With the benefits of Thieves oil including cleaning power and an irresistibly spicy scent, diffuse Thieves oil throughout the house for an aroma that makes every room smell more like fall baking than harsh cleaning formulas.
5 Benefits of Thieves Oil
1. Immune System Booster
If you know about the roots of thieves oil (thieves protecting themselves from the deadly plague), it’s no surprise that this oil is often used as a natural immune booster. How could this blend of essential oils help fight off sickness? For starters, research has shown that clove and rosemary oils possess powerful antibacterial and antifungal abilities. Both oils have been shown to have significant antimicrobial effects against bacteria including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.
Cinnamon bark oil is also one of the top antibacterial essential oils that can help fight harmful bacteria and fungi. A 2011 study conducted by the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Kyung Hee University in Korea found that an extract of cinnamon oil had significant antioxidant activity useful for lowering oxidative stress and free radical formation in the body that contributes to so many diseases.
2. Muscle and Joint Relief
Essential oils are generally loved for their natural anti-inflammatory abilities. Rosemary and eucalyptus oil, two energizing oils included in a thieves oil mix, are especially known for helping to relieve aches and pains in the body.
Research points towards the ability of rosemary oil and eucalyptus oil to relieve rheumatoid arthritis as well as muscle and joint pains and aches. Thieves oil can be diluted and applied topically for these concerns.
3. Nontoxic Cleaning
Thieves oil also makes a great addition to homemade cleaning products. Not only can it leave your house smelling spicy and fresh, it can also help to kill bacteria in all different areas of your home.
The antibacterial abilities of the oils included in this blend make it great for disinfecting your home in a nontoxic way. Combined with natural cleaning products like white vinegar, thieves oil may quickly become your go-to blend for nontoxic cleaning.
The lemon oil in a thieves blend is especially excellent at cutting through grease and grime, leaving surfaces bright and shiny.
4. Respiratory System Aid
The eucalyptus in thieves oil is especially great for boosting respiratory health. Traditionally, eucalyptus oil is known for its use in several respiratory tract disorders including sinusitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis.
Animal and in vitro studies have both shown that eucalyptus oil acts as a natural expectorant, which means it helps to loosen phlegm. This is why eucalyptus oil is commonly included in over-the-counter (OTC) products for coughs and colds.
Lemon oil is widely used to stimulate lymph drainage, which is helpful for unpleasant respiratory symptoms like mucus congestion.
The general antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of thieves — thanks to all five essential oils — make it a helpful choice for respiratory illnesses.
5. Oral Health
It’s not surprising people like to use thieves oil to improve their oral health. By simply combining a few drops of thieves oil with a cup of water, you can have a quick, yet effective, mouthwash. Why would you want to use thieves oil in a mouthwash? Well, it actually contains essential oils that have been shown in scientific research to improve oral health.
An in vitro study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Researchreveals that clove oil can effectively kill off the microorganisms that lead to cavities. In addition, multiple essential oils included in a thieves blend make the list of essential oils being used and researched for their positive effects on dental health.
An extensive scientific review published in the Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry lists lemon, eucalyptus and cinnamon oils as having positive effects on oral health. Lemon oil is specifically effective against candidiasis caused by C. albicans. Clove oil is well-known for reducing tooth aches and it’s also antifungal and antibacterial. Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects while also acting as an immunoregulatory agent. Cinnamon oil can help oral health (and health in general) thanks to its antiparasitic, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.
How to Make and Use Thieves Oil
What is a good DIY thieves oil recipe? As long as you have all of the necessary essential oils on hand, it’s super-easy to make your own version of thieves oil at home.
To make some homemade thieves oil, simply combine the following in a darkly colored 0.5 fluid ounce (15 milliter) glass bottle:
- 85 drops of clove essential oil
- 70 drops of lemon essential oil
- 50 drops of cinnamon essential oil
- 40 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 35 drops of rosemary essential oil
Make sure to store your homemade thieves essential oil in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. And, as always, make sure you are only using 100 percent pure, certified USDA organic and therapeutic-grade essential oils.
For topical use: Combine 1 drop of the thieves oil blend with 4 drops of carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the area of concern.
For diffusion/aromatherapy: To breathe in the sweet smell of thieves oil, simply add a 6-8 drops of thieves oil to a diffuser. It’s a very uplifting and invigorating scent combination.
For internal use: You can only use this blend internally if all of the essential oils used are 100 percent pure, therapeutic grade and, ideally, also organic. Add one drop to a capsule or mix one drop into food (such as oatmeal) or a beverage. Of course, check with your doctor before using thieves oil internally if you are pregnant, nursing, have any ongoing health concerns or are taking medication. Never put thieves oil directly into your mouth undiluted.
DIY mouthwash: Simply combine 5 drops of thieves oil with a cup of purified water and a half teaspoon of sea salt for a homemade mouthwash. A few drops of thieves oil can also make a great addition to homemade toothpaste.
DIY homemade cleaner: Combine 8 ounces water, 4 ounces distilled white vinegar and 30 drops of homemade thieves oil in a glass cleaning spray bottle.
