Vinegar of the Four Thieves (Natural Insect Repellent)

Submitted by WI Cheesehead

"The Vinegar of the Four Thieves is a super-strong insect repellent. It should be diluted with water to half strength if you spray it directly on your skin. This repellent can be used many ways. Splashed on your socks or shoes will discourage ticks, chiggers, and mites. An herbal cloth kept in your pocket and rubbed on your skin every hour or so would be very beneficial during outdoor work or recreation. Or, a nightly bath with a little herbal vinegar and oil will keep it on your skin for many hours and could prove helpful for families who live in the country or while out on camping trips. It should only be used externally."

 

• Ready In: 408hrs
• Ingredients: 8
• Yields: 2 quarts

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons rosemary
• 2 tablespoons peppermint
• 2 tablespoons rue
• 2 tablespoons wormwood
• 2 tablespoons sage
• 2 tablespoons lavender
• 2 quarts apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, chopped

directions

1. In a sealable glass jar, mix together the first 6 ingredients.
2. Add the vinegar and steep in the sun for 2 weeks or so, shaking daily.
3. Then, strain out the used herbs, and retain the herbal liquid mixture.
4. Add several cloves of crushed garlic, and close lid. Let soak for three days, and strain out the garlic fiber and discard.
5. This liquid tincture needs to be stored in a cool place, like the refrigerator.
6. It can be preserved for a very long period of time by canning. To do so, fill canning jars with boiling liquid tincture to within one-half inch of top. Cap with rubber seal canning lid, tighten ring, and turn hot jar upside down; leave it undisturbed until it cools to room temperature. This will cause the jar to seal. Don’t forget to date and label it.