What is Spice Traders?

Spice Traders is also known as ‘thieves’ or ‘four thieves’. There are many other 

similar versions of this sold around the world. It is well-known historically for being an anti-plague remedy. 

This is a great-smelling spicy and warm holiday-oriented scent. It was historically used to aide in protecting the body from the onsets of flu, candida, colds, viruses, and plagues. It was also used to assist in infections, including ones of the mouth. 

There exists a vinegar recipe similar to the Spice Traders blend that is hung in the Museum of Paris since 1937. The recipe was apparently used during an episode of the plague. Wormwood, wild marjoram, sage, meadow-sweet, rosemary, horehound clove, and camphor are all put into a vinegar and left to steep for two weeks then the mixture is strained and bottled.*1

Indigo Mountain Spice Traders synergy contains essential oil of clove, cinnamon bark, lemon, eucalyptus radiata, thyme, orange, oregano, nutmeg, rosemary, mandarin, ginger root, and citronella. All of these lovely oils have been historically known to either be cleansing, antibacterial, or uplifting. In the past, an oil mixture like this may not have just been used to keep away sickness but also to consecrate and anoint as well.

The use of cinnamon was mentioned in the bible,

“…the Lord said to Moses,

‘Take the following fine spices:

• 500 shekels of liquid myrrh [~6g]
• Half as much of fragrant cinnamon [~3g]
• 250 shekels of fragrant calamus [~3 kg]
• 500 shekels of cassia [~6g]
• And a hin of olive oil [~5 quarts]

“Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.’” (Exodus 30:22-29)

Uses: 

Home

Use for diffusion in the air, can be mixed with wax for wax melts, or used in an oil warmer. Mix into a spray bottle with distilled water for a room spray or bathroom spritzer. 

Body

Spice Traders has been historically known to help with various different bodily issues. It may help pull slivers, blackheads and other things out of the surface of the skin.

If you have ultra-sensitive skin it is not recommended to apply directly to the body without first diluting it in a carrier oil, lotion or water. 

When applying to the body places one may wish to apply to are the wrists, behind and on the ears, at the base of the neck, temples, inside of elbows, bottoms of feet, and behind the knees. If using a lot on the body it is definitely recommended to dilute, dilute, dilute! A little can go a long way. 

Mouth

Use while brushing or mix with water or oil for a mouth rinse. The oil blended into a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil and adding the oil to your toothpaste may help with teeth pain, mouth sores, or sore gums.  Spice Traders has been used historically to help canker sores. This blend can be used in a mouthwash or as a gargle to help sore throats when mixed with water. 

For example, it has been documented that there is evidence that it may be very antibacterial. The most well-documented study from 1996 showed evidence of antibacterial properties.  Micrococcus luteus (Fleming strain), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (Golden staph) were all tested against the oil mixture.  Fleming strain was reduced 82%, P. aeruginosa reduced 96%, and golden staph reduced 44% within 10 minutes of diffusing the oil.*2

Tip: Alternating with other oils that we carry like Aura and Fortify can help balance the use of oils when being used consistently. Using the same oil regularly is not recommended. Using the same oil or synergy too often can be ineffective. 

Safety: 

For pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant it is important to discuss essential oil use with your health care provider for advice and to use discernment with their use.

This synergy could possibly result in contact sensitization. Should be used with caution if susceptible to epilepsy.*3  

There is not much research on whether or not oils can cause drug interactions or any contraindications. There are also not many studies on how essential oils can interact in long-term use. Individuals who use essential oils should discuss what they are using with their doctor or health care providers and use with caution or discretion. Properly diluting one’s oils before use on the body can help make sure that you have more safety when using very concentrated oils. Cinnamon bark oil can burn your skin with direct contact- dilute, dilute, dilute! 

1*Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, Gattefosse’s Aromatherapy (CW Daniel Company, Ltd. First published in Paris, France in 1937 by Girardot & Cie.), 85-86.

2*http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10412905.1998.9700958

3*pg. 149, Reference Guide for Essential Oils compiled by Connie and Alan Higley.