One such famous herbal tonic is called the Vinegar of the Four Thieves. This apple cider vinegar-based formula is said to have been in use for centuries, but its discovery is said to have originated during a bubonic plague outbreak in France, according to herbalist and author Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D., in her book Herbal Medicine (Wings Books, 1996).
Four thieves managed to burglarize a number of plague-ridden homes without contracting the disease. Finally, they were caught and taken before the judges in Marseilles. The judges asked how they had managed to stay healthy, even though they were around the disease so often, and the thieves responded that they drank and washed with a particular vinegar preparation every few hours. In exchange for the recipe, the thieves were set free.
Uses
There are a number of Four Thieves vinegar recipes, all designed for anti-epidemic cleansing. The one following can be used to wash floors, walls, bedsteads, sinks, glasses, and other items in sickrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. It also will offset a damp-weather smell in a house.
Externally, this vinegar may be diluted for body wash, or added to a bath.
Internally, take one teaspoon in water, no more than three teaspoons (one tablespoon) per hour. It can also be added to hot tea. This formula acts as a preventative during an epidemic.
Vinegar of the Four Thieves
- 2 quarts apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lavender
- 2 tablespoons rosemary
- 2 tablespoons sage
- 2 tablespoons wormwood
- 2 tablespoons rue
- 2 tablespoons mint
- 2 tablespoons garlic buds
Combine the dried herbs, except the garlic, and steep in the vinegar in the sun for two weeks. Strain and rebottle. Add several cloves of garlic, and close the lid. Allow the garlic to steep for several days, then strain out. Add four ounces of glycerin (available at health food stores or pharmacies) for preservation if the formulation is to be kept for a while.
Anti-flu Formula
An even simpler vinegar-based remedy to be taken at the first signs of cold or flu has only four ingredients, many of which are probably in the household right now.
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt or common salt
- 1 cup boiling water or hot chamomile tea
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
Grind the cayenne pepper and salt together to make a paste. Add the boiling water or chamomile tea. Steep and cool. Add vinegar to the water. Most adults can take between one teaspoon to a tablespoon every half hour.
Sources for Dried Herbs
If dried herbs are not readily available locally, they can be ordered. Perform an internet search, or start with these sources.
Blake’s Natural Herbs and Spices
Organic and Wild Herb Botanicals: Essential Oils and Herbs
Pamela Mooman - Pamela Mooman I am an award-winning writer and editor. I have more than 19 years of experience working in a variety of subjects and ...
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