French Thieves is a powerful blend of essential oils with anti-viral, disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties. It’s an excellent oil to have around to protect yourself from colds, flu and other airborne viruses.
There are many versions of French Thieves oil and its origins are fascinating. It was created based on herbs used by thieves during the outbreak of the plague in France. The story goes that the thieves would steal from the dying but would protect themselves by wearing a combination of herbs stuffed into masks.
They were eventually caught and were offered clemency if they revealed their secret to never having succumbed to the deadly virus. They eventually did reveal their secret combination of herbs which was then used by doctors in pointy masks that looked like beaks, the origin of doctors being called quacks!
Unfortunately, once the herbs and combination had been discovered (said to be a mixture of eucalyptus. rosemary, cloves and cinnamon with lemon) French rulers didn’t keep their promise and the thieves were executed.
As previously stated French Thieves is a combination of some very powerful essential oil or herbs and should be used with caution, not for children or if you are pregnant. If you do use it there are many ways that you can take advantage of it’s potency – use the essential oil in an electric diffuser to bring a clean, fresh aroma to your home whilst also protecting from airborne viruses. Rosemary and eucalyptus are also excellent mood boosters, particularly good for mental clarity and focus.
Add a few drops to a spray bottle of 50/50 water and white vinegar to make a bug busting surface cleaner and if you’re out and about during cold/flu season add a couple of drops to a folded tissue and carry it with you to take inhalations from, or add a couple of drops to a mask like the French Thieves did!
This article was written by Sam, the founder of Bliss Therapies.
