About Thieves Oil: History, Uses and Recipes

A long time ago (in the year 1413, to be exact), four thieves were accused of robbing people who were dead or dying from the bubonic plague in Europe. When put on trial, they were asked how they were able to be near infected people without contracting the deadly plague. Their answer was simple: a blend of herbs that they rubbed on their hands, ears and temples.

Since then, thieves oil has often been used to fight against a variety of airborne diseases. Today, the essential oil is a combination of several ingredients, including the original rosemary and cloves used by the thieves during the bubonic plague. The concoction also contains cinnamon, lemon and eucalyptus. Together the ingredients are said to create a very powerful essential oil that is used many ways and in many environments. 


Heals and Cures

According to some, Thieves oil can come in handy for all sorts of bodily needs. Whether you have a cold or just cut yourself with a knife, thieves oil may be the perfect home solution. Some suggest applying the oil to old or new wounds to help them heal quickly. In open wounds, the oil may combat various germs and bacteria that could cause an infection. 

You can also dilute thieves oil with water and gargle it as an alternative way to cure a sore throat. Some say that thieves oil can also be applied under the nose or on the upper chest for breathing problems, headaches and sore throats. And, according to YoungLivingSuccess.com, the oil can also heal various rashes, including allergy-related rashes, poison ivy and heat rashes.



Household Cleaning

Healthy Basis Inc. states that you can use thieves oil almost anywhere in your home. It may ward off diseases, and can even add a nice smell to your home. Healthy Basis suggests adding a few drops of the oil to a load of laundry or a load of dishes for a nicer finish. You can also add it the cleaning solution you already use for washing the floors, counter tops, bathroom and even pet cages. Thieves oil is also said to cut through the grease on your stove, remove built up rust in the bathtub or combat mold anywhere it's growing or may grow.

Other Thieves Oil Uses

Thieves oil isn't limited to just cleaning and curing various aches, pains and diseases. It may also be used the following ways: 


- Create a diluted mixture and spray it on your flower bed or vegetable garden as an alternative to harmful pesticides.

- It's said to naturally ward of insects and bugs that eat away at your goods.

- Use it on pricing stickers to help remove them without leaving sticky residue.

- Apply it to bug bites or stings. Young Living Success states that it may extract the stingers and ease discomfort.

- Burn the oil in any room. Many believe that thieves oil can increase concentration or to improve moods.

- Place it along ant trails around your home to help keep the pesky insects away.

- Brush your teeth with it. It may cure bad breath, heal gums or teeth, and prevent dental diseases.

- Apply it to the underarms as a natural alternative to deodorant.

Create your own thieves oil. Try this easy to follow recipe from NoOrdinaryHomestead.com. Or, try this recipe from KitchenDoctor.com. It's a little more involved, but contains the original recipe for thieves oil. Kitchen Doctor also has a recipe for thieves vinegar.

Sources:

http://www.noordinaryhomestead.com/?p=4730
http://www.kitchendoctor.com/essays/four_thieves.php
http://www.healthybasicsinc.com/pb/wp_8569b065/wp_8569b065.html
http://www.younglivingsuccess.com/2009/02/101-uses-for-thieves-oil.html
http://www.secretofthieves.com/