Vinegar of the Four Thieves

Ingredients

• 1 large handful lavender
• 1 large handful rosemary
• 1 large handful sage
• 1 large handful wormwood
• 1 large handful rue
• 1 large handful mint
• 4 quarts vinegar
• 1 clove garlic

Instructions

1. Combine lavender, rosemary, sage, wormwood, rue, and mint in an earthenware pot. Pour four quarts of very strong vinegar over the herbs. Cover the pot closely and place a board on top. Keep in the hottest sun for two weeks.
2. Strain the vinegar and bottle it, putting one clove of garlic in each bottle. Allow it to settle in the bottle until it becomes clear, then pour it off gently. Repeat this process until you have removed all sediment.
3. The best time to prepare this vinegar is in June, when the herbs are in full vigor. Use by sprinkling in crowded rooms, in the apartments of the sick, or about the house in damp weather for a refreshing effect.