There are many speculations surrounding the origins of the tonic, making it near impossible to determine what truly occurred. However, despite the uncertainty of the tale, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide still make and use the Four Thieves tonic, and swear by its effectiveness.

During the great plague of London, in the year 1066, four thieves plundered the homes of the dead and the dying, confident that they would not contract the deadly disease. Upon their eventual capture and conviction, the four thieves offered to reveal their secret of evading the virus in exchange for their freedom.

According to this particular rendition of the tale, the thieves had carried about their possessions a sponge soaked in a vinegar solution, spiced with herbs and other natural ingredients. Soon after, apothecaries announced the latest curative of the plague, called “Four Thieves Vinegar.” The tonic remained on the market, even long after the plague’s disappearance.

Although this tale has likely become skewed – as has the original recipe – the Four Thieves Tonic, also know as the master tonic, is still widely used as a treatment for viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic conditions. Some even regularly use the tonic to strengthen the immune system during cold and flu seasons.

The following recipe was obtained from Earth. We Are One.