Four thieves vinegar is a mix of vinegar with herbs, spices, or garlic, believed to have protected people from the Great Plague in medieval times. Herbal vinegar infusions have been used for various ailments since Hippocrates’ era. This mosquito repellent recipe skips the vinegar and offers a quicker version of the classic four thieves infusion, effectively repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.

The herbs in the four thieves infusion can vary. Modern versions often include sage, lavender, thyme, rosemary, cloves, rue, mint, and wormwood. Despite its name, the infusion doesn’t have to be limited to just four herbs.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons each of dried mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, and thyme
– 3-4 cloves
– 8 oz of boiling water
– A teapot or French press
– 8 oz of witch hazel
– A glass spray bottle

Steep the Herbs:
Add the dried herbs and cloves to a French press or teapot, then pour in the boiling water. Make sure the container has a lid to keep the steam inside, preserving the herbs’ volatile oils. Let it steep until the tea cools to room temperature, then strain it. A French press makes straining easier.

Make the Spray:
Mix equal parts witch hazel and the herbal infusion. If you have an eight-ounce spray bottle, you’ll use half of the tea. Pour the tea and witch hazel into the spray bottle, attach the top, and give it a gentle shake.

If you prefer using essential oils instead of dried herbs, use about 10-15 drops of each essential oil from the “four thieves” list. Fresh herbs can also be used, but you’ll need three times the amount compared to dried herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How to Use:
Spray the herbal mosquito repellent generously on your skin before going outdoors. It will keep mosquitoes, flies, and gnats at bay. This bug repellent is safe, free from harmful chemicals like DEET, and unlikely to cause adverse reactions. Plus, it smells great!