Home » Essential Oils

DIY Thieves Oil Recipe (Exact Ratios + Drops & Teaspoons)

Hours Posted: Hours Updated:

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. Learn more in our disclosure.

Jump to Tutorial Save
Pinterest Hidden Image

Looking for a simple DIY thieves oil recipe you can make at home?

Google Add as Trusted Google Source

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
essential oil bottle with rosemary and cinnamon for DIY Thieves® Oil Blend

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 with rosemary and cinnamon on a yellow green surface

DIY Thieves Oil Recipe (Exact Ratios + Drops & Teaspoons)

Make your own DIY thieves oil using a balanced blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Includes exact ratios plus drop, gram, and teaspoon measurements for easy use.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Makes: 1 small bottle (about 10 ml)

Equipment

  • small opaque glass bottle 10-15 ml
  • dropper or reducer cap
  • digital scale optional

Ingredients

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.
Tried this recipe?Mention @wholenewmom or tag #wholenewmom!

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

“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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




 

293 Comments

  1. Hello! I know you have researched quite a few Essential Oil companies in the past. Did you ever look into Plant Therapy? I recently discovered them and was going to try one of their KidSafe blends for germs, but I haven’t seen many in-depth reviews. Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi there. I did look into them. I will be writing more about purity and other things soon so stay tuned. Hopefully a new post will be out today.

      Reply

  2. Hi there! I discovered Rocky Mountain Oils about a year ago. I highly recommend them also! I also recommend Butterfly Oils. They have written several books. Not only one on Oils but also one about Herbs. They are very knowledgeable about both and carry some herb products on their website. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

    Reply

    1. Hi there. I did talk w/ Butterfly Express when I started this series. Thanks again – more to come.

      Reply

  3. Hi I made a homemade hand sanitizer using a recipe I found online which is just Witch Hazel, Thieves and water but it turned white after sitting for a few days. Any idea why this happened and if it is still safe to use?

    Reply

    1. I would be very careful with anything that is a water base not having a synthetic preservative from what I have been learning. I would not use it. I’ll be writing more on this in the near future hopefully.

      Reply

  5. How can I make this thieves blend into an actual cleaner? Add some water and castile soap? It seems there needs to be something to get the oils to mix with water, and I think there would need to be something to help with greasy spots?
    otherwise, I’m looking forward to using this blend to stave off winter colds and flu.
    BTW, thanks for all your research and info.

    Reply

    1. Hi there. There are a number of recipes online for proportions for this. Yes, an emulsifier would be needed. The cleaner you are referring to has surfactants which act as emulsifiers as well. You are so welcome – more to come!

      Reply

  7. i read your information about the oils. I know they work. The only thing is they are so expensive . I too used Young Living Essential Oils, but am happy to know there is another company that’s not as expensive. I looked at the information for mixing your own oils following instructions and i think i will save a little, as i continue to invest in my health. Once again …thank you.

    Reply

  8. Hi Adrienne
    First, THANKS for all the research you have done and shared!
    I’m reposting this question because I cannot find my original post from September 23.
    I take Thieves oil internally, and I’m running out of it. I’ve lost my original supplier and don’t want to go directly to Young Living or DoTerra.
    I have two questions:
    1. Have you found that RMO Immune Strength works as well as Thieves, and is there any reason I can’t take it internally as I already do with the Thieves?
    2. I am inclined to follow your recipes using RMO oils. Do you find it works as well as Thieves, and can I leave out the optional 20 drops of other oils since aroma is not an issue?
    Thanks much!
    Deb

    Reply

    1. Hi there. You are so welcome. More to come!

      I do not recommend taking oils internally without the guidance of a medical professional or naturopath.

      Internal use is a concern about purity unless you are talking about an oil that shouldn’t be taken internally ever. So I do think that RMO oils are pure. In fact, some readers have shared some concerns about YL’s purity that came out earlier this year.

      As for something working as well, that’s hard to say. They are different formulations and my DIY is a little different as well. That being said I have diffused both and have felt they worked well.

      I have a lot on my plate but am hoping to have more to share soon – stay tuned!

      Reply

  10. Hello Adrienne, I read your post with great interest. I started using Young Living essential oil, and I absolutely love it. Thieves and Lavender are among my favourites. After reading your post, I have done a quick research as I really like to switch to a more affordable option – Young Living is expensive, and I dislike the “force” buying for member where if one does not refresh the order, it automatically replenish same as products as the previous month.

    My question is most of Young Living products can be used orally as dietary supplement which is really great. Most of the other brands including Rocky Mountain can be be consume orally. What are your thoughts on this? Is it advisable to consume essential oil orally? I strongly believe our body needs oil, I consume coconut and grade seed oil regularly.

    Reply

      1. Adrienne – hate to be a bother – but what oil would be good for thrush? Thank you.

        Reply

        1. HI Suzy – I can’t medically advise, but I can say that thrush is an overgrowth of candida and I have posts on that. Additionally, I used oregano internally when I had bad candida but it can be very harsh and many practitioners do not recommend it for long term use. It can also really burn so folks typically say to put in a capsule. Finally, I am very hesitant to recommend internal use of oils- please see this post for more information. https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/how-to-use-essential-oils/

          https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/what-candida-is-how-to-know-if-you-have-it-and-how-to-ditch-it/

          Reply