Q: Can I use essential oils to ward off cold and flu germs?
A: Yes, essential oils have powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. While some oils might have more of a rep for germ killing than others, nearly all essential oils contain powerful anti-oxidants that heal while warding off nasty things like mold, bacteria and viruses.
The most well-known oils for killing germs include lemon oil, clove oil, rosemary oil, cinnamon leaf oil, and eucalyptus oil. However, thyme oil and oregano oil are also cited as being able to destroy viruses and bacteria on contact. They just may not be as popular due to their rather pungent aroma.
You can make up your own essential oil blends, for both personal use and for cleaning up around the house.
Q: What is the Thieves oil blend and where can I get it?
A: The name "thieves oil" comes from a story that was passed down from the time of the plague. As the legend goes, the thieves who broke into the homes of the people who were dying of the plague did not contract the deadly illness because they had mixed up a secret potion that protected them. This magic potion is known today as the famous "thieves blend" of essential oils.
The Thieves oil recipe consists of lemon oil, clove oil, rosemary oil, cinnamon leaf oil, and eucalyptus oil. If you mix up a batch and spray it around your home, or add to an essential oils diffuser, you can cleanse the air of possible pathogens while leaving behind a wonderful, fresh and clean scent.
Young Living and DoTerra are two of the most popular brands of organic essential oils on the market. Young Living sells its own Thieves oil mix. You can also blend up a homemade version of the thieves blend, tweaking a bit by adding other ingredients to get the perfect signature aroma.