DIY Thieves Oil Recipe (Exact Ratios + Drops & Teaspoons)
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Looking for a simple DIY thieves oil recipe you can make at home?
This essential oil blend combines clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary in specific ratios to create a balanced, aromatic blend you can use for both your home and wellness routines.
Often referred to as a “thieves-style” blend, this combination of oils has been used for many years and is known for its bold scent and versatility.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- the exact ratios for best results
- how to make the blend using drops, teaspoons, or weight
- how to use it safely and effectively
This type of essential oil blend has been very popular for home and everyday use.
Some essential oils have been studied for their antimicrobial properties, though they should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment.
What Is Thieves Oil?
The first time I heard about “thieves oil,” it was from a friend whom I thought was saying “feeves” because of a bad phone connection.
She then told me that apparently, during the time of the Black Plague, thieves would go to places where the dead bodies were and they would steal goods off of the corpses. But to protect themselves, they would put a blend of oils or spices on themselves.
Now, I don't know if this is all true or not, but I suspect that there's some truth to it.
Once I figured out what it was, I was intrigued by the blend—and even more interested in making a DIY version to save money.
I'm always trying to DIY things like this Homemade Rice Milk, this Homemade Coconut Milk, and so much more.
So, enter this Homemade Thieves Blend.
it’s simple to make and works well for a variety of uses, and is much cheaper than buying a blend.
Thieves Oil Ingredients
- Clove essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Cinnamon bark (or leaf) essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
This combination is widely used in thieves-style blends and is known for its strong, balanced aroma.
Thieves Oil Recipe in Drops, Grams, and Teaspoons
This DIY thieves oil recipe uses a 40-30-15-10-5 ratio of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary for a balanced blend.
Drops
- Clove: 40 drops
- Lemon: 30 drops
- Cinnamon: 15 drops
- Eucalyptus: 10 drops
- Rosemary: 5 drops
Note: This method is less precise because different essential oils have different densities. Clove and cinnamon are heavier oils, so the scent may be slightly stronger when measured in drops instead of weight.
Grams
For a 10 gram blend, here's how much of each oil to use.
- Clove Bud: 4 grams
- Lemon: 3 grams
- Cinnamon Bark: 1.5 grams
- Eucalyptus: 1 gram
- Rosemary: 0.5 grams
Teaspoons
For a small batch (about 1 teaspoon total):
- Clove: about ⅜ to ½ teaspoon
- Lemon: about ¼ to ⅓ teaspoon
- Cinnamon: about ⅛ teaspoon
- Eucalyptus: about 1/16 teaspoon (a pinch)
- Rosemary: about 1/16 teaspoon (a pinch)
Because essential oils vary in density, teaspoon measurements are only approximate. For best accuracy and balance, use drops or measure by weight.
DIY Thieves Oil Recipe (Exact Ratios + Drops & Teaspoons)
Equipment
- small opaque glass bottle 10-15 ml
- dropper or reducer cap
- digital scale optional
Ingredients
- 40 drops Clove Bud Oil
- 30 drops Lemon Oil
- 15 drops Cinnamon Oil
- 10 drops Eucalyptus Oil (See Note)
- 5 drops Rosemary Oil
Instructions
- Add all essential oils to a clean amber glass bottle.
- Gently swirl or roll the bottle to combine.
- Let the blend sit for 12–24 hours for best aroma (optional).
- Use as desired (see notes below for usage and safety tips).
Notes
- This recipe is based on a formulation using percentage ratios for a balanced blend.
- Measuring by weight gives the most accurate results, but drops work well for everyday use.
- Teaspoon measurements are approximate due to differences in oil density.
- Always dilute before applying to skin, as some oils in this blend are considered “hot.”
- Not intended as medical advice.
Where This Thieves Recipe Came From
This recipe is adapted from a formulation shared by Dr. Robert Pappas, an experienced and accomplished essential oil educator. I appreciate his attention to proper ratios and safety, and I’ve converted the recipe into simple drop measurements below for ease of use.
How to Make Thieves Oil
Simply combine the essential oils above in an opaque glass container like an essential oil bottle, then swirl to mix.
How to Use this Homemade Thieves® Blend
Following are ideas that I have read about or personally used. Of course, with the medical uses, I am not a medical practitioner, nor do I pretend to be one.
Note that some of these oils in this blend are “hot” and can burn. Please dilute with a carrier oil before applying directly to the skin or using in the mouth.
- For sickness: Diffuse in the air or use topically, remembering to dilute with a carrier oil if using topically.
- House cleaning. Add this blend to your homemade or store bought cleaner of choice for extra cleaning power.
- As a mouthwash.
- Dental issues: I have occasionally swished with 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil with about 4 drops of antibacterial oils added to address dental concerns. This is very similar to coconut oil pulling, but with added oils.
- Wound Cleaning
Safety Notes
Eucalyptus Oil
Under age 3: Can be diffused or applied topically up to .5%.
Age 3-6 – Can be diffused or applied topically up to 1%.
Cinnamon and Clove Oils
These are “hot” oils and as such care should be taken when applying them topically.
There are a variety of recommendations for dilution of these oils for safety, but one recommendation is to dilute cinnamon to .07% or (rounded to) .1% max and clove to .5% max.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in thieves oil?
A traditional thieves oil blend includes clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils.
How do you make thieves oil?
Combine the essential oils in an opaque glass bottle in the proper ratios using drops or weight.
Can you apply thieves oil to skin?
Yes, but always dilute it with a carrier oil first.
Can you substitute ingredients in thieves oil?
This blend is traditionally made with five specific oils, and for best results, it’s recommended to follow the original ratios.
However, in some cases:
- Cinnamon leaf oil can be used instead of cinnamon bark for a milder option
- Eucalyptus varieties may vary slightly (globulus vs radiata)
Keep in mind that substitutions will change the aroma and overall balance of the blend.
Where to Buy Oils and Bottles to Make This Blend
Oils
Essential Oils are sold all over the place. I personally left the 2 big Direct Sales companies, and chose to buy from companies that weren't in the MLM business model.
You can read my series, “Which Essential Oils Company is Best?” here to find out more about how I chose this company plus loads of information about essential oils.
Bottles
For the bottles, you can use an old essential oil bottle like I did, or you can head over to Amazon and get an amber dropper bottle like this one there.
More Essential Oil Blends
- Breathe Blend – to help soothe coughs
- Purify Blend – for cleaning and purifying
- Adrenal Blend – for stress support
“Thieves® is a registered trademark of Young Living. This post is not affiliated with or endorsed by Young Living and is simply a DIY essential oil blend inspired by traditional combinations.”
Got a question about essential oils?
Leave it in the comments below and I'll do my best to help.
Lovely. Thanks
You’re welcome!
Did you use Cinnamon Leaf EO or Cinnamon bark EO?
Hi Donna – The bark is what’s typically used for most cinnamon oil applications. I linked to one in the tutorial but of course you’re welcome to use whatever brand you like :).
Thanks for this!
What do you think of do terra essential oils
I have mixed feelings. I hope to revisit that whole topic soon but some of my thoughts are in this series. I don’t think they are worth the money. https://wholenewmom.com/the-great-essential-oils-showdown-in-search-of-the-best-essential-oils/
i use this oil “thieves’ mixed with avacado oil. I put on my forehead & sinasis & behind my ears. It takes the swelling down &openes up everything! THANKS SO MUCH!
You are so welcome!!
For topical daily use, a 2% dilution is recommended for adults (lower is always acceptable as well). This oil should never be used with children. It is the classic recipe. I checked it. For dilution, a 2% solution would be about 15 drops per ounce, mixed with a carrier oil. You can use higher concentrations, but these are not recommended for long-term use. I have not yet had a chance to try this blend, but I am planning to make some soon and give it a try. It comes highly recommended!
Because of seizures, I can not use Rosemary or Eucalyptus. Do you have any other suggestions on oils that can take their place?
Tea Tree is known for antibacterial benefits – lavender or peppermint might be good alternatives as well. Hope that helps.
Hi Lillian,
I would like to know the connection with eucalyptus, rosemary, and seizures? Thank you.
Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage and Wormwood and the other essential oils can overstimulate the nervous system and cause further seizures.
Yes, I have been using oil of oregano for many years- no sinus problems in 14 years & no colds. Great for fungus, too. I put four drops in an ounce of green tea daily & swallow Cat scratched me bad infection- put drop of oil of oregano on & overnight practically cured.
Using thieves mostly drops on my toothbrush. Love it.
Glad you have seen so many benefits! I would personally recommend not taking essential oils internally or using it neat w/o being under the care of a physician or aromatherapist. But oil of oregano is diluted so it’s different than oregano EO. I would be very careful about oils on your toothbrush – have you seen this post? https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/essential-oil-emulsifier/