Four Thieves Vinegar - A Recipe (2024)

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How to Make Four Thieves Vinegar – a tonic for home and health! Four Thieves Vinegar is an old-time concoction of vinegar, herbs and spices with a wealth of benefits and uses.

Four Thieves Vinegar - A Recipe (1)

Table Of Contents

  • What is Four Thieves Vinegar?
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make
  • How to Use
  • Tips and Tricks
  • More Herbal Recipes
  • Health Disclaimer
Four Thieves Vinegar - A Recipe (2)

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What is Four Thieves Vinegar?

How to Make

How to Use

Tips and Tricks

More Herbal Recipes

Health Disclaimer

Four Thieves Vinegar

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. While I can’t attest to that kind of strength and effectiveness, I can attest that the ingredients in my own version of Four Thieves Vinegar have their own wonderful cleansing, immune boosting, anti-bacterial properties that suit a variety of uses!

Four Thieves Vinegar - A Recipe (3)

Ingredients

  • Apple cider vinegar.
  • Garlic.
  • Rosemary.
  • Peppercorns.
  • Thyme.
  • Juniper berries.
  • Lavender.
  • Sage.
  • Bay leaf.

Note: this is just a summarized list. For the full recipe + amounts, please refer to the recipe card towards the bottom of this page.

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How to Make

  1. Add garlic and dried herbs to a clean jar.
  2. Cover with vinegar.
  3. Place the jar in a cool, dark place to sit for 2 weeks before straining and using.
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  • Four Thieves Vinegar - A Recipe (13)
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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 to keep germs at bay.
  • 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.
  • For protection: in pagan traditions, Four Thieves Vinegar is used for protection. You can sprinkle it around or throughout your home to keep negative energies at bay.
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Tips and Tricks

This is a versatile recipe!

  • Do not have apple cider vinegar? You can use plain old white vinegar.
  • Do not have all of the dried plants listed here? You can replace them with their fresh counterparts, omit them altogether or replace with any herbs or spices of your choosing!
  • Straining is completely optional. You can leave the ingredients to steep in-between uses.
  • If you strain your vinegar, you can use the soaked plant material to add a boost of flavor to soups, stews, stock recipes and more. Or you can dispose of it in a compost pile.
  • The vinegar (an acid) can react with the metal lids commonly used with jars. I like to place a paper muffin liner in the lid before screwing it onto the jar!

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Four Thieves Vinegar - A Recipe (17)

Health Disclaimer

The information shared in this post is not intended nor should be used in place of a medical professional’s advice. All opinions expressed are my own, and are based from my own lifelong relationships with plants. If you are worried or concerned about any of the ingredients listed in the recipe, please consult with a medical professional or do your own extensive research.

Four Thieves Vinegar - A Recipe (18)

Four Thieves Vinegar - A Recipe (19)

Four Thieves Vinegar

How to Make Four Thieves Vinegar – a tonic for home and health! Four Thieves Vinegar is an old-time concoction of vinegar, herbs and spices with a wealth of benefits and uses.

4.83 from 17 votes

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Course: Beverages, Lifestyle, Vegan

Cuisine: French, Herbal

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 14 days days

Total Time: 14 days days 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 32

Author: Kristen Wood

Ingredients

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 stored in a clean jar, or leave the plant material suspended in the vinegar throughout use. Please refer to the post above for all tips, substitutions and uses!

  • Enjoy.

Notes

You might also like: Storage Apples.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 456mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 152IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 161mg | Iron: 7mg

Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!

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Kristen Wood

Hello! I'm a mama, food writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author with functional nutrition certification. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Welcome!

Four Thieves Vinegar - A Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the story behind the Four Thieves Vinegar? ›

When the black plague ravaged Marseilles in the 17th century, French folklore says that a band of lucky grave robbers and thieves escaped the Black Death by dousing themselves in a strong herbal vinegar. These cunning individuals became notorious for their successful robberies amid chaos and despair.

What is 4 Thieves vinegar made of? ›

Modern-day versions include various herbs that typically include sage, lavender, thyme, and rosemary, along with garlic. Additional herbs sometimes include rue, mint, and wormwood. It has become traditional to use four herbs in the recipe—one for each thief, though earlier recipes often have a dozen herbs or more.

Is the Thieves Oil story true? ›

Thieves® essential oil blend was created from research recorded in the archives of the British Museum library about a group of 14th-century European perfumers and spice traders who rubbed oils on themselves while they robbed those who had died from the plague.

What is the legend of the four thieves? ›

During Medieval Times, in the darkness of The Plague, there were four brothers whose parents were herbalists. When times got tough, the four brothers became four thieves. They robbed the graves of the dead; hugely exposing themselves to The Plague but never getting sick.

What does four thieves do for you? ›

The Four Thieves blend of essential oils is a powerful combination of potent ingredients that have been scientifically shown to fight against fungus, bacteria and viruses.

How do you use thieves oil to prevent illness? ›

1. Diffuser Blend. Add 3-5 drops of Thieves essential oil to your diffuser . This warm inviting scent will freshen the air as well as protect your home from airborne pathogens.

What did vinegar do to your body? ›

The use of vinegar has been shown to be harmful to the liver and to the kidneys. Vinegar is also an irritant to the central nervous system. Regular consumption of vinegar can cause low potassium levels and lower bone density. Studies have shown that vinegar contributes to Candida overgrowth.

What is thieves oil good for? ›

Thieves oil may help with the relief of minor pain, prevent a small cut from becoming infected, and may help aid the healing of minor wounds. People should use caution with essential oils as they can lead to issues with their skin.

What was the original purpose of vinegar? ›

Not many foods play the role of both a prized cooking ingredient and household cleaner. The word vinegar derives from the French “vin aigre,” or sour wine. It has been traced back to 5000 B.C.E. in Babylon, not just for cooking but as a medicine, a preservative, and a drink to boost strength and promote wellness.

What is 4% vinegar used for? ›

4% acidity This is the minimum legal acidity level for vinegar in almost all countries. Most bargain and discount vinegar brands now are 4%. They don't advertise this in large print so check the label. Only use for basic cooking and salad dressings.

What oils are in four thieves? ›

💧【100% PURE】— Our Thief Oil Organic Blend is a unique blend of Clove, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Lemon and Eucalyptus. Our spicy, vibrant blend is pure, natural therapeutic grade, and certified safe for cosmetic usage.

What is the difference between spirit vinegar and normal vinegar? ›

They differ fundamentally in their acetic acid content. White, also known as spirit vinegar, has 5% to 20% acetic acid. This is generally higher as compared to distilled vinegar's 5%-8%. White is made by natural fermentation of sugar cane extract or by combining acetic acid with water.

What is 4 Thieves vinegar used for? ›

Many herbalists use it as a cleansing agent – transferring it to a spray bottle and using it to clean and sterilize kitchen counters or bathrooms; indeed, many of the herbs possess strong antimicrobial effects, and vinegar, in any case, makes an excellent natural cleanser.

Who were the four thieves? ›

The four thieves were brothers and came from low-income families. During the Black Plague, when people stayed locked up in their houses, these four thieves would venture out and rob the homes and graves of the dead. Despite exposing themselves to the Plague, these thieves never got sick.

What is frankincense used for? ›

People have used frankincense for thousands of years. It's traditionally used medicinally in Islamic, Chinese, and Indian medicine. People also use it as chewing gum, incense, and in perfume. Much is still being learned about the health benefits of frankincense, but some experts think it could have some good uses.

What killed all the three thieves? ›

All the thieves died because the thief who went for food was killed by the other two thieves in the forest. The two thieves in the forest then ate the poisoned food and died.

What is the history of thieves oil? ›

The History of Thieves Oil

The story dates back to France in 1413, it's about a band of thieves (spice traders) who would douse themselves, their clothing and their face masks with an herbal concoction they had made and then LOOT dead bodies during the Bubonic Plague, aka the “Black Death”.

Who are the three thieves? ›

  • The Guys.
  • Charles Bieler.
  • Joel Gott.
  • Roger Scommegna.

Home - Three Thieves Wine

threethieveswines.com
https://www.threethieveswines.com
threethieveswines.com
https://www.threethieveswines.com

Why do you put Thieves oil on your feet? ›

I like to Rub Thieves oil onto the bottoms of my feet to support my immune system, especially if I have been exposed to an illness. Be sure to dilute with a carrier oil for children. I rub it on my little one's feet before she goes to preschool.

Can I put Thieves in my bath? ›

Bath. You can add a few drops of essential oils to your bathing ritual to enjoy the benefits of thieves essential oil. For this purpose, you need to add a few drops of thieves essential oil to your bathtub, give it a stir, and immerse yourself in the bathtub completely or partially as you wish.

What does white spirit vinegar do to your body? ›

White vinegar may have significant health benefits due to its acetic acid content, including blood sugar control, weight management, reduced cholesterol and antimicrobial properties.

What are the healing uses of vinegar? ›

Vinegar can help kill pathogens, including some strains of bacteria. People have traditionally used vinegar for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts, and ear infections. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used vinegar to clean wounds more than 2,000 years ago.

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