Recipe: Four Thieves Oil
The recipe for this blend of oils is believed to have originated from thieves during the 15th century. According to popular theory, the concoction was created by a group of four thieves and grave robbers to protect themselves from contracting the plague while robbing the bodies of the gravely ill and deceased. When apprehended, the thieves admitted to using the oils and disclosed the formula in order to receive a less severe punishment for their crimes.
We don’t know whether or not this story is true, but the essential oils are antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-infectious. They will stimulate the immune system, circulation and respiratory system, and help protect against the flu, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throats, cuts, and more. Modern testing has also proven the effectiveness of this blend and studies have found it to have a high kill rate against airborne bacteria.
This is a classic recipe, but you can customize it by adjusting the quantities or adding other antibacterial essential oils such as Tea Tree, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Ravensara, Lavender, Juniper Berry, Hyssop, Bay Laurel, or Scotch Pine.
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.
Applications
There are many ways that you can use the blend, here are some of the most common applications:
- To sanitize and purify the air in your home or workplace, place 2-3 drops of the essential oil blend in a diffuser, nebulizer, or in a pot of simmering water on the stove. Diffuse for approximately 20-30 minutes. This is especially beneficial if someone in your home or workplace is sick.
- Make an antibacterial all-purpose spray for cleaning and disinfecting your home or workplace. This is perfect for office spaces and shared areas! Fill a spray bottle with water and add 1 drop of the essential oil blend for each ounce of water. Spray on countertops, desks, and on other surfaces. Make sure to shake before using as the oil and water will naturally separate.
- Use the above combination (1 drop of essential oil blend to each ounce of water in a spray bottle) on insect bites, poison oak, and poison ivy rashes. It reduces inflammation, pain, itching, and irritation.
- Mix 1 drop of the essential oil blend with 4 oz organic Jojoba or Olive oil. Use as a massage oil for sore muscles, the lower back, neck, and feet. It can also be dabbed on skin throughout the day for general cold and flu prevention and immune support.
- When congested, mix 1 drop of the essential oil blend with 4 oz organic Jojoba or Olive oil, and rub under the nose or on the chest. Or, place 1-2 drops in a bowl of hot, steaming water and inhale the vapors under a towel to relieve congestion.
* Please note that essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully and properly. Because of this, we do not recommend using essential oils internally. Essential oils should only be taken internally if you have received a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.



I can’t tell you how excited and pleased I am to get this recipe!! I used the YL brand of this blend a few weeks ago when I had a head cold and I never even felt like I needed to take cold medicine. I diffused it and also put it on the bottoms of my feet and on my glands at my throat. I believe the intensity and duration of my cold was greatly reduced as a result. It makes my day to be able to prepare my own. Thank you so much!
Hi denicehicks,
Thank you for leaving us a comment and for letting us know about your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that you have had such a positive experience with this classic mixture of oils. We hope that you enjoy preparing your own blend, and thank you again for sharing your story with us!
~ irene
[...] will definitely be added to my medicine bag. Mountain Rose Blog shared this recipe and history of Four Thieves Oil, a blend of essential oils that is believed to date back to the 15th century. It is said that four [...]
I am new to Mountain Rose Herbs & am making my forst elderberry syrup. Now I have found my Thieves Oil & so can’t wait to purchase these oils to create! Thank You so very much! <3
What would be the best oil to substitute for the rosemary? My son is very allergic to rosemary, but I would like to make this. I would love to have something that protects against illnesses (sounds awfully good after our difficult winter). And if I were to substitute an oil, how much would I use? The same amount as is called for for the rosemary? Or does that depend on the oil? Of the extra oils listed, I know we have no allergies to oregano, thyme, sage, lavender and bay laurel. I’d rather not use tea tree oil (past reactions), but we are likely OK with juniper berry, hyssop, and scotch pine (but I prefer to stick to ones we know are OK, if they would be sufficient). Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi Christie,
Thank you so much for your comment and for the great question! You could certainly substitute any of these essential oils for the Rosemary. Using the same amount (10 drops) should be a suitable replacement. You may want to do additional research on the properties of the essential oil options so that you pick the very best one(s) for your needs.
Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns, and we’ll be happy to help you. I hope that your formula turns out wonderful!
~ irene
I made a batch of the Thieves oil, but I just realized I used cinnamon leaf and not bark…will it still be as beneficial? Thank you.
Hi nellybean78,
Thank you for reading our blog and for your question! The oil should still be effective, Cinnamom leaf essential oil has many of the same properties as essential oil distilled from the bark. This includes having antibacterial, antiseptic, and disinfecting properties.
I hope that you enjoy your Thieves oil blend, and thank you again for reaching out to us!
~ irene
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