Thieves Vinegar, Four Thieves Vinegar, Vinegar of the Four Thieves or Forthave's Vinegar

No matter what you call it, thieves vinegar has a long history of use. From Scientific American's 1910 reference to “medicated vinegar was invented by four thieves of Marseilles who su...” to current references recommending it as an insect repellant and a popular essential oil company creating a product line based off of the blend, antimicrobial herbs have a well earned reputation for their usefulness.

History of Four Thieves Vinegar

Vinegar has been used as a health tonic for centuries. It is mentioned in the Bible and the writings of Ancient Greece. All of the four thieves vinegar stories that I read are set during the Bubonic plague, but there are a number of variations. Some say that condemned criminals were sent out to bury the dead, but some survived by drinking large amounts of vinegar infused with garlic. Other say that there were many thieves robbing the homes and corpses of those that had died, and most of them died, but one particular group of thieves survived. They were granted leniency in court when they shared the secret of the herbal vinegar blend they used to protect them from the plague. The name “Forthave's Vinegar” describes the vinegar tonic of Richard Forthave.

How to Make Thieves Vinegar

My friend, Chris, from Joybilee Farm, referred to Thieves Vinegar as a “folksy recipe”, and said that when she listened to Rosemary Gladstar, a well-known herbalist, Rosemary used the herbs she had on hand. Mountain Rose Herbs offers this version of the traditional recipe.

Basic Four Thieves Vinegar Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp organic sage leaf
• 1 tsp organic lavender flowers
• 1 tsp organic rosemary leaf
• ½ tsp organic thyme leaf
• ½ tsp organic peppercorns
• 16oz raw organic apple cider vinegar

Directions

Place the herbs in a pint jar and fill to the top with gently warmed (not boiling) apple cider vinegar. Close with a plastic lid or place a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal. Allow to extract for four weeks. Strain the vinegar into a clean glass jar. Store in a cool, dark area.

Rustic Thieves Vinegar Recipe

My friend, Betty Jean, uses this homespun version:

I just throw a couple heads worth of peeled garlic into a 2 quart jar along w/ hot peppers (cayenne), a handful each of oregano, cloves, thyme, and other herbs with antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral properties such as

• lavender blossoms
• rosemary
• cinnamon sticks
• lemon balm
• sage
• ginger

Pour apple cider vinegar over it to the top. Put on a lid and let sit for at least 2 weeks… I usually steep for about 6-7 weeks. Gently shake the jar each day. Strain. Take 1-2 tablespoons with a tablespoon of raw honey several times a day when sick or take one tablespoon per day for immunity boosting.

I went out in the garden to see what was still fresh, snipped a bit from the herbs in the window sill, and dug around in the herb cabinet for a few other odds and ends. (Top photo in the post.)

I ended up with:

• Lemon Balm
• Yarrow
• Aloe Vera
• Oregano
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Mixed Hot Peppers
• Garlic
• Chocolate Mint
• Calendula
• Garlic
• Plantain
• Cloves
• Licorice Root
• Ginger Root

Licorice Root and Ginger Root are both specifically mentioned in the book Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Vi..., so I wanted to make sure to include them with all the nasty viral illnesses going around.

You can use the strained vinegar as a base for a vinaigrette. You can also use wine as a base instead of vinegar, with complimentary herbs, so make it more pleasant to consume, or make an thieves herb blend in a vodka base to use as a tincture.

Ways to Use Thieves Vinegar

• For illness or immune boosting. Take 1-2 tablespoons with a tablespoon of raw honey several times a day when sick or take one tablespoon per day for immunity boosting.
• As a surface disinfectant – put strained vinegar in a spray bottle, spray on surfaces and wipe clean. Chris mentions that the pH will rise after steeping, so the spray will be milder on surfaces.
• As a insect repellent – put 1/4 cup vinegar in a spray bottle and fill the rest with water. Spray on skin, clothes, etc. From Wellness Mama.
• Diluted, as a topical treatment for dandruff, or as a foot soak for nail fungus.

Remember, in case of serious illness, always contact a trained healthcare professional. This post is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.

Have you ever tried thieves vinegar or do you plan to? Do you have a favorite home remedy for cold and flu season? I'd love to hear about it.

You may also enjoy:

• The Best Cold and Flu Fighters – summary of all our cold and flu related posts
• Elderberries: How to Make Syrups and Jellies
• Immune Boosting Herbs in Finger Gelatin
• http://commonsensehome.com/thieves-vinegar/