What is Four Thieves Vinegar?
Legend states that during the plague that devastated Marseilles, France during the 17th century, four thieves managed to remain free of illness whilst robbing the dead thanks to this little concoction of vinegar, herbs, spices and garlic. This version of Four Thieves vinegar is very different but the herbs in this blend have been used traditionally for their immune boosting and anti-bacterial properties.
Four Thieves Vinegar:
2 cups (16 fl oz) organic apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons dried sage (Salvia officinalis) leaves
2 teaspoons dried rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves
2 teaspoons dried lavender (Lavandula officinalis) flowers
2 teaspoons dried juniper (Juniperus communis) berries
1 teaspoon black peppercorn (Piper nigrum) seed, crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme (Thymus vulgaris) leaves
1 bulb fresh raw garlic (Allium sativum) cloves, chopped
Instructions:
- In a large jar add garlic, thyme, bay, rosemary, peppercorns, juniper berries, lavender, and sage.
- Pour apple cider vinegar into the jar.
- Place a piece of cheesecloth or a paper muffin cup over the jar, then screw the lid on tightly (vinegar reacts with the metal in jar lids).
- Give it all a good shake, then place in a dark, cool place to sit for 2 weeks.
- When ready to use, you can strain the vinegar and keep it stored in a clean jar, or leave the plant material suspended in the vinegar throughout use. Enjoy!
How to Use:
As a natural cleaning spray: add one part Four Thieves Vinegar and one part water to a spray bottle. Use to clean kitchen countertops, mirrors, windows, wood furniture, bathroom tiles and more!
As a natural facial astringent: Using 1 part Four Thieves Vinegar, two parts water — gently pat on your face after cleansing for a natural toning effect.
Drink as a wellness tonic: take one teaspoonful a day in warm water.
In food: you can use Four Thieves Vinegar just as you would any other vinegar when creating in the kitchen — in salads, drizzled over roasted veggies, as a bread dip or even splashed into water or tea.
Insect Repellent – As previously mentioned, this vinegar makes a very effective (though strong smelling!) natural 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. We store in the fridge to minimize the vinegar smell and make it more refreshing.
As a Soak – I’ve had some people report really good success using this vinegar as a soak or topical spray for foot or nail fungus.
Summary of Herbs in the Blend:
These herbs have several things in common. First, you’ll notice they are all on the warming side, energetically speaking, meaning they systematically warm the body. You may also notice that they all have aromatic, diffusive, and diaphoretic properties, as well.
Aromatic herbs, such as sage, lavender, and thyme, are those that contain a large amount of volatile oils. These herbs tend to have a stronger scent, which often coincides with antiseptic and antimicrobial volatile oils called monoterpenes (Ganora, 2009).
Diffusive herbs, such as garlic, sage, and rosemary, can bring heat from the core of the body and move, or circulate, it outwards to the surface of our skin. This action can also be a directive of herbs within a formula to spread within the body for a desired effect (Ganora, 2009).
Diaphoretic herbs, such as rosemary, sage, and thyme, increase perspiration (Skenderi, 2003), which is a function of the detoxification process of the body. During sickness, promotion of sweating, or diaphoresis, can help regulate body temperature and release toxins (pathogens) (Holmes, 1989).
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your health care provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.
