Here is the do-it-yourself formula to make your own Four Thieves Oil, a powerful disinfectant that’s been around for centuries. It was once used during one of the worst times in history: the Great Plague in France. So why don’t we hear about it much today? Well, it’s probably because we can easily buy disinfectants from the store nowadays. The problem is that most store-bought cleaners are full of chemicals and poisons that accumulate in your body and are bad for your health. But Four Thieves Oil is different – it’s all natural!
The Story Behind Four Thieves Oil
The name “Four Thieves Oil” comes from a group of four thieves in France during the plague. These thieves made money by stealing from the sick and the dead. But here’s the catch: they didn’t get sick themselves! How did they do it? They made a special disinfectant that protected them from the plague. Eventually, they were caught, and in exchange for a quick and merciful death, they shared their secret recipe. This disinfectant became incredibly valuable at a time when the plague was everywhere.
The Recipe
You can make Four Thieves Oil at home using simple ingredients that you may already have. Here’s the recipe:
- 1 teaspoon each of powdered clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons each of dried rosemary, sage, and peppermint
- 2 teaspoons of crushed garlic
- 4 cups of apple cider vinegar
How to Make Four Thieves Oil
- Put all the ingredients into a closed jar or bottle.
- Leave the jar in direct sunlight for 15 days.
- After 15 days, strain out the solid parts and keep the liquid in a clean bottle.
And that’s it! Now, you have a natural disinfectant that has been used for centuries.
Why Use Four Thieves Oil?
Back when the plague was around, people didn’t have the medical knowledge we have today. But this recipe saved lives and kept people healthy. Even though we don’t face the plague today, Four Thieves Oil can still be used to help disinfect, protect, and clean your home without the harmful chemicals found in many store-bought cleaners.
This simple recipe is a reminder of how valuable natural remedies can be, even in modern times.
Here’s a list of ailments that Four Thieves Oil is often used for as a folk remedy today. While it’s mainly known as a disinfectant, many people believe it can also help with:
- Colds and Flu – Some people use it to help fight off colds or flu by diffusing it in the air or applying it to the skin (always diluted with a carrier oil).
- Coughs and Congestion – The ingredients in Four Thieves Oil, like clove and cinnamon, are thought to help ease coughing and clear up chest congestion.
- Sore Throat – Gargling a diluted version (with water and apple cider vinegar) is believed to soothe a sore throat.
- Headaches – A few drops mixed with a natural carrier oil can be massaged on the temples to help relieve headaches.
- Muscle Aches – When diluted and applied topically, it may help with sore muscles and body aches.
- Insect Bites and Stings – Some people apply diluted Four Thieves Oil to reduce swelling or irritation from bug bites and stings.
- Skin Infections – The oil is sometimes used to clean minor cuts and scrapes, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
- Mold and Mildew – Spraying a version diluted with coconut oil around the house can help control mold and mildew growth.
- Bad Odors – It’s great for freshening up a room, especially in places with unpleasant smells.
- Repelling Insects – It can be used as a natural insect repellent when sprayed around the house or worn on the skin (again, diluted).
Always dilute Four Thieves Oil with a coconut oil carrier before applying it to the skin. It’s also a good idea to do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any skin reactions.
Why coconut oil?
Coconut oil is the preferred dilutant because it does not go rancid at room temperature. Factory-made oils are always bad for your health, whether they are used topically or internally. Fast foods are not bad for you because they are fast, but because all those deep fryers are filled with cheaper factory-made oils.