One of the more popular legends associated with aromatherapy is that of the Four Thieves and their miraculous essential oil blend. The details of the story vary, depending on the telling, but all versions relate the same basic tale: during one of the many Medieval plagues in Europe, there were four thieves who specialized in grave robbing. Since everyone else was afraid to touch the bodies of the deceased, they decided to loot the homes and bodies of the victims--taking clothes, jewelry, pots and pans to barter or trade. Despite coming into close physical contact with deceased, they were able to avoid contracting the deadly disease. Eventually, they were captured and forced to reveal their secret, which has come to be known as the Thieves Blend. Like any good myth, there is a strong possibility that the details of this story are not, in the strictest sense, fact, yet still contains much truth. For while the story of the Thieves Blends origins may raise an eyebrow or two among historians, modern science is now confirming the truth contained in the legend. Like the story itself, the ingredients vary, but the most common version includes clove oil, lemon oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, and rosemary oil, all of which have proven broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Clove oil, for example, is both antiviral and antibacterial. Rosemary oil has been shown to be effective against a variety of oral pathogens. And cinnamon oil is an extremely effective antifungal. There have not been a huge number of studies of these oils in combination; however, a study at Weber State University in Utah found that the Thieves Blend formulation had a 99.96 kill rate against airborne bacteria. With Thieves Blend Plus, Banner Therapy Products has enhanced the time-tested effectiveness of the Thieves Blend by adding thyme essential oil. Thyme oil is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, shown to inhibit a host of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and is even effective against the antibiotic-resistant MRSA strains. Over-the-counter cold and flu products cannot match this level of effectiveness, making Thieves Blend Plus a valuable weapon in the battle to keep you and your family well this winter. The bacteria and viruses that surround us today have never been stronger, and many are resistant to antibiotics and other forms of conventional medicine. Thieves Blend Plus can be used in a variety of applications, including: * Sanitizing The Air: Place a few drops in a diffuser or nebulizer. * Antimicrobial Spray: Combine a few drops of Thieves Blend Plus in a spray bottle, along with vinegar. * Topical Application & Massage: place a few drops in a carrier oil and use for massage--particularly effective on the feet. * Mouthwash and Toothpaste: Place a few drops in some water and then use as a mouthwash or toothpaste. As these oils can be potent, it is probably advisable not to swallow the mixture.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:58:05 +0000
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