Known for centuries for its antiseptic virtues, this natural remedy is a maceration of medicinal plants in vinegar. Taken internally or applied externally, the benefits can be counted in tens! Discover in the next lines the history of the Vinegar of the 4 Thieves, its use and its recipe...

Vinegar of the 4 Thieves: The Legend.

Several stories tell the origin of this remedial. The dates and the city differ, but isn't that the nature of oral tradition? Here is a version of it:

Once upon a time, in 1630, during a plague epidemic in Toulouse, tens of thousands of people died except 4 thieves who shamelessly looted the corpses. At the time the hoodlums were caught in the act, it was noted that they were in good healthdespite their activity in contact with the victims of the epidemic. They explained this by drinking a daily homemade drink of vinegar and also applying it to their bodies for protection. Despite the promise of life in exchange for the receipt, these four thieves were tried, convicted and hanged in the public square... 

A medicinal vinegar sold in pharmacies

This preparation was listed in the codex in 1748 and was then sold in pharmacies as an antiseptic until 1884. 

Here is his original recipe as it was mentioned in the codex:

For 2.5 L of vinegar:

• 40 gr of grand wormwood 
• 40 grams of petite absinthe 
• 40 gr of rosemary 
• 40 gr of sage 
• 40 gr of mint 
• 40 gr of street 
• 40 gr of lavender 
•  5 gr of acore 
• 5 gr of cinnamon 
• 5 gr of clove 
• 5 gr of nutmeg 
• 5 g of garlic 
• 10 gr of camphor

Over time, the ingredients have been modified. Today, many recipes claim to be as close as possible to the original preparation. 

Here is an adaptation that has the merit of being effective and easily reproducible. 

For 2.5l of cider vinegar

• 80g wormwood (artemisia absinthum, leaves)
• 40g rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis, leaves)
• 40g sage (savia officinalis, leaves)
• 40g mint (mentha piperita, leaves)
• 40g lavender flowers (lavandula angustifolia, flowers)
• 40g garden rue (ruta graveolens, leaves)
• 40g thyme (thymus vulgaris, leaves)
• 5g cinnamon (cinnamomum zeylanicum, bark)
• 5g of cloves
• 5g nutmeg (myristica fragans, nut)
• 5g garlic (allium sativum, bulb)
• 10g natural camphor (optional and not recommended for pediatric use)

Preparation

1. Put it in a container for 21 days.
2. On the 22nd day, filter and add 10g of camphor if needed
3. Mix well.
4. Bottle in glass containers and store in a cool, dark place.

IMPORTANT

All ingredients must be chopped for the leaves, finely chopped for the roots, crushed for the garlic.

Vinegar of the 4 thieves: a drink with 1,000 virtues

The benefits of this preparation are numerous. The primary property is antiseptic. Therefore, it will be used primarily in prevention to limit bacterial and viral infections.

• rubbed on the skin: on the forearms to warm up, to calm itching (insect bites, nettles), to heal and disinfect shallow wounds (acne, cuts, scratches)
• in gargle: diluted in a little water to relieve oral problems (mouth ulcers, gingivitis, mycosis) or angina, in mouth care to perfect brushing. 
• Inhalation: diluted in a little boiled water to prevent ENT and pulmonary respiratory diseases
• in the bath to relieve chicken pox, in foot bath against mycosis, corns or partridge eyes
• in rinsing care on the hair for dandruff and psoriasis 
• against lice (preventive and curative)
• as a compress on painful joints, sprains or strains
• internally it is vermifuge and supports the natural defenses of the body

To conclude

This preparation has exceptional properties. You can easily find "ready-to-use" ones in specialized stores (organic stores or internet). It is also possible to use it for culinary purposes by seasoning your dishes. Or how to make the useful and the pleasant!