Based on a centuries old recipe that kept medieval thieves from catching the Bubonic Plague in the 1300s, it was originally called Thieves Vinegar. This grain alcohol base contains essential oils of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus radiata and rosemary. It can be used as a general disinfectant for hands or hard surfaces, cuts or scrapes. It does contain alcohol, so it will sting. Sprayed on a sore throat, the clove provides anaesthetic relief, but BE WARNED - it tastes AWFUL. I recommend you cover your tongue with kleenex before spraying. Luckily, it smells wonderful, and when inhaled with steaming water, it can clear head, sinus and chest congestion due to colds and flu and may even reduce the duration of your illness.