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I had originally titled this post differently. However, after being threatened with legal action by Young Living Oils, I have changed the name of my blend, as well as all post titles. I apologize for any confusion.
If you have had any interest at all in essential oils, then you’ve probably come across folks talking about a particular oil blend that has a name that is a synonym of “robber.” (Apparently, I can’t say the name here…)
I know the first time I heard of it, I couldn’t help but wonder what the heck it was and why it had such a weird name…
The modern-day version of this oil is simply a blend of several essential oils that are known for their immune-boosting properties.
Legend has it that, during a dark time in Europe, certain folks would rob the dead. These robbers would shield themselves by using a variety of herbs and spices.
Now, I’m pretty sure that the formula that those guys used was quite different than the “robber oil” on the market today. But the concept has become synonymous with herbs, oils, or vinegars known for their immune-supporting properties.
There are numerous simplified versions of this recipe floating around today. If you’d like to try your hand at mixing up a batch of this old-fashioned blend yourself, I’ve included a recipe below.
There are five oils most commonly used in modern “robber oil” blends: Clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
All fives oils in this blend are powerful immune system-supporter and protect against environmental threats. And this is a super-versatile blend–use it topically, aromatically (in a diffuser), or to make DIY household cleaners!
DIY All-Purpose Protective Essential Oil Blend
- 20 drops clove essential oil
- 18 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
- 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
Combine all oils and store in a dark glass container (where to buy – aff link). This makes a fairly small amount, so feel free to double or triple the recipe.
Ideas for use:
- Use this blend in your essential oil diffuser to purify the air.
- Mix this blend into your homemade cleaning products for an extra punch.
- Dilute the blend, then rub it on the soles of your feet.
*Very Important Note* Some of the oils contained in this blend are very hot and can burn your skin if used undiluted. It is very important to dilute this blend in a carrier such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil before using them on your skin.
I added some sweet almond oil right in the bottle with my blend and made a little note on the bottle,
Wanna Know Where I Get My Essential Oils?
I’ve been using the same brand of oils for 3+ years and couldn’t be happier. Click here for my personal story.
PrintDIY All-Purpose Protective Essential Oil Blend
Ingredients
- 20 drops clove essential oil
- 18 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
- 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
Instructions
- Combine all oils and store in a dark glass container. This makes a fairly small amount, so feel free to double or triple the recipe.
Notes
To use this blend:
Use this blend in your essential oil diffuser to purify the air.
Mix this blend into your homemade cleaning products.
Dilute the blend, then rub it on the soles of your feet.
Got your ebook on oils and downloaded it but when I try to open and read the saved file it is gobbledygook . Do you know what i am doing wrong?
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Heidi
Hi Heidi-
Do you have Adobe Acrobat reader? You’ll need it in order to view the book correctly. Let me know if you are still having problems.
They maybe should be entitled to solely use the name simply because they are robbing their customers by charging what they do for all of their oils!!!
Year ago Young Living threatened me, too. They can kiss our butts. I researched the company. They tried in the 70s to trademark the name Four Thieves. They didn’t get it. They went to court and lost. Because it’s all natural and the Legend of the Four Thieves has been around forever, they can not, by law, trademark the name at all. Period! If I had the money I would have sued them for harassment and trying to monopolize the market. We ALL can use the name Four Thieves. Young Living can not do squat about it.
They tried in the 70s to trademark the name. They could not. Then they went to court to get it and lost. It is from nature and the Legend of the Four Thieves has been around since the plague so the courts said they could not trademark it. Young Living bullies people because they think we’re dumb.
Hi, I M looking for a recipe of the oils that will kill mites, all kinds.
I am surprised that the company told you could not use the name thieves oil?? There are many companies and herbal practitioners who make and sell thieves oil. Unless they can prove the copy right of the oil, and to the dismay of other companies that use the name then they cant tell you not to use the name. We have 2 companies on our small island province that make Thieves Oil, as well as Aura Cacia which is a big company. Astonished at young Living for saying thi, unless you made reference to their product via the recipe.
That’s exactly what I was thinking!! Shame on them. I’ve never purchased their products, and now I for sure never will just in the premise of their pettiness. Thieves oil has been around longer than their company. Ridiculous.
Can I use castor oil for my carrier oil?
I make a mixture of equal parts DRY ingredient and take it internally. However, I omit the eucalyptus. Not a good idea to be swallowing it. I make up batches and encapsulate it and just take it with my vitamins.
Peter Piper
Thanks for the recipe. I was looking for a recipe to validate the one that I made and this is very similar. I noticed that young living uses rosemary radiata essential oil and I ordered some just to see if it was any different and I was quite surprised to learn that it is slightly different. The scent is not as harsh as traditional rosemary essential oil, it’s a little softer and I see why they use it. I use rosemary essential oil a lot and I love it but he can take over a recipe if you put one drop too many.
★★★★★
I cannot find the link to download the book for essential oils in my email
Hi Debbie,
The link is at the very top of the email. (It will be on the email you got this morning)
Can you do a tutorial for how to create the E.O. blend that repels flies?
Hi Tina,
Yes, I hope to do such a tutorial soon! (I have some fly-fighting tips in my new eBook!)
I’ve heard SO many great things about thieves oil. I have got to get with the program here and try these oils. Especially after reading your awesome book! 🙂
Jill, Thanks so much for the awesome Essential Homestead book! I have read it thoroughly and plan to incorporate it into my homestead. Thanks for posting the recipe for Thieves. You are doing a great job!
Thanks SO much for your kind words Trish! 🙂 I’m happy that you are enjoying the book.
Just came upon your site! Am going to try the robber oil recipe . Can I get your essential oil book? If so, in what format? Thank you and blessings!
Hi Stacy,
I’m SO glad you decided to comment today and share your story! What a wonderful testimonial for oils! 🙂
I just downloaded the Essential Oil e-book. I am looking forward to reading it and learning from it. Thanks for your generosity!
Thanks for this post. I’ve been using oils a lot lately, but I have so much to learn!!!
How far can you dilute this
★★★★★
Thank you! We’re definitely going to try it! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
I am interested in using a thieves blend in a reed diffuser. I bought the essential oils and jojoba as a carrier. Can anyone suggest how many drops of the thieves oil I should use in an approximately 2 oz. bottle of carrier oil?
Thanks!
@Kari Clark, you can get more info on reed diffusers with essential oils here: http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/03/how-to-make-your-own-diy-reed-diffuser.html
“Thieves” is a registered trademark, registered by Young Living Essential Oils.
I’m no expert, but I doubt that. I’ve seen Thieves Oil blends everywhere in all different brands of EOs. I’d assume that their exact recipe is registered, though.
😉 I’m never going to say that YL isn’t a good brand but they are seriously not the only brand out there that’s safe and high quality. I think if you’re a rep for a company you should of course be sold on it but maybe be honest right? It’s not the ONLY brand out there and they shouldn’t say so.
My nephew was also threatened with legal action for calling his blend thieves oil–the funny thing is that it’s from a recipe from the middle ages so it’s not like YL made it up 😉
They definitely hold a legit trademark on the term thieves,
So even if you add words too it, you can’t use the word thieves :(tp://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/jumpto?f=doc&state=4805:ktyjzy.7.147
★★★★★
If the word is copy righted then they better tell the many companies out there making Thieves Oil. Just call it Grave Robber oil. lol
Hi there, interesting article. I am going to give this a go. Thanks fot the inspiration, I’m very glad I stumbled across you. Smiles. John.
Iam learning so much here at Patti’s Place ,Prairie Homestead and Camp Wander. I will slowly buy my supplies of oils until I am able to make more blends. Thank you for all the great info.
Year ago Young Living threatened me, too. They can kiss our butts. I researched the company. They tried in the 70s to trademark the name Four Thieves. They didn’t get it. They went to court and lost. Because it’s all natural and the Legend of the Four Thieves has been around forever, they can not, by law, trademark the name at all. Period! If I had the money I would have sued them for harassment and trying to monopolize the market. We ALL can use the name Four Thieves. Young Living can not do squat about it.
Thought you would find this interesting. I looked up thieves oil on a tm site and it appears the tm has expired. He files, but does not follow through. Next time he threatens you, ask to see proof of the tm. Here is the link.
http://www.trademarkia.com/trademarks-search.aspx?tn=thieves+oil
Hmmm… very, very interesting. Thanks for the heads up! 😉
Yeah, but he has it under this:
http://www.trademarkia.com/thieves-85842506.html
Just without the ‘oil’ on the end of it.
Which just means he has the trademark for that word. No way he could trademark Four Thieves since it has been used since medieval times. I believe there would be serious grounds for fighting that one.
Did a search. I imagine someone tried and was basically told it wouldn’t fly so they abandoned it. You can not trademark a common usage term.
http://www.trademarkia.com/trademarks-search.aspx?tn=Four+Thieves
Because of this “…after being threatened with legal action by Young Living Oils, I have changed the name of my blend…” I don’t buy YLO brand of oils…it really erks me that someone would copyright a name from the middle ages and then threaten others who use it…
★★★★★
I use this blend or something similar in my homemade deoderant and love it. 1/3 cup coconut oil, 1/3 cup arrowroot powder, 2 tablespoons baking soda and 10-15 drops of the oil blend.
Love the idea of using this in homemade deo!
I just want to thank you. Jill, for all the fabulous tips you are giving out! I have learned so much about essential oils and natural living from your web site. I live in Pretoria , South Africa and really appreciate all your advice. Keep up all the good work!
Thanks for taking the time to comment Magdaleen!
Great idea Lorinda! Would you mind sharing where you purchase your glass perfume roller bottles?
Thanks!
You can get them from aromatools.com
OMg you *udderly* make me laugh some days! <3
Having copyright or trademark over Thieves blend is like copyright / trademark over the word 'pizza' I am sure lol! Well. I think you handled it well! When some people get on their horse, they just ride. Guess I know which company to avoid!
Cheers to you!
Hehe- thanks Ali! 🙂
I found these bottles on etsy, but there are similar ones on Amazon here: http://amzn.com/B005Y4ZPUW
Yay! Isn’t it fun to use natural remedies? 🙂
I, too, was threatened with legal action by Young Living. The problem with them is this: they tried to trademark the name
‘Four Thieves’ and were not allowed!! So, they trademarked the name ‘Thieves’ instead. In this way, they feel that they can get away with using the Lenham Act against anyone else and therefore cornering (monopolizing) the market on this age old essential oil blend.
Because this essential oil blend (and all of it’s variations) has been around for hundreds of years and called Four Thieves, the name Four Thieves is looked upon as a generic term for all the formulations of this concoction based on the 1600th century legend of the four thieves.
I say, we start finding people who have been threatened with a lawsuit and do a class action suit against THEM! They could not trademark the name Four Thieves and they know it! The problem is, they don’t know that I know it! 😀
Oh, by the way, Young Living can NEVER trademark the oil blend itself. Nothing that comes from nature (essential oils, fragrances, etc.) can legally be trademarked or patented. Only names can be trademarked. As I mentioned above, Young Living was not allowed to trademark the name Four Thieves.
I also made a mistake – the legend is from the 15th century, not the 16th century according to numerous sites.
You are thinking of a patent, which is different than a trademark. Anyone can trademark anything… just by using it and putting a TM next to it. But the next step is to register it as a trademark (or service mark). That is where the (R) comes in. (circle R).
A Patent is a formula, creation, etc that you want to protect. You cannot trademark a creation and you can’t patent a word. LOL.
I find this veeeeerrry interesting Zina! 😉 When I got the first “cease and desist” notice, I changed my original post to “Four Thieves” blend. however, I then received another email from the lawyer saying I couldn’t use that name either since the name included the word “Thieves.” Hmmmmm…
I was looking at this recipe and wonder how it would work in dilution for a teat spray for the goats . . . or on my stack of cloths for udder wipes. I’m avoiding all detergents at my place, so for udder wipes I’m currently using the CleanWell spray on either cloths or if I’ve been laundry-lazy, paper towels. But that stuff is expensive – thinking this just might be a good alternative.
Hmmm… I’ve never thought of that Kimberly– it just might work! I would make sure that you diluted it quite a bit, though– just b/c the cinnamon and clove oils can be “hot.”
Hi there!
2 questions:
Assuming a 2 oz bottle, how much carrier oil would you use for this recipe?
Is there any reason to NOT use Oil of Oregano?
Thanks in advance,
~Angela
Hi Jill,
I came upon your site and am very excited. I’ve recently gone ‘green’ with my cleaning around the house and want to incorporate EO in my own cleansers. I love some of the ones I can get that are all natural but frankly, I’d rather mix my own. What does the melaleuca and frankincense add to the mix?
Thank you !!!
I had never heard of Thieve’s Oil until today, but a friend was raving about it so I googled it. I am sure the Young Living folks are still monitoring you 😉 So I just wanted to let them know that their ridiculous litigious behavior has lost them a customer. I guess I will always have to make my own because I don’t think I could support a company that’s pursuing frivolous lawsuits and harassing bloggers that are promoting natural wellness, the same thing Young Living supposedly does…
I was wondering if you could make your own oils by taking the say the rosemary and put it in olive oil and letting it sit for a while. You might have to use a few more drops to make it effect. I know that the oils these places sell are made by distilling but I am on a fix income and trying to by all these oils is costly. Thanks for you help.
That would be an herbal infused oil– still good for some uses, but different than an essential oil. 🙂
HELLO. Thanks for this recipe. How much carrier oil should be used in this recipe to dilute?
It depends– but I usually use about 1/4 teaspoon.
Hello Jill – I just found your blog and this being the first post I read really intrigued me! I too received a cease and desist letter from the aforementioned company because I made the same blend and sold it at a festival using a similar name. I don’t know if you’ve ever experienced a ‘cult’ member approaching you in a public forum (other than here) but they are quite forward. We have researched the term ‘therapeutic essential oils’ only to find it is basically a marketing buzzword. To each their own. I buy my oils from a very old company (over 100 years now) that sells several grades of oils including organic, edible oils. I guess you could say that other company gets my goat! If anyone were to form a class action procedure please include me.
Now I will smell some lavender and carry on 🙂
Very interesting Mary. 😉 I have noticed the “cult-like” following, which has been a huge turn-off for me as well. I find some comfort in knowing I’m not the only one who has been given a letter!
Thank you so much for posting this and standing up to that other overpriced sillyness.
Yes– Oregano is a very powerful oil!
I am loving how much I am learning from your blog! I had no idea there were so many blogs out there – it’s a bit overwhelming really – but I have yours bookmarked. 🙂 I am still undecided where to get my EOs as I start to create my home collection. I have a few Aura Cacia oils that I started with, but I’m not using them for ingesting, just cleaning and topically. I was curious why you wrote a post about the YL recipe but not the OnGuard recipe? I had assumed you’d promote the OnGuard one over the Theives blend. just curious! I just made our own hand sanitizer with your recipe and love having it around (my 3 year old thinks she needs to “wash” her hands all the time, so thankful it’s a better alternative now.) Thanks so much for your help in greening and healing my family! 🙂
Therapeutic Grade is just something YL came up with to make you think they are superior. They are a multilevel marketing company – just advertising speak. Nothing more. There are lots of great Essential oil brands out there – not just one.
: ) Aura Cacia has been tested (actually a better grade than YL) and is MUCH less. Why? YL is an MLM.
I so agree, there are many companies selling genuine therapeutic grade oils in the world, Young Living Oils are not the only ones. I have made my own Thieves blend and love it.
Technically, any store or place we buy from is a network marketing company. Some choose to pay marketers big bucks to advertise etc; Avon, Mary Kay etc have all done very well for many years, doing the same thing – letting people buy the product w/o all the hoopla. I personally will only use YL, they are the best by far – and cost – well, it could always be cheaper, but the bottle sure goes a longgggggg way! Love the power of EO’s!!! Thank you for your information! It’s a blessing to learn more
finally some sense. Thank you.
Thanks for the recipe for 4 Thieves oil. I cannot wait to try it. I had a peek on the YL Site…..good news, their oil is called thieves oil and your is 4 thieves oil, legally they do not have a leg to stand on. I hope you change the name back 🙂
Well, originally I had changed the name to the “Four” title, but that earned me another letter from their lawyer saying I couldn’t use that either. :/
Keep us posted on the results Glenn– I hope the Black Pepper helps!
I would like to know results as well! My sister has this!
Thank you!
Thanks for posting this recipe. I think it’s preposterous that YL would think that they own the rights to a recipe that was created in the 1500s during the Bubonic Plague! Maybe the “Thieves” will come back to haunt them for stealing it. HaHa!
Your site is great! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and spirit.
Jean
Thanks Jean!
Do you use Clove leaf or bud?
I use Clove Bud.
I am also finding different kinds of Cinnamon oil…Ceylon Steam Distilled, French CO2 Extracted and Chinese Steam Distilled/ Do you prefer one to another?
I personally only use EOs, and their Cinnamon is cinnamomum zeylanicum— Cinnamon Bark.
Thank you!
Thank you!
I’m making this – and adding in oregano and black pepper. I have estimated the drops based on the recipe that you referenced (the one at the bottom of the page) and am going with 20 drops oregano and 12 drops of black pepper.
I am making roller bottles diluted with FCO and also some dropper bottles undiluted. How many times would you think my kiddos (one in school and one at home) would need to roll this on themselves during the day to be fully effective? I’m trying to decide whether or not to send a roller bottle with my son to school or not. What do you think?
Thank you! He’s 9 and in 4th grade, so I don’t see a problem sending them – just need to check with the school first. I also want to find a small enough roller bottle so that I’m not sending him with my entire supply of the roll-on, but enough of it so he can leave it at school – in his teacher’s desk perhaps – and can apply it when needed. 🙂
Aromatools.com has some of the smaller rollers. And yes- I’d have him apply it to the base of his neck and also his wrists if he can’t put it on his feet. 🙂
Can I use these EO to make my own natural products for resale?
Yes, I don’t believe that’s a problem– however– I think there is a stipulation that you aren’t allowed to list them as the official “ingredients” in products designed for resale.
I am disturbed to see how many people are bamboozled by Young Living. The Four Thieves blend originated in the 15th century and unless any of those grave robbers are vampires and still living then no one else should copyright it. Young Living did not come up with it. Yes, nuances in the blend exist but the basic blend is the same and has been the same for centuries. I am a Master Herbalist and have been studying herbalism for well over a decade now. In all my older books, the Four Thieves blend is in there. It’s like if someone made up their own recipe for spaghetti, then copyrighted the word spaghetti, then threatened legal action to anyone that used the word for their own spaghetti noodle. Just because you can legally do it, doesn’t mean you ethically should. And many need to think about the ramifications of a greedy company that poses as if they care for your well being and health. If you put that bad mojo into your product, it certainly falls down onto the customer/client. Basic lesson in herbalism education right there. If you support Young Living and greedy companies like it, then you are against your family/village herbalist who now has to fear law suits from greedy companies for using a name for a recipe that has existed for centuries. It’s like saying you support family farmers, but in fact you are supporting Monsanto and other companies like it. Something to ponder. Make your own blend. It is absolutely just as effective as long as you are using the traditional recipe. One that has existed well before Young Living was even thought of.
I agree with everything that Phoenix said. When I first came across this and read that YL had threatened you with legal action, my thought was “How is that possible?” While I am not, nor have I ever been an herbalist, I did study an alternative religion for five years, and one of the most spoke of waters/vinegars/oils that was mentioned time and again was Thieves. If YL wants to ever take legal action against you then you can tell them that they will have herbalist and Wiccans to deal with as well.
I mentioned this in a comment above but my nephew was also threatened with legal action for calling it thieves oil.
Turns me off too and I agree with you about the “spaghetti” idea…I heard of Thieves oil years before I ever heard of YL.
I would like to add the “robber oil” to my all purpose cleaning spray. How many drops do I add? To you have a recipe for your own cleaning spray with the oil added? Thank you
I usually add 10-20 drops for a quart sized bottle. 🙂
You forgot Cinnamon in your list of ingredients….it plays a vital role.
It’s there– right under Lemon.
I would LOVE that too!! The OnGuard blend is similar to this one I think. No lemon, wild orange instead.
I buy essential oils and love the them and wanted to make up my own using the ingredients on the bottle. When I found your “recipe” I was thrilled because I obviously had no idea how much to use of each oil. One question, the Eucalyptus doesn’t say add one drop to 4 ounces of water on the side of the bottle like all of the other oils that can be taken internally. I find that odd because which includes Eucalyptus is to be taken internally. Any thoughts on this ?
It is a shame that in the name of “money” people are not allowing other people to share their knowledge. Some people cannot afford these high end oils and the truth, I believe, is that although some might be better than others, if you purchase from a reputable company, you can still get the NON brand name and still be ok. Of course, not all of these oils can be safely taken internally so be careful. As of using the COPYRIGHT name (joke) I have the perfect solution. Ready? You can name it LOS CUATRO LADRONES” There..they cannot say anything now! Thanks for sharing this recipe. 🙂
Hahaha!!! Excellent idea! Los quatro ladrones!! Love it!!
I cannot believe YL threatened to sue you! They didn’t INVENT Four Thieves blend.
Change the name of your post back! Lol. This enrages me!
I found you by doing a search for a recipe for Four Thieves oil. So glad I found you. I have already made up a triple batch and had one cup of the tea.
No way would I pay the ripoff prices YL charges. I’d protect my con game to the hilt, too, if I were making the astronomical profits they are!
Thank you so much for providing us your recipe. 🙂
I’m glad you found me too Sharon! Enjoy the blend!
Stacy, I want to ask you a question. Blend contains Clove, Wild Orange (Jill’s recipe uses Lemon), Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Cinnamon. I was glad to find Jill’s “recipe” because I wanted to make my own but I had no idea how much to use of each oil. I honestly don’t know how she came up with her recipe, but it sounded good to me ! I asked her a question but she hasn’t gotten back to me yet so I thought I’d check with you. My question to her was regarding the Eucalyptus in her recipe. Included with the recipe up above is this statement: “If you plan on ingesting this blend or using it on your body, please make sure that you are using 100% pure oils that are specifically designed for therapeutic use.” Of course all of oils meet this requirement, but eucalyptus oil states on the bottle that it’s only for aromatherapy and topical use. The oils that can be taken internally specifically say so on the side of the bottle. Do you know why this contains Eucalyptus and can be taken internally (1 drop in 4 ounces of water ) when Eucalyptus is not an internal oil ?
I only use eucalyptus externally and have always read that it should never be ingested. I don’t use any of the other multilevel marketed essential oils, so I don’t know if they are diluted enough to be ingested. Personally, I wouldn’t take eucalyptus internally. To be safe, you could blend your own without it. I think that Jill might have just copy and pasted that last bit from her other articles on essential oils and that she didn’t mean to ingest it. Hope that helps.
Some people seem to say that eucalyptus radiata is considered to be safer for limited internal use than eucalyptus globulus. Opinions vary as far as ingesting eucalyptus radiata, and some sources say small amounts are OK. There are MANY “Thieves-type” blends floating around, including pre-mixed and DIY versions–they all include Eucalyptus. But it can always be omitted if you are mixing the blend yourself.
This particular blend recipe was designed to be used in topical and aromatic applications and I have edited the post to make that more clear.
Excellent–thanks so much for sharing their response Joyce!
I buy oils and love them. I made my own mopping solution. It has lasted for a long time and smells nice. http://cuperduper.blogspot.com/2011/12/thieves-oil-to-rescue.html
Hi, what do you mean by adding Melaleuca and Frankincense for extra kick? is this for strength or for the smell? Just curious.
Hi thanks for the idea… Almost went to buy their “thieves” brand when I stumbled upon your post… Will go an dame my own…, and as of “stealing” someone’s name… Don’t know whats the fuss about it….
they stole it from history!!!
Don’t worry about it… We all know the truth….and America is wrapped up in legalization of this and that, and all corporal greed…that’s what the fuss is all about! Thanks for the idea!
Hello Jill.
I stumbled across your site after doing a search for the 4 Thieves Blend. I am traveling and do not have my own personal EO 4 Thieves Blend recipe with me.
I was amused by your disclaimer comment at the beginning of this posting and the fact that you changed the name of your blend to “Original Robbers Blend”. 🙂 I have been involved in herbology for almost 30 years, and I am surprised that the company you mentioned threatened you with legal action. As long as you are not posting the EXACT formulation of their product along with the name and claiming it to be EXACTLY the same as theirs, there are no worries . The name of a formulation from a historical legend CANNOT be trademarked or patented (thus why they cannot TM the actual historical name of “4 Thieves” and instead call their product “Thieves Blend”.). I saw that several other people posted concerning this, and just thought I’d add another comment of support. Why not just call your posted blend “4 Thieves Blend”? I am from the UK and was not familiar with the company mentioned, but now that I have seen this and read further on them; I will definitely NOT be associated with them in any way and will alert my colleagues and friends of the somewhat questionable practices I have read concerning this company(at least in this specific circumstance).
Lovely site with a wealth of solid information!
Keep-up the great work.
Genesis 1:11&12
Kind Regards,
SKV
Thanks for your comment SKV!
Yes, it’s a little confusing… I had actually changed the name of the post to “Four Thieves” blend after they initially contacted me, but I got yet another email saying that that wasn’t allowed either… Seems a little fishy, but I didn’t feel like hiring a lawyer to pursue it, so I just complied. 😉
Jill,
Good choice – searching for “Thieves Oil” still gets people to your site
and:
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Pro 15:1)
Thanks for your work here.
Thanks Nate. 🙂
Amen!
Some years ago i was a paying member of yl, after my wife died, i was not using enough of their products to the make it worth maintaining the membership. I have heard of their high handed practices before, and want to let them know that they have lost another customer. I have reached a point where i need to replenish my supply of eo, that will not be purchased from yl. Thanks Jill for the fomulary and the heads up.
Hi!
I have been using essential oils since the mid-90’s as a (former) massage therapist, aromatherapist and Auyervedic therapist. Other than the time that I would buy my oils in bulk from a wholesale supplier, I have always purchased Now brand EO’s. I do not take EO’s internally, and Now brand is in my budget. Is there any reason that I should be cautious making this blend with Now brand?
Thank you!
This should work just fine with other brands of EOs too.
I personally would not use NOW or Aura Cacia for anything therapeutic. I use them for aromatherapy, though.
I use Plant Therapy brand because they are not MLM, they are amazing quality and very afforddable. I do use them internally ON OCCASION. What I mean is when I oil pull, I put two drops of their “Thieves” blend in the oil to swish around in my mouth and then spit out. I use their peppermint (or spearmint) oil to swish around my mouth after I brush my teeth (with my homemade clay toothpaste) as a “mouth wash / breath freshener” but I don’t swallow anymore.
I read an article and was hoping to find it again to post here, but NEVER ingest an oil of any kind no matter what the packaging or marketing materials say, unless under the supervision of a certified aromatherapist or a doctor.
The MLM companies have “consultants” who think they know what they are doing but they have no clue. (I am paraphrasing from the article, by memory, lol). Would you trust your health to an “Avon representative”? or other “home sales consultant” — I wouldn’t. They aren’t certified in aromatherapy.
The example given to me was peppermint oil. Just because you take a drop internally every day and it isn’t causing any issues immediately doesn’t mean that it won’t build up and eventually cause you issues. one drop of peppermint oil is like a gallon of peppermint leaves (not exactly, it could be more, I just wish I could find that article). Everything in moderation and oils are SO SO SO potent… I USED to swallow the peppermint but over time what if it causes holes in the stomach lining being used at that concentration? So I stopped after reading that article.
I will look once more for that article… sorry about not being able to find it. It was within the last 6 months that I read it… Between 3 and 6 months ago when it was written…
So now unless my doctor (naturopathic) or a certified aromatherapist tells me something is ok to ingest, I will not do it. I have hundreds of bottles of EOs and use them for so many things…
Can someone please explain to me the difference in therapeutic and aromatherapy? I mean I know what Aroma is, but how is it different in oils? And can therapeutic be ingested?
Oh well…I just read your the rest of your note about ingesting oils….so I guess I need to be careful of that.
I FOUND The article, woohoo I am so stoked 🙂 I hope this helps. EOs are so powerful… in people’s quest for better health naturally, I hate to see this potent healer be used incorrectly.
Oh yay!!! Thank you so much or sharing!
Love all the articles and posts…and comments too! How funny that I just bought a blend from Edens Garden called ‘Four Thieves’, and I’ve had a recipe for some time, that I love! Finally decided to compare it to something! My recipe is: 8 parts Clove Bud; 7 parts Lemon; 4 parts Cinnamon; 3 parts Tea Tree; 2 parts Rosemary and 1 part Eucalyptus. I love this and ‘nebulize’ it every day!
Hi! I found your blog a few months ago and love what you post. I never actually comment but I felt like I needed to on this one.
I am a YL user and just don’t understand why there has to be so much “drama” between DT and YL. Seriously, aren’t we essentially on the same team? I’ll explain. No matter what company of oils you choose and that works for you and your family aren’t we all trying to achieve the same goal? We are all trying to take charge of our health without Big Pharma. Shouldn’t we all support one another in this quest? Anyway, the whole YL and DT thing makes me crazy because it’s almost like we are in HS again and trust me, I am SO glad that those years are behind me.
Thank you for posting all the wonderful info that you do!
I agree Jennifer! I am tired of the drama. I even wrote a post on this very topic: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/09/best-essential-oils.html
I’ve had more nasty emails about essential oils than any other topic in my entire blogging career… It’s exhausting. 🙁
It IS exhausting! Your other post was gutsy and very much needed. Thank you again for all that you share!
Merry meet! I just wanted to let you know that I support you in the aforementioned Four Thieves kerfuffle and in fact, I encourage you to start calling start calling it just that again. This is not only an historic blend, it is made of only naturally occurring ingredients and therefore cannot be trademarked, unless you somehow managed to crack their tightly-guarded ingredient ratio. (This is also why the FDA “cannot, will not” approve EO for external, internal use.) There’s no way to TM nature, and no money to be made. There’s no money to be made by attacking you legally–especially since you’re not a competitor. Not to mention the negative publicity they’ve already generated, however inadvertently. Bon chance!
Thank you Bob! 🙂
Hi Jill, Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I see this really helping out our family! I have just one question, you suggested 1/4 teaspoon of carrier oil to be added to this mix, is that really enough? I was thinking more in the line of 2 tablespoons maybe, it’s quite a large amount of e.o in total? I don’t mean to be critical, just wondering if 1/4 teaspoon is really enough with this amount?
It really just depends on what you are using it for– you could definitely add more if you like.
Fay,
Mountain Rose Herbs products are superior to young living and I have made my own blend similar to theives for a long time and it is excellent stuff.
I agree. I love Mountain Rose Herbs and have a lot of other great suppliers for EOs. I don’t like the MLM structure and am repelled by how pushy the people selling are – like coming onto blogs like this uninvited to just put down the preferences of the author in order to declare their product superior. I especially dislike this type of aggressive competition in the EO world where we should all be helping each other to find the best fixes. You don’t see Mountain Rose going around posting trash talk about other people’s wares. I have a skin care brand and would never conduct business that way, either. If your brand is the best, it will rise to the top naturally. No need for all the hate.
Bravo !!!
Love this!!!
I am allergic to all citrus. Would this work to leave lemon out?
Thank you! I have the same. If I touch my skin starts to burn! Same with tomatoes and most fruits. I love the smell of citrus and wish I could eat oranges!
Glad to know that it may not bother me. Will try a small amount first and see what happens.
Jill, thank you for sharing this recipe! I only recently became aware of essential oils and their health benefits–first shipment coming tomorrow–and I’ve been needing some tested recipes.
This may be useful as fyi:
http://www.secretofthieves.com/four-thieves-vinegar.cfm
Gloria, thank you! I will have to find the proportions, though, as I order all of my oils from Liberty Natural.
Funny you should mention Raindrop Therapy, as I am having a massage with this for the first time today! I can’t wait!
Wow. Can’t believe young living tried to bully you with the word ‘thieves’. In relating the story, they can hardly prove an infringement for use of the word thieves. Old story. Public domain. In regards to their specific product, by fair use you can certainly name and discuss a product.
Hi!
I’m new to essential oils. Right now I have essential oil of clove boiling in some water on the stove because one of my children has a slight cold. I was wondering though if this is an appropriate way to diffuse the oil. Does the heat do anything to decrease its beneficial properties? Can I use the oil straight when I diffuse? I wouldn’t need to add any oil to it, is that correct?
Thanks for any help! I plan on getting your book.
Yes– heating oils can cause them to lose some of their beneficial properties. I prefer cold air diffusers– I have one of the Spavapors from amazon and it works great!
Can i use cassia bark oil for the cinnamon? i cant imagine using pure cinnamon oil it is so HOT!
I have been using this formula for months except that I switched out the lemon for sweet orange. I make a salve/balm using coconut oil, beeswax and sweet almond oil and add the essential oil blend to it. I use it on my feet (with a few drops of OnGuard, to boot) morning and night. I now have really soft feet and haven’t been sick at all since adding this to my routine. Thanks for posting this.
I was planning to purchase the oils from Garden of Wisdom but they carry 3 different types of eucalyptus. Eucalyptus Citriodora,Eucalyptus polybractea and Eucalyptus Smithii. Which should I use for the robber oil?: And for the rosemary they offer Rosmarinus officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis v verbenon. Any suggestions? Thank you, Christine
Hmmm… I usually just use Eucalyptus Radiata and Rosmarinus officinalis in my blends–I don’t have any experience with the others–sorry!
Hi Jill thank you so much for the information on essential oils I love them I finally bought a diffuser like the one you show on your website do you have any ideas on what cleaner to use for cleaning the unit thank you.
I have a small brush that I use to clean it– and sometimes I’ll add a drop of Lemon EO too.
I am allergic to eucalyptus. Can I substitute tea tree oil or something else?
Sure!
Before I start mixing my oils, I’m wondering about the size of bottle that I should use. Does the recipe at the top of the page easily fit into a .5 oz. bottle – leaving plenty of room for shaking? (which I assume is to be done after the oils are all added)
Hi Jill.
I subscribe to your blog, but I do not ever remember getting the download for the essential oils book you wrote. Is there a way I can still get that??
His,
Shari
Yep! send an email to info(at)theprairiehomestead(dot)com and we’ll make sure you get a copy!
I’m not sure if you have figured out an oil that works for your son, but i have heard amazing things about cypress oil for raynaud’s…might be worth a shot! (like instant relief kind of thing!) good luck!
🙂
Hi! Love your blog and thankful for the info. Wanting to try this recipe to make the “robber” blend (too funny!) but wondering if I need cinnamon leaf or cinnamon bark essential oil? I see both on the Mountain Rose Herbs site. The bark is much more expensive, so I just wanted to double check. Thank you!
I use cinnamon bark for mine. 🙂
The scent of essential oils can change depending on the weather, what season the crop was produced in, the type soil, which pressing/distillation your batch was in, how you store them and so many other factors that the biggest surprise is why they usually smell consistent at all.
Most of the big EO suppliers have their products sourced in many different countries. The good ones will tell you where they are sourced. If you find a source country that you love, just try to buy product from that country. Don’t get hung up on brands–as someone else said, there are great companies, average companies and then the ones you only buy from once—and NEVER EVER again! LOL
Also, keep in mind each particular supplier will usually have a group of oils that are exceptional, a huge group that are just fine and then a group that are terrible. You have to pick and choose from each supplier–that is why I don’t get all my essential oils from one place. I try to buy the ones I think are exceptional from each supplier. That takes years and years of research. HTH someone!
I usually do a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar and 20-30 drops of essential oils for mine. 🙂
According to the US Trademark database, a Trademark for the word “Thieves Oil” was submitted by ” Wallingford, Josiah K CORPORATION UNITED STATES 6590 Farm to Market Road Whitefish MONTANA 59937″ in 2007, but has since been abandoned and no new Trademark is on file for that word. I also searched “Thieves Essential Oil” and the site says there is no trademark for that either. YL’s site has the “Registered” R on their pages, but I’m not finding them in the government’s database.
The original folk lore includes many herbs not included in YLs or dTs oils. In addition, “thieves vinegar” was not an oil. It was more like a tincture.
I got a kick out of how you edited your post “robber oil” teeheehee, clever girl.
Very interesting Lisa– thanks for sharing your research! 🙂
Jill, Upon further and deeper research I found YLs ‘Thieves’ mark, but also found ‘Thieves’ in other marks as well. May be in what manner the word is used (for ex: clothing vs. hand sanitizers). I added it to my article here: http://thehomespunlife.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-thieves-vinegar/
Hi Jill,
What a great blog. I’m hoping you and/or some others can help me with making my own scent using essential oils and Fractionated Coconut oil as the carrier. I have been looking online and there are so many differing info of how much EO to add. I’ve read places saying to use only 1-2% EO in a blend for it to be skin safe and then seen other places say you can use anywhere from 10-35%, wow that’s a huge jump! I’d like to create some of my own scents that are not too strong and math is not my strength which does not help LOL I am using .33 ml glass ball roller. So if I wanted to use say lavender or orange as a scent, how many drops or ml would I use in a .33ml roller? Also if I wanted to make a batch of qty 3 .33ml bottles to give to my friends woudl that change the amount or just multiply x3? I know for my soaps that you don’t just multiply….so just starting this….any help or reputable sites would be good as well, not trying to make money preferably as who you have been talking about LOL….also I know this is so rudimentary but how do I figure out what is 2% of .33ml? How many drops of EO and then I guess I woudl fill up the rest with FCO….it must be so little, how would it have scents? Thank you!
I’m still new to the EO world and am just now starting to mix my own. Maybe it’s a silly question but I’m wondering about the glass bottles. Are they necessary or can I use a small plastic bottle? Thank you for all this amazing information! It’s is beyond helpful to a beginner like me and so very appreciated!
I would love a copy of your free book
If you sign up thruogh the button in the sidebar, you’ll get instant access. 😉
Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, I do not have Melaleuca. Any other ideas?
I don’t suppose there is a recipe of this sort for the pur***cation oil blend 😉 ?
Hmmm… I don’t have one yet, but maybe I should create one!
I would be interested in ANY “make your own XYZ blend” posts. I love this!
I would like to be added to the list.
While we try to do all we will with a view to maintain all the things updated
and accurate, it’s doable that there will likely be some changes in the costs
of the products that we point out here which we may not be aware of.
is eucalyptus oil eucalyptus radiata
So I’m doing some research in order to see about a substitute for the citrus, as I have a friend who is highly allergic, so she can’t even have traditional thieves blends in her house, and I came across your post. I work for a perfume oil vendor at renaissance festivals, and this past spring decided to make us a thieves blend, using our skin-safe oils, with a boost from the essentials as well. I LOVE it, and we’ve had great feedback. I love having a blend that I don’t have to blend into anything else to be able to apply it topically. At home I currently have a lotion version in addition to my oil.
Would it work to substitute Cinnamon Leaf oil for the Cinnamon Bark Oil?
Wondering since I already have that on hand.
Great sounding blend, can’t wait to try. I can’t believe they threatened legal action for using the T word. Oh wait, yes I can. They are the same people that charge $55 for a 15ml bottle. They are the “robbers”.
★★★★★
I wonder how Young living can make a threat like that. Thieves oil is a very old recipe and I don’t see how they can own the rights.It makes me mad they did not invent this oil. Sorry they did that.
Hello:
I’m new to the Brand I use. I would love the recipe of your brothers Four Thieves oil. I use it topically, diffuser, making my bath salts, household cleaners, etc ?????
★★★★★
Young Living or whatever they call themselves do not own the name Four Thieves or Thieves, this is a blend that has been around since plague era and one commonly passed down from hoodoo practitioner to practitioner. I can assure you, they don’t own shit. Thieves oil is just an EO version of Four Thieves Vinegar. Ridiculous that these assholes think they can claim ownership.
Is there a protective blend that would be safer for infants and children? Are there oil substitution you would recommend for clove and cinnamon?
Please send me the diy handbook. Looking forward to trying the recipes.
Thanks, your site is great!! Of course you can use the word thieves..that’s what it is called and i knew about it way before young living adopted it… They can’t copyright the use of that word!!
It’s been called thieves oil for 100’s of years, so if I were you I would call it thieves oil anyway..there are many other sites that call it that..
Good luck
Amy
Thanks for your support! We’re so glad you enjoy the blog.
i think it’s fun that i found you in 2019 by searching for “thieves oil recipe” simply because everyone keeps saying those words in their comments 😀 YL can go suck an egg! you’re still getting traffic here and it’s awesome! thanks for the recipe; it’s one of my favorite things to diffuse, especially around the holidays!
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Hi Jill your clickfunnel did not go through i wanted you to send e-book. to rjg12@yahoo.com but it would not take me there???
Just wondering if you are still offering the Essential Oils E-book. When I try to access via the link above, the message ‘ No page matching this path found’ comes up. Has it been discontinued? In any case, thanks for the recipe for the Robber Oil!
I am relatively new to eos. After I mix this up, how much would I use of the THIEVES OIL in a carrier oil — say a 1 L. bottle? Thanks!