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Here is a run-down of why caution is warranted before using Thieves-type blends (blends which contain Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Rosemary, Eucalyptus essential oils) such as Thieves and OnGuard. This information is based on the recommendations in the book Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand.

Cinnamon Bark

Cinnamon Bark can cause the blood to thin, causing bleeding issues, when used internally. There have been reports of nosebleeds from diffusing thieves-type blends due in part to Cinnamon Bark.

Issues specific to Cinnamon Bark:

• May inhibit blood clotting - do not use if on anticoagulant medication, have peptic ulcers, or other bleeding disorders. Avoid using up to 2 weeks before surgery.
• Mucous membrane irritant
• Highly sensitizing - when using topically, Cinnamon Bark must be diluted to .07% to avoid sensitization.
• Drug interaction

Clove

Clove can cause the blood to thin, causing bleeding issues, when used internally. There have been reports of nosebleeds from diffusing thieves-type blends due in part to Clove.

Issues specific to Clove:

• May inhibit blood clotting - do not use if on anticoagulant medication, have peptic ulcers, or other bleeding disorders. Avoid using up to 2 weeks before surgery.
• Mucous membrane irritant
• Moderately sensitizing - when using topically, Clove must be diluted to .6% to avoid sensitization.
• Drug interaction
• Do not use topically on children under age 2, or on broken, damaged, or sensitive skin.

Rosemary

Rosemary contains 1,8-cineole (just how much depends on the chemotype) which can slow respiration in young children and should be avoided using topically on or diffusing around children under age 10.

If the camphor chemotype of Rosemary is used, there is a risk of neurotoxicity.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus contains 1,8-cineole (just how much depends on the chemotype) which can slow respiration in young children and should be avoided using topically on or diffusing around children under age 10.

Orange

Some theives blends contain Orange. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) is not phototoxic, but Bitter Orange (Citrus x aurantium) is.

Lemon

Some thieves blends contain Lemon. Lemon is phototoxic if more than 12 drops are used per ounce.

Alternatives to thieves blends?

If you have children in your home under age 10 you may be wondering WHAT you are doing to do now? I have formulated some anti-germ recipes for you that you can find here: Anti-Germ (Thieves or OnGuard) and Anti-Congestion (Vick’s) recipes.

Note: Not all children will react adversely to the 1,8-cineole in the Rosemary and Eucalyptus. If your child has been exposed previously and did not show signs of slowed respiration, then it should be okay to continue to use around them. Use your own judgment.