One of the most popular and interesting stories that came out of the Black Death plague centered around four thieves and their incredible mixture of aromatics used.
These spice traders were not allowed to continue sailing due to the outbreak of this plague, so they turned to robbing the bodies of the dead and dying. They never got sick.
This was hard to believe since almost 30% of the population at the time, in Europe, were killed by this sickness. It was caught from the living and the dead, so anyone who cared for the sick or the bodies of the dead were susceptible to this disease.
Because these spice traders came from a long lineage of apothecaries, they had a few tricks up their sleeve, so they were able to make a concoction of these herbs and oils to increase their immunity and prevent death. When this mixture was rubbed over their body, it protected them from contracting this deadly disease. They were later arrested and tortured for their secret recipe.
Essential Oil expert Dr. Jean Valnet states, "In recent years both doctors and the public have rediscovered the medical value of essential oils, but the idea of using their properties to maintain or regain health goes back to antiquity... The Romans had their knowledge of essential oils from the Greeks, who in turn had received it from the Egyptians... Hypocrites for example, tackled the plague epidemic in Athens by fumigating the whole city with aromatic essences of plant oils. Later in the 19th century, it is known that perfumery workers always showed an almost complete immunity during cholera outbreaks."
There are many who would argue that essential oils today are not the same as what was used then, but there is no argument against the immune stimulating and antimicrobial properties of these aromatics that compete with and even surpass many of today's antiseptic medicines and antibiotics.
So what was included in this recipe and why would it work so well? Let's briefly look at the ingredients that are included in many of the stories.
Clove is a powerful anti-bacterial and is a known to help reduce pain, while also providing anti-allergenic properties to the body making it ideal in balancing the autonomic nervous system and subduing hypersensitive nerve pain. *Don't apply to skin undiluted.
Lemon is known to dramatically impact the endocrine system and function as a cleaner, scrubber, detoxifier and renewal resource for the proper function of this vital system. Can also aid in stimulating the immune system by helping to regulate white blood cell production.
Mandarin Orange has constituents that act as an anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial-and can help to clean the lymphatic system, lower blood pressure and build the immune system.
Lime has many of the above properties that are associated with the other citrus oils.
Ravensara has constituents that target the endocrine system with a special emphasis on the respiratory function as it's able to battle harmful bacteria and viruses including those ailments which have been endured long-term.
Cinnamon Bark is highly anti-viral, thus it primarily boosts the immune system while it subdues inflamed tissues. In addition, It's also known for it's mucolytic action (drying properties) which makes this oil ideal for battling mucus congestion throughout the body. I also acts as an antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic.
Eucalyptus directly affects the respiratory system. It can attack viruses that create mucous in the body and assists with opening the lungs.
Thyme is primarily known as the proven as a formidable foe against Anthrax and other like immune busting invaders. In recent studies, this essential oil was found to be a key player to any first-aid kit as a result of the immediate benefits it can have on the body in a time of crisis. It is an expectorant and cough suppressant.
Oregano possesses key constituents which are powerful antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial making it vitally useful against many common disorders caused from bacterial, viral, fungal, and microbial infections. It's trademark "heat" is indicative of it's ability to fight corrupted or compromised cells, destroy them and then assist in the eliminated of them from the body. These powerful constituents are even capable of killing parasites.
When you combine the powerful properties from each of these plants into one blend, it is extremely effective at strengthening immunity and fighting infections.
There are many companies that have put together a blend of herbs or essential oils to try to copy the original recipe. Please make sure the essential oils you choose are 100% therapeutic grade and approved for internal consumption, E.O.B.B.D guaranteed. Essential oils that don't pass this standard can cause more harm in your body instead of being helpful. Synthetic, chemically extracted essential oils are not safe for therapeutic or medicinal use.
Our favorite blend, called Spice of Life has been tested at George University and was found to have a 99.968% kill rate against airborne bacteria after only 12 minutes of diffusing.
To learn more about essential oils and the benefits they have had in our family, please visit http://www.montejosmemorials.com. We have been using essential oils, healthy eating and natural healthcare methods in our home for more than 15 years.
This article is for informational purposes only and is derived from research I have done as I learned to implement these things in our lives. It has not been evaluated by the FDA and it should not be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult your healthcare professional for these things.
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