Updated August, 2018
Thieves® Oil was developed from historical information about four brothers in 15th century France who would rob graves and deceased victims of the Black Plague in their contaminated homes.
The modern-day version of this oil is simply a blend of several essential oils that are known for their infection-fighting properties.
Anyone can make it if you know the ratios for mixing.
The Story:
According to the records (and so the story goes), the “thieves” were brothers and sons of a perfumer and herbalist. Sometime during the 15th century, as the bubonic plague was running rampant through Europe, the 4 brothers became notorious for robbing the infectious dead bodies of all their possessions and miraculously never contracted the highly infectious plague.
The brothers protected themselves from ‘the plague’ with what they had come to respect as protective and healing medicinal agents. Thieves® Oil’s natural ingredients historically including cloves and rosemary. Later, the robbers were captured and given a lighter sentence in exchange for their recipe.
You’ve probably come across others talking about a particular oil blend that has a name that is a synonymous with “robber.”
The Properties of Thieves® Oil:
Clove‘s benefits: anti-microbial, anti-aging, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and stimulant. Uses include: acne, bronchitis, bruises, burns and cuts, infections, mouth sores, pain reliever, rheumatism and arthritis, toothaches, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, spasms and parasites, asthma, tuberculosis and infectious diseases.
Lemon‘s benefits: anti-anemic, anti-microbial, anti-rheumatic, anti-sclerotic, antiseptic, bactericidal, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive, insecticidal, rubefacient, tonic and vermifuge.Uses include: improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure and helping nosebleeds, reducing fever, helping relieve throat infections, bronchitis, asthma and flu, cleansing the body, improving digestive system, constipation, dyspepsia and cellulite, headaches and migraines, rheumatism and arthritis, help in clearing acne, cleaning greasy skin and hair, removing dead skin cells, cold sores, mouth ulcers, herpes and insect bites.
Cinnamon‘s benefits: analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cardiac, carminative, emmenagogue, insecticide, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge. Uses include: clearing infection of the respiratory tract, rheumatism, arthritis, general pains, calming depression, easing menstrual pains.
Eucalyptus‘ benefits: analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge and vulnerary. Uses include: cooling and deodorizing the body, fevers, migraine and malaria, coughs, asthma, throat infections, sinusitis, catarrhal conditions, soothing inflammation and easing mucus, clearing the head during colds and hay fever, muscular aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and poor circulation, boosting the immune system, comforting chicken pox, colds, flu and measles, burns, blisters, herpes, cuts, wounds, skin infections and insect bites.
Rosemary‘s benefits: analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, digestive, diuretic, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, rubefacient, stimulant, sudorific and tonic. Uses include: clearing the mind and mental awareness, stimulating the brain, improving memory, fighting headaches, migraines, neuralgia, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion, improving intestinal infections and diarrhea, easing colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders and jaundice, relieving pain associated with rheumatism, arthritis, muscular pain and gout, helping arteriosclerosis, palpitations, poor circulation and varicose veins, reducing water retention during menstruation, obesity, cellulite, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, sinus and whooping cough, effective for countering sagging skin, scalp disorders and encouraging hair growth, easing congestion, puffiness and swelling, acne, dermatitis and eczema, affects the health of the hair and scalp.
Thieves® Oil Ingredients:
- 40 drops organic Clove Bud essential oil
- 35 drops organic Lemon essential oil
- 20 drops organic Cinnamon Bark essential oil
- 15 drops organic Eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops organic Rosemary essential oil
Mix all essential oils together in a dark glass bottle.
There are many ways that you can use the Thieves® Oil blend, here are some of the most common applications:
To purify and clean the air in your home or workplace during or after sickness
Add 4-5 drops of the essential oil blend into a pan of water on the ‘low heat’ stove setting and repeat as needed. For a diffuser or nebulizer add your desired amount according to the directions. Diffuse for approximately 20-30 minutes. It also is a delightful way to freshen and brighten a home that smells stale, getting to the root of the problem with regular use.
~There is much evidence that this blend is powerfully successful against mold when administered properly depending on each separate case. Do your research. The results of over 100 case studies, verified by an independent EPA-approved environmental laboratory, have shown that organically produced concentrated plant extracts, also called essential oils [in the Thieves essential oil blend], when diffused in the air eliminate mold spores in the air and on surfaces in as little as 24 hours.
Make an antiviral, antibacterial all-purpose spray for disinfecting your home or office.
I fill my 32oz. spray bottle with water and add 20-25 drops of the blend. You can add more or less depending on whether someone is sick or not. Spray on your already damp cloth to use on counter tops, desks, and on other hard surfaces. I also use it on leather couches and wood surfaces that have a protective finish. Shake before using since oil and water will naturally separate.
Make a spray for insect bites, poison oak or ivy rashes to help reduce inflammation, itching, and irritation.
I do this by using 3 drops of the Thieves® Oil blend in 8 oz. spray bottle. Shake WELL before applying. Our children will also tell you that it reduces hives from hay (baling hay) irritation as well as cuts and abrasions.
It is easy to make a personal inhaler.
When there is head, sinus, or chest congestion, target it by placing 1-2 drops in a bowl of hot, steaming water and breathe deeply of the vapors under a towel.
DO NOT get Thieves® Oil blend into eyes. It will sting! And this is NOT for use on skin of babies, toddlers, or young children.
The Cost to Make Thieves® Oil?
Remember, there are 300 drops in 1/2 oz. You can make a lot of batches with this small stash:
1/2 oz. Clove Bud essential oil is $7.50. (using Plant Therapy prices)
1/2 oz. Lemon essential oil is $6.25.
1/2 oz. Cinnamon Bark essential oil is $13.95.
1/2 oz. Eucalyptus essential oil is $7.95.
1/2 oz. Rosemary essential oil is $8.49.
Total for 5 (1/2 oz.) essential oils to make many bottles of my version = $44.14.
Purchased from YL, the customer price for one bottle (1/2 oz.) of Thieves® Oil is $44.41.
Do The Math!
There are affiliate links in this post. All the links on this website are for products that I feel are wholesome and helpful. I would share these links for purposes of encouraging families even if not an affiliate. It would be a blessing if you used the links in support of the time it takes to write this free resource. Thank you!
Thieves®Oil is a registered trademark of Young Living Essential Oils, LC. The essential oils I use are not affiliated with Young Living Essential Oils, LC in any way.
I have used essential oils for years and am familiar with many of the companies out there.
Note: I would recommend Plant Therapy, Mountain Rose Herbs, and Young Living.
Warning about making and using this potent blend safely:
“This essential oil blend is very strong and must be diluted! The essential oil content should only account for 1 to 2% of the total formula. This means that up to 6-12 drops of essential oil can be added per 1 oz of carrier oil or other menstruum.
“Essential oils are highly concentrated, strong, and powerful liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully and properly. This is an especially potent blend of essential oils which could cause irritation when applied to the skin, even in diluted amounts. I advocate caution when using them and do not recommend using essential oils internally. Please keep essential oils out of reach of children. I do not advocate usage of Thieves® Oil on babies, toddlers, or children
Toni
Oh, I love this post. (I know, I say that alot, but I do, really!) I’ve been fascinated for years with the story of those four thieves that lived through the Black Plague. I was heavy into soapmaking when I first read about them and promptly devised a soap blend with oils and herbs that we still use to thwart germs during cold season.
Your oil blend sounds perfect. I need to make an order soon. What fun. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Jacqueline
If we lived near you, I’d ask you to teach me to make soap!! That intrigues me 😉
Toni
Jacqueline, next time you’re at a bookstore look up Norma Coney’s book called The Complete Soapmaker. It’s a beautiful soap making book with oh, so many pictures of hand-milled soaps made with herbs, flowers, etc. and, also has wonderful instructions. My husband bought mine many years ago at full price, but most used bookstores have them now for around $4.00. I’ve sat and looked at those pictures for hours. Anyway, that’s the book I always use when I make soap.
If you lived closer, I’d put the kettle on for tea and a big pot on for soap, and we’d have a time making beautiful bars of soap. 😉
Lisa
Thank you, thank you…this has been on my ever-so-lengthy “to-do someday” list for a while. 🙂
Pinning for future use…
~Lisa:)
Jacqueline
You are welcome, Lisa. I’m glad to help out 🙂 Hugs!
Deanna
Thank you for the recipe that you use to make this! I have many of the oils already and just need a few more! We love to use essential oils!
Deanna
Jacqueline
I am glad this is helpful for you, Deanna 🙂 It has been the main base for our personal ‘antibiotic’ since the children were little. We have only once had to resort to pharmaceutical antibiotics! We add eucalyptus (if there is congestion) and lavender (calming, sleep) besides for our chest oil. I apply it mainly to the axillary area under the arms and the neck (use a old tee shirt and a towel around the neck to keep it off of the sheets). God’s blessings to you!
Nabila Grace
Oh I’m going to have to make this! I think I have most of the oils already. I was wanting to make this with an herbal tincture for bug bites. Do you think it’s better using the oils?
Kristi
MRHerbs, are they pure enough to take internally?
I have been looking for a more economical, yet safe version of YL oils.
Jacqueline
We use the Mountain Rose Herbs EOs, and are comfortable with using the oils internally that are on the GRAS list (generally regarded as safe) by the FDA. Some aren’t safe no matter how pure they are. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=182.20
The reason I personally am comfortable with using the GRAS EOs by Mountain Rose Herbs is that the folks that are MRH are pretty environmentally green people. They really care from an ideological standpoint that their herbs are ‘clean’ and processed carefully and sustainably. It is more a lifestyle than a big business. I have spoken with them and asked many questions, and feel their company vision is more about the earth than the pocketbook. I am a Christian and follow Christ, but stewardship of the earth matters to me very much and so many businesses cut corners because that DON’T care as deeply about these issues. I cannot advise you, however. Blessings!
labbie1
So nice to find someone who actually dilutes their oils! Thank you so much for the great info and recipe! Just bounced over from Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways and I am your newest follower by email!
Deanna
I love Mountain Rose Herbs! After reading this post, I placed an order for the oils needed so I can make my own batch at home. I recently helped my husband clear up a stomach bug with some good ole home remedies! He had a doctor’s appointment three days out for what had been going on for over a week. I asked him, “would you like to try something from my stash since you’re having to wait three days?” He said he would and within 48 hours he was almost completely cleared up. A win all the way around – no more stomach yuckiness, no antibiotics taken, no germy doctor’s office visit, and proof that all my “quacky natural stuff” does work! 🙂
Jacqueline
That is so cool! I think that rates you as a helpmeet for sure 😉 Hugs and a blessing!
SallyAnn
Hello Jacqueline,
Haven’t talked with you in quite a while. Hope everything is going well for you and your family.
Just wanted to thank you for posting this information. I found that I had all the EO’s in my cupboard already that I needed to follow your recipe. What a great smell they have all blended together. My brother-in-law is very nervous about the ticks this summer since he has already had one on him so I made this and will be gifting it to him to help ease his worries, I hope.
Have a blessed day,
SallyAnn
kathryn
Hello Jacqueline,
I am ordering the oils to make the 4 thieves blend, and noticed there were warnings on several of the oils concerning pregnant/nursing and liver, etc. Do you think using the blend as spray mixed with water for disinfecting the air and furniture after a sick spell, or sprayed directly on the body (for plantar warts or infections) would be detrimental to anyone? Thanks so much for your informative and encouraging blog.
Jacqueline
No, I don’t if used as you say, Kathryn…it is done all the time BUT if you are pregnant, you will not want to overuse much at all (slather yourself or ingest unreasonable quantities). As for using as a mist or freshener in a room, they would be far, far better than most (all?) of the chemical air fresheners, off-gassing plastics and glues, etc. that we encounter in stores and malls 🙂 They are regarded as GRAS (generally regarded as safe). Do not use much at all if you have a liver or kidney condition. Good question.
May God richly bless you!
Karen
I am allergic to eucalyptus. Can you recommend a substitute that would have similar properties & therefore maintain the integrity of the blend? Thanks
Jacqueline
Karen,
I have done a bit of digging, but don’t feel comfortable recommending something to replace eucalyptus. I did find this page where they list some Aromatic substitutions. There is also reference to subs for oils therapeutically: http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/substituting.asp
One thing to think about is that you can still get a lot of benefit from the Thieves EVEN without using the eucalyptus component.
I will ask this question on FB (deeprootsathome page) and see if there is anyone who knows.
I hope that helps 🙂
Karen
Thank you , Jacqueline. I’ll check your FB page as well.
Be Blessed.
Elaine M
I’m a little confused. I got my diffuser and my oils to make the thieves blend. Do I attach the bottle full strength to my diffuser or dilute it first? Photos I’ve seen show the actual bottle of thieves plugged into the cold air diffuser. Thank for your help. And Blessings to you for your blog.
Jacqueline
Elaine,
What you want to do is to mix your individual oils all together in an EO bottle that fits your diffuser. So, mix first and then attach to the machine and turn it on. Full strength is what you want. I hope that is helpful, and I’m here most of the time if you have other questions. God bless you, Jacqueline
Nancy W
I love essential oils and can’t wait to try your recipe! Thank you for sharing your post on the HomeAcre Hop, hope to see you again tomorrow! – Nancy
The Home Acre Hop
Katie
OH THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! I always wondered what the equivalents were to be able to make it at home! You’re awesome!!! 🙂
depsoriasis
Padezco psoriasis desde hace 2 meses y experimentado con multitud de tratamientos con apenas tino
chere uzzo
I too have used mountain rose herbs in the past.. You may also like to check out Edens garden..they are reasonably priced and focused in purity as well as safety and believe as I do that the Lord placed a cure here on earth for all that ailes us..thank you for your article!
Jacqueline
Thank you, Chere Uzzo. I will look into this company. I’ve heard of them 🙂
Lord’s blessings to you!
Linda Adam
Can you use cinammon leaf oil intead?
Jacqueline
Linda, that’s a good question! Cinnamon leaf is much less strong medicinally than the cinnamon bark. Here are two links that should help: http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=129614&Redirect=/products/cinnamon-bark-essential-oil/profile (see the overview: the bark has a high aldehyde content makes it a useful antimicrobial and antiseptic).
https://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=129614&Redirect=/products/cinnamon-leaf-essential-oil/profile (see under overview: the leaf oil has a higher eugenol content then the bark oil, which increases its analgesic (painkilling) properties).
I use cinnamon bark for my Thieve’s Oil Blend. Hope that helps!
Linda
ThAnk you Jacquelyn. I will research it some more. I have neurological Lyme and have been getting sevrere head pain in my moms family room where there is a new couch. I think its off-gassing chemicals so am trying to air it out, using a salt lamp and diffusing EO’s but want to actually must it as well. Do you know which oils work best for chemicals in furniture? God bless you and keep you healthy.PS-I taught a Titus 2 women’s course at my church a few years ago. The young ladies loved it!
Linda
Mist not must. Lol
Jacqueline
Linda, I don’t know of any oils to aid in off-gassing, but if there is anyway to circulate in fresh air and exhaust the stale toxic air, I believe that would be far more effective. I am praying for you, dear one. May the Lord give you wisdom…and peace!
Linda
ThAnk you again Jacqueline. I appreciate all the prayer I can get. Also wanted to share that my 2 sons grew up on Richard Scarry. Now my 3 yr. Old Grandson Josiah
Deanna Rabe
Thank you Jacqueline! I just need the Cinnamon Bark oil to make this blend!
You’ve got great information here and I appreciate all the effort you put into sharing it with all of us!
Jacqueline
Hi, Deanna 😀 Good to ‘see’ you once again, friend! I am glad you found all you need is one oil 🙂 I am using my Thieves blend right now as my husband has a head cold! (((Hugs!)))
TimH
Does the oil stay mixed once in the bottle being used or should it be shaken every time you want to use it?
Jacqueline
Tim, it will stay mixed, but I always shake it out of habit as a nurse! 😀 Good question!
Reversaderm
I’m thankful for the time and energy you put into your blog and in depth information you provide.
It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated
rehashed material.
Audrey
I have always been put off from trying Essential Oils because of the exorbitant cost. I just don’t have the budget for most of them. I will have to take a look at the company you mention. Thanks for sharing on #FridayFrivolity
Jamie
Such great ideas!! I’ve been using oils to help with my asthma and allergies lately and it works so much better than OTC meds! 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty
janine gonya
Love this recipe and this site, just found you and look forward to reading more!
God Bless,
janine
Jacqueline
Thank you, Janine!!
Debbie Sellew
I am new to using oils and have just gotten some from doTerra. They say you can ingest some of them. From my reading online, ingesting is no recommended. what is your opinion on this?
Jacqueline
Hi, Debbie! I recommend not to ingest unless they are something like grapefruit, orange, lemon, oregano, etc. BUT I would also not ingest much, bc they are so concentrated. We can avoid over sensitization if we avoid using ‘neat’ or more than just a drop or 2 orally of those. This also may be helpful: https://deeprootsathome.com/what-does-it-mean-to-apply-essential-oils-neat/
Julia
The only EO I don’t have is cinnamon. Will this still be pretty effective without it?
Thanks!
Jacqueline
HI, Julia! If possible, I would go ahead and get the cinnamon because the blend is not really “Thieves” without it.
It is still helpful for sure, but not as powerful since all the oils in the original blend work synergistically.
I hope that helps!
~Jacque
Julia
Thanks Jacqueline!
Kathleen Bass
Hi again…
So I’ve been reading more…
I too started with Young Living but quickly became the one who switched to Plant Therapy. After a while with them I really came to feel that the quality was not even close to YL. (especially the Thieves) I now use oils from Melaleuca Wellness Company. Although I still order Thieves from a YL rep friend – none compares.
My question is this….We ingest Thieves from YL but not other companies….Do you? Do You ingest your version of Thieves? I will be doing research to see if Melaleuca’s oils in your Thieves recipe are ingestible. Just curious if you ingest other oil from other companies aside from YL.
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Marsha
I have started buying essential oils from Edens Garden because the owner seems to be a Christian. I think her essential oils are high quality as well. She has a blend that she sells with the same contents as Thieves Oil, but she calls it the “Fighting Five”. Here is a link: https://www.edensgarden.com/products/fighting-five