THIEVES OIL - Could a 15th Century oil blend have some uses today?
As many of you know, Quinta do Cobral has become a creative space for Natural Soap Making courses, Natural Body Care courses and stained glass and pewter work. We hope to expand our course subjects by encouraging other tutors to come and teach here. I was working on some research ideas recently, looking at the various uses of essential oils and their unique uses, when I came across this story and captivating blend of oils. Legends abound, but one thing is certain, essential oils have amazing and powerful properties, many backed up by modern research.
So it is 1413 AD and the Bubonic Plague, better known as The Black Death/Pestilence/Great Plague was rife in Europe, spreading like wild-fire among citizens of all ages and doctors alike. It seemed impossible at the time to live in the vicinity of anyone with this horrible bacterial disease without contracting it, and, at the time the sickness really did mean ultimate death, there was no cure at all. During this time, in Marseille - France, 4 men were taking advantage of the death and devastation and became famous for robbing the possessions of the infected and dead - yet never actually catching the disease themselves. People were stunned that these thieves were able to touch the bodies and remain healthy. Word began to spread about a special concoction that the thieves were using to protect themselves. It was said that this special oil could be soaked into a cloth and wrapped over the nose to prevent the ‘pestilence’ from entering.
Eventually these men were captured, at the time the crimes they committed were punishable by burning alive! The judge at their trial was so intrigued by how these men had stayed immune to this terrible disease that he told them if they shared their secret, (they were perfume & spice merchants who were unemployed due to the closure of the sea ports and the devastation of the plague) he would not commit them to the fire. They told that they had prepared an essential oil recipe that, when applied to their hands, ears, temples, feet and a mask over their mouths, kept them safe from infection. The judge stayed true to his word. The men were not burned alive, but were hanged for their crimes instead.
I made some Thieves oil today, I was really intrigued and wanted to know just what is was like. Its a really captivating blend, with a scent that is warm, spicy and earthy - I’m thinking it would be fantastic in soap. I added it to a new batch of body butter and its rich aroma is everywhere as I type this. I wanted to know more, does it work as an anti bacterial agent? can it help in the spread of disease? how effective is it? lots of questions…
Lets look at the oils involved. There are 5 key oils included in the blend (recipe below if you want to try it yourself) Clove, Cinnamon, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary, each one incredibly potent and healing but when combined they seem to become more than the sum of the parts and the powerful properties behind the legend of Thieves Oil is realised. PLEASE NOTE - I am not making any medicinal claims here, this is the information I have discovered while researching this blog, please do your own research and never use essential oils directly on your skin.
CLOVE OIL - (warming, soothing, comforting) The essential oil from this fragrant spice is believed to fight bacteria.
CINNAMON OIL - (warming, comforting, energising) Research has found that cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial and anti-fungal
LEMON OIL - (refreshing, cheerful, uplifting) This oil acts as a powerful disinfectant and is an anti-oxidant
EUCALYPTUS OIL - (revitalising, invigorating, clarifying) The strong, active ingredient of this oil is proven to be effective against many viruses, is anti-bacterial and can help to relieve respiratory conditions
ROSEMARY OIL - (purifying, uplifting) Rosemary contains compounds that can help protect against inflammation, it is a strong anti-bacterial and has lasting anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits and Uses of Thieves Oil - There are lots of ways that this blend can be put to use as a natural alternative to many of the chemical-filled & toxic bacteria fighting products on the market today!
Add a few drops to water or alcohol & use as a hand sanitiser
Diffuse in the air to clear your chest and congested airways
mix with a carrier oil such as sweet almond and use on the skin to relieve inflammation
diffuse into the air to kill air-borne pathogens
Use diluted on feet, hands & head as a natural fungicide
dilute in water and use as a natural bug repellant
If you want to try this out and make your own, all the essential oils used in this blend are available to buy here at Quinta do Cobral. Go to our Soap Ingredients page on the website to see what is in stock.
Finally - During the plague outbreak in the 15th Century the doctors who treated the Black Death victims put the herbal infusion on their hands, ears, temples and feet and wore beak-like masks stuffed with cloths containing this special blend and lavender. The costume also consisted of an ankle length overcoat along with gloves, boots, a brim hat and an outer over-clothing garment! It is suggested that the beak is how doctors got the long-lasting nickname “quacks” still used today.
