During the plague, thieves used to rob dead people and no one knew why they did not get sick. The answer was extracted from them by force when captured. I have prepared this blend recently.
The "Thieves" mixture can also be made by steeping herbs in vinegar.
Here is one recipe, posted by herbalist Elizabeth Kastner on Chet Day's website.
Vinegar of Four Thieves
Use equal parts of the following herbs:
· lavender
· sage
· rosemary
· thyme
· melissa (lemon balm)
· hyssop
· peppermint
· and a handful of garlic cloves
Blend in a glass jar and cover completely with organic apple cider vinegar; cold infuse for six weeks; strain off herbs and garlic. Use as a topical spray to disinfect surfaces -- including skin -- and take as a tincture. All of these ingredients are either potent antibacterials or antivirals!
A good website for herbs and their uses is:
http://www.superbherbs.net/index.htm
Hyssop, rosemary, oregano, melissa and peppermint grow very well in dry climates.