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Four Thieves Vinegar is a popular natural remedy that has been used for centuries to ward off illnesses and promote good health. The vinegar is made by infusing apple cider vinegar with a blend of herbs and spices.
We have been adding more and more herbal remedies in our back pocket. From making fire cider and elderberry syrup every year to treating coughs with homemade cough syrup, I like to try to embrace natural remedies whenever I can.
So, when I saw a recipe for the herbal tonic Four Thieves Vinegar, I knew I had to try it out for myself. Popularized by French folklore, this concoction purportedly warded off the bubonic plague… so it was definitely worth investigating!
What is in Four Thieves Vinegar?
While the exact recipe for this herbal vinegar varies among virtually everyone, it typically contains a combination of thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic. Some people add other herbs to the mix, while others add hot peppers or onions.
The supposed original recipe was published by French scholar René-Maurice Gattefossé in his book Gattefossé’s Aromatherapy in the early 20th century.
This book was put on display in the museum in the city of Marseilles in France.
“Take three pints of strong white wine vinegar, add a handful of each of wormwood, meadowsweet, wild marjoram and sage, fifty cloves, two ounces of campanula roots, two ounces of angelic, rosemary and horehound and three large measures of champhor. Place the mixture in a container for fifteen days, strain and express then bottle. Use by rubbing it on the hands, ears and temples from time to time when approaching a plague victim.” – Gattefossé’s Aromatherapy, René-Maurice Gattefossé
Today, modern recipes of the same powerful concoction generally include four herbs – one for each of the thieves in the legend and garlic.
What is The Legend of the Four Thieves
Regardless of what the true recipe was, the name is derived from a popular legend from the seventeeth century.
It is said that a group of thieves, four brothers, from low-income families would go around during the black death and rob the homes and graves of the people who had succumbed to the disease.
Yet despite being repeatedly exposed to the plague, these grave robbers never got sick.
Eventually, the four thieves were caught and the authorities were flabbergasted by how they had never become ill after being so near the disease and death it caused.
Promising leniency and the ability to avoid execution, authorities wanted to know what their secret concoction was.
It was said that an herbalist had made the remedy for them, using white wine vinegar and the aforementioned herbs. By sharing this information, they were able to avoid execution.
It is likely that they were able to avoid illness because of this potent tonic as it originally contained numerous herbs that are excellent at repelling fleas… the carriers of the black plague.
How to Use Four Thieves Vinegar
Antibacterial cleanser. Most people today use it as a powerful anti-bacterial cleanser. You can use it straight by placing it in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe down solid surfaces to naturally disinfect all winter long.
Bug Spray. You could also use it to repel insects in the summer. Put more insect-repelling herbs in it from your garden and you have yourself a powerful, natural insect repellent.
Facial astringent. Mix one part of four thieves vinegar with two parts water and wipe your face after cleansing.
Wellness oxymel. Much like fire cider, you can take a teaspoon of this a day, internally to boost the immune system. Mix with a touch of local honey to make it a true oxymel and make it tolerable to swallow (and less harsh on the way down).
Food. You can use this vinegar just as you would any other to make a homemade vinaigrette or other salad dressing or any other recipe that calls for vinegar.
Protection. In Pagan practices, this herbal vinegar is used to protect against negative energy by sprinkling around.
Ingredients in Four Thieves Vinegar
Again, there are various modern versions of this vinegar. The idea is to include at least four potent fresh herbs, some garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
If you do not have one of these herbs or want to add other herbs in addition to them, that is fine. Some great additions are lavender and mint. Regardless make your own version of this powerful vinegar tonic.
Sage – this herb contains a large amount of volatile oils, all of which are extracted from the acidic vinegar during steeping.
Full of acidic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ellagic acid as well as over 160 polyphenols. These act as antioxidants and help ward off disease.
Rosemary – another herb that contains a lot of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties.
This herb can help support the circulatory system as well as relieve pain and promote rest.
Thyme – another herb that contains a large amount of volatile oils, it contains large amounts of Vitamin C.
Thyme can help protect against free radicals.
Basil – a great herb to help reduce inflammation, we grow a lot of it so it goes in a lot of our herbal tinctures and tonics.
Again, basil has been shown to reduce inflammation.
Garlic – fresh garlic is great for more than just cooking! Clinically proven to have antibiotic properties, it has antiviral properties as well making it a great addition to this vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar – full of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, this is an amazing vinegar. However, you can use white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar with similar results.
How to Make Four Thieves Vinegar
This four thieves vinegar recipe is super easy to make.
Simply put fresh herbs into a quart sized mason jar. Pour apple cider vinegar, or other 5% acidity vinegar over the top of the herbs until they’re adequately covered.
If you do not have fresh, you can use dried herbs for similar effects. Just decrease the amounts as dried herbs are more potent.
Place a lid on the mixture and steep for 4 to 6 weeks, at a minimum before straining.
Other Natural Remedies to Try:
- Homemade Cough Syrup – Natural Remedy for Cough
- How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Immune Support
If you try this herb-infused vinegar, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below! Also, I’d love if you would leave me a recipe review on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram with your creations@therusticelk!
Yield: 1 Quart
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Steep Time: 28 days
Total Time: 28 days 5 minutes
This herb-infused vinegar is the stuff of legends and has been used for centuries to help cleanse and protect from illness.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Sage Leaves
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary (a couple of sprigs)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Thyme
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Basil
- 6 Cloves Fresh Garlic (roughly chopped)
- 2 Cups Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
- Place herbs in a quart mason jar.
- Pour vinegar over the herbs, making sure they are adequately covered.
- Cover the jar with a non-metallic lid and steep for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Strain out the herbs through a fine mesh sieve and use as desired.
