This four thieves honey is an infused herbal honey. This same method can be used with lots of dried herbs, like lavender or chamomile for calming or infusing tumeric, cayenne, ginger and more to make a fire honey (similar to fire cider but with honey).
This is a super loose interpretation of a four thieves vinegar. There were other herbs in the original and they were not infused in honey and to my knowledge, four thieves vinegar was not eaten. There are lots of variations on this original recipe and some of the origin stories vary as well.
The fun thing about this recipe is that the herbs are common, meaning they are common in our everyday lives, easily grown or found in the spice aisle, and probably already in your kitchen cabinet.
Thyme is used to help coughs, colds, sore throats and congestion. It is often used for its antimicrobial, antispasmodic and expectorant nature.
Oregano is like a super hero herb for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosemary has potent plant power that offers an ability to fight off the winter germs and ick.
Sage is often turned to for its ability to soothe sore scratchy throats with germ fighting and soothing abilities. (don’t use sage if pregnant and nursing)
Four Thieves Honey Recipe
1. Fill a clean glass jar a little less than half way full with dried herbs
2. Cover with honey, filling the jar to the top. Make sure the herbs are all covered and under the honey. You may have to use a clean utensil (like a chopstick or honey stick) to poke around and make sure there are no pockets of air and that all the herbs are covered.
3. Place a clean tight fitting lid on the jar and place in a warm spot to infuse for a week to three weeks.
4. Check your jar over the next few days and add more honey if you need too, to make sure the jar is full and the herbs are covered.
5. Flip your jar once or twice a day to make sure all the herbs stay covered in honey.
6. When your honey is infused to your liking, the scent is strong and it has taken on the flavor of the herbs, strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clean glass jar. It helps if the honey is a little warm for this step. To warm it, place it in a sunny window.
Store in a cool, dark place to help maintain freshness, vitality and potency.
And don’t toss those herbs after straining, bake them onto roasted veggies, it's so delicious.
Use like honey, in tea or warm water to help prevent colds. Or drizzle over fresh bread or roasted veggies.
Enjoy!
