The 4 thieves vinegar
The 4 thieves vinegar is a real potion surrounded by legends saying so:
At the moment of the big plague, four thieves were invading contaminated homes, with impunity and berthed the dying. Never succumbed to evil despite taking risks. They were finally taken by the authorities and were sentenced to death. They were given life in exchange for the formula of this mysterious liquid that rubbed and drank before acting to immunize.
The four thieves confessed her secret: Body rubbed with vinegar which had crushed sage, thyme, lavender, rosemary and some other herbs used as medicines since the time of Hippocrates. They checked what we know now, all these herbs were bactericidal.
Another version says that the thieves had been arrested before the outbreak of the plague and sentenced to bury the bodies of the victims, invented this vinegar, to survive the infection.
Legends ·place this events in the cities of Toulouse and Marseille, in a period between the fourteenth and eighteenth. It seems that the thieves were hanged equally Toulouse, while Marseille were luckier.
There are also several variations, in reference to the formula they've used. The first recipes had a number of herbs that are added to the vinegar's solution, and let it soak for a few days. In the Museum of Marseille can be found hanging on a wall, The recipe is said to be a copy of the original hanged in the walls of the city during the plague 1720:
“Take three pints of strong white wine vinegar, add a handful of wormwood, one of meadowsweet, fifty clover, two ounces of bellflower, two ounces of angelica, rosemary and horehound malroig and three large measures of camphor. Place the mixture in a container for fifteen days, filter, and then put in the bottle. Rub on the hands, ears and temples occasionally approaching an infected”
(Museum the old Marseilles).
Another recipe requires dried rosemary, dried sage and lavender flowers, fresh rough, camphor dissolved in spirit, garlic in slices, chopped cloves and distilled wine ·vinegar .
In any case, in 1748 the four thieves vinegar was included in the French Pharmacopoeia Pharmaceutical Codex and sold in pharmacies as an antiseptic until 1884 which was eliminated with the new guidelines of modern medicine.
Modern versions of four thieves vinegar usually include sage, lavender, rosmary, thyme and garlic. Sometimes adds rougst, mint and absence. Eventually become accustomed to use the four herbs, one for each thief, while the oldest recipes often predict a dozen or more items.
How to Make and Use the Legendary Four Thieves Vinegar Blend
Written by Meghan Pivarnik and the Herbal Academy team
Have you heard of the Four Thieves Vinegar? If not, come learn about the folklore surrounding this timeless preparation, how the ingredients in it can be used to support wellness during the fall and winter, and how to make it using an easy recipe that is versatile in its actions and uses.
History and Folklore of the Four Thieves Vinegar Blend
In medieval times, four thieves were said to rob the homes of those suffering from illness and those who had died from the 17th-century plague, the Black Death. It is said that on moonless nights in Marseilles, France, the thieves would anoint their bodies in vinegar that had been infused with “protective” herbs now known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. This herbal vinegar was thought to give the thieves an advantage against contracting the illness. Fleas were thought to be one especially sneaky carrier of the plague. In addition to its antimicrobial potential, the thieves’ aromatic cloak may have also acted as a natural flea repellant!
At first, the four thieves’ behavior wasn’t of much consequence, as folks assumed the plague would eventually take hold of them. However, the thieves’ resistance was strong, and their thievery continued. When they were finally apprehended, judges offered a less agonizing form of execution if they would be helpful by sharing their immunity secret.
An alternative to this tale is that the four thieves had been caught for their acts of robbery and were then sentenced to bury the dead after the plague hit. In order to try and stave off catching the disease, they created this potent herbal vinegar in which they rubbed behind their ears, on their temples, and in their hands.
Whichever myth is true, the recipe they revealed has been a well-known bit of folklore ever since, and today, we will share it with you! Let’s first take a look at some of the ingredients in this blend and how they can benefit wellness.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the base of the Four Thieves vinegar blend. For folks making their own formulas at home, vinegar was and continues to be, an easy-to-access medium. It also turns out
that vinegar itself may have also been a beneficial ingredient in the Four Thieves blend.
According to anecdotal and even some modern scientific reports, apple cider vinegar has been used to reduce microbes on external surfaces. There are also countless historical remarks about its virtues!
Here are two such notable historical accounts:
- Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of Western medicine, was known to use apple cider vinegar for managing wounds and infections both topically and internally.
- Sung Tse, the 10th-century creator of forensic medicine, advocated washing hands with sulfur and vinegar to avoid infection during autopsies.
Now, before we get too excited, let’s pause and put this interesting information into context.
Vinegar is no longer considered a disinfectant for medical settings, nor is it advised for use in wounds, because modern products designed for these purposes are far more effective (Gaas & Johnston, 2006). However, for some uses, vinegar is quite reasonable.
Household vinegar is usually safe on the skin and has shown some activity against common pathogens, and it is even believed that vinegar may increase the efficiency of some phagocytes, which are immune cells that engulf germs and foreign debris.
In a 2018 study, various concentrations of vinegar were tested for antimicrobial and immune-boosting actions against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (which can cause staph infection), and Candida albicans (an opportunistic pathogenic yeast, often called simply candida). Not only was the growth of these germs inhibited in the presence of vinegar, but phagocytes in contact with vinegar had a greater capacity to do their work (Serafin et al., 2018)! This study concluded that the effect was still not strong enough to claim vinegar an anti-infective in medical settings, but concluded that it did have some positive effect.
A 2015 study that compared vinegar to several chemical and commercial agents revealed that vinegar was useful as a household disinfectant (Basman, 2015). In fact, a 50% white vinegar solution was found to be the most effective method for disinfecting toothbrushes (Basman, 2015)!
There are also numerous other studies supporting the use of vinegar to disinfect produce from common bacteria:
- 5% acetic acid vinegar significantly reduced E. coli from the surface of lettuce (Chang & Fang, 2007).
- A 1:1 mixture of 4% acetic acid vinegar and lemon juice reduced Salmonella on carrots (Sengun & Karapinar, 2004).
And these were just a few examples!
There is also some rationale for how vinegar may act as a mild antimicrobial: “The organic acids in vinegar and mainly acetic acid pass into cell membranes of microorganisms leading to bacterial cell death” (Budak, et al., 2014). You can see that while we aren’t calling it a miracle cure, vinegar certainly has its merits!
When we combine herbs with vinegar we get double the benefit!
Four Thieves Vinegar Herbal Benefits
A renowned herbalist and aromatherapist from the early 20th century, Jean Valnet, used a formula perhaps closely related to the original Four Thieves vinegar blend. Though it is likely some of the herbs have changed and been adapted in the recipe through the years, modern herbalists typically use a combination of sage (Salvia officinalis) leaf, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf, lavender (Lavandula officinalis) bud, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) leaf, garlic (Allium sativum) bulb, juniper (Juniperus communis) berry, and black pepper (Piper nigrum) seed when making Four Thieves vinegar preparations.
These herbs have several things in common. First, you’ll notice they are all on the warming side, energetically speaking, meaning they systemically warm the body. You may also notice that they all have aromatic, diffusive, and diaphoretic properties, as well.
Aromatic herbs, such as sage, lavender, and thyme, are those that contain a large amount of volatile oils. These herbs tend to have a stronger scent, which often coincides with antiseptic and antimicrobial volatile oils called monoterpenes (Ganora, 2009).
Diffusive herbs, such as garlic, sage, and rosemary, can bring heat from the core of the body and move, or circulate, it outwards to the surface of our skin. This action can also be directive of herbs within a formula to spread within the body for a desired effect (Ganora, 2009).
Diaphoretic herbs, such as rosemary, sage, and thyme, increase perspiration (Skenderi, 2003), which is a function of the detoxification process of the body. During sickness, promotion of sweating, or diaphoresis, can help regulate body temperature and release toxins (pathogens) (Holmes, 1989).
Below, we’ll dig into each of the herbs commonly used in the Four Thieves vinegar blend.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) leaf
A member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family, sage is an energetically warming and drying herb with aromatic, diffusive, and diaphoretic properties. While some may call it cooling, it is certainly moving, particularly in regards to circulation (Easley & Horne, 2016), and offers some of the best of both energetic qualities. Sage offers different actions depending on the preparation in which it is used. In warm preparations, it is especially moving to the circulatory system and is often used like a diaphoretic, while in cold preparations, it is more drying and has been used to reduce excess perspiration. Sage also has a longstanding use as an antimicrobial and antiseptic herb (Tilgner, 2009) due to its monoterpene volatile oils (Ganora, 2009).
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf
Another mint family herb, rosemary is also known for its antibacterial properties due to the volatile oils in the plant (Tilgner, 2009) which can be beneficial when used internally or externally. Rosemary is a warm, drying herb with relaxant, diffusive properties that stimulate circulation in the body (Tilgner, 2009). This can help with body temperature regulation, which aids the body when fevers are present, as well as support the body’s immune system by speeding the transport of immune cells to tissues in need. Additionally, some infectious microbes, especially colds and flu viruses, are less viable at elevated body temperatures. The warming influence of rosemary is yet another way herbs support our body’s natural defenses!
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) bud
Lavender is also a member of the mint family, and it has many useful actions and energetics that lend themselves to the Four Thieves vinegar blend. For example, lavender is warming and drying, and thus, like the others, may help the body be more resilient and comfortable during common winter illnesses. However, if lavender was one of the thieves’ original herbs, its antimicrobial nature may have been lavender’s standout action. The name lavender is derived from a word “lavar” meaning “to wash,” and it has been recognized as a purifying plant for ages. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, lavender also has anti-inflammatory and nervine properties (Tilgner, 2009). The anti-inflammatory and nervine actions can be additionally soothing during seasonal colds or flu, helping one rest, which is also supportive of our natural defenses.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) leaf
Thyme is a mint family herb, too! Another aromatic with warming and drying qualities, thyme is a diaphoretic and diffusive herb traditionally used with respiratory tract conditions (Tilgner, 2009), particularly as a bronchodilator and as an anti-inflammatory agent (Hoffmann, 2007). Its main chemical constituent, thymol, is primarily responsible for its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal (Tilgner, 2009) actions as well as its expectorant and antispasmodic actions (Herbal Academy, n.d.a.). In addition to the respiratory tract, many of its actions are focused on the digestive tract, and as an antiviral and antibacterial herb, it can act on infections of all kinds (Easley & Horne, 2016).
Garlic (Allium sativum) bulb
A member of the lily family, or Liliaceae, garlic’s energetic profile is hot and dry (Tilgner, 2009). It is diffusive and diaphoretic, as well as antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiseptic. Garlic is known to aid immune function (Tilgner, 2009) and contains 18 known antiviral and antibacterial substances (Gladstar, 1993). It has been shown to be effective against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic bacteria as well as against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Sivam, 2001). The volatile oils in garlic are excreted through the lungs, and the antimicrobial nature of these volatile oils thus makes it particularly helpful in the case of respiratory infections. Like thyme, it is also very useful in cases of digestive infections such as HelicobacterJuniper (Juniperus communis) berry
As a member of the pine (Cupressacceae) family, juniper is aromatic, warming, and drying (Tilgner, 2009). It is also antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic (Easley & Horne, 2016), and as a decoction, has been used to clean countertops, utensils, and even to cleanse wounds (Herbal Academy, n.d.b.). Juniper can build immunity and reduce infection, both bacterial and viral, in the digestive and respiratory systems (Holmes, 1989), including vaginal and urinary infections (Moore, 1989). In fact, according to herbalist Stephen Buhner, juniper’s antimicrobial activities act against 57 strains of 24 bacterial species (Buhner, 2012).
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) seed
A warming and drying herb in the Piperaceae family, black pepper is antiseptic as well as a circulatory stimulant (Easley & Horne, 2016). Black pepper can reduce infection, clear the sinuses, and promote sweating during cold and flu onset (Holmes, 1989). Black pepper may be the hottest of all the warming herbs and spices in this blend!
Let’s now look at how these herbs can be combined in a formula to create your very own Four Thieves vinegar blend.
How To Make And Use The Four Thieves Vinegar Blend
When making the Four Thieves Vinegar Blend, feel free to use fresh or dried herbs, depending on what you have on hand. The following recipe calls for dried herbs, as these help to extend the shelf life of the preparation. If using fresh herbs, simply double the amount that is called for in the recipe (1 teaspoon of dried herb equals 2 teaspoons of fresh herb) and know that since fresh herbs contain water, the shelf life of the Four Thieves Vinegar will be reduced, and the preparation will need to be used more quickly.
Four Thieves Vinegar Blend
Get ready to make perhaps one of your most versatile, spicy herbal blends! This infused vinegar can be used internally, externally, as an ingredient, or even as a cleaning item. You may find you enjoy (or grow used to) taking a swig each morning or night to promote wellness, or keeping it on hand for days you feel you may have had contact with someone who is sick. If nothing else, you can use it just as you would almost any other vinegar!
2 cups (16 fl oz) organic apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons dried sage (Salvia officinalis) leaves
2 teaspoons dried rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves
2 teaspoons dried lavender (Lavandula officinalis) flowers
2 teaspoons dried juniper (Juniperus communis) berries
1 teaspoon black peppercorn (Piper nigrum) seed, crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme (Thymus vulgaris) leaves
1 bulb fresh raw garlic (Allium sativum) cloves, chopped
- Fill a quart-sized canning jar with the herbs and top off with organic apple cider vinegar to 1-inch below the top of the jar. Stir the mixture with a clean spoon to remove any air bubbles and to ensure the herbs are thoroughly saturated with the vinegar.
- Seal the jar with a plastic lid, or place a piece of parchment paper between the jar and a metal lid to prevent the vinegar from corroding the metal and touching any coating on the lid.
- Let the mixture macerate for a month in a dark cupboard. Shake the jar daily to keep the herbs and vinegar mixed as this will ensure a better extraction.
- After a month, strain the vinegar using a sieve and layered cheesecloth. Reserve the liquid and compost the herbs. Bottle the liquid in an amber-colored bottle to protect from light and label.
There are many ways to utilize the benefits of the Four Thieves vinegar blend! Use your Four Thieves blend wherever vinegar is called for in a recipe. If you are looking for a mocktail, add the blend to fizzy water and relax. Do you like to make your own salad dressings? If so, use your Four Thieves vinegar blend to make a delicious and flavorful vinaigrette base. If you feel a cold coming on, use this vinegar blend as a tincture or take it by the spoonful. It can also be a creative addition to the vinegar portion of a Fire Cider formula, or you could simply mix the vinegar with honey and enjoy as an easy oxymel.
This Four Thieves vinegar blend can also be used externally as a household cleaner for any kitchen or bathroom surface. Because of its antimicrobial action (Serafin, Shah, & Yagnik, 2018), it discourages the overgrowth of certain types of microbes when it comes into contact with them, thus helping you to keep your home healthy during cold and flu season.
Finally
Making a Four Thieves vinegar blend can be an easy, creative, and fun way to combat seasonal colds, flu, and infection. This all-purpose aromatic vinegar is just what you need to stay unplagued and healthy this season!
Lavender-Rosemary Herbal Vinegar for Cooking, Clean-Up & Body Care
USING HERB-INFUSED VINEGAR FOR SKINCARE
This vinegar makes a wonderful spot treatment for red and irritated skin. For use as an everyday toner, you may also opt for a diluted version made up of half herbal vinegar and half organic lavender hydrosol or witch hazel extract.
I also like to add a cup of it to my evening bath. It helps soothe my muscles, makes my skin feel soft and reduces the redness of any scrapes or scratches that I picked up while working in the garden. Always remember to do a spot test on your skin before introducing new herbs into your skincare regimen, and note any discomfort, reddening, or negative reactions.
USING HERB-INFUSED VINEGAR FOR CLEANING
NOTE: While vinegar has been shown to have germ-fighting properties, it is NOT EPA-approved as a disinfectant, so opt for regular cleaning with soap and water plus an approved disinfectant product when thorough sanitization is required.
I put lavender rosemary vinegar into a spray bottles and keep one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom to use whenever I am cleaning up. It is great for kitchen counters, sinks, bathtubs, and even for washing windows.
USING HERB-INFUSED VINEGAR FOR CULINARY RECIPES
The culinary uses of this vinegar just go on and on…
You can slip it into your salad dressing, sauces, or marinades. Try adding a dash to juices or carbonated water to make a shrub. You can even brighten up your pesto or humus by adding a splash of herbal vinegar just before eating.
Whisk together 3/4 cup of organic olive oil and 1/4 cup of lavender rosemary vinegar and taste the difference when drizzled on rice and quinoa dishes, cooked greens, and sandwiches.
Lavender Rosemary Vinegar from The Herbal Kitchen
Makes about 1 cup.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup organic dried lavender flowers
- 2 Tbsp. organic dried rosemary leaf
- 1 cup organic and raw apple cider vinegar
Directions
- Coarsely grind lavender and rosemary with a mortar and pestle.
- Place ground herbs into a glass pantry jar or mason jar.
- Pour vinegar over the top of the herbs to cover. Secure pantry jar with lid, or if using a mason jar, secure with food-safe plastic lid (vinegar reacts with metal, so most metal lids, even when lined
- with wax paper, tend to corrode over time).
- Shake well.
- Let herbs infuse into vinegar for 2 to 4 weeks, remembering to agitate daily.
- Strain herbs from vinegar using a funnel with strainer, or organic cotton muslin cloth.
- Return to jar and store for a year or more in a cool, dark place.
What is your favorite way to use herbal vinegar? Share in the comments below!
Want More Vinegar Inspiration?
Try Our Vinegar of the 4 Thieves Recipe!
You might also enjoy:
What is Four Thieves Vinegar?
Legend states that during the plague that devastated Marseilles, France during the 17th century, four thieves managed to remain free of illness whilst robbing the dead thanks to this little concoction of vinegar, herbs, spices and garlic. This version of Four Thieves vinegar is very different but the herbs in this blend have been used traditionally for their immune boosting and anti-bacterial properties.
Four Thieves Vinegar:
2 cups (16 fl oz) organic apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons dried sage (Salvia officinalis) leaves
2 teaspoons dried rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves
2 teaspoons dried lavender (Lavandula officinalis) flowers
2 teaspoons dried juniper (Juniperus communis) berries
1 teaspoon black peppercorn (Piper nigrum) seed, crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme (Thymus vulgaris) leaves
1 bulb fresh raw garlic (Allium sativum) cloves, chopped
Instructions:
- In a large jar add garlic, thyme, bay, rosemary, peppercorns, juniper berries, lavender, and sage.
- Pour apple cider vinegar into the jar.
- Place a piece of cheesecloth or a paper muffin cup over the jar, then screw the lid on tightly (vinegar reacts with the metal in jar lids).
- Give it all a good shake, then place in a dark, cool place to sit for 2 weeks.
- When ready to use, you can strain the vinegar and keep it stored in a clean jar, or leave the plant material suspended in the vinegar throughout use. Enjoy!
How to Use:
As a natural cleaning spray: add one part Four Thieves Vinegar and one part water to a spray bottle. Use to clean kitchen countertops, mirrors, windows, wood furniture, bathroom tiles and more!
As a natural facial astringent: Using 1 part Four Thieves Vinegar, two parts water — gently pat on your face after cleansing for a natural toning effect.
Drink as a wellness tonic: take one teaspoonful a day in warm water.
In food: you can use Four Thieves Vinegar just as you would any other vinegar when creating in the kitchen — in salads, drizzled over roasted veggies, as a bread dip or even splashed into water or tea.
Insect Repellent – As previously mentioned, this vinegar makes a very effective (though strong smelling!) natural insect repellent. If you make it to this strength, just put 1/4 cup of the vinegar in an 8-ounce spray bottle and fill the rest with water. Spray on skin, clothes, etc. when in heavily insect-infested areas. We store in the fridge to minimize the vinegar smell and make it more refreshing.
As a Soak – I’ve had some people report really good success using this vinegar as a soak or topical spray for foot or nail fungus.
Summary of Herbs in the Blend:
These herbs have several things in common. First, you’ll notice they are all on the warming side, energetically speaking, meaning they systematically warm the body. You may also notice that they all have aromatic, diffusive, and diaphoretic properties, as well.
Aromatic herbs, such as sage, lavender, and thyme, are those that contain a large amount of volatile oils. These herbs tend to have a stronger scent, which often coincides with antiseptic and antimicrobial volatile oils called monoterpenes (Ganora, 2009).
Diffusive herbs, such as garlic, sage, and rosemary, can bring heat from the core of the body and move, or circulate, it outwards to the surface of our skin. This action can also be a directive of herbs within a formula to spread within the body for a desired effect (Ganora, 2009).
Diaphoretic herbs, such as rosemary, sage, and thyme, increase perspiration (Skenderi, 2003), which is a function of the detoxification process of the body. During sickness, promotion of sweating, or diaphoresis, can help regulate body temperature and release toxins (pathogens) (Holmes, 1989).
This information is for educational purposes only and is notThe ultimate guide to indoor herbs for green savvy millennials
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Even though the language of herbs can be hard to crack, indoor food gardening has become one of the most popular hobbies for today’s millennials. In an effort to create little urban jungle, the inevitable questions like how much water different herbs need, when to plant, and how to use them are still the ones that are puzzling us.
As passionate plant scientists and techies ourselves, we spent months testing and understanding over 50+ different herbs while building UrbiGo - smart nano garden.
Our jaws hit the floor when we found out that there is much more about them than just basic growing tips. We discovered that each and every one of them hides different stories and mysteries.
In order to simplify the process of indoor gardening for you as well as introduce you to plant benefits and interesting facts, we crafted this simple guide that will walk you through everything you need to know about the 7 most used herbs, including their:
- Plant profile
- Cool facts
- How to use them
- Special editorial tips
So, let's begin.
1. Basil
Plant profile
Known as the king of herbs, basil is an herbaceous (meaning there is almost no wood in its stem) plant that lives for one year in nature and has a specific pleasant aromatic note and aroma.
It belongs to the family of ‘mints’ or Lamiaceae in Latin. Plants in this family have flowers that resemble the lips of a mouth.
Basil can grow up to 40cm in height with leaves covered with fine hairs. With over 160 varieties, basil has leaves that are 1.5cm to 5cm long and are about 3cm broad.
In nature, Basil blooms from June to September. Its seeds are black in color and are up to 1.5mm in size, a little larger than chia seeds, having a similar nutritional profile but twice as much fiber.
In case you decide to grow Basil indoors, it will sprout in about 7 to 14 days after sowing. For Basil to sprout successfully, you’ll need a temperature of 18 to 25 ° C and as much as 16h of full Sunlight in order for it to grow to its full potential.
Cool facts
It is believed that evil cannot go where the basil is, so there’s a common saying that “the soul of good people smells like Basil”.
The household that grows Basil cannot be poor because basil keeps money and health in the house and guarantees a happy marriage (if you were wondering what plant to give to your significant other).
The first-ever mention of this amazing herb dates back to 4000 years b.c, in ancient Egypt, where the remains of basil were found in the tombs of the Pharaoness.
Ever wondered how mummies are in such good shape? Egyptians used Basil as a natural preservative, due to its strong antifungal and antibacterial properties which helped them conserve deceased ones.
An important part of many religions. And, well, some weird traditions.
Almost all the religions of the world use Basil in different customs because its ascribed divine power. For example, Roman women used it to drive men crazy . So much that they made a basil powder and dust for their breasts.
In India, it is a symbol of welcome, while the French make use of basil to filter water by putting it overnight in a jug while they return to drink the water the following day. Well, at least until they built a decent sewer.
How to use it
From cancer-fighting properties to stimulating appetite and soothing inflammation, Basil is really one of its kind. This plant can be used not just for the culinary delicacies, but also as a natural preservative, dye, remedy, and an antibiotic.
Here are the top uses of Basil that will help you fully utilize this herb:
Basil-infused olive oil
Mix one cup of fresh basil leaves and one cup of extra virgin olive oil and grind it in a mixer until it is chopped finely into a soup-like mixture. Pour it in a hot pan and simmer the mixture on low heat for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture into a glass jar and use it for the next 7 days (or put it in a freezer for future use).
The organic purple dye
Cut the leaves and stems of the plant and boil it in water to extract a fine purple-grayish color liquid that you can use to dye Easter eggs or pieces of clothes. Use purple Basil for some cool gothic shades.
Healing juice
For natural remedy, besides fresh green Basil, you would need 4 more ingredients:
- 2 green apples
- 6 collard green
- 1 Cucumber
- 1 lemon
This juice is a natural cure for sore throat and cough - perfect for cold and windy winter days!
Special tips
Don’t let your Basil bloom. Pinching off the flower buds will help the plant to grow and intensify its taste. If it flowers, Basil will gradually lose its aroma and become bitter.
2. Lavender
Plant profile
If we could set aside a celebrity between herbs, then it would surely be Lavender.
It is a crop that basically made up a multi-billion dollar essential oil industry, so much so that scientists from the University of British Columbia are trying to crack secrets written in its genetic code.
Lavender in Latin means “to bath” or “to wash”, which may be the reason royal families used it as a fragrance when they didn’t bother to take an actual bath.
In nature, it blooms between July and September, while the seeds ripen between August and September. It is interesting that Lavender is hermaphrodite - their flowers have both female and male sex organs!
The flower branches are simple, and are about 20-40cm long. The flowers are tiny, clustered in classy blooms and dazzling purple. Although, beautiful flowers dominate the plant, Lavender has leaves that are narrow and greyish green.
All types of Lavender are characterized by a very strong, distinctive scent that comes from the accumulated essential oil. The amount of essential oil is dependent upon the climate and Sunlight duration, so in order for the lavender to be rich in essential oils, it needs to be exposed to light for about 16 hours a day.
Lavender vs Lavandin.
Lavandin is a hybrid of Lavender that has 10X more essential oil than common Lavender. You can find Lavandin in the south of France where Lavender species cross-pollinate by wind or insects and create this scent full hybrid.
Cool facts
Ever wondered why Lavender in the first place produces its famous essential oil? It is believed that essential oils are toxic to other plants, preventing them to grow nearby and assuring the full dominance of this Mediterranean beauty in the area.
People are treated with lavender for insomnia, nerve diseases, indigestion, direct inhalation and scenting of lavender essential oil, affecting the nervous system, calming and relaxing.
At a time when the plague was ravaging Europe, the legend circulated that whoever applied Lavender oil would never be infected by the plague.
The sacred plant of alchemists...and witches!
In medieval times, this sweet-smelling herb was used by healers, and apparently in witchcraft - to promote passion, romance, friendship, and good cooperation with a lover.
King Charles VI of France did not travel anywhere without his favorite pillows filled with lavender flowers. Because that was the only way he could fall asleep!
Coming back to modern times, this plant has inspired one of the most prominent painters of the 20th century, Jackson Pollock, to paint his famous piece “Lavender Mist”, now valued at $450 million. Boy! Imagine what the collectors are ready to pay for a Lavender featured art!
How to use it
Many celebrities like Victoria Beckam make use of Lavender essential oil in their daily beauty-and-health routine, so we decided to reveal the best recipe to make it yourself in just a few easy steps:
- Cut fresh Lavender right before their buds open and let it dry for 2-4 weeks in the dark, dry corner in your home.
- Gently crush the Lavender and place it in a smaller glass jar.
- Pour oil over it and mix. It’s best to use jojoba or sweet almond oil, but if you don’t have it by your hand olive oil will also do a job.
- Heat the oil on the steady temperature (38–49ºC) in a pot for 2-5 hours.
- Strain the oil through the gauze in a new and clean jar.
Fun fact → Never dry Lavender on the Sun ‘cause it will fade purple flowers, which in turn will lose its pungent scent and aroma you need for effective essential oil.
If this Oil-Lavender mixture is too intensive for you, you can always dilute it with more oil. Lavender oil is very handy because it could be used for minor burns, mosquito bites, general skincare to soothe eczema or even help prevent wrinkles!
Special tips
Eat Lavander if you are anemic. Yes, you can actually chew fresh Lavender, especially if you have iron-deficiency.
3. Lemon balm
Plant profile
This herb might have a similar look to mint but unlike its famous relative, Lemon balm is a true plant transformer - it can be a healing, aromatic or even industrial plant, depending on its use.
And did you know that bees just love it?
This is why Lemon balm has many different names like a sweet balm or bee balm.
Melissa Officinalis means THE bee leaf
Lemon balm’s lifespan is usually between 5 to 10 years with its upright, hairy stem and dark green leaves. Lemon balm is not too picky when growing outdoors, but indoors, it requires at least 12 hours of intensive Sunlight per day.
You can keep growing cuttings of this herb in plain water or transplant it in well-drained, but moist soil. Sandy soil with a good supply of organic matter is best.
Although it can survive low temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius, it will flourish on any sunny spot. You’ll know if you’re doing good if you see little sprouts coming out of the ground in 10 to 14 days.
Cool facts
Did you know that Lemon Balm, was named by a nymph that look after Zeus and protected him from his revengeful father?
Kronos, Zeus's father was notorious for killing all his successors to keep them from. But when he discovered that his son was raised in secret, by Mellissa the nymph, he was furious, so he turned her into a worm.
After Zeus finally triumphed over his father and became a ruler, he transformed Melissa into a queen of bees, as a sign of everlasting gratitude, to forever collect scented honey from the flowers and nurture, well us, humans.
An essential ingredient of the first cologne
By 1611, French monks were already using Melissa to create the first-ever cologne. But they didn’t use it just for aesthetical purposes alone, they also used it for healing purposes. If rubbed on your forehead, it reduced headache surprisingly fast!
“I get "high" from this little plant called Lemon Balm”
Those who even tried to smoke Lemon balm, by mixing it with a bit of tobacco say that they felt an unbelievable feeling of relaxation and ease within 15 seconds, like on this Reddit post.
How to use it
Lemon balm can be used fresh or dried. Even though it lowers down blood pressure, serves as a natural anti-stress medicine and even purifies the blood, many still use it as simply a perfume ingredient.
We cannot stress enough how important it is to have Melissa in your home medicine. As a result, we’ll set aside two most important recipes.
Tea blend against viral infections:
- Lemon balm 100g
- Elder 50g
- Sweet root 50g
To prepare this tea, you need 5 tablespoons of this mixture, one liter of boiling water, a thorough stir, and twenty minutes of your time to fight seasonal viruses.
Tea blend for calm, against anxiety and insomnia:
- Lemon balm 200g
- Dill 100g
- Linden flower 50g
- Valerian 50g
Mix the herbs, put it in a pot and pour over 300ml of boiling water into it. Leave for half an hour and enjoy this calming potion every day.
Natural (and very effective) sore medicine
To treat persistent outbreaks of herpes, the best thing to use is Lemon balm tincture.
- Put freshly chopped leaves in the glass jar (three-quarters filled).
- Pour vodka until the jar is filled to the top.
- Leave for 4-6 weeks, with periodical shaking.
- Use it when needed, just a few drops are enough!
And one modest but refreshing recipe straight from our office!
This one, anybody can make it and it will look like it was done by a cocktail pro! But in the real sense, you’re just adding some fresh Lemon balm to the old, good lemonade :)
Special tips
Cooking the Lemon balm will destroy its fragrance. Always add it freshly chopped to the salad.
4. Parsley
Plant profile
As a native Mediterranean herb, Parsley makes it as an inevitable aromatic herb in culinary art, with taste that brings us back to our childhood’s chicken soups which our grannies made. It belongs to the same plant family as carrot and celery.
One of the rarely known but useful parts of the plant is its 20cm long and 5cm wide root - whitish, carrot-like look. It is used in Dutch, German, and Polish cuisine, even though many of us have never tasted it, let alone see it!
Parsley has leaves that are simple in structure and feathery, varying from yellowish to dark green in color. They are particularly rich in essential oils.
Parsley contains 2.5 times more vitamin C than lemons and oranges and almost 14 times more than blueberries.
This herb can be grown in the company of other herbs, indoors. A warm and sunny environment is a must though. While it is quite easy to grow it from a seed, Parsley needs up to a month to sprout.
Cool facts
Parsley has been cultivated for centuries as a spice and medicinal plant. It is believed to have originated from the Middle East, from where it spread throughout Europe.
The ancient Romans wore parsley necklaces around their necks, believing it absorbs sweat and body odors.
During the holidays when they were drinking heavily, Romans wore wreaths of parsley around their heads to protect themselves from intoxication.
They were the first to start eating parsley in large quantities because the parsley leaves were thought to help gladiators in the fight to be more powerful and more cunning, with better reflexes.
How to use it
Today, all parts of parsley including its root, leaf, seed, fresh or dried, are used in the food, pharmaceutical, and culinary industries. But if you want to stand out, here are two really cool recipes:
Parsley pesto
- Parsley - 1 lace
- Walnuts - ground 3 tablespoons
- Garlic - 1 price
- Olive oil - 4 buckets
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
Mix all the ingredients, grind them, and serve with grilled fish.
Summer parsley salad:
- Parsley - 5 laces
- Carrot - 1kg
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil - 150ml
- Salt - to taste
Special tips
If you can, plant parsley near the roses. Apparently, you’ll reap more fragrant blossoms!
5. Rosemary
Plant profile
The name Rosemary is derived from two Latin words: “Ros” meaning “Dew” and “Marinus” meaning “of the sea”. Dew of the sea thrives best in coastal areas and its stem looks like it’s covered in tiny salt.
Rosemary is a perennial shrub that can grow to a height of about two meters.
Its branches are stiff and contain needle-like, hairy, and densely arranged petioles. The flowers usually vary in color, between light blue to purple, small and in the upper parts of the branches collected in bloom.
Under ideal conditions, meaning in warm, sunny and moist soil, Rosemary seeds germinate from between 14-30 days.
The trick here is to plant the seeds thickly, as only 30% of the seeds will germinate even if you create an ideal growing scene indoors.
Rosemary is not an easy one to grow - soil must be well-drained, but moist, with temperature from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. Also, you would need at least 8 hours of Sun-light in your home if you are growing it indoors.
Cool facts
One of the most interesting stories about Rosemary took place in Hungary in the 16th century.
The Queen Erzebet was suffering from arthritis and was living her life in misery. She tried the best medicines, listened to various doctors and healers, but all to no avail.
Then she heard about Rosemary, the plant with various medicinal and beneficial properties. She started using it, and in just a few months, not only did she get healed, she also got married, in her 65th year, to the King of Sweden!
Rosemary has always been associated with memory; the most famous literary reference is found in Hamlet when Ophelia says "Rosemary is for remembering, praying for love, remembering".
An interesting test conducted by a team of psychologists examined the effects of rosemary. 4 drops of oil were injected into the fan, 5 min before the subjects entered the room. 66 people participated in the survey. They resided in fragrant and ordinary rooms and tested the memory functions. It turned out that those who stayed in rooms where the air was enriched with rosemary essential oil had better concentration, better memory, and quicker reactions.
How to use it
Rosemary in the diet can be used dried or fresh as an additive to meals, cakes, and specially roasted meat.
In the kitchen, dried leaves, flowers and twigs are most commonly used, usually in smaller quantities due to the fact that too much of Rosemary can be harmful to the body.
Rosmarinic acid, found in Rosemary, is proven to suppress Alzheimer’s disease.
If you spend most of your day in shoes or standing, you would want to recover your ankles with Rosemary compress - put 5-10 fresh twigs in a cup and overflow with hot water. Dip a cotton cloth in this mixture and place compresses on the pain spots.
And for those who like extravagant cocktails, try Rosemary gimlet - a mix of Rosemary syrup, gin, and lime!
First, you’ll need a home-made Rosemary syrup that is surprisingly very easy to make with just a few ingredients:
- Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white sugar, and ¼ cup of rosemary leaves. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves for about 1 minute. Let the mixture rest and cool down aside.
Now, when you have this sweet, herbal syrup, the next you want to do is to convert its medicinal taste into a refreshing, unique alcoholic drink in a few simple steps:
- Mix 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounces of fresh lime juice and 3/4 ounce of rosemary syrup in the shaker. Fill it halfway with ice, cover, and shake the gimlet mixture for about twenty seconds.
Special tips
If you love grilled meat try adding whole, crushed, or ground rosemary to your favorite recipes to help lower the amount of cancer-causing HCA's - compounds that are produced during grilling.
6. Arugula
Plant profile
Arugula, an herb that can live up to 2 years on the Mediterranean soil, with its extraordinary peppery taste. It is a must-have vitamin bomb!
It is usually used as a leafy salad. In nature, it can grow up to 60cm. In the first Stage of growth, it creates a ground leaf rosette with leaves up to 6cm in height.
This herb is handy to grow as it grows pretty fast - in two to four weeks it is ready for consumption. The flowers are white or zucchini, infused with violet nerve-like structures.
If you want to get tanned quickly, try Arugula - the plant is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C and carotene - if you eat it every day for a month, your skin will get a nice, orange undertone when exposed to the Sun.
One of the most important benefits is that Ruccola is a natural multivitamin supplement, containing significant amounts of vitamin B complex, pectin, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper.
Cool facts
As it is rich in vitamin C and A which boosts the production of sex hormones, and also in zinc, Arugula is seen as a powerful aphrodisiac dating back from ancient Romans.
The arugula belongs to the cabbage family, which includes superfoods like broccoli, kale and cabbage. Using this herb regularly reduces chronic inflammation in the body.
Arugula has a high level of chlorophyll, a pigment that gives it a green vibrant color and prevents DNA and liver damage.
How to use it
The main thing to remember about keeping the freshness of Arugula is that whether home grown or store bought, ensure you make use of it in two days after cutting and keep it in a cool and moist place. Arugula is a delicious and aromatic salad. It can be eaten alone or spiced with dressing.
If you want the true taste of the Mediterranean, mix it with other herbs. Mediterranean salad with arugula, garlic, butter, tomatoes, olive oil and sea salt is the best choice. For gourmet, try salad with arugula, parmesan, olive oil and vinegar.
Special tip
You should store Arugula away from apples, bananas and other fruit so that it does not get dark spots on leaves - a sure sign that it has started to rot!
7. Sage
Plant profile
Sage is a perennial plant that can grow from 50 to 90cm tall. Its name is derived from Latin “salvare” meaning “to save” which explains why it’s seen as the most healthful herb on Earth.
With its silvery-green leaves and bluish-purple flowers that are rich in nectar, Sage is adored by pollinators like bees.
It has a strong branched root. In nature, flowering begins in May and lasts until the end of July. Sage can tolerate your careless watering - just try to remember to water it every week or two and it will revive as if nothing happened!
Indoor gardening enthusiasts should grow Sage in mid-size containers, from the cutting or seed, in well-drained soil and near a Sunny window. This herb is highly economical, as just one pinch of it will make your meal or hot tea extraordinary tasty and aromatic!
Cool facts
Known as the Queen of Herbs, Sage was famous in ancient Greece and was credited for stimulating longevity and intelligence. Sage is also seen as an aggressive medicinal plant because of its strong ingredients and essential oils.
In France, sometime in the 17th century, when plague raged, it happened that people who were dying of the plague were robbed again and again. But how could anyone steal a patient's house without getting infected?
Finally, when the thieves were caught, police offered them immunity if they revealed the secret of how on Earth they stayed protected from plague all this time.
To their surprise, they discovered that they had used a preparation that included 60% sage mixed with thyme, rosemary, and lavender in a liter of vinegar. They made such a strong antiseptic tonic to put on their masks and whole body before robbing. They never got the plague.
This recipe has sustained even today, found anywhere from luxury stores in France to Amazon, and is called “Four thieves oil”.
How to use it
The main medicinal ingredient of sage leaf is the essential oil, which has from 1.5% to 2.5% in one plant.
Sage tea is home remedy for sore throat - gargle it to disinfect throat and mouth when inflammation occur.
There’s this thing called Sage vine which acts as herbal probiotic - It takes 1l of white wine, 100g of sage and two tablespoons of honey to make it. All ingredients are mixed in a sealed container and stirred occasionally for 10 days.
Finally, process it and drink a glass of this potion daily.
Special tip
Use Sage with caution - too much of it could have adverse health effects.
Still not confident about your gardening skills?
Indoor herbs don’t have just nutritional or health benefits - they are a subject of amazing stories about our history, customs and traditions.
To wrap it up, for the majority of the plants mentioned, you’ll need temperature from 20-30 degrees celsius, well drained, moist soil and a sunny place in your apartment. Meeting those needs could be quite hard during gloomy autumn and winter days, but that doesn’t mean that the only solution left are pre-packed, flavorless herbs from the local supermarket.
With UrbiGo, indoor herb gardening is effortless, automated, and possible year round! What’s best is that you don’t have to be a professional gardener to enjoy the full flavor of your favorite aromatic herbs!
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