Thieves Oil Blend

During the winter, staying healthy can be a greater challenge than during the rest of the year.  Sniffles, sneezes, and coughs are everywhere.

For me, I prefer to use natural remedies and immune supporters.  One such remedy that’s a boon this time of year (in my opinion) is Thieves Oil.

Legend has it that in the 15th century, a band of grave robbers created a blend of anti-infectious essential oils in order to protect themselves while looting the bodies of recently deceased plague victims.  Many essential oils have antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic qualities:  tea tree, oregano, and rosemary, just to name a few.  The traditional blend for Thieves Oil contains clove, lemon, cinnamon, rosemary, and eucalyptus oils.

Here is a recipe from Mountian Rose Herbs:

40 drops clove bud essential oil

35 drops lemon essential oil

20 drops cinnamon essential oil

15 drops eucalyptus essential oil

10 drops rosemary essential oil

This oil is said to help protect against colds, flu, bronchitis, cold sores, and cuts.  For more information, read this post on the Mountain Rose Blog.

Stay healthy!

 

 

Essential Oils: Another Gift from Nature

Last night, lavender came to the rescue once again.  Well, technically it was lavender, patchouli, and chamomile.  And some citrus, I think.  Either way, I was just happy for a good night’s sleep.

Aromatherapy is probably as old as noses and plants.  According to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) website (www.naha.org), there are mentions of humans using essential oils and aromatic plants for therapeutic purposes in the Old Testament and in written records from ancient China, Rome, and Egypt.  A natural and non-invasive way to promote healing and balance, aromatherapy uses essential oils, which are concentrated hydrophobic liquids that have been extracted from plants.

Many people know about some common essential oils like lavender and peppermint–lavender for chillin’ and peppermint for energizing.  And many know that essential oils can be used topically too (think of a peppermint foot cream or a tea tree antiseptic ointment).  A whole world of gentle, natural remedies are out there!

Here are a few other essential oils that have been used to support or treat what ails us:

CINNAMON is comforting and warming to the skin.

FRANKINCENSE is calming and aids in visualizing and meditating.

THYME is cleansing, antiseptic, and energizing.

YLANG YLANG is sensual and euphoric.

As with any remedy, exercise care and consult a practitioner if you are unsure or if you have serious medical concerns.  While these remedies have a long history, some of them are not acceptable to the scientific community and some of them may not be right for you.  For more information, check the NAHA website.  I also like www.auracacia.com and www.mountainroseherbs.com.