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.
Thank you so much for your website–I love it! I appreciate your integrity (and humility) and how much value you freely share. I was trying to figure out a recipe for “Thieves” myself (and there are several companies and bloggers who use this name) so Im happy to start with this recipe and NAN and go from here. When I make the order you will be sure to get “credit” for it. Thank you dear Adrienne, and blessings to you and yours!!
~Kiyomi
Thank you for sharing your version of an antibacterial essential oil blend. I enjoy reading your posts and appreciate the time that you take to research and experiment for each post. I am currently training to become an aromatherapist and herbalist, continuing my holistic health education for myself and to expand my practice. Essential oils are very concentrated and should be used with care for the proper usage and dosage, and not all essential oils are appropriate for internal use. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends appropriate clinical education prior to use of essential oils internally:
https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/naha-safety-statements/. I applaud you for taking control of your health and the health of your family, for finding what is right for you and them, and for sharing your discoveries (and the blood, sweat, and tears that went into it) with the public. I hope many more people do the same. It is important to do so with knowledge of both the benefits and the risks.
Hi there and so sorry for not publishing this sooner – i got so inundated! I agree oils must be used w/ caution, esp when talking about internal usage.
I do recommend that people consult with a professional before ingesting any essential oils. Consult a Medical Doctor, Naturopath, or clinically trained Aromatherapist who knows you and is aware of your medical history, as well as any medications you are on. With this information, the professional can tailor a regimen that works for his / her body.
And I did just come out w/ this new report on essential oils that you might be interested in. https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
I hope you haven’t written me off due to my delay :).
Thank you sooo much Adrienne for all your generous time. I have been following your blog for almost a month (lol, as several others, AFTER I already signed up for YL). Oh well, it’s all Good & a good stepping stone. I JUST placed an order w/ NAN this morning & I did so thru your link. I also added in the comments to pls be sure you got the credit & used your 90166#. So pls be sure to check w/ them to assure you get your comm on my order. God Bless you my dear for your generous heart. Oh…OMT, since I registered w/ NAN thru YOUR link, will I still have to go thru your link everytime I order, or will it be a given now? Is it good enough to put it in the comments to give credit to your #? Blessings. 🙂
I do think that it will continue to be applied. Thanks so much! You could always come back to make sure :).
I have been using Thieves oil for years but I am certainly intrigued by your blend. Sounds like a winner! I also have most of them (from Young Living) so could make it up fairly easily.
Thanks for sharing this, and all your other blogs and adventures are also very educational or at the least entertaining!
Thanks for the kind words – I didn’t figure myself to be much of an entertainer but thank you:).
I enjoy your writing style.
BTW I too am a Young Living distributor but although I tried hard to sell it I was never very successful. I don’t think that is in my skill sets! So I just buy it for myself, and sometimes for my Mom who has benefited greatly from the Lavender oil. I certainly don’t have a problem with you giving away a DIY Thieves blend. Although I think the oils are wonderful there can be a great many ways to solve one’s problems through other means (apple cider vinegar & coconut oil are my current favs) than just the oils. Nature’s/God’s pharmacy is full of things to keep us healthy.
Thanks for the kind words :).
I agree :0)
I live on a tight budget and it’s hard to buy the oils ., but I’ve been getting oils from Amazon and it’s one main small company I’ve been ordering from and I really like them.I researched them and some people from yl. Have come over to this company..You did research for the oils to make the copycat blend and I’m thankful for you doing this.Im going to make this today , so I can use it for cleaning and for preventing sickness from coming into my house.I bought some 4 thieves blend from the company I buy from and I love it.But I can’t wait to make it.Thank you for doing and posting all you do post.
You are so welcome – hope it works well for you!
Adrienne,
I make homemade Thieves oil too! I love it! Great minds think alike!
:).
This is a great posting! Can you tell me how Spice Traders helped your friend to fight off numerous sinus infections? Specifically how she used it and how often?
Thanks! I think she took about 5 drops internally up to 5 times per day. However, I can’t recommend that at all. A person should only take essential oils internally under the recommendation of a professional. I recommend you consult with a professional before ingesting any essential oils. Consult a Medical Doctor, Naturopath, or clinically trained Aromatherapist who knows you and is aware of your medical history, as well as any medications you are on. With this information, the professional can tailor a regimen that works for your body.
When I use Thieves internally I put about 4-5 drops along with a bit of oil in a vegetable capsule. This way it doesn’t burn my esophagus and it gets it down to my stomach without problem. I will do this 2 or 3 times a day to get rid of any “sick” feelings I am having, whatever their reason. It works wonderfully well.
Oh – I meant a machine that fills the capsules :).
LOL! No I just eyeball it, and considering my eyesight I’m doing good if I don’t spill the drops elsewhere!
I have the Capsule Machine. We use it to encapsulate turmeric mainly. It is handy if you’re making a lot of pills.
Let me know how it goes if you have the chance. Some of my friends said it’s a pain in the patooey. I’m still open to try.
HI there. I can’t recommend taking the oils internally. I recommend you consult with a professional before ingesting any essential oils. Consult a Medical Doctor, Naturopath, or clinically trained Aromatherapist who knows you and is aware of your medical history, as well as any medications you are on. With this information, the professional can tailor a regimen that works for your body. Thanks and take care.
I’m confused. The true Thieves® blend contains five oils. I think it is dangerous the way you have left it very vague to “add in 20–40 drops of any other oils” to the blend. Their “new” blend has now become very different from the hitting the mark…Thieves®. Can they really use it as if it was like the real Thieves® blend? Personally, I would not want to take a chance trying to replace Young Living’s Thieves® blend. I use it when I need a boost when I am sick…why risk it at a time like that?
It seems like there’s a fine line between helping people get the best deal with DIY idea, vs. borrowing a company’s name and misrepresenting that their recipe is duplicatable. They will have a blend of oils they’ve made at home, but will it have the same properties, constituents, and purity as the Thieves®.blend?…Most certainly not! If you are not too “sold” on the story of the Thieves, I am not sure why you included it. Maybe a better name for your recipe would be “Adrienne’s Blend”…then we wouldn’t be confused when the final DIY recipe failed to live up to the Thieves® blend from Young Living.
Hi again, Kathy. I answered your first comment already–this appears to say the same thing. I still don’t understand why you think it is dangerous to add an optional 20-40 drops of other antibacterial oils that are approved for internal use. May I ask if you have contacted doTERRA to tell them that their antibacterial blend is dangerous b/c it has different oils in it than the Thieves blend? If I had recommended Eucalyptus Globulus, I could understand, but I didn’t. Could you clarify please?
I don’t think I crossed a line at all. I have a copycat Ener-G® Egg Replacer recipe on my blog as well as one for Almond Joy® Bars. I have taken great care to represent that these are copycats and I am not trying to sell a product with that name, which would be a violation of trademarking.
I don’t think that my blend will “most certainly not” have the same antibacterial qualities as the Thieves® blend. As I pointed out in my other response to you, it appears to me that YL is the one who is misleading about studies done on their product–not me. All of these oils are powerful antibacterial agents and can be used, in my opinion, with caution internally.
Also, regarding your comment about the Thieves story–just b/c I think that the story might not be totally factually accurate doesn’t mean that the blend doesn’t work. I could make up a health remedy for healing people of cancer and tell a story about how it was used 100’s of years ago and that I got the remedy from an ancient healer. I might be lying about the story, but that doesn’t mean that the remedy for sure won’t work. Efficacy and sourcing are 2 different issues.
Again, I think that calling this “Adrienne’s Blend” would be totally confusing but I am flattered that you think my name is worthy of using for the name of a product :).
Maybe try the blend and see for yourself – you might be pleasantly surprised :).
Thanks and hope to hear from you again.
Hiya Adrienne, I am by no stretch of the imagination truly educated on his subject, but in the limited amount of self educating I have done, I’m guessing the “danger” Kathy is referring to in the blending practices of essential oils. Basically, in my understanding, when you combine oils, they can alter each other’s chemical make-up. So, the order in which you blend oils and the amount of each oil you use and the constituents present in the particular oil you are using (as there is variation in the constituents of oils depending on which company they come from) matters. Assuming companies who sell blends have done their research it is possibly “safer” to use a blend that the company has HOPEFULLY studied the chemistry that has been created and tested it before offering it to the consumer. Also a reason it seems to be generally preferred to layer oils.
I don’t think that’s the case, but I will bring it up with the owner of Native American. I think she thinks that Thieves® is special in some way and that insinuating that any other blend might work is dangerous. – Thanks!
Hi there. This is the response from Mr. Dean:
That is not completely true Gary young gives the thieves (dont know how to do the trademark thingy) recipe in his desk reference and the order in which to add the oils and I am not positive but I think there is some science behind that more than marketing kinda like when you the baking soda and vinegar in water thing 2 completely different reactions depending on which you add first
Bollocks. The thieves blend is based off of something that is centuries old- hence the story behind it. They make their version. Doterra makes theirs. There is absolutely zero reason why an individual can’t do the same. Heck, it’s not particularly hard to find the original list of herbs that were supposedly used in an infusion. As long as you’re not doing something patently stupid- like ingesting wormwood, for example- you’ll be fine. Yes, the oils create a synergistic effect, but none of the oils listed will hurt you (unless, perhaps you have epilepsy or are pregnant- which anyone who does the slightest bit of research will discover), especially if you only use them externally. Companies like YL and Doterra like to create a bizarre atmosphere of dependence on them that is unnecessary.
Well said, Kim.
I agree completely.
thanks kim ,
I am a qualified aromatherapist , and raindrop technique practioner, I trained with foreverliving oils , the course did promoted the company and oils far more than actually the therapy , if anyone needs to mix oils up go online and find the information or buy an aromatherapy book ,, this will list which oils can be mixed and which to avoid, the recipe for thieves can be made up by individuals , yes it may slightly vary from the ones produced by forever living etc, but that is due to fact that you don’t know the exact mix of theirs compared to yours, it will still work the oils aren’t going to not work as its not the same mix , experiment that’s how the companies do it , if you aren’t confident in doing that , then buy the original, just stop moaning lol x
Yes Kim! Well said!
THANK YOU for seeking out the answer to this. A doctor let me borrow “Reference Guide for Essential Oils” by Connie and Alan Higley, which is a very good resource for EO knowledge (so far… But I would welcome any other offline reference suggestions). It’s basically written all about YL EOs, blends and all, and, of course, they cry caution regarding blending your own. I scoffed and was going to do my own research regarding this, but you did it for me… And straight from the horse’s mouth! Sweet! So thanks… I hope to figure out a digestive blend on my own, with your totally-not-Thieves-but-works-just-as-well-which-is-awesome inspiration. Thanks again!
Sheri- I believe the company Living Libations in Canada makes a digestion blend called Digest the Best. Perhaps their ingredient list will help! 🙂
This post is very misleading. The true Thieves® blend contains five oils. I think it is dangerous the way you have left it very vague to “add in 20–40 drops of any other oils” to the blend. Once you do that, you have a very unknown combination of oils. Their new blend has now become very different then Thieves®. Then you go on to say they can use it as if it is just like the Thieves®.blend. Isn’t Young Living the creator of Thieves®.blend? You make it sound like there are other companies using that name as well.
It seems like there’s a fine line between helping people get the best deal to make it themselves, vs. borrowing a company’s name and misrepresenting them. They will have a blend of oils they’ve made at home, but will it have the same properties, constituents, and purity as the Thieves®.blend…most certainly not. You could’ve not even concerned yourself with Thieves®.blend at all, and call your new antibiotic blend “Adrienne’s Blend”…then we would not feel mislead.
Hi Kathy.
I don’t think it’s misleading at all. I have a post on my blog called Almond Joy® Bars and they have different ingredients but are similar to their namesake. There are loads of bloggers with “Homemade Mounds® Bars” on their blog.
There are many bloggers who have DIY Thieves® recipes, and even Mountain Rose Herbs has one. It is an anti-bacterial blend and that is the point of the post, with Thieves® being a pretty recognizable name.
So I don’t think it’s a problem. This gets the job done and saves my readers money.
Can you explain why you think it is dangerous? The Thieves blend is nothing more than a combo of antibacterial oils. There is a lot on the internet stating that this is a myth anyway. I even contacted YL about an apparent problem in the citation they have in their marketing materials about their blend but they never responded to me. It appears they state that their blend has been proven to kill but the study appeared to only be talking about eucalyptus. That is misleading. This is the study that they cite: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10657767
I don’t mean to be testy about this but I see you are a YL distributor so I think that is the main issue going on here–am I not correct? I don’t understand why folks get so up in arms about this stuff but honestly the culture of YL and DT has left a bad taste in my mouth. If you read the comments on my EO series you will see what I mean. https://wholenewmom.com/what-to-buy/which-essential-oils-company-is-best-part-6-distillation-bias-vomit/
Moreover, I think if I just called it Adrienne’s Blend it would be totally confusing.
Let me know what you think :).
I think what Kathy is saying, if you understood chemistry and electromagnetic frequencies, then certain blends have frequencies that work synergistically with our own frequencies. In short, energy absorbed/released to and from our bodies will be different so making claims about it being comparable to an oil that is known to help people, is most definitely misleading.
Thank you Kathy for pointing that out!
Hi Mae. I hear what you are saying but I think the frequency thing could apply to all oils and even different Latin names. I am seeing a practitioner who deals w frequencies so I know the concept but I am not sure about it being as valid as some think. I don’t think this is misleading at all personally but I appreciate your thoughts for sure :).
Your recipe calls for eucalyptus radiata oil, but your caution mentions eucalyptus globulus. So eucalyptus radiata is not poisonous? When would a person ever use eucalyptus globulus? Is it a totally different plant species? I so appreciate these posts, and, well, everything you post. Thank you for freely sharing your knowledge!
Yes, radiata is NOT poisonous. Folks tend not to know there is a difference so just don’t consume globulus :).
You are very kind – much appreciated.
I’ve tried thieves and whatever Doterra’s version is called. My 2.5 year old was diagnosed with Reactive Airway Disease (basically baby asthma). When I diffused some thieves in her room she got sick! I think the clove was overpowering. So I’m wondering, would it still work if I omitted clove from the DIY mix?
Also do you recommend rubbing this onto feet nightly during flu and cold season? My oldest lives it!
Oh goodness. That’s terrible. Well, the other oils all have antibacterial properties so you could just try that. Or reduce the cloves.
I haven’t done that but I have heard of others who do. I personally don’t think it could hurt but I can’t give out medical advice ;).
You are warned repeatedly on every package box and vial of oil not to use essential oils on or around very young children. Follow those warnings.
NEVER diffuse oils in a baby’s room. You can diffuse them in the living area while they’re sleeping and when they get up the dilution of molecules will be safe enough for them. Only diffuse for a max time of 15 mins every couple of hours.
You shouldnt be using essential oils on a child that young and eucalyptus is a keep away from kids.
Are you crazy? Thieves has Eucalyptus in it. It is absolutely the worse thing you could give a child with asthma. I surprised the child didn’t wind up in the ER with a full blown Asthma attack. My son has asthma and he put a eucalyptus bath salts in his shower because he had a really bad cough. It was the worse thing we ever saw. His throat closed up. He went into a full blown asthma attack and was turning blue. An ambulance had to be called. Do not ever ever use anything with eucalyptus areound anyone who has asthma.