The legendary band of “Four Thieves” of centuries long ago, were said to give the world an effective way to ward off illness despite their ill deeds. While we don’t consult a band of thieves for wellness advice, this method is a well-known exception.
But first, the Legend of the “Four Thieves.”
During a Bubonic Plague outbreak in France in the early 1400s, a band of thieves robbed anything of value from people dying of the plague. The precautions they took before robbing kept them from contracting the contagious disease. Legend says that the robbers were spice traders and perfume merchants and thus used their knowledge to protect their health. Before venturing out to rob plague victims, they rubbed an aromatic vinegar concoction of garlic, cloves, lemon, cinnamon, rosemary, and eucalyptus on their faces, hands, clothes, hats, and masks. While they never caught the deadly plague, they were arrested for robbing the sick. To avoid being burned alive, they offered to reveal how they avoided the plague. The judge spared them the severe punishment in exchange for their secret concoction.
Historians found multiple contradictions in this story of spice merchants, turned robbers. The century this occurred is debated, as well as the location, and other factors. Thus, it is folklore.
Yet all good stories have a bit of truth to them.
Purifying the Air in the 21st Century
While we don’t expect to conquer the plague, we can kill germs and freshen the air with proven essential oils. If a family member has had a recent cold or a bout of the flu or other viral illness, the air in your house could benefit from a refreshing cleanse.
Diffusing Essential Oils -
An ultrasonic diffuser uses electronic frequencies to release a cool mist into the air from the water and essential oils you’ve added. Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Diffusing essential oils is a pleasant, simple, and effective way to purify indoor air.
Essential oils are naturally extracted from fruits, flowers, leaves, and roots from botanicals around the world. They are available in a wonderful range of natural scents. Many work to eliminate odors and clean the air in your home.
Four Thieves Oil –
If you use essential oils, you’re probably familiar with Four Thieves blend. Four Thieves Synergy Blends are available at health stores and online from essential oil companies. Four Thieves blends on the market typically contain these five essential oils: Cinnamon, Cloves, Eucalyptus, Lemon, and Rosemary.
When diffused, Four Thieves blend purifies the air, removing airborne bacteria. While this blend is highly effective, disinfecting the air isn’t limited to these five essential oils.
12 Essential Oils that Purify Indoor Air When Diffused
You can use one or a combination of the following essential oils in your diffuser to purify the air in your home. Add about 10 drops total of your choice of oils from the list below.
- Basil
- Bergamot
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lime
- Patchouli
- Rosemary
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
- Thyme
When diffused, these twelve essential oils cleanse the air, while providing other benefits. Some provide respiratory relief, immunity support, help with colds and flu, while freshening the air. Consult the website of an essential oil company for detailed information and additional health properties.
Note: Do not diffuse essential oils near babies, toddlers, or baby animals without consulting an essential oil professional. I am not an essential oil expert or vendor. This article is offered as information.
By Deborah S. Tukua, author of Traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway from A to Z.
Join our list at www.deborahstukua.com