Essential Oils Smell Nice, But Do They Do Anything? The Story Behind Our Joyful Blend

As an aromatherapist I get asked a lot of questions. Some of my favorites include -- " I know 'this brand' of essential oils is the best, but what do you use?"

Another is "Essential oils smell nice, but do they do anything?".

Enter Joyful blend...

Since the time of the bubonic plague some humans recognized the power of herbs and spices to squelch germs and illness.

Have you ever seen those odd images of individuals with beak-like masks wandering through crowds of the sick and invalid? They were full of herbs.

And early on in my interest in aromatherapy I did wonder... why is it a blend of clove, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus, and cinnamon oils is called "Thieves Oil"?

And may it be duly noted that prior to a multi-level-marketing company deciding to copyright the name "Thieves Oil" it was simply a common name for a blend in herbal and aromatherapy communities. Kind of like "Fire Cider".

But the name is a nod to people who understood the power of plants, albeit they may have been using it for their own gain.

During the plague, as the story goes, a group of individuals were accused of stealing from individuals comprised by the illness. While people panicked, they profited.

But they didn't get away with their crimes. They were caught. But those who sought to bring justice were curious... How exactly were you able to evade the scourge of the plague? They even offered to lighten their sentence if they shared what gave them what seemed to be super powers.

They knew the power of plants. They employed them to protect themselves and fight germs and it worked magnificently.

Somehow this translated to a blend of germ-fighting, powerhouse essential oils called "Thieves Blend". Aha! Now I get it.

And yes it's a fantastic germ fighting blend, but not everyone enjoys its aroma. And it's not the only way to fight germs.

The truth is that many essential oils have antimicrobial properties. After all, plants live in the dirt.

Albeit, some essential oils are more aggressive at fighting germs than others. Often the powerhouse germ fighters pack an overwhelming aroma and can frankly be irritating to use.

Here's where thoughtful blending comes in.

While "Thieves Oil" and its MLM counterparts are great at fighting germs and supporting immune health, they aren't the only way to support wellness during cold and flu season. They aren't the only blends that can fight germs and support immune health.

I've created custom blends for clients when they are looking for germ-fighting blends with less irritation or a more personally pleasant aroma.

I created the Joyful Blend to smell like Christmas, smell like a fall gathering, to smell like a warm, inviting kitchen.

Food and family connect us, care for us, and plants are no different.

While we may not think about it much, without plants we have no food, no oxygen. They are the foundation of our medicines.

And yes we can peer into the science of how the chemistry of essential oil specifically fights germs but in the same way we know the ethanol in a glass of wine relaxes and the caffeine in a cup of coffee invigorates so do the multitude of compounds available in herbs and essential oils support us.

They fight germs, help us relax, invigorate us, ease aches.

And as an aromatherapist and cosmetic formulator who enjoys and appreciates the beauty, wonder, and power of nature I am proud to have created a blend of essential oils that not only feels like a warm hug, smells amazing, but also packs a powerful punch at supporting immune health, fighting germs, and is backed by science, history, and nature.

Aromatic blessings my friends,

Tricia