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.
Well , I don’t know why my 1st comment wasn’t there just now when checked , then I wrote a 2nd message ! Sorry about that ! 🙁
One thing I forgot to say is that I love the way you reply conscientiously to every comment left . It’s a real pleasure & I’ve noticed in other links , comments are not always answered which can be a little frustrating when the ? someone’s asked is an interesting one which would need an answer . Have a great day .
Hi Adrienne . I love your website & all the helpful tips , written in an amusing lively way . Thank you so much for such generous sharing ! You’re an absolute boon ! I did make up my own “thieves” combination taken from mountain rose , & another I noted down from somewhere else but hadn’t tried yet , which was all the same ingredients as yours , in equal quantities . I live in France & just thought you might find this address of EO supplier in France handy & much cheaper . Their site is also in English & they tell you how much in $$ .www.aroma-zone.com. Sorry I don’t know how to make it clickable directely , but maybe you’ll be able to from your end . A-Z also supply an enormous variety of veg oils , & many other basic things to make up your own beauty products , & all sorts of empty bottles , spatulas …all you need for your own little industry :)There’s the question of international shipping – would that knock out the cost benefit? Anyway , to give you an example , I’ve just ordered : 30mls (wild)cinnamon (19.90 €),60mls (wild) clove bud (13€) ,60mls organic Rosemary ,type cineole ,(9.80€), 100mls organic lemon (13.50€), 100mls eucalptus radiata (18.50€), & , 100mls organic tea tree (19.90€) , making a GT of 94.60€ …which is , I think is about 128$ . I’ll add that there are recipes & uses for EO by Drs who believe in EOs & naturopaths & aromatherapists . So even if you don’t want to buy their oils , there’s a plethora of recipes & a list to each oil saying what their uses are for what ailments , or just for general improvement like hair conditioning for example . I hope you & all your readers will find this helpful. Oh , & by the way , they’ve just opened their 1st shop in Bvd St Germain in Paris ! So if anyone who loves OEs , & is going to Paris , then take note ! I haven’t visited it yet as I live in the country . Last but not least , the dates they are bottled , & the expiry dates arev all noted for you to see on each eo , as on all their products .
Sorry Diana. I have been swamped and missed your comment :).
No prob . Glad your your blog’s are so popular ! 😀
Hi there,
I just read some of your posts on the best essential oil companies that are out there. Do you know anything about the Essential Oil Exchange? I normally use DoTerra products, but the Essential Oil Exchange has prices that are WAY lower, so low that I wonder if their quality is up to par. For example, their frankincense EO sells for roughly 10 dollars for 5 mls, whereas DoTerra and I believe Young Living sell it for around 90-100 dollars. Big difference! Any information you can provide would be great..I’m just starting to learn about essential oils and I want to make sure and keep safety in mind. I’m loving your site!
That price sounds really low. I would read this report and make a decision from that. https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
Sorry I should have given you more info. Did you read this post? https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/announcing-the-best-essential-oils-company-and-a-great-sale/ Thanks for the kind words :)!
DoTerra and Young Living Oils are harvested and distilled in Oman by the native people of Oman. The price is higher of these two because they have ethical standards in place, and the frankincense trees they harvest from are on sacred ground. So with both these companies you are getting a true frankincense because it has been blessed and distilled traditionally and you know they workers on these farms have safe work conditions and paid well
Hi Stephanie – this is from the owner of Native American Nutritionals:
I do not believe that DT is obtaining their oil from Oman since it does not state that on their website. Also the high quality Boswellia frereana oil is one that is grown in Somalia not Oman.
Now only 2 tribes are permitted to harvest wild frankincense in Oman: the Banu Kathir and Mehri (al-Mahra) tribes. They supply 99.9% of the worlds market of Oman Frankincense. Now YL may be growing their own Frankincense trees in Oman, but it probably still will be many years before they will be read to produce therapeutic quality resin. (If memory serves it takes a minimum of 8 years.) So if YL’s farm in Oman is not producing resin yet, because of their volume they use they are probably sill purchasing their resin from the tribes like we do.
In 2012 I was contacted by a scientist that assisted in developing the advanced technology extraction method for the Sacred Frankincense oil. …..
Next he told me that they have improved their therapeutic extraction technique and asked me if I wanted to be the sole supplier in the United States for their “Highest Quality in the World Sacred Frankincense”. After testing their oil, I truly found it superior and said yes.
Now there is a lot of Oman Frankincense on the market. You can easily find this oil, or more commonly the adulterated version, by just doing a google search. My first purchase of Oman Sacred Frankincense was about 15 years ago.
What is different between ours and YL’s Sacred Frankincense that is the new advanced technology extraction. Here is some information I wrote up about it:
**********
Type 5 – Patent Pending Advanced Technology Extraction
Scientists have recently discovered a better way of obtaining the greatest therapeutic Frankincense oil. By taking the best of hydro distillation and CO2 extraction methods, they have combined those into a new patent pending process.
This new extraction method produces an oil that is the best for overall health. The Boswellic Acid is almost twice the amount that is found in CO2 extraction but still in very small amounts. It has around 50% of alpha-Pinene by GC/MS testing and large percentages of the other healing components. With this extraction method, care is given to actually obtaining a lower alpha-Pinene percentage. This will improve the therapeutic quality by increasing other medicinal compounds found in the oil.
This updated process creates terrific aromatic Frankincense oil that is not only great for skin care, but also retains the mind healing and cancer fighting properties. Even though the cost of this extraction method is about fifty percent more than just normal CO2 extraction, it produces the finest quality oil in the world.
Adrienne,
My readers pointed me to your recipe and had some questions. I just thought I would point a few things out that they asked, and perhaps you could clarify for your readers within the recipe and not just in the comments, to be sure your blend is used safely.
First, which kind of Cinnamon are you recommending? Bark or Leaf? It matters.
Which chemotype of Rosemary? There are several chemotypes, each with different constituents.
Why E. radiata and not another chemotype?
I am wondering why you are stating that E. globulus is poisonous?
Also “pure” and “therapeutic grade” labels are just for marketing, and it is difficult for the consumer to find out which oils are really “pure” without testing them.
You correctly point out that this blend is “hot” and can burn, but don’t give guidelines on how to safety dilute so as to prevent burns.
You also encourage your readers to read labels. Unfortunately, a bottle doesn’t always give accurate safety information. For example, your recipe here that is similar to the doTERRA “Thieves” blend says you can use it internally at 1 drop per 4 ounces of water. There is no information on diluting at all. Unfortunately, reading a bottle is not enough when it comes to safety.
I would caution against recommending internal use (even if you add “with caution”). Only trained aromatherapists can give this sort of advice. Using this kind of blend internally can cause lots of damage if you don’t know what you are doing. I don’t know of any trained aromatherapist who would suggest internal use of such oils.
Lastly, thank you for what you are doing, spreading the word about essential oils. Just be careful with the advice, as people can get hurt! 🙂
Hi Lea.
I am so sorry for not responding sooner. Wow. I had this all typed out and then life got away from me :).
I am going to respond to you in bold italics interspersed with your questions since you asked so many questions. I think it will be easier for my readers to follow along this way. So here is your comment / question with my responses intermingled. Just so you know, I got some assistance from Mr. Dean at Native American in pulling this information together.
Adrienne,
My readers pointed me to your recipe and had some questions. I just thought I would point a few things out that they asked, and perhaps you could clarify for your readers within the recipe and not just in the comments, to be sure your blend is used safely.
From Me: — I realize there are safety issues with the oils, so please use the oils with wisdom. If you do not know how you will respond to an essential oil, test out a small amount. It is always highly advisable to only use small amounts of the essential oils and use them with a carrier oil.
From Lea: First, which kind of Cinnamon are you recommending? Bark or Leaf? It matters.
From Me: — First of all, there are people in the oils industry who are super-ultra-concerned about talking about the safety of oils, and they will mention that the bark isn’t as safe as the leaf. However, there is for sure a differing of opinions in the oils industry about where this safety lines need to be drawn. Some of it, in my humble opinion, is overblown. That for sure doesn’t mean that I am for unsafe usage of oils, and I think that you can tell that by the way that I talk about them and caution my readers. But I do think that there are some who possibly go overboard in their cautions and make it almost frightening for parents to try using these very helpful natural remedies.
In any case, those “ultra concerned about safety” folks like the leaf but Mr. Dean of Native American prefers the bark. According to him, the Cinnamon Bark oil is stronger and more effective for what we want to use it for. This also allows your money to go further buy not having to use so much of this oil. Cinnamon Bark is, of course, extremely hot, so mix it in larger amounts of a carrier oil.
From Lea: Which chemotype of Rosemary? There are several chemotypes, each with different constituents.
Why E. radiata and not another chemotype?
From Me: A lot of people get caught up in the chemotypes but the Rosemary in this formula can really be used with either of the two main chemotypes. Since the amounts we would use, even in an extreme situation, are well below the safety requirements. Personally I prefer an extremely low cineole type of rosemary. Native American Nutritionals’ is from Hungary from a very trusted farm.
From Lea: I am wondering why you are stating that E. globulus is poisonous?
From Me: Interesting that you should bring this up. I have been doing some looking into Eucalyptus for that reason.
1. First of all, as you know, the common thinking in the oils community is that Globulus is the problematic form of the oil. The companies that put the child-safety caps on some of their bottles put them on the Globulus but not on the Radiata. And their literature states that Globulus is the poisonous / toxic form. But here is the deal as far as I understand it:
2. According to this article, one would need to ingest 3.5 ml of undiluted oil to have a problem – of course, that is possible if a child were to get a hold of a bottle, but very unlikely using the recommendations for this blend that most sensible people and companies talk about (taking maybe 5 drops of this internally at a time for maybe 5 times per day, and the oil is only one of many in a blend). However, I do not recommend internal use of oils. 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.
3. In fact, some people say that Eucalyptus radiata has more toxicity than the Globulus, which is very puzzling seeing as most companies don’t talk about the radiate being toxic.
I don’t personally think that using the radiata in this blend is a problem (of course, this isn’t medical advice), but one could for sure just use the Eucalyptus Citriodora (Lemon Eucalyptus) if they are concerned about toxicity.
From Lea: Also “pure” and “therapeutic grade” labels are just for marketing, and it is difficult for the consumer to find out which oils are really “pure” without testing them.
From Me: I am sure you are aware from reading my posts that I don’t think that the labeling that companies put on their products are always to be believed and that I am very concerned about what companies say and don’t say about their products so I am glad that you agree with me on that point. I am not sure why you are mentioning this here. Are you calling into question something that I have written? If so, please tell me what that is- thanks :).
As for the testing, I for sure think that it is important, but it has its limitations and I have written about that in Essential Oils Testing–Is it Reliable? and I stand by that post.
From Lea: You correctly point out that this blend is “hot” and can burn, but don’t give guidelines on how to safety dilute so as to prevent burns.
From Me: As you know, there is a lot of safety information on the web about using essential oils. People are all different so they can work out what is best for them. It is highly advisable to start with extreme dilution and then work with what fits your body. If one is really worried, one could use a drop of oil with 100 drops of a carrier and then over the next few days slowly add more pure oil until they like the ratio they have formulated. There are a lot of the “extreme safety people” whom I referenced above that are operating from the extreme rather than the norm. I of course think that safety is important but we need to remember that we are all to do the best that we can do. What is too strong for one person is fine for another. I recommend diluting but as of now I am not going to get into amounts as I think clearly they would vary based on the age and constitution of the person concerned.
From Lea: You also encourage your readers to read labels. Unfortunately, a bottle doesn’t always give accurate safety information. For example, your recipe here that is similar to the doTERRA “Thieves” blend says you can use it internally at 1 drop per 4 ounces of water. There is no information on diluting at all. Unfortunately, reading a bottle is not enough when it comes to safety.
From Me: First of all, it isn’t doTERRA that makes “Thieves”–it is Young Living. doTERRA’s blend is On Guard. Of course, bottles don’t give all the information that one needs. I was simply referring to the Latin name of the oil. That is why I mentioned diluting in my post.
From Lea: I would caution against recommending internal use (even if you add “with caution”). Only trained aromatherapists can give this sort of advice. Using this kind of blend internally can cause lots of damage if you don’t know what you are doing. I don’t know of any trained aromatherapist who would suggest internal use of such oils.
From Me: I agree with you and recommend that everyone consults with 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.
From Lea: Lastly, thank you for what you are doing, spreading the word about essential oils. Just be careful with the advice, as people can get hurt! 🙂
From Me: Thank you!
Just recently found your website. Lots if great ideas and advice. The best thing about all of it is you are willing to share without asking for anything in return. People can either take what you offer or leave it. Either way, it is a loving thing you do with your time. Please accept my virtual hug and thank you. May your life always be blessed. Kind regards, Steven
Well, thanks and welcome. Hope to see you around again.
Hi, can you cite your source for eucalyptus globulus being poison? I know it can be toxic in large doses as can any essential oil and that it needs to be diluted like all essential oils should be, but I have never heard that it is poison. I have a bottle and have used it (properly) for years and have never been poisoned nor has any of my family memebers who have used it. Thanks
I’ve been looking into this more and changed the post – you would apparently need to ingest about 3.5 ml to have a fatal dose so it’s possible. The Euc Citriodora is a better euc to use since it doesn’t have that problem. Thanks!
Hi, can you tell me if Native American Nutritionals makes a thieves oil blend? Thanks!
Yes, it’s called Spice Traders (update – it’s Immune Strength now).
Thank you! And would you say it’s a very comparable blend? I will click through your site to purchase it. Thank you for all the helpful info on your blog!
I think so. I think YL’s blend has more clove in it so it’s a little hotter, but I like it. A friend of mine has used it many times for sinus infections. You’re welcome!
I just found out that they renamed Spice Traders to Immune Strength – hope that helps :).
Thanks for a great series on the EO showdown. I am presently caught in the YL “overbuying monthly to get the best price” also. I get mostly Theives, so it should all get used up. Are you familiar with the Weston Price Foundation? A health (and truth) seeker such as yourself may find a kindred spirit there.
Yes, I was on the local board for awhile – not any longer though – thanks!
? My mom is alergic to eucalyptus. Can I make this without this oil?
Lora
I would simply use other antibacterial oils or increase the ones in the mix already.
Can this be used topically, if so what would be the dilution ratio?
I’ve never worked with ratios, but this can for sure be used topically. I simply add a carrier oil and put a drop or 2 in with it. I think the purpose is more to dilute the hot oil so it isn’t hot anymore, rather than to have a specific ratio. Of course, this isn’t medical advice :).