Origin of the legend of the Four Thieves Vinegar
Do you know the fascinating story of the Four Thieves' Vinegar? It is a special vinegar-herb tincture that is said to have provided immunity and protection during the plague in the Middle Ages. The germicidal and disinfecting properties of apple cider vinegar were already widespread at that time.
There is an anecdote from France from that time: While the plague was raging, four robbers simply remained healthy. They stole great treasures by looting the houses of those who had died of the plague! According to tradition, the robbers stayed healthy thanks to a medicinal herb and apple cider vinegar tincture. When they were finally caught, the court lured them with immunity in exchange for the secret of their immunity...
Importance of apple cider vinegar as a traditional remedy
This is how the rest of the world got to enjoy a simple but effective recipe for preventing disease. This is based on a strengthening apple cider vinegar tincture that you can easily make yourself at home. For the traditional apple cider vinegar tincture according to the "Four Thieves" you need the following ingredients:
- Organic apple cider vinegar with 5% acidity (use 1 liter or more and add the herbs generously)
- Sage, rosemary, thyme, wormwood, lavender, rue, peppermint, crushed juniper berries, crushed cinnamon sticks, crushed cloves, ground nutmeg, angelica, camphor and garlic
How to make apple cider vinegar tincture yourself
Please note: If you use 5% apple cider vinegar, the herbs should be dried so that no mold forms due to the herbs' own water content. If you want to use fresh herbs, please add spirit (concentrated alcohol). 
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into a clean container.
- Chop all the herbs and add them to the apple cider vinegar.
- You then leave the closed glass or porcelain container to steep for about 2 weeks at warm temperatures (30 - 40 degrees Celsius, e.g. on a sunny windowsill).
- The apple cider vinegar tincture should be shaken every few days.
- After the brewing time, the tincture is strained through a cheesecloth or fine sieve and bottled airtight.
Application of the Four Thieves Apple Cider Vinegar Tincture
- In times of increased risk of infection, you can use the tincture as a gargle solution (diluted 1:1 with water).
- You can also dissolve a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar tincture in a glass of water and drink it.
- In the past, the tincture was also used for rubbing, which corresponded to today's modern hand hygiene. Both the apple cider vinegar and the medicinal plants have a germicidal effect thanks to their essential oils.
- According to tradition, the mixture provides a natural disinfection for indoor and outdoor areas.
It is always impressive how our ancestors found ways to help themselves and recognized "nature as man's first pharmacy".
Alternative apple cider vinegar tincture quick and easy
If the complex recipe for the traditional Four Thieves' Vinegar is too much for you, you can alternatively use high-quality organic apple cider vinegar pure or our ready-made RECIPE 1779. It may be a little slimmer in its composition, but it is just as valuable! RECIPE 1779 is a raw basic apple cider vinegar tincture made from apple cider vinegar mixed with 40% honey . Honey not only has disinfectant properties but also strengthens the body.
If you want to know more about it, take a look at our blog post about Dr. Jarvis - he is considered the undisputed pope of apple cider vinegar. As a supporter of a balanced acid-base balance and an advocate of healthy intestinal flora, this recipe should be part of your daily health routine - even in times without epidemics.
In this blog post, we explored the fascinating history of Four Thieves Vinegar and its use as an apple cider vinegar tincture during times of epidemics.
Would you like to learn more about the versatile uses of apple cider vinegar? Discover more exciting stories, tips and recipes in our blog and delve deeper into the world of natural foods. Be inspired and become part of our community for a conscious and sustainable life - together for your health and the environment! We look forward to accompanying you on your journey.
