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.
This is a great DIY recipe. My little guy is allergic to Eucalyptus so I had to substitute Tea Tree oil for him. It works brilliantly in our home and I love the savings. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I’d be curious to see a Focus/Attention blend as well. Take care!
You are so welcome.
Hi Adrienne,
New to this blog and comments, got my Thieves oil now and am curious about using it under my fungus toe nail. …I think I read something about that in your blog, but can’t find it anymore now. .. How much did you use and did you use it pure or with a carrier oil??? Thank you. Kind regards Sandra
I didn’t write about that but it might work. I can’t give medical advice, but I have heard more about using tea tree. This blend is usually considered a “hot” blend and as such should always be diluted for topical use.
I’m just beginning to use EOs so I’m really happy to find this recipe! I have a newbie question – is cinnamon oil the same as cinnamon leaf oil? Because I’ve just ordered a cinnamon leaf oil from iHerb. What a bummer if I can’t use it for this!
This is the response from the owner of Native American Nutritionals:
Oh thanks so much for checking with NAN. The recipe for copycat Thieves uses cinnamon bark then, I guess? I’ll order some soon.
Why, of course! I see the photo is full of cinnamon bark. D-u-h. Sorry for not paying attention.
Oh no – that was just my putting it there for the photo. Not a duh moment at all :).
Yes, it does.
I am very allergic to cinnamon oil so I can’t use the YL or DT versions. Do you have any suggestions on what to add to make up for the cinnamon?
I would just add more of the other oils personally. Would that work?
Hi! I love the info and tips you are sharing with your readers, and I learn so much, thank you! I was just wondering if you have heard about or had any experience with this mix be able to fight those pesky warts you can get under your foot? (plantar warts or something…) I have one under my foot that is reeeeally bothering me. Any tips? When googling many strange advice shows up, but would like to get your opinion if you could let me know if this oil, or other oils would do the trick.
Thanks so much in advance:)
~Mona
You must have missed this post but of course this isn’t medical advice :). https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/the-easiest-and-cheapest-natural-wart-treatment/
Indeed I have, sorry about that! And thank you! 😀 🙂
Hi,
I’m new to the EO world and appreciate you taking the time to provide all this useful information!
I keep hearing about how olive leaf and oregano oils are great antiviral /antibacterial but don’t see either of them in blends or talked about much. What are your thoughts about these 2 oils to treat infectiion/boost immunity?
Thank you
I have used oregano for antibacterial stuff and will be again soon. I don’t know about it for boosting immunity. This is a blend knock off so I didn’t include it. Thanks! Olive leaf is the same IMHO.
You are playing with fire by making your own blends and encouraging others to make their own blends. Essential Oils are MEDICINE!! Would you mix up your own pharmacy too?
You do not have a chemistry degree, to mix essential oils appropriately so they do not react with each other and cause YOU harm, you need to know the volatility, viscosity and other elements to each singular oil to be able to determine the desired recipe and sequence, it’s not as simple as mix in a bottle and shake. I’m disappointed that you wouldn’t use your research to see if your DIY idea is safe.
EVERYONE READING THIS! I RECOMMEND YOU LOOK UP NEAT APPLICATION, AND LAYERING TECHNIQUES WHEN COMBINING SINGULAR OILS, DO NOT MIX YOUR OWN BLENDS
Hi Stephanie,
I do not think I am playing with fire at all. It is totally different than mixing up pharmaceuticals. Could you explain why you think this is dangerous? For sure Young Living and other companies are not doing advanced testing on which oils to mix together. In fact, the literature that Young Living puts out about their Thieves oil is quite misleading. It indicates that their blend was tested and found to be antibacterial, but the reference that they give for that is only a test for eucalyptus oil. I contacted the company about that and never got a response.
Here are a few more thoughts:
Interesting how blends of essential oils have been hundreds and even thousands of years before the Chemistry degrees came out.
Simply put this is great safety information for the extreme point of view but not really practical. Your view point is a marketing ploy sort of like Disney land telling people to never go to the beach since you may get drowned or eaten by a shark. Utter silliness when looking at reality. With a little wisdom you can mix your own blends and safely use them too.
Are you sure I did not do any research? Can you, or a chemistry friend, come up with any “playing with fire” combinations just using the oils I suggested to blend together? (Lets not go into the “hot” oils or things like that but simple go into a chemical reaction from two or more oils in the amounts we normally use that can actually hurt.) I would be greatly interested in what you come up with.
Thanks much and hope to hear from you again – this kind of misconception in the essential oils community is part of what I would like to clear up.
Hi again, Stephanie. I had one more thought – Gary and his ex-wife were for sure not chemists when they made up all of Young Living’s 50+ blends. I would assume that that would change your thoughts on this matter, would it not?
Wow! Stephanie. Take a chill pill, K?
If you don’t like this blog you’re not being forced to read it, and you HAVE made your opinions and thoughts VERY plain, so give it a rest. Please. You are obviously very angry about something, but this is not really a format to vent your anger and disagreement.(at least not multiple times, getting angrier each time)
Adrienne has made many things clear in her answers to you, and it is clear that you disagree, so just leave it at that.
Thank you, Adrienne for sharing your hard work and research with all of us. We do appreciate your efforts.
I appreciate your kind words. Thanks Carol!
Since most of the reputable companies, as well as good reference books, mention which other oils bend well with a particular oil, it seems logical that with care a person can safely make his/her own blends. The important thing is to do a bit of research first!!!
I looked on NAN’s website and i am not finding anything named Spice Trader. When i look at thier comparison chart i see that Thieves is compared to Immune Strength. I am very confused. I also looked at the list of their new blend names and disnt see it there. Do you think its been discontinued? Also thanks for all the research you do. I just got my first order from NAN/RMO this week! Love them!
It’s been changed to Immune Strength. I will change the post – thanks! You are so welcome!
I used to make this before I just started buying ONGuard from doTerra. Love these antibacterial oils! Would love if you would share this with my readers on Oil me up Wed at My lamp is full! Many could use this recipe!
Janine
Adrienne, newcomer here. Have enjoyed the blogging. Getting in to eos…we all need to learn as we may be doctoring ourselves in the near future. Anyway, I have SLE (systemic lupus) – for which I am currently (for 23+years) being treated with oral chemo daily (to suppress the immune system and its overactivity). Keats being warned (by the medical field) to not use herbs, etc. that build up the immune system. (Have my own thoughts on that) but do know that (second to The Lord) chemo has given me somewhat ‘normal’ life. I know you cannot give out medical opinion but would’ve interested in your thoughts and others on essential oils and lupus. I do plan to continue the chemo. An immune system that kills all cells good and bad is a killer….but it needs help in fighting off ailments. Thank you much for any words of wisdom.
This is from the owner of NAN.
Of course, this isn’t medical advice and you should talk to your physician about an appropriate treatment and before making any changes to your diet or supplements. I have a friend personally whose lupus was healed going gluten and sugar free and organic. I think she went dairy free as well. If it were me, I would personally look at the autoimmune diet, but again, this isn’t medical advice. One cookbook is in this post: https://wholenewmom.com/whole-new-budget/cant-miss-black-friday-healthy-living-deals-why-my-husband-didnt-want-me-to-write-this-post/
PS .Apologies for repetativeness appearing in my 2nd message , having thought my 1st message was lost , & having seen the 1st message had reappeared , only too late ! Now I really WILL leave you in peace 😀
No worries! 🙂
Very odd that my 1st 2 messages have again disappeared …the message seen here is of no interest really .
I’m confused – can you explain please?
I mean , that I did see my messages at 1st – the 2 main messages -when I looked to see if you’d got them ….the 1st time I looked , they were there , & then when I sent a couple of smaller ones relevent to the main ones , the main ones had gone . Hope that’s clearer for you ? Well anyway , the 1st main one with my info about a good seller of EOs in France is now there .
They weren’t ever there as I hadn’t approved them. There might be something that shows them as being moderated – I should do a test to see how things go – thanks :). There also might have been a change w/ recent updates.
Oh I see …I missed the bit saying something like “awaiting to be moderated “- that must’ve been why I didn’t see them again when returning to your blog ! Thanks for your enlightenment ! 🙂