VINEGAR of the FOUR THIEVES by ♥Mystic♥Ways♥

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

A famous story of herbal healing came from a time of the Black Death plague (1348-1349). It is the story of four thieves and their amazing concoction that came to be known as The Vinegar of the Four Thieves. History records that four thieves were arrested for stealing from the homes of the many dead victims. After their arrest, they were taken from prison and forced to bury the dead with the promise that if they lived, they would go free. One of the thieves was an herbalist, whose herbal wine vinegar purportedly kept the four thieves alive all during the Black Death. As their resistance to the disease became obvious, others started using their vinegar tincture—reportedly with great success. They lived to credit the vinegar potion for their survival.

 

The old records document several recipes that are very much alike. Other herbalists have looked up the herbs comprising the tincture and marveled at how effective the tincture would be in place of today’s insect repellents. Of course, superstition was rampant during those times, and disease was not understood, so the old history books confuse superstition with herbal healings. Common sense and more recent medical understanding have made it possible to comprehend why this herbal vinegar worked so well.

 

The Vinegar of the Four Thieves was composted of:

• 2 tablespoons of Rosemary – used for it’s properties as a strong antiseptic
• 2 tablespoons of Wormwood – would have been used for the antiseptic and vermifuge (kill worms) properties. Known for its bitterness, can be take internally but misuse can cause convulsions.
• 2 tablespoons of Lavender and 2 tablespoons of Peppermint - both are high in volatile oils, hence excellent as an insect repellent.
• 2 tablespoons of Sage – used for its lymphatic properties, which is used in case of a bubonic-type disease outbreak.
• 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped Garlic – having properties as an antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibiotic and antifungal uses – all properties that aid in killing parasites.
• 2 quarts of Apple Cider Vinegar

 

Directions: Combine 12 tablespoons of the premixed herbs and 2 quarts of vinegar in a sealed glass jar, and steep in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks or so, shaking daily. Then, strain out the used herbs, and retain the herbal liquid mixture.

 

Add several cloves of crushed garlic, and close lid. Let soak for three days, and strain out the garlic fiber and discard.

 

 This liquid tincture needs to be stored in a cool place, like the refrigerator. It can be preserved for a very long period of time by canning. To do so, fill canning jars with boiling liquid tincture to within one-half inch of top. Cap with rubber seal canning lid, tighten ring, and turn hot jar upside down; leave it undisturbed until it cools to room temperature. This will cause the jar to seal. Don’t forget to date and label it.

 

The Vinegar of the Four Thieves is a super-strong insect repellent. It should be diluted with water to half strength if you spray it directly on your skin. This repellent can be used many ways. Splashed on your socks or shoes will discourage ticks, chiggers, and mites. An herbal cloth kept in your pocket and rubbed on your skin ever hour or so would be very beneficial during outdoor work or recreation. Or, a nightly bath with a little herbal vinegar and oil will keep it on your skin for many hours and could prove helpful for families who live in the country or while out on camping trips. It should only be used externally.

 

NOTE: For external use ONLY. DO NOT use internally. DO NOT use on broken skin. This is for external use ONLY. DO NOT use it internally. The Vinegar of the Four Thieves can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and while nursing), children and animals. It can be used as often as you would like, and in any external application you choose. Storage is not a critical issue with this herb mixture. However, we keep ours in a dark, dry and cool place (refrigerator is very good).