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

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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
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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.

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293 Comments

  1. Thank you for all the helpful information you’ve put on your website. I was wondering what is the best way to take essential oils topically. Like, what is the best place to put them? On the bottoms of your feet? On your chest? Hands? I feel like I get the most benefit from a topical application, but no one ever says WHERE to put them. Also, how much carrier oil should you use to dilute them? Is there a ratio of carrier to essential that you should use?

    Reply

    1. Hi Mickey! Thanks for reading! This post might help but I am planning on writing up more posts about diluting and application. I personally think you can often put it wherever you like b/c the aroma still is effective. Some say on the bottom of the feet b/c the pores are largest there.

      I have seen people recommend all kinds of places.

      I will say that diluting a lot is important. The oils are very strong and will still work.

      Reply

  2. After checking out your thieves oil recipe and comments about Eucalyptus globulus I checked my super-old Aura Cacia bottle of eucalyptus oil and it’s globulus. Is this too strong for normal use and if its 10 years old is it still okay to use for something?

    Reply

  3. I may not being going back far enough in the notes. Once the blend is made can it be used clean – similar to how you straight use the YL version? Or does this need to be cut with a carrier. I would love to use it in my teas for when I have sore throats and when I have to make a flu / cold bomb.

    Reply

  4. Hi, I recently found your thieves blend recipe and would love to make it but yoy didn’t include the appropriate carrier oil % in the recipe. I would like to try this recipe and would like to know the percentage of carrier oil that you prefer for that recipe.I have been using essential oils for about 3 years now and I do not sell them. I create blends for family too help with health issues and aromatherapy for stress relief. I look forward to your reply and I really do enjoy reading your posts.
    Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hi there. I’m sorry for the delay in responding. I don’t have a dilution chart quite yet. I just dilute oils quite a bit to keep them safe and recommend that you follow general safety guidelines set out by experts. Thanks for reading!

      Reply

  5. I like your vibe, so I signed up for more…also I clean houses on my own and want to start using essential oils in my own products which, btw I have yet to put together but and doing research and noting what speaks to me.

    Thanks for your research, knowledge and share!

    Reply

  6. Thank you for all the research you’ve done. Your posts have been very helpful to me. I have a question about essential oils and maybe you can answer it. Some online sources I’ve seen (including companies selling the oils) say an oil doesn’t have to be diluted, others say is should be diluted. An example is Young Living and Rocky Mountain Oils. RMO says that Frankincense carterii should be diluted, YL says it can be applied directly. Another online source said applying the oils directly without diluting can reduce the effectiveness of the oil over time. I understand that “hot” oils need to be diluted, but it is my understanding that Frankincense isn’t a hot oil Why would RMO recommend diluting and YL not? I wonder about lavender as well. Should it be diluted? Should all oils be diluted? Thanks for your help!

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome. I never recommend using oils without diluting them. Even Frankincense is starting to cause sensitization in people. This post should be of interest and I hope to write more. I am not a fan of some of the recommendations of some of the oils companies out there. If you think about it, their recommendations have you using more oil which makes them more money. https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/essential-oil-emulsifier/

      Reply

  7. I am looking forward to learning more about essential oils. I am a cancer survivor and need all the help I can get.

    Reply

  8. ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY 2nd ed. Tisserand/Young is my bible when it comes to working with essential oils.

    It gets pretty tecnical but it is amazing when it comes to safe use practices. It also list drug interactions as well as medical health interactions.

    Reply

  10. Is the Deck Blends book you link to really selling for $91.00?!? ? that’s a lil steep! Not even my sandalwood set me back that much! 😉 I have to assume it’s an error? Is it your book?

    Reply