How to Make Thieve’s Vinegar To Protect from Respiratory Infections

Karen Vaughan, L.Ac., Registered Herbalist (AHG) posted this in Alternative Health on October 28th, 2010

For medicinal use you need much higher ratios of herbs to vinegar.

The traditional story is that during the Black Plague, a group of men were going into houses where people had died, stealing their goods.  The authorities figured that they would soon be infected and die, so did not pursue them until it became clear that they were resistant to the disease.  And then the motivation was to find what protected them.  Finally the thieves were apprehended and one confessed that his mother, a midwife, had provided them with a protective vinegar that they drank and washed with after handling the cadavers.  And in exchange for freedom, shared the recipe.

My version is slightly different, in that I use chili peppers which were not available at the time.  I love to make the vinegar and use it for both cooking and to put a quarter cup in my water bottle to build up resistance. Vinegar in water was called Posca by the Romans and accompanied most meals.  I take a tablespoon of the vinegar every few hours if I am coming down with an infection. All herbs are dried to increase the strength.

1/4 cup dried lavender blossoms

1/4 cup sage or white sage

1/4 cup lemon balm

1/4 cup rosemary

1/4 cup peppermint

2 Tbsp crushed chili peppers

2 Tbsp cloves

8 minced cloves of fresh garlic

1 oz. tinctured wormwood or Artemisia annua (Sweet Annie)

2 cups apple cider vinegar.

Mix the dried herbs well and place in a jar, along with the garlic.  Cover with the tincture and vinegar.  Let sit in a dark place for four weeks, shaking each day.  Strain and decant.  You can use the infused herbs after straining in soup stock if you wish.

I find that most of the Italian food spices will work well in the vinegar, so don’t be afraid to add or substitute with thyme, oregano, zatar, monarda (bergamot/bee balm), or similar anti-infective herbs.  (Increase the vinegar proportionally if you add.)  You can also use the artemisia leaves if you have them available, although I like a little alcohol in the vinegar.   I think that apple cider vinegar extracts best, so if you are using other kinds, use a bit less so the extract is stronger.

I also mix essential oils to form a version similar to the Young Living Thieves’ oil.  Rosemary, clove, oregano, thyme, peppermint and lavender in equal amounts can be combined, and the oil placed over glands or rubbed on the palms and inhaled.

The Alachua County Health Department (ACHD) is offering influenza vaccine to citizens 18 years of age and older starting September 17, 2010. This year’s flu vaccine is effective against the major circulating strains of flu, including H1N1 Swine Flu.

Flu shots are being offered at the Health Department’s main Gainesville clinic located at 224 SE 24thStreet, phone number 352-334-7950, and the City of Alachua satellite clinic located in the Hitchcock’s shopping plaza located at 15530 NW US Hwy 441, phone number 386-462-2542. Walk-ins are accepted in Gainesville from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Citizens will need an appointment at the Alachua clinic which can be made by calling 386-462-2542.

The cost for the vaccine is $25.00. If citizens have Medicare part B, there is no charge as long as they bring their Medicare B card and any supplemental insurance cards with them. Citizens who normally receive their vaccines from providers other than the Health Department should contact them for vaccine availability.

“Receiving an influenza vaccine is a primary preventive measure against influenza infection.” stated Jean Munden, Administrator of the ACHD. “In addition to getting a flu shot, staying home when ill, practicing proper cough etiquette and washing your hands are effective personal means to protect yourself and the community from a variety of illnesses.”

For general media inquiries contact Sherry Windham at (352) 334-7950.

For more information, including forms to expedite your visit, please review our website at http://www.alachuacountyhealth.com/