What Is Thieves Oil?
Thieves oil is an amalgamation of five essential oils: clove oil, rosemary oil, lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, and cinnamon bark oil. It is also called thieves essential oil and possesses a rich, spicy, and earthy fragrance. This essential oil is beneficial due to its strong antiseptic, disinfectant, and antibacterial characteristics, as claimed by a report. So, it is frequently used as a natural treatment for respiratory viral infections such as colds and coughs and in domestic cleaning like house cleaning. However, there is limited scientific data available on its effects on human beings, and most of the claims have been made by studies done on animal models.
What Are the Uses and Health Benefits of Thieves Oil?
Thieves oil is known for its abundant benefits and is particularly used for mucus decongestion, air purification, household cleaning, and as a personal wear-on mixture.
Some of its uses and health benefits are discussed in detail below:
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Diffusion for Air Purification: Thieves' essential oil is spread in the air throughout the home to kill airborne microorganisms and, thus, purify the air. This process also infuses the air and the space with a warm, tempting aroma. Thieves oil can be used by adding 50 to 100 drops of the oil to the diffuser, closing all the doors and windows of the room, and leaving it for a few hours. After some hours, open the closed doors and windows to carry away the impurities and clear the air.
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Steam Inhalation for Respiratory Illnesses: A few drops of the oil can be added to an inhaler or a bowl of boiling water. Then, the therapeutic steam from these can be inhaled by placing a towel on the head and breathing through the nose for some minutes. It helps unblock mucus congestion, relieve a sore throat, or clear a blocked nose. A few drops of this oil can also be applied on a warm compress which can be held over the chest as it aids in better and faster recovery from illnesses, like cold and cough.
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Spray for Household Cleaning: A mixture can be prepared, incorporating thieves oil by adding 15 drops of thieves oil, one teaspoon of organic witch hazel, and around two ounces of distilled water. This blend should be stored in a dark spray bottle to prevent degradation. It can be sprayed to disinfect kitchen counters, bathroom shelves, toilet seats, and steering wheels. It can also remove musty smells from shoes or closed spaces. It can be carried in the handbag to disinfect public restroom spaces before using them. Its refreshing odor can be sprayed to freshen carpets or upholstery too.
This compound is also used to wash fruits and vegetables, chopping and cutting boards, and it can be mixed with dishwashing liquid. However, before their use, care should be taken to detect allergies to any component oils, particularly where they may get accidentally ingested.
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Spray to Sanitize Plants: The natural spray of thieves oil is handy and non-toxic to plants, which can be sprinkled on houseplants to prevent mold or fungus growths. It also aids in repelling small insects away from them.
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Sanitizer for Skincare: Thieves oil can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil and added to the skincare lotion, as it may help keep the skin germ-free.
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As a Topical Pain Reliever: Add a few drops of thieves oil with a carrier oil to be used as a relaxing massage oil for treating aches and pains. It is also known to boost immunity by applying drops of diluted oil to the soles of the feet. However, this use lacks scientific evidence.
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Helps to Reduce Fever: Lemon oil is potent in alleviating fever and decreasing the levels of free radical activity. A study also found that eucalyptus oil and its main component, 1,8-cineole, possess antimicrobial characteristics. So, thieves oil is effective in fighting against all types of bacteria, such as mycobacterium tuberculosis, viruses, and candida, and makes it a good home remedy for colds, coughs, and fever.
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Acts as an Anti-inflammatory Agent: Clove, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils, which are components of thieves' essential oil, hold an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. According to a study, clove and eucalyptus essential oils can aid in suppressing COX-2, the enzyme that causes inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. Another experimental study on animals suggested that rosemary oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
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Strengthens the Immune System: All the constituents of thieves essential oil can influence the immune system, either by their antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, or antioxidant properties. A study suggested that essential oil mixtures can strongly impact cells by enhancing their immunity and hastening wound healing. In medieval times, it was used to protect against the plague.
What Are the Adverse Effects of Thieves Oil?
Thieves oil should not be used by children and pregnant females in undiluted form, as cinnamon and clove oil may lead to skin irritations. As per a report, cinnamon bark oil can produce irritation or an allergic reaction. Eucalyptus oil can decrease the efficacy of certain drugs, so if an individual is on medication, he should check with his doctor before using this oil blend.
Conclusion:
Thieves oil is an excellent remedy for various health problems and can be utilized for other household motives. However, to attain its utmost gains, it should be used with caution, precisely under the guidance of a knowledgeable professional; and should be bought from a registered and reputable seller.
