Four Thieves Vinegar

Four Thieves Vinegar has a long and illustrious history. It is said that is can cure the plague – exciting right? I can’t say for sure if this is true however the mythology surrounding this particular tincture certainly suggests it.

Legend has it that during the bubonic plague (1600’s) that ravaged Europe, killing millions of people, there were four looters in France who would rob the homes of the dead and dying. When they were apprehended the Judge found them in perfect health (relatively speaking I would imagine) and wanted to know the secret of their success. He agreed that they could go free if they shared it. It turned out; these looters were internally and externally taking a vinegar mix that seemingly kept them healthy and plague-free.

Four Thieves Vinegar by virtue of its ingredients is incredibly antiseptic and antibacterial. It was used for hundreds of years across Europe as a protection agent against the plague and other infections.

These days, it can still be used internally and topically for its healthful properties. Magically speaking FTV is used in workings for protection, driving away negative influences, to strengthen yourself and to protect yourself from magical attacks. It can be put on the doorknobs of your home, in your bath, you can take it as a daily supplement – the list is endless. It is really versatile in both the mundane and magical world.

My recipe is put together from a few different ones, to each their own for this particular recipe. You can use either dry or fresh herbs depending on what you have available. It really is quite simple to make.

There are different measurements across the board for the herbs; I typically use a decent handful of each. You want the vinegar to be really infused with the scent and flavour of the herbs. The great thing is, these herbs are all from garden!

Ingredients:

Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Lavender
Wormwood
Mint
Apple Cider Vingear
Jar

Put the herbs in the jar.

Cover to near the top with vinegar.

Keep jar in a warm, dark place for the length of time you wish. Some recipes say six weeks others say 7 – 10 days. I would personally go for about 3 weeks just to make sure. If you’re going to use it for food, taste it, easiest way to see if you think it is how you want it to be.

Put in a proper bottle or container for vinegar. Glass is always the best option.

So there you have it, quick simple tincture for use in the home, in and on the body and in magic.

Note: I would suggest however, if you are intending to use this for culinary as well as magical reasons, perhaps forgo the Wormwood.

When this is finished infusing, I will be selling small bottles in the By Bone and Bane Apothecary section of my website.