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.
Adrienne can you please tell me if “natures should” is compatible to thrives?
Hi there. I have never heard of that company -can you tell me more, please? If you are looking for a look alike blend, here is my affiliate link for Rocky Mountain Oils’ blend: https://wholenewmom.com/RockyMountainOils
I discovered Cosole by do terra and want to make my own..have you tried this?? I always like the most expensive oils…thank you
Hi there. The oil from RMO that would be most like it is Blossoms. I haven’t tried this b/c I don’t personally like Rose. Maybe it’s changed enough for me to try it? You can see more about the company I recommend – it’s likely quite a bit cheaper: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/announcing-the-best-essential-oils-company-and-a-great-sale/
Hi sorry I didn’t read through all the response from other people to find my answer. But I just have a simple question. I’m highly sensitive to eucalyptus oil. And maybe tea tree as well. What other oils I can use to substitute for thme to make a protective blend? I was using the on gaurd from doterra and had very bad skin reactions so I wanted to find a blend that has the same antiviral and antibacterial anti fungal affects. Would you help me? Thank you.
I would think anything w antibacterial / antifungal properties and/or those that support the immune system. What are you reacting to? Do you know?
Does the thieves blend lose effectiveness over time? Would the other oils added keep the citrus EO from losing medicinal properties? I have read citrus onky has. 1yr shelf life.
I think it really depends on how you treat the oils. According to Rocky Mountain Oils, “Citrus oils can go rancid if kept for years and years. Most oils have a stellar shelf life. The smell of oils can change over time, but that does not indicate they are rancid.”
Please keep them in a dark place and you can keep them in the fridge as well which can be a good idea with the citrus ones. Keeping them in a smaller bottle is a good idea as well as you will reduce the amount of exposure to oxygen that way.
Hi Adrienne,
Thanks for the recipe! Can I use this blend in a cool mist diffuser? Thanks for your time and help. God bless 🙂
Yes. I do it all the time. Blessings to you as well!
Hey! Thanks for this post!! How many milliliters will this make? I want to purchase an oil jar big enough! I haven’t thought to save my old bottles but will definitely start!
Thanks!!
Hi there. I believe that info is in the post – enjoy!
Don’t throw out your old bottles. When empty, fill a mason jar (or some type of larger bottle) with Epson salt and put your open empty old bottle inside. The Epson salt with infuse the very last drop of essential oil from your empty bottle. Then use the infused Epson salts in your bath, or to soak your feet.
Interesting! How long do you do that for and how full of epsom does the jar need to be?
Thanks for your awesome website and info. Can’t believe some of these women’s nasty comments. Go sell your DT and YL oils on your own site and get a life! Most of those making comments act as though they are PHDs on the subject. A weekend workshop doesn’t cut the mustard ladies. Thanks Adrienne for your great info.
Thanks for the lovely compliment. I’m not sure I deserve it but it’s much appreciated :).
Hello Adrienne. Thank you for the recipes. Everyone that is complaining, please stop. This is exactly what she said it was. A home-blend for Thieves Oil. I do not recommend taking any essential oil internally without consulting a professional. as this is an antibacterial recipe I can think of many uses, i.e., kitchen cleaning, bath cleaning, doorknobs, linoleum floors, tile floors and any surface that is touched by hands. I would not recommend it for wood or fancy painted items (I have no idea how it will react) but use some common sense here. If you intend to use it internally, make sure all the oils are fit for consumption. You do this at your own risk if you do not consult a professional. I just might try it on myself! That being said, I`m sure Adrienne is the same. It is up to you…if you feel comfortable using it, then fine, but she does not claim this will cure all your ills. Think about it people…you have free will as to what you want to do. Have a great day, Adrienne. I am sorry if I have assumed how you feel and will take any criticism you wish to give me.
Thank you so much. Sorry for the delay in responding. I’m so behind and am going back through old comments today. Take care and hope to see you around again!
Hi There,
I’m confused. Are you currently using Young Living or this Native American brand? Which did you use first, and why did you switch?
Thanks!!
Hi – I am using Native American Nutritionals and Rocky Mountain Oils. They are the same oils and are merging. I started with Young Living. Here is more information: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/the-great-essential-oils-showdown-in-search-of-the-best-essential-oils/
Thank you for this recipe! My son and I take the YL Thieves blend internally for many years now, whenever we feel throat or stomach like flu stuffs. It kicks it right out! YL now gets so many orders it takes a long time, sometimes to get an order. So I am glad to see this so I can make my own. Then I can change a quantity of one or the other element if i need to. This last order i got from YL tastes so different. We use three drops on our tongue, swish it around the mouth and swallow it. Then chase it with water. WOW it is strong and yet with just three drops it is fine. I found out about Thieves from a nurse, when I was going to teach a workshop but had strep throat. I told the group I had strep and thought I should cancel, but they laughed at me and told me to teach. They were all nurses. they could smell the strep throat on me. So that one nurse had some, I took it and by the next day that strep was gone. Thank you!!!!
You are so welcome! So glad you have been able to deal with strep.
Hello Adrienne!
Thank you so much for all of your research and time you put into sharing with us!
I feel bad whenever I see / hear the cult members of YL & DT giving people a difficult go of it.
Yes, I said cult! That is just what they conduct themselves like! And I have not been the first to liken
them to “drinking the kool aide”.
My opinion, not much different than the pharm industry trying to keep control
of our health care for us!
Not working real well I would say!
We all need to get informed, do some research and be still and tune in to our bodies.
When we do that we are better armed to make good decisions for our health & wellness.
There are so many differing thoughts on EO use, blending etc.
While I do not promote ingestion… I feel the same benefits can be achieved when using EO’s topically.
For beginners I always suggest Floracopeia’s free videos on the site and the free ebook they offer.
A great place to start and learn core basics that we all should know before using or blending EO’s.
We have an Organic Essential Oil business and I can say buying ORGANIC is paramount when using EO”s and ESPECIALLY if you choose to ingest!
Your article on choosing a source is good for those who need to have clarity about what they are buying.
I can say this, whether people will believe this or not, we have seen it with our own eyes, most of the big companies adulterate their oils. Staying with smaller companies that will provide their Organic certifications is really important to integrity in EO’s.
Our company supplies huge manufacturers as well as cottage industry & DIY small quantities.
Our commitment is to make Organic EO’s available at affordable prices. YL & DT prices are ridiculous to say the least! Feel free to contact me if you would like further info / conversation. I fully support you & your efforts here! 🙂 989.372.1857