Acetum Quattuor Furarii
Four Thieves Vinegar

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Preparation:

Beat the herbs, place in a container and cover with 1 quart (approximately 1 liter) of Cider Vinegar. Cover and keep in a warm place for 5 days. Strain, then add 1⁄4 oz of powdered Camphor before bottling.

Function:

Clears Wind, prevents Poison, preserves from Infection

Use:

Preserves from all types of Infectious and Epidemic diseases

Dose:

10 drops up to 2 spoonfuls diluted in water, taken every morning. It was also dipped in a sponge to be worn around the neck.

Cautions:

None noted.

Modifications:

Comment:

The origin of this remedy was quite extraordinary. During the year 1720 the city of Toulouse in France was hit by the Plague. A gang of thieves were luting the houses of Plague victims and yet never contracted the illness. When caught, they were sentenced to death, but offered a pardon if they told of how they protected themselves. It was then that the thieves divulged their secret, which rapidly became known as ‘The Four Thieves Vinegar’. 

Until relatively late, it remained in the French Codex as Antiseptic Vinegar. Most European Pharmacopeias had similar versions.

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