With it being cold and flu season as well as the growing concern over the coronavirus, we thought it would be helpful to post some information regarding the antimicrobial effects of some common essential oils.

While protecting yourself from illness, it is important to keep various surfaces clean, including hands! Cleaning high touch surfaces such as cell phones, doorknobs, and light switches are an important step in ensuring a safe environment. While out and about, we recommend carrying this hand sanitizing spray and using it after touching credit cards machines, doors, pens, etc. Even use it to spray down your shopping cart while on a grocery run!

Many hand sanitizers and cleaners on the market are incredibly toxic and can have a detrimental impact on the body. In fact, oftentimes these harsh chemicals lend to “super bugs”, resistant stains of microbes that become stronger in the presence of these chemicals. Interestingly, essential oils offer potent abilities to combat a multitude of microbes, including “superbugs”. Thankfully, they are non-toxic and highly effective sanitizing alternatives!

Clove, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lemon or orange essential oils are a legendary team of herbs used to fight many infections. This particular blend has powerful antimicrobial properties against various bacteria, viruses, fungus, and molds. According to the story, four thieves used a combination of herbs to protect themselves from the bubonic plague. This herbal concoction allowed them to rob the infected and dead of their valuables without succumbing to disease. While we don’t know exactly how they made their mixture, it is speculated that they used a vinegar extraction to protect themselves.

Tall tale or true tale? It matters not. The fact is, there is an abundance of research to back this powerful group of essential oils.

To make your own “thieves” essential oil blend

Ingredients

40 drops clove bud essential oil

35 drops lemon essential

20 drops cinnamon bark essential oil

15 drops eucalyptus essential oil

10 drops rosemary essential oil

Method

Add all essential oils into an amber glass bottle with a tightly fitting lid. An old 15ml essential oil bottle with oriface reducer can be useful for this project.

Hand Sanitizing Spray

Ingredients

2 ounce spray bottle

16 drops thieves essential oil blend or On Guard blend*

a splash of fractionated coconut oil

filtered water

Method

Add the essential oils to the spray bottle along with a splash of fractionated coconut oil. Fill with filtered water to the “shoulders” of the bottle and attach the spray lid securely. Shake well before use.

*If you are concerned about COVID-19 and want other antiviral oils, Melissa, melaleuca, and thyme essential oils are also potent antivirals.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5552930/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5206475/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6155610/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31300120

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096453/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21095205

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11338678