under the Multi Level Marketing (MLM) structure. The Federal Trade Commission offers consumer information on MLM’s on their website. Amazon also offers a wide selection of essential oils from various manufacturers and merchants.
As I continue to explore essential oils, I prefer the ‘starter’ sets which offer the most popular oils so I can test out the oils on a trial basis and evaluate each oil. I am not associated with any manufacturer of any essential oils.
Below I have compiled the essential oil products with the highest number of positive consumer reviews. This is when I love amazon – selection and price!
I’ve not yet tried essential oils. I’m not convinced yet that they are worth it. I do grow lavender, rosemary, and thyme, along with other herbs.
I definitely love the summer season to have a herb garden!
The cool thing is the ingredients in Four Thieves Oil have many other uses – for example, clove oil is good for dental pain. I’m glad you mention safety, though. Some people may have sensitivities to essential oils because of pregnancy or health conditions. They’re very strong, concentrated forms of herbs and should be used with great care.
I do think that smells change how we feel.