“The Four Thieves” – the History Behind the Legendary Oil Blend
The global Coronavirus Pandemic is rekindling once again interest in Old World remedies and the ancient legend behind Thieves* oil, an essential oil blend based on the story of the “Four Thieves” in 14th century France during the Black Plague…
Although there are many versions of the legend that have retold over the centuries, the story is commonly believed to have originated in the early part of the 14th century or perhaps as late as early 15th century in the port city of Marseille in Southern France. The Black Death (also known as the Pestilence, the Great Mortality, or the Plague) was the deadliest pandemic recorded in human history. The Black Death resulted in the deaths of up to 75–200 million people in Eurasia and North Africa, peaking in Europe from 1347 to 1351 and resurging periodically in areas for 300 years thereafter. Southern France was especially hard hit. The Black Death spread like wildfire among the citizens. It seemed impossible to be in the vicinity of victims without contracting it, and at the time, getting the sickness meant certain death. Rich or poor, no one seemed immune to this dreadful disease.
However, as the legend goes, four thieves were captured and charged for stealing from wealthy households jewelry and other valuables from the bodies of sick and the dead. Mysteriously, the thieves never contracted the plague, despite their close contact with victims.
At the time, the crimes these four men committed were punishable by burning at the stake. The local magistrate (or judge) was so intrigued by how these men had stayed immune to this terrible disease, that he told them if they shared their secret, he would spare them of this punishment.
The thieves told the judge their secret: they were perfume and spice merchants who were out of work due to the closure of the sea ports and the devastation of the Plague. They had created 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 honored his promise to the thieves. The men were not burned alive, but instead were hanged for their crimes.
From then on, the physicians who treated 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. The beak of such masks was stuffed with aromatic herbs on the theory that they would purify the air so the physician would not get sick when treating contagious patients.
The exact recipe disclosed during their trial is somewhat controversial as to the exact ingredients that were used at the time and has been largely lost to history. Eucalyptus, which would have been brought over on ships from Asia, may not have been readily available at the time due to the closure of ports, however, it does appear to recur in many of the versions of the story along with at least 4 other ingredients including Lemon, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Rosemary oil. It is also likely that vinegar, because of its alcoholic composition, was used in the original formula due to its strong antibacterial properties.
Today Thieves* oil has become one of the most popular essential oil blends. This legendary blend of essential oils has been imitated countless times in the aromatherapy industry in compare-to products and formulas. The legend lives on.
*Thieves oil is a proprietary blend of essential oils made by Young Living LLC. Thieves is a Trademark of Young Living LLC. Awakening Peak Botanicals is not owned by and/or affiliated in any way with Young Living LLC.
