Four Thieves Vinegar Health Tonic


This recipe centers around herbs that have been known for their antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties for centuries. In fact, there is a legend that four thieves robbed the homes of those who died of the bubonic plague wearing masks covered in this herbal vinegar.  The legend says that they robbed many houses but never caught the disease. When they were caught, they gave up the recipe of the vinegar that saved them from the plague in exchange for a quick death, hanging, rather than being burned alive.

Whether the legend is true or not, the concept of a potent antimicrobial herbal vinegar survived!  This recipe serves as a valuable remedy against many illnesses and is a powerful disinfectant and bug spray.

There are many versions of this recipe, but this is the most common one. Other ingredients used include marjoram, camphor, horehound, angelica, juniper, meadowsweet, wormwood, and cloves. I encourage you to make your own with dried herbs from your garden or local farmer’s market!

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
  • One 32-ounce bottle of organic, raw apple cider vinegar

 

How To Make the Vinegar of The Four Thieves:

  1. Put all the dried herbs and garlic (if using) into a large glass jar.
  2. Pour the vinegar over the herbs and garlic and seal tightly. The vinegar is strong enough to corrode metal, so consider using parchment paper under the lid to prevent this from happening.
  3. Leave in a cool, dark, place for 6-8 weeks*. Shake daily.
  4. After 6-8 weeks, strain the herbs out using a small strainer and store tonic in smaller jars for easy use. Keeps best in the fridge.

*If you are using as a salad dressing and prefer a lighter flavor, let the vinegar infuse for 7 days only.

 

Uses:

  • In cases of illness, the antimicrobial action of this vinegar is very helpful in encouraging a 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).
  • Soak/spray for toenail fungus and other fungal infections of the skin.
  • Diluted and used on the scalp, this remedy is also said to be effective against dandruff.
  • Disinfectant: dilute 1 part with water and put in a spray bottle to make a potent disinfectant!

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