About Thieves Oil

When exploring essential oils, you’ve likely encountered a blend known as thieves oil. This concoction combines several essential oils, commonly including:

• Cinnamon: Extracted from the bark, leaves, or twigs of various cinnamon tree species
• Clove: Derived from the unopened flower buds of the Eugenia caryophyllata clove tree
• Eucalyptus: Sourced from the leaves of Eucalyptus plants, native to Australia
• Lemon: Pressed from the peel of the lemon fruit, Citrus limon
• Rosemary: Obtained from the rosemary herb, Rosmarinus officinalis

Advocates of thieves oil claim it may support immune function and help combat infections.

So, what does scientific evidence indicate about thieves oil? And how might you incorporate it into everyday routines? Read on to learn more.

Benefits and research

Thieves oil is often promoted for several effects, such as:

• supporting immune health
• exhibiting antimicrobial activity
• alleviating nasal and sinus congestion
• promoting respiratory and cardiovascular wellness
• uplifting or energizing mood

Many of these assertions are anecdotal—based on personal reports rather than rigorous trials.

Research into essential oils and health is ongoing, but specific studies on thieves oil are scarce. An older paper observed that diffused thieves oil significantly reduced airborne counts of three bacterial species.

There’s a larger body of work examining the individual oils that make up thieves blends.

Below is a summary of selected research on the plant oils commonly found in thieves oil.

Note that many studies use animal models or laboratory setups; additional human research is required to confirm these outcomes.

Benefits of individual oils

Antimicrobial properties

• A 2017 investigation reported that low doses of cinnamon and clove oils had strong antimicrobial effects against persistent cultures of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium behind Lyme disease.
• A 2018 study found that cinnamon oil vapors suppressed growth of respiratory pathogens like Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae in vitro, while eucalyptus showed limited activity in that setup.
• A 2012 paper demonstrated antimicrobial action of eucalyptus oil against two human-pathogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Fewer investigations exist for lemon oil, but one and another 2019 study reported some antimicrobial effects.

Wound healing

• A 2019 animal study in mice showed that topical cinnamaldehyde, a cinnamon oil constituent, aided wound repair and lowered bacterial counts in wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• A 2018 rat study reported that a specialized emulsion containing eucalyptus oil supported wound healing.

Pain relief

• A 2019 experiment in mice explored eucalyptus oil’s analgesic potential and suggested that injection or inhalation might ease certain types of pain.

Effects on mood

• A very small 2013 trial examined inhaled rosemary oil’s effects on mood. By measuring physiological markers such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature, researchers inferred that rosemary oil had a stimulating influence.
• In that same study, participants who inhaled rosemary oil reported feeling more alert or active, along with increases in respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure.

How to make your own thieves oil blend

If you want to craft your own thieves oil mixture, Mountain Rose Herbs offers this recipe:

• 40 drops clove bud essential oil
• 35 drops lemon essential oil
• 20 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil

Combine all ingredients and keep them in a dark glass container. This mixture is highly concentrated, so always dilute appropriately before applying.

You can also adjust the formula by swapping or adding oils. For instance, substitute other citrus oils like orange or bergamot for lemon, or enhance the blend with thyme.

Finding the right aromatic balance may require experimentation. Be cautious when adding potent scents, as they can overpower gentler notes.

Thieves oil uses

Below are common ways people use thieves oil in everyday settings.

Diffusion

A diffuser disperses essential oil aroma through a room, often by combining oils with water. Diffusion may help with:

• creating atmosphere in a space
• enhancing alertness
• lifting mood
• reducing stress or anxiety

Follow your diffuser’s instructions carefully when using thieves oil, since directions vary by device.

Steam inhalation

Steam inhalation involves adding essential oils to hot water so the vapor carries aromatic compounds into the air, which may ease congestion or sinus discomfort.

To perform steam inhalation with thieves oil:

1. Put a few drops of thieves oil into steaming water, starting with just one or two drops to avoid an overpowering scent.
2. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl.
3. Close your eyes and breathe deeply through your nose.

Massage

You can prepare massage oils with essential oils by diluting them in a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil. Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to skin.

The University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing recommends keeping essential oils between 3 and 5 percent of the total mixture.

If you plan to cover a large area, consider a 1 percent dilution.

Lotions and creams

You may add thieves oil to unscented lotions or creams for uses such as soothing, cleansing, or supporting wound care.

As with massage oils, dilute thieves oil into the cream or lotion before skin application.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends a final essential oil concentration of 1 to 2.5 percent for normal skin and 0.5 to 1 percent for sensitive skin.

Spray application

Thieves oil can be used in a spray to freshen a room or to act as a mild antimicrobial cleaner.

To make a spray:

1. Add 10 to 15 drops of thieves oil per ounce of water.
2. Optionally add a dispersant like solubol to help the oil mix with the water.
3. Shake well before each use and spray as needed.

Thieves oil risks

Essential oils should be used with caution. Ingredients in thieves oil carry some safety concerns you should know about.

Skin reactions

Cinnamon and clove oils can irritate skin. If a topical application causes redness, swelling, or itching, discontinue use.

Perform a patch test before widespread topical use:

1. Clean a patch of forearm with unscented soap and dry it.
2. Apply a small amount of diluted thieves oil to that spot.
3. Cover with a bandage or gauze.
4. Leave in place for at least 24 hours, then check for irritation.

Repeated use can lead to sensitization, meaning you might develop a sensitivity over time.

Photosensitivity

Lemon oil can cause photosensitivity—heightening the risk of sunburn or pigmentation changes after UV exposure. If applying thieves oil topically, avoid direct sun without appropriate protection.

General safety precautions

Follow these safety tips when handling essential oils:

• Always dilute essential oils before use—never apply them neat to the skin.
• Do not ingest essential oils unless supervised by a qualified professional. Eucalyptus oil, a component of many thieves blends, can be toxic if swallowed.
• Use essential oils in well-ventilated spaces during aromatherapy.
• Consider others in the room—some oils are unsafe for pregnant people, young children, or pets.
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• If pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils.
• Store essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
• Be skeptical of products claiming to treat specific illnesses; the FDA doesn’t regulate most essential oils, so such claims may be marketing rather than evidence-based.

Essential oils & Pet safetySome essential oils can be dangerous to animals, even when diffused or lightly diluted. If you have concerns about your pet, consult a veterinarian. Resources such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can provide more information.

Brands of thieves oil

Numerous commercial thieves oil products exist, with some variations in ingredients.

Young Living has trademarked the name “Thieves,” but not the underlying formula, so many companies sell similar blends under different names.

The takeaway

Thieves oil is a blend commonly composed of:

• clove
• lemon
• cinnamon
• eucalyptus
• rosemary

There are many variations on this mixture.

Reported benefits include supporting the immune system, aiding respiratory health, and offering antimicrobial effects.

While many claims are anecdotal, components of thieves oil have demonstrated antimicrobial activity, potential wound-healing support, and possible pain-relieving effects in various studies.

Thieves oil can be applied in multiple ways, but always adhere to safety guidelines when using any essential oil.

If you have concerns about using thieves oil, consult a healthcare professional first.