Diet and lifestyle are important for overall emotional and physical health. There are many publications devoted to how impactful they can be for alleviating chronic health symptoms. For example, the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research has a database of studies that support the concept that “food is medicine.” The most recent SMILES trial that is summarized on their site provided even more convincing proof that nutrition can improve mood. Exercise, similarly, is just as impactful and evidence-based for wellness outcomes.

Although these tools are very influential for brain health, and the gut-brain axis, they are among many crucial factors to consider. No one intervention should be the dominant focus for holistic healthcare.  In fact, I feel that psychological balance and social connection may be more imperative than many realize.

Last week, I discussed the basis of human emotions and scientifically documented how essential oils biochemically, physiologically, and psychologically alter our bodies. As a licensed naturopathic doctor, essential oils have become my favorite integrative and functional medicine modality to support the body and brain health. Throughout the past fifteen years, I have found them indispensable as a gentle way to alleviate stress and soothe the mind. Furthermore, essential oils also promote healthy hearts, hormonal balance, and human connection due to their multifaceted actions.

With the holidays upon us, it is my desire to make more people aware of how these therapeutic scents will support them in having a more serene season.

In this post, I will discuss a blend of essential oils powerful enough to ensure one is not “robbed” out of participating in upcoming gatherings and events. Although it is well-known for its effects on immunity, this combination of oils also supports the mind.

An Ancient Blend of Essential Oils That Is Just as Powerful Today

This blend of essential oils is truly a timeless “hack” for immune support. In a previous guest post article for Ben Greenfield, I provided the details on its history and actions. Here’s an excerpt:

The Story Behind Thieves Remedy

“Four thieves” remedy is based on an ancient herbal formulation originating somewhere-in Europe with time spanning from 1413-1722. Due to its touted protective benefits, herbalists have passed along its recipe for hundreds of years.46-49

The legend states that a combination of various herbs, most often cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary, clove, and lemon, prevented four robbers from contracting the plague in France while rummaging through the houses of the infected sufferers. Their freedom was won by revealing to the King the ingredients to the herbal vinegar, which they drank and sprinkled on themselves every two hours.46,49

In the post, I also list my top ten uses for the “Four thieves” oils blend. Below is a condensed version of the applications with a focus on diffusing, my favorite method.

The Ten Ways to Use “Four Thieves” Oils Blend

1. To Purify the Air

Diffusing essential oils has been shown to help cleanse the air of microbes and may even protect  our lungs from toxins. This is great news, because recent studies are demonstrating that exposure to traffic-related pollution is associated with many health conditions. For example, there is evidence that there is a higher risk for asthma and respiratory infections in children with more exposure. Pollution is also connected to inflammation, oxidative stress, coagulation (blood clotting) and autonomic dysfunction (imbalanced nervous system response) in young adults.  (You can learn more about diffusing and why ionizers are important here.)

2. For Respiratory Support

3. To Spice Up Cooking

4. For Food Preservation

5. To Inhibit Unwanted Microbe Growth

6. For Antioxidant Protection

7. To Promote Digestive Health

8. For Oral Health (including oil pulling)

9. To Relieve Discomfort

10. For its Aromatic Benefits

Click here for the full article for more information on these applications.

The Emotional Benefits of the Four Thieves Blend of Essential Oils

Beyond its physical and practical uses, this blend of oils also provides mental and emotional benefits that come in handy for the holidays when stress levels and anxiety may peak. This comforting combination of spices, citrus, eucalyptus and rosemary oils all synergize to combat fatigue and assist with uplifting the mood. (source) The brain also gets an additional boost from rosemary while the nerves are soothed by lemon.

This winning combo is the first to grace my diffuser if someone starts with the sniffles. Our family also uses this beautiful, warming scent to keep company relaxed and focused. It is a perfect aromatic shield for a healthy home environment during get-togethers where sneeze attacks are inevitable. I never leave home without a drop on my feet to keep my body strong in our world of toxic chemical soup.

With this oily foundation of physical and mental stamina in place, I will focus next on essential oils specifically for emotional health. These will be blends intended to inspire hope, joy, and abundance.

Please comment and share your thoughts below.

*Safety reminder:

For additional safety and medical information, visit my essential oils database. It includes a full category on how to use essential oils safely and potential drug interactions that can occur.

Please be extra cautious and be sure to check with your doctor if you have a seizure disorder. The Epilepsy Society of the UK lists certain essential oils implicated for their antiseizure effect as well as those that have stimulating properties.

If you and/or your physician are interested in consulting with me to assist with supporting the integration of essential oils safely into a therapeutic protocol, essential oils consultations are available.

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This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

Thanks Pixabay.