The Four Thieves Vinegar
According to the legend, during the times of the plague in Europe, a group of thieves were able to rob the sick and dead without catching the disease. From Toulouse to Marseilles, their fame grew almost at the same rate the deadly disease spread, and soon enough they were arrested by the authorities. The thieves traded their secret anti-pestilential recipe for freedom.
Today we find multiple recipes of the four (or sometimes seven) thieves vinegar. They include 4 crushed garlic cloves and 4 or more herbs (aprox 1-2 tbsp of each dried herb) with antimicrobial, antiviral and/or insect repellent properties. The vinegar can be prepared to be taken internally, applied externally and/or to be used as a household cleaning product (eg diluted in water as a floor wash). It will always be used diluted in water, unless used in a vinaigrette or salad dressing.
The preparation of the vinegar involves steeping herbs in vinegar for 2-4 weeks, keeping the mixture away from sunlight and shaking it occasionally. The herbs should preferably be dry. For vinegar we want to consume internally I recommend apple cider vinegar and for vinegar we want to use as a cleaning product any cheap white vinegar will do.
Herbs and spices we often find in the Four Thieves vinegar recipes include among others:
Sage: antiseptic, astringent, carminative, antispasmodic, uterine stimulant. It reduces sweating, salivation and lactation.
Sage is a herb of Jupiter. Clears negative energy, promotes wisdom, helps to overcome grief, protects and brings good luck.
Rosemary: astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, nervine, diaphoretic, carminative, antidepressant, diuretic, cholagogue and circulatory stimulant.
Rosemary is a herb of the Sun and it's used for spiritual, physical and emotional purification. Dispels negative energy and jealousy.
Lavender: antibacterial, cholagogue, carminative, antidepressant, antispasmodic, relaxant, analgesic and circulatory stimulant.
Lavender is a plant of Mercury and it's used in spiritual cleanses, blessings and to promote love and creativity.
Camphor: antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-fungal antidepressant, insect repellent, reduced itching. ONLY EXTERNAL USE.
Camphor is a plant of the Moon. It dispels negative energies and enhances intuition.
Cloves: anesthetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, reduces stomach ulcers and regulates blood sugar level.
Cloves are a plant of Jupiter used in protection rituals. It protects against gossip, envy and promotes prosperity.
Rue: insect repellent, regulates menses, tones the uterus, abortifacent, analgesic. Rue should be administered by a professional as it can cause blisters on skin and it's toxic at high doses.
Rue is a plant of Mars. Curse and hex breaker, wards off evil and disease.
Thyme: antiseptic, expectorant, astringent, diuretic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antitussive, antibiotic, insect repellent, heals insect bites and infected wounds.
Thyme is a herb of Venus. Cleanses negativity, purifies and protects against disease and nightmares.
Juniper (berries): antiseptic, carminative, antirheumatic, diuretic, emmenagogue and digestive tonic.
Juniper is a plant of Saturn/Jupiter. Used in protective charms and purification rituals.
Garlic: antibiotic, expectorant, hypotensive, diaphoretic, antihistaminic, antithrombotic, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, anthelmintic.
Garlic is a plant of Mars. Used in protective and baneful magic.
