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!).
