Legend of the Four Thieves

I adore herbs, vinegar, natural remedies AND a good tale.  I came across this folklore tonic recipe and decided I must absolutely make up a batch and give it a try!  Although I doubt I will be testing its effectiveness against the plague, one should never make such assumptions...

According to legend, four thieves, one of whom was an herbalist, robbed the homes of many who had died of the plague. They were eventually caught and brought to trial. A version of the story recounts the thieves were sentenced to bury the dead, but would be set free if they survived infection. Another version tells that they were released in return for the recipe of the tonic they credited with protecting them from the plague.

Either way, the thieves did survive, as did the legend and the recipe for their herbal vinegar. This recipe still serves as a valuable remedy against many maladies, and is a powerful disinfectant and bug spray.

Vinegar of the Four Thieves

Ingredients:

2 TBSP Thyme (dried)

2 TBSP Rosemary (dried)

2 TBSP Sage (dried)

2 TBSP Lavender (dried)

2 TBSP Mint (dried)

4-8 cloves of minced garlic (optional)

One 32-ounce bottle of organic Apple Cider Vinegar with “the Mother” (Bragg’s Vinegar is lovely)

How To Prepare the Vinegar:

1. Put all the dried herbs and garlic (if using) into a large glass jar (a half gallon works well)

2. Pour the Vinegar over the herbs and garlic and seal tightly. The vinegar is strong enough to corrode some metal lids, so in this case, consider putting plastic wrap or a plastic bag on top and then putting the lid on.

3. Leave in a cool, dark, place for 6-8 weeks (for health tonic recipe) shaking daily if possible.

4. After 6-8 weeks, strain the herbs out using a small strainer and store tonic in smaller jars for easy use.

Other Uses for Four Thieves Herbal Vinegar:

As mentioned, this vinegar makes a very effective (though strong smelling) insect repellent. If you make it to this strength, just put 1/4 cup of the vinegar in an 8-ounce spray bottle and fill the rest with water. Spray on skin, clothes, etc. when in heavily insect infested areas.  

In cases of illness, the Vinegar of the Four Thieves is very helpful in quick recovery. Adults can take 1 TBSP several times a day (dilute in water!!) and kids can take 1 Tsp several times a day (well diluted in water/herbal tea).

When a family member is sick, diluting this with 1 part water and putting in a spray bottle will make a potent disinfectant that can be used on surfaces or sprayed in the air.

Some people report really good success using this vinegar as a soak or topical spray for foot or nail fungus.

This vinegar makes an effective natural disinfectant spray for use in house cleaning as well (without the garlic!).