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While reading about essential oils, you may have heard about something called thieves oil. Thieves oil is actually a blend of several essential oils, most often:
- Cinnamon: Made from the bark, leaves, or twigs of several species of cinnamon tree
- Clove: Made from the undeveloped buds of the flowers found on the Eugenia caryophyllata species of clove tree
- Eucalyptus: Obtained from the leaves of Eucalyptus plants, which are native to Australia
- Lemon: Extracted from the rinds of the lemon fruit, Citrus limon
- Rosemary: Derived from the herb rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
Some of the potential benefits of thieves oil include things like boosting immune function and fighting infections.
But what does the research actually say about thieves oil? And how can you use it in your day-to-day life? Read on to discover more.
You may see thieves oil advertised as having the following benefits:
- boosting the immune system
- having antimicrobial activity
- fighting nasal and sinus congestion
- promoting respiratory and cardiovascular health
- energizing or uplifting mood
Many of the above benefits are based off anecdotal claims. That means they’re based on personal testimony or experience.
However, researchers are hard at work investigating many of the properties of essential oils as they relate to health and wellness.
Research into thieves oil itself is very limited. An older study found that diffused thieves oil significantly lowered the airborne levels of three different types of bacteria.
A lot more research has been done on the benefits of the individual components of thieves oil.
What’s discussed below is a snapshot of some of the research that’s been performed on the individual plant oils often used in thieves oil blends.
Also keep in mind many of these studies are done on animals. More research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
Antimicrobial properties
- A
2017 study found that low concentrations of cinnamon and clove oil had high antimicrobial activity against persistent cultures of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. - A
2018 study found that vapors of cinnamon oil inhibited the growth of respiratory pathogens like Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae in a petri dish. But eucalyptus oil had little activity. - A
2012 study showed that eucalyptus oil had antimicrobial activity against two types of bacteria that can cause disease in humans: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (skin infections). - Overall, fewer studies have been performed on lemon oil. But
two studies from 2019 observed that it has some antimicrobial properties.
Wound healing
- A
2019 study in mice found that topical application of cinnamaldehyde, a component of cinnamon oil, promoted wound healing. It also reduced the amount of bacteria in wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. - A
2018 study in rats found that a specialized emulsion preparation containing eucalyptus oil promoted wound healing.
Pain relief
- A
2019 study in mice looked at potential pain-relieving effects of eucalyptus oil. Researchers found that injecting or inhaling eucalyptus oil might be effective in relieving some types of pain.
Effects on mood
- A very small
2013 study investigated the effects of inhaling rosemary oil on mood. By recording and comparing body changes such as heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and other physical measures, researchers concluded that rosemary oil had a stimulating affect. - In the same study, researchers also found that participants who inhaled rosemary oil felt fresher or more active. Increases in respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure were also observed.
So, how can you use essential oils to make your own thieves oil blend? Mountain Rose Herbs suggests the following recipe for thieves oil:
- 40 drops clove bud essential oil
- 35 drops lemon essential
- 20 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
- 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops rosemary essential oil
Mix all the components together and store in a dark glass bottle. Remember that this solution is highly concentrated. Always dilute it properly before using it.
You may also wish to experiment and make your own thieves oil blend by adding or substituting other essential oils.
For example, you may wish to substitute different citrus oils for lemon, such as orange or bergamot. Or, you may choose to add an additional herbal kick by adding in some thyme to the traditional recipe.
Doing this may take some trial and error to reach the right balance of aromas. Keep in mind that adding too much of a strong aroma could overpower more subtle ones.
Here are some ways you can use thieves oil in your day-to-day life.
Diffusion
A diffuser is a device that allows the scent of essential oils to disperse throughout a room. Typically the oils are placed in the diffuser along with water. Diffusion can be good for things like:
- providing ambiance to a room
- promoting alertness
- elevating mood
- reducing feelings of stress or anxiety
To use thieves oil for diffusion, carefully follow the product instructions that came with your diffuser. This is important, because the directions may vary by product.
Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation involves adding essential oils to a bowl of steaming water. The hot water vaporizes the oil, allowing it to be inhaled with the steam. This application may help with respiratory congestion or sinus issues.
To use thieves oil for steam inhalation, you can do the following:
- Add several drops of thieves oil to steaming water. You may want to start with just a couple drops so the scent isn’t overwhelming.
- Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl of water.
- Keeping your eyes closed, breathe in deeply through your nose.
Massage
You can also make massage oils using essential oils. To do this, the thieves oil must be diluted in another type of oil, which is called a carrier oil. Carrier oils can include things like jojoba oil and coconut oil. Don’t apply essential oils directly on the skin unless diluted in a carrier oil.
The University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing recommends that the total percentage of essential oil shouldn’t exceed 3 to 5 percent of the total solution volume.
If you’re planning on applying massage oil to a large area, consider using a 1 percent solution.
Lotions and creams
You can also add thieves oil to unscented lotions and creams. These preparations can then be used for purposes such as soothing, cleansing, or helping with wound healing.
Like with massage oils, you’ll need to dilute thieves oil in the cream or lotion before applying it to your skin.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends that the final essential oil concentration be 1 to 2.5 percent for normal skin and 0.5 to 1 percent for sensitive skin.
Spray application
You can also use thieves oil in a spray. You may find this helpful for enhancing the scent of a room. Or you may want to tap into the antimicrobial properties of thieves oil and use it as a mild cleanser.
To use thieves oil in a spray:
- Add 10 to 15 drops of thieves oil per ounce of water used.
- Optional: Add a dispersing agent, such as solubol, to the solution. This helps the oil diffuse better in the water.
- Shake well and spray. You’ll need to shake it every time before you spray.
Always use essential oils safely. The components of thieves oil have some safety risks that you should be aware of.
Skin reactions
Both cinnamon and clove oil are potential skin irritants. If topical application of thieves oil causes redness, swelling, or itching, avoid using it in the future.
If you’re planning on topically applying thieves oil, conduct a patch test first. To do this:
- Clean your forearm with unscented soap and dry thoroughly.
- Add a small amount of diluted thieves oil to an area on your forearm.
- Cover with a bandage or gauze.
- Leave the covering on for at least 24 hours. Then remove and check for irritation.
It’s also important to note that you can develop a sensitivity to both of these oils over time with repeated application. This is called sensitization.
Photosensitivity
Lemon oil can lead to photosensitivity. This means that exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet radiation can lead to burning or pigmentation changes. If you’re topically applying thieves oil, avoid going out in direct sunlight without proper sun protection.
Always follow the safety guidelines below when working with any essential oil:
- Always dilute essential oils properly before using. Never apply an undiluted essential oil directly to your skin.
- Don’t eat or drink essential oils unless you’re under the supervision of a qualified professional. In fact, eucalyptus oil, which is a component of thieves oil, can be
toxic when ingested. - When using essential oils for aromatherapy, make sure the room you’re in has good ventilation.
- Think about who else is in the room inhaling the aromatherapy. Some essential oils are dangerous for pregnant women, children, and pets.
- Keep essential oils away from your eyes.
- If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using essential oils.
- Keep essential oils in a place where children and pets can’t get to them.
- When shopping for essential oils, be aware of any product information that claims to treat a specific disease or condition. The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate most essential oils, so these claims may be more marketing and not be validated by research.
Essential oils & Pet safetyIt’s important to know that some essential oils can be very harmful to animals, even when diffused and depending on dilution. If you have questions or concerns about your pet, speak to a veterinarian. More resources are available from places like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
There are several commercially available thieves oil products. Some of them contain variations on the ingredients listed above.
The reason these other products don’t have “Thieves” in their brand names is that Young Living has trademarked the word “Thieves” but not the formula. Many other companies make a blend using the basic formula.
| Brand and product | Essential oils included |
|---|---|
| Young Living Thieves Essential Oil Blend | clove bud lemon peel cinnamon bark eucalyptus leaf |
| Plant Therapy Organic Germ Fighter Synergy Blend | clove bud lemon peel cinnamon bark eucalyptus leaf rosemary |
| Nexon Botanics Robbers’ Health Essential Synergy Blend | clove bud lemon peel cinnamon bark eucalyptus leaf rosemary |
Thieves oil is a blend of essential oils that’s often made up of:
- clove
- lemon
- cinnamon
- eucalyptus
- rosemary
Variations on this blend are also available.
The potential benefits of thieves oil include boosting the immune system, promoting respiratory health, and fighting microbes.
Although some of these benefits are anecdotal, the individual components of thieves oil have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, promote wound healing, and may provide pain relief.
Thieves oil can be used for a variety of applications. Like with any essential oil, always be sure to follow the proper safety precautions when using thieves oil.
If you have any concerns about using thieves oil, discuss them with a healthcare provider first.
FAQs
Thieves Oil: Research, Benefits, How to Use? ›
This application may help with respiratory congestion or sinus issues. To use thieves oil for steam inhalation, you can do the following: Add several drops of thieves oil to steaming water. You may want to start with just a couple drops so the scent isn't overwhelming.
How do you use Thieves Oil when sick? ›This application may help with respiratory congestion or sinus issues. To use thieves oil for steam inhalation, you can do the following: Add several drops of thieves oil to steaming water. You may want to start with just a couple drops so the scent isn't overwhelming.
Can I put Thieves Oil directly on my skin? ›The simple answer is, yes, Thieves oil can be applied to your skin. We do recommend you follow the same advice we give with any oil, perform a patch test with Thieves oil to see how your skin will react, and always dilute the oil with a carrier oil to reduce the chance of irritation.
When should I use thieves essential oil? ›What is thieves essential oil used for? It helps to calm a sore throat, keep teeth healthy and white, kill off any yuks you may have, and to replace every cleaning product under your kitchen sink. There's even a whole LINE of Thieves products to help keep you healthy and clean that I am in LOVE with!
Is it safe to drink thieves oil in water? ›If applied directly to the skin, thieves oil can cause irritation, redness, or itchiness. Children should not use thieves oil, and caregivers should store it out of reach of children and pets. Also, people should never swallow thieves oil, as some essential oils can be toxic.
Can I put thieves oil in my tea? ›One of my favorite ways to use Thieves beyond diffusing it or adding it to a roller ball blend, is orally taking it. You can just take a couple of drops right on your tongue or add them to a yummy thieves tea! This is a hot drink made with hot water, essential oils and honey and has the taste of tea.
Where do you put thieves oil on your body? ›Supports the immune system:
I like to Rub Thieves oil onto the bottoms of my feet to support my immune system, especially if I have been exposed to an illness. Be sure to dilute with a carrier oil for children. I rub it on my little one's feet before she goes to preschool.
Dilute Thieves with regular olive oil and rub it on the soles of the feet (or along the spine for particularly nasty bugs). This will help your body absorb their purifying properties and jump start your immune response to sickness.
Is Thieves oil good for lungs? ›Breathing problems: Adding a drop of thieves oil to your steaming bowl and inhaling the vapors are believed to relieve congestion and discomfort associated with lung conditions such as cold and bronchitis. Avoid using the oil for infants and young children.
What are the side effects of thieves oil? ›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.
Does thieves disinfect or sanitize? ›
To clean and disinfect surfaces around the home and clean microbial bacteria off surfaces. Thieves Oil was used to fight the black plague in Europe!
Does thieves oil expire? ›Do essential oils expire? Not really! Essential oils don't expire in the same way you'd think of food or other items ”going bad,” but they do go through a process of oxidization that begins as soon as the bottle is opened and the oil is exposed to oxygen in the air.
Does Thieves oil help with inflammation? ›Not only does thieves essential oil boost a weak immune system, but it also has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Does Thieves oil keep you from getting sick? ›Thieves oil contains antimicrobial properties, which can be effective against airborne microorganisms. Some of the potential benefits are boosting immune function, and fighting infections. It's been used for years as an antiviral, antiseptic to protect the body from the flu and colds.
Will Thieves oil help a sore throat? ›For Cuts - If you have a cut or open wound, use 1 or 2 drops Thieves Essential Oil to help prevent infection and to promote healing. Sore Throats - If you have a sore throat use one drop of Thieves and 1 tablespoon of water. Gargle. Your throat will thank you!
Can I brush my teeth with Thieves Oil? ›You can also use Thieves essential oil blend to brush your teeth!
Can you use too much Thieves Oil? ›Too much of any oil is NEVER a good thing. If your eyes begin to water and burn, you have too much Thieves oil in your diffuser. If the scent is overwhelming, makes you cough or makes it hard to breathe it is too much oil in your diffuser or you are having an allergic reaction to the oil.
Is Thieves Oil antiviral? ›Traditional Thieves Oil can be used for more than just the Bubonic Plague due to its now well-known anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & anti-viral properties!
Can you put thieves essential oil in coffee? ›Put a drop or a swirl of Thieves Vitality essential oil in your morning juice, tea, or coffee. The spicy, sweet flavor will also give your morning beverage a flavor boost. Add a drop to oatmeal, granola, or other cereal to elevate your breakfast.
Does thieves oil help with cough? ›Temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold.
How many drops of Thieves are in tea? ›
One drop of Thieves® oil is truly all you need. If two drops accidentally fall in, we recommend diluting across two mugs of water. Two drops can be too spicy on your lips and can numb them due to the clove oil in this blend. This tea is for adults only.
Why put essential oils on your feet? ›Massaging your toes, ankles, and soles with healing essential oils can restore the skin, alleviate tension, and even signal the body that it is time to relax at the end of the day. The skin on the feet is thicker, less sensitive, and possesses pores that are larger than those on the rest of the body.
Why put essential oils behind ears? ›Behind the Ears
This makes it easier for essential oils to get through the layers of skin and into the skin. Plus, your mastoid pressure point is located behind the ear, and this pressure point can help you experience greater relief from pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Some of the benefits of using essential oils for neck pain include reducing inflammation, relieving muscle tension, and increasing circulation. Essential oils can also provide calming and relaxing effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety that can be associated with neck pain.
Where do you put essential oils on your feet for sleep? ›"If you're having trouble falling asleep, we always recommend applying calming essential oils like lavender or Jatamansi to the soles of the feet or frankincense to keep you healthy." Anyone else itching to take their socks off?
How long do essential oils stay in your bloodstream? ›After twenty minutes, the essential oil concentration was at its peak most of the lavender was excreted within ninety minutes. This research suggests that essential oils do not stay in the bloodstream for long and are quickly metabolized by the body.
Is thieves good for sickness? ›Thieves Essential Oil is a blend of 5 different essential oils that are anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic. In addition, this oil is effective at strengthening the immune system.
What essential oils break up mucus? ›Rosemary essential oil
Like eucalyptus, it contains the compound cineole. A study published in the journal Cough found that cineole may help to break up mucus and reduce inflammation.
Eucalyptus oil has been used widely for centuries as a home remedy for respiratory conditions. Eucalyptus oil contains an ingredient called cineole. A 2013 study found that cineole had antimicrobial effects on some bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses.
What essential oils help stop coughing? ›- Eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil has cineole, which has been shown to have antimicrobial effects. ...
- Thyme oil. Thyme essential oil has carvacrol and thymol. ...
- Rosemary oil. ...
- Lavender oil. ...
- Cinnamon oil.
How often can you take thieves? ›
Combining Clove, Cinnamon, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils, Thieves Vitality is one of our most popular products. Take a shot of NingXia Red® with a drop of Thieves Vitality for a quick, spicy boost. Dilute 1 drop with 4 drops of a carrier oil. Put in a capsule and take once daily.
Does Thieves Oil help you sleep? ›Diffusing Thieves essential oil is a great way to enhance your sleep quality. It is known to impart a calming effect and reduce feelings of stress and tension. Diffusing it in your bedroom will help you to relax and also promote a deeper, more restful sleep.
Is Thieves Oil good for your face? ›While many of its benefits remain up in the air, thieves oil has soothing antimicrobial properties, great for removing harmful bacteria or fungi that live on the surface of your skin. Dilute the oil and then mix with a carrier oil or serum, and use to spot treat.
Does Thieves clean mold? ›*Thieves Oil digests mold spores and does not leave dead mold spores that may cause allergies. **Studies show that this damages wiring, metals, other building materials when used in concentrations that are strong enough to kill mold.
Does Thieves purify the air? ›The Benefits of Using Thieves Essential Oil Blend
Thieves essential oil is well known to reduce stress, function as a broad spectrum immune booster, be highly antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial, purify the air, and provide effective protection against airborne pathogens.
Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak
Thieves® Fruit & Veggie Soak safely washes away dirt, pesticides, and other contaminants from produce, so you can enjoy fruits and vegetables as nature intended.
Which oils are anti-inflammatory? To help combat inflammation, choose oils that higher in monounsaturated fat or omega-3 polyunsaturated fat. Good choices for anti-inflammatory oils include olive oil, avocado oil and flaxseed oil.
How long should you diffuse Thieves oil? ›The Young Living site specifies for the Aromatic use of Thieves- Diffuse up 6-8 drops for up to 10 minutes 3 times daily. Using the intermittent setting along with minimal drops may be a safe way to diffuse as long as your room size is larger than the specified size for the diffuser.
What are the side effects of Thieves oil? ›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.
Is Thieves Oil good for lungs? ›Breathing problems: Adding a drop of thieves oil to your steaming bowl and inhaling the vapors are believed to relieve congestion and discomfort associated with lung conditions such as cold and bronchitis. Avoid using the oil for infants and young children.
Does Thieves Oil help with inflammation? ›
Not only does thieves essential oil boost a weak immune system, but it also has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Can you put thieves on your feet? ›Dilute Thieves with regular olive oil and rub it on the soles of the feet (or along the spine for particularly nasty bugs). This will help your body absorb their purifying properties and jump start your immune response to sickness.
Is Thieves antibacterial and antiviral? ›Traditional Thieves Oil can be used for more than just the Bubonic Plague due to its now well-known anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & anti-viral properties!
Can I leave my diffuser on all night? ›As long as you're using a high quality diffuser and high quality,all natural essential or aroma oils, there's likely no risk to diffusing your oils overnight. However, if you'd like to take extra precautions, the easiest safety solution is to get a diffuser with an automatic shut off feature.
Can I diffuse Thieves around my baby? ›In general, diffusing essential oils into the air is safer than using them on the skin. (But even then, it can be irritating to some. Never diffuse them in classrooms or in public spaces.) Don't diffuse essential oils around infants under 6 months old.
Is thieves toxic to dogs? ›Thieves oil is a blend of essential oils that typically include lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, and clove. These oils are toxic to dogs when ingested, applied topically, or used in a diffuser.
Does Thieves Oil help with cough? ›Temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold.