"Marseille's Remedy" is a more pleasant name for a time-tested and now also scientifically verified blend of essential oils with strong antibacterial activity. Commonly called Thieves' Oil, this blend reportedly originated in France during the Middle Ages, when a group of out of work perfume and spice merchants became grave robbers and managed to avoid contracting the Bubonic Plague by spreading this mixture over their face scarves and exposed skin. It can be used in several ways, and is available both as a concentrated solution and as a topical balm.