How to Make Thieves Oil for CHEAP (without losing quality)
Learn how simple and inexpensive it is to create your own Thieves oil blend. This traditional recipe is excellent for cleaning, disinfecting, clarifying, and easing inflammation. Use your DIY Thieves oil in cleaners, hand soap, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent, and many other products to reduce exposure to toxins while fighting germs naturally.
“Take your finger out of your nose, and go wash your hands.”
That phrase kept repeating in my house and always ended with tears from my two-year-old, who treated hand-washing like cruel punishment. He’d trail his boogery finger down the hallway before reaching the sink, and I could feel my anxiety rise. I wanted to protect him but also avoid yelling—so I did what any anxious parent does: I researched effective disinfectants. Immediately.
Boogers aren’t the only gross thing in my house
Did you know your kitchen sink can harbor more germs than a toilet seat? Or that a single contaminated doorknob can spread illness throughout a household? Some illnesses can even spread through the air. As a mom of four children, I quickly realized how many germs are around us and wanted natural, effective ways to reduce sickness.
I asked friends in the natural-living community for recommendations. The most common response was a Thieves oil blend.
Thieves oil blend.
I looked into buying a commercial Thieves blend and discovered it can be pricey—but it really is effective. Since I already owned several of the essential oils commonly used in the blend, I decided to make my own. It worked just as well as the pre-made version and cost a lot less.
If you want a powerful, natural solution for germs, inflammation, and airborne threats—and to save money—keep reading.
Oh, and yes: you can save about $30 per bottle by making it yourself.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use and trust.
Thieves Essential Oil Blend
If you follow natural cleaning methods, you’ve probably heard of Thieves essential oil. It’s prized not only for cleaning and disinfecting but also for supporting wellness during cold and flu season.
- Diffusing Thieves can help reduce airborne bacteria.
- Diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the temples or behind the ears can provide a protective ritual when you feel exposed to germs.
- It can be incorporated into chest rubs to help ease coughing and congestion.
The History (myth? legend?) of Thieves Oil
The blend’s roots predate modern companies that sell it today. Folklore traces the formula back to 15th-century France during the Bubonic Plague. According to legend, a group of thieves who robbed the sick used a protective mixture of aromatic herbs and oils, which allowed them to handle the infected without falling ill. That story—whether fully accurate or partly legendary—has helped the blend gain a reputation for antimicrobial and clarifying properties through the centuries.
Since then, this combination of essential oils has been used for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, clarifying, and immune-supporting qualities.
Main Components of the Traditional Thieves Oil Recipe
The classic Thieves blend contains five essential oils:
- Clove
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemary
Proportions vary, but clove and lemon are typically the largest components. Note: eucalyptus is often omitted for households with children under two, as it can be unsafe for that age group.
Uses for Thieves Oil Blend
- Add to a homemade disinfectant for enhanced antimicrobial power.
- Mix with a carrier oil (like grapeseed) and apply to inflamed skin areas.
- Diffuse to help clear phlegm and reduce airborne germs.
- Include in a chest rub to soothe coughs and congestion.
- Dilute with water for a natural bug repellent.
- Add to homemade laundry detergent to help sanitize clothes, bedding, and towels.
- Combine with a carrier oil to create an antifungal foot treatment.
Making your own Thieves Oil Blend
Creating your own Thieves blend is straightforward and cost-effective. I compared the prices and found a clear saving when using quality essential oils to mix a 15 mL bottle at home.
Making your own will save you significantly compared to buying a premade bottle. If you already own several of the oils, your cost per batch will be even lower.
For this recipe you’ll need quality clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus (optional for young children), and rosemary essential oils. If you’re buying all five oils for the first time the initial expense may be higher, but the savings per bottle become apparent quickly.
Things to Look For When Choosing an Essential Oil
When selecting essential oils choose products that meet these quality criteria:
- Therapeutic or pure-grade labeling
- Botanical name listed (for example, Mentha piperita for peppermint)
- No additional ingredients or carrier oils listed
- GC/MS testing results available from the brand
- Organic sourcing when possible
Checking the brand’s product page for these details helps ensure you buy pure, potent oils.
DIY Thieve Oil Price Breakdown
Prices vary by brand and organic status. The example below uses organic oils and shows a cost-effective approach to making a 15 mL bottle.
Approximate cost per 15 mL bottle:
Clove essential oil: $2.66
Lemon essential oil: $1.85
Cinnamon essential oil: $5.19
Eucalyptus essential oil: $1.26
Rosemary essential oil: $0.78
Total: $11.74 for 15 mL
Compared to many branded 15 mL bottles that cost $45 or more, making your own can save around $30 per bottle.
DIY Thieves Blend Recipe
What you’ll need:
- 15 mL glass bottle, clean and dry (reuse sanitized bottles if desired)
- Small funnel (optional)
- Measuring spoons or dropper (optional)
Using a funnel if needed, add the following to the clean bottle:
- 1 tsp clove essential oil (about 92 drops)
- 3/4 tsp lemon essential oil (about 82 drops)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon essential oil (about 52 drops)
- Scant 1/2 tsp eucalyptus essential oil (about 42 drops) — omit if using around young children
- 1/4 tsp plus 8 drops rosemary essential oil (about 32 drops)
Tighten the cap and shake well to combine. Store in a cool, dark place.
Use this blend in foaming hand soap, laundry detergent, disinfectants, chest rubs, diffusers, or other household products where an antimicrobial boost is helpful.
What’s your favorite way to use Thieves oil?