Four Thieves Vinegar

Today I made a batch of Four Thieves Vinegar, which is currently sitting in my dark closet so it can seep for a month and be ready to use by Thanksgiving.

Some of my readers are going to know exactly what this stuff does and why one would want to have it around, and some of you are probably scratching their heads and wondering, Nym, what the ever-loving fuck is Four Thieves Vinegar?

A Short History

Used today both in Old European traditions (which is where I picked up the idea) and in some modern American traditions such as Hoodoo and Ozark Magic, Four Thieves Vinegar can be used medicinally or, if you're inclined to believe in that sort of thing, magically. Vinegar itself has been used medicinally since Biblical times, but the idea of "Four Thieves Vinegar", also sometimes calls Marseilles Vinegar, dates back to the Medieval era - specifically, to one of the many bouts of plague that happened throughout medieval European history.

According to legend, there was a group of four thieves in Marseilles during one of these plague years, who would rob plague victims, who were either too sick or two dead to stop them. To keep from catching the plague themselves, they created a special kind of vinegar that kept them well. When caught, they were forced to reveal the secret recipe.

It's a charming little legend, but most likely complete bullshit. This story didn't start appearing until the 1800s - it's first reference in print showed up in 1825, though even this reference noted that, "It was, however, used long before the plague of Marseilles." Most likely, the name is a corruption of "Forthave's Vinegar", a common vinegar remedy of its time.

Recipes for Four Thieves Vinegar have varied over time. A recipe used in the medieval era included wormwood, sage, cloves, rosemary, and camphor - the wormwood would have been a natural flea-repellant, which may have helped with its renowned plague-busting abilities. A 1910 recipe called for rosemary, sage, lavender, rue, garlic, and camphor all steeped in wine vinegar. Traditionally, at least four herbs and/or spices are included in the vinegar mixture - one for each mythical thief.

So How Did I Make It?

 I didn't wanna buy a fancy jar or glass bottle, so I just used an old empty water bottle - it ain't pretty, but it gets the job done. Into this water bottle I put:

• 2 peeled and bruised cloves of garlic
• A handful of white sage harvested from the Winchester Mystery House back when I still worked there
• Black pepper
• Thyme 

I then filled it to the brim with apple cider vinegar, sealed it as tight as I could, shook it up, and shoved it in a cool, dark place (the back of my closet) where it'll steep for a month.

And What, Exactly, Can It Be Used For?

If you use only edible, culinary-grade ingredients, it can be taken internally (though I will tell you from past experience that it tastes awful), a spoonful or two (with honey if you need it) when you're feeling under the weather. You can also gargle it if you have a sore throat, and I've heard of some people using it as a salad dressing in the past.

Diluted in warm water, it can be used as a natural remedy for dandruff or for Athlete's Foot. This dilution can also be used as a natural insect repellent - useful if you, like me, have allergies or sensitivity to harsh, synthetic chemicals.

If you're the type to believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer that spelling), it can be used protectively. Pouring some into your bath allows you to literally soak in protective vibes, which you can combine with other protective magical workings. Have enemies? Some of this stuff on their door or porch supposedly will help banish their negative influence on your life. (Hm, maybe I'll throw some of this stuff at the Trump building...) You can even use it in "Witch Bottles", which also, historically, have been used both protectively and to curse and banish others.

Plus it's kind of fun to make.
-Nym-