Thieves Vinegar
The traditional recipe has upward of twelve ingredients (which is hard to find and, let’s be honest, a little excessive), but the one here follows the legend of four thieves–one herb for each thief (plus some garlic for good measure), which can be relatively easy to grow in your herb garden. Not everyone can grow lemons, cloves, or eucalyptus, but most environments can be a habitat for the following ingredients with the right care at certain times of the year:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
- Garlic
Combine equal parts of herbs and 2-4 garlic cloves in a quart mason jar. Fill with Apple Cider Vinegar (with the Mother), leaving an inch of headspace.
NOTE: Vinegar and metal can cause oxidation. It isn’t harmful, but it can affect the taste. If you want to prevent it from getting in your vinegar, put a barrier like parchment paper or plastic wrap under the lid.
Place in a dark, cool place like a cupboard for 3-6 weeks. Then strain and bottle. You can keep this vinegar up for about 18 months if you store it in a cool, dry place.
It can be added to salad dressings or taken as a vinegar shot daily to support the immune system. It is stout, so be warned.
FUN FACT: Except for the garlic, every herb in this blend is a non-invasive member of the mint family…can you guess which family of plants is my fave?
"Thyme. This is one of the best sources of thymol, an antiseptic, stomach-soothing compound that helps prevent the blood clots that cause heart attack."
- The Green Pharmacy, pg. 13
Thyme Tea for Headaches
- 1 tsp. of dried thyme
- 1 cup of hot water
Prepare as you would any other infusion, and drink at the onset to treat headaches.
Thyme Syrup
Thyme-infused syrup is a great way to treat coughs, colds, and chest complaints. Not only is it effective, but it is also versatile. You can add it to sparkling water and serve as a tasty thyme tisane.
- 2-4 oz. thyme leaf and flower (fresh is best, but you can also use dried)
- 1 quart water
- 1 cup honey (local honey from your area is the best to use)
-Combine your thyme and water in a pan over low heat. Simmer lightly with the lid slightly askew to allow stem to escape. Let the liquid reduce by half its volume. This should leave you with about 2 cups of strong thyme tea, basically a decoction.
-Turn off heat and strain. Then, let the liquid cool until it is comfortable to touch.
-Add you honey and stir until dissolved.
If your liquid is too hot, it can kill the beneficial enzymes in your honey.
-Store in a glass jar in the fridge. It should keep 3-4 weeks. DON'T FORGET TO LABEL.
To Use: Take 1/2 to 1 tsp. every couple of hours until the cold and/or cough subsides.
NOTE: Add 1/4 cup of brandy p/cup of syrup for a longer shelf life. The brandy also acts as an antispasmodic and can help relax the throat muscles, aiding in treating a cough.
Thyme and Nettle Infusion for Mild Asthma
- 1 tbsp. (15 grams) stinging nettle
- 1 tbsp. (15 grams) thyme
- 3 cups (750 mL) hot water
Make an infusion as you normally would and drink throughout the day to lessen wheezing and shortness of breath that can worsen Asthma symptoms. These herbs can also help prevent respiratory illness and strengthen the immune system.