Thieves | Suite101.com

Victoria Anisman-Reiner, B.Sc., C.C.A., J. Engelken, 2003

Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Oct 27, 2006

I mention essential oils often because I believe they are one of the best tools to support health. Essential oils carry oxygen, nutrients, and vital molecules which support emotional and physical health, energize our cells, and support the immune, circulatory, respiratory, hormone and endocrine systems. When it comes to winter weather and flu season, there is one oil I turn to for safe, reliable, tasty and aromatic protection from germs, viruses and colds: "Thieves."

Thieves is a blend of the essential oils of clove, cinnamon, lemon, rosemary and eucalyptus. The blend is based on a recipe developed by a group of spice merchants in 15th-century Marseilles, France, who turned to thieving when trade was shut down due to a plague. They protected their health as they robbed the dead, sick, and dying by applying a combination of herbs, spices, and essential oils to their clothing and skin - a recipe which has since been unearthed in the British archives and used in the present day.

Thieves blend has been clinically tested and proven to be more than 99% effective against airborne bacteria (study conducted at Weber State University, 1997). It has been used to treat everything from candida and bacterial infections to toxic mold to colds and flu. I often take a drop and rub it into my hands after I use a public restroom. I even use it to wash fruit: to eliminate parasites on organic fruit, and remove toxic pesticides and other chemicals from “conventionally” grown produce that has been sprayed.

Because essential oils are made of light molecules, they are easily absorbed by the respiratory system and can be highly effective in treating sinus and respiratory disorders. I slather Thieves on my throat and chest to treat a cold, or on the bottoms of my feet (where the oils are absorbed via reflexology points to keep well, and boost my immunity all winter long. Sometimes I’ll take a drop in a cup of hot water or rice/soy milk (it tastes like chai!) or combine it with lemon and olive oil to make salad dressing.

Please note: The suggestions made here apply ONLY to pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Most of the oils sold in health food stores and elsewhere are diluted, pressed at high temperatures, or processed with chemicals that can decrease their effectiveness and even make them toxic. Please be aware that the source of the oils is important, and labeling can be misleading... DO NOT use essential oils internally or on your body unless you’re sure of their quality and safety.

For more information on essential oils and their use, please feel free to contact me.

Related article: 10 Ways to Boost Immune Health

Other blog posts about essential oils:

Aug 27, 2009 6:43 AM

Victoria Anisman-Reiner :

I'm not a doctor or a medical expert, so I'd always suggest that you run these things by your doctor first, but there's nothing in Thieves blend that should make anyone sick or that could interfere with your pregnancy.

Thieves is a blend of lemon rind, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus and rosemary - most of which you probably eat all the time - and I've never known or heard about anyone reacting adversely to this blend. In fact, it's undoubtedly much safer for you and your baby than the mould or the construction materials you'll be exposed to!

You can diffuse it now, but the best way to really eliminate dangerous mould is to diffuse it once you've opened up the walls - it works better than bleach or other mould deterrants to prevent the infestation from growing back. See http://aromatherapy.suite101.com/article.cfm/thieves_blend_kills_toxic_mold for details.