Among today’s promoters of good health, apple cider vinegar is often favored above all others. There are reasons. Fermented apples are rich in pectin, a type of fiber that’s excellent for digestion. Apples also contain malic acid, which combines with magnesium in your body to help fight aches and pains. As tart-tasting as an unripe apple, vinegar is the bane of bacteria, the foe of fungi, the solution to jellyfish stings, and the soother of sunburns. Used right, it can settle your stomach, stave off swimmer’s ear, make hair more lustrous and skin softer. Some people swear that vinegar mixed with honey and warm water can take the pain out of leg cramps. Others use vinegar to dry up cold sores. And should someone faint, vinegar is a handy alternative to smelling salts. How can such a sourpuss do so much good work?
Natural Treatments with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
- Effective Dandruff Treatment: ACV, which kills a variety of fungi and bacteria, is frequently recommended as a home remedy for dandruff. Dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool in shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.
- Leucoderma: A paste made from vinegar and the seeds of the radish is valuable in treating leucoderma. About 35 grams of these seeds should be powdered in vinegar and applied on the white patches. For better results, seeds should be finely pounded, mixed with a little white arsenic and soaked in vinegar at night.
- Body Detoxification: Mix 1 teaspoon of it and 1 teaspoon of honey into a glass of clean water, and drink it every day. This concoction will help alkalinize your body.
- Hydrotherapy For Vaginitis: Add several cups of organic ACV to your bath, and soak for fifteen to thirty minutes. Allow the water to flow into your vagina.
- Cure Athlete’s Foot: Apply a paste of ACV and crushed garlic cloves directly to area three times daily for one week.
- Treat Colds: Drink 1/4-cup ACV. One clove crushed garlic and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper sweetened to taste every morning for 3 days.
- Flatulence: Mix a dash of anise powder with a tablespoon of ACV and take before each meal.
- Thwart a Sore Throat: Another old remedy calls for mixing equal amounts of honey and apple cider vinegar (try 2 teaspoons of each) in a cup of hot water. Take frequent small sips of this mixture to ease sore throat pain.
- Cold and Flues: This is another of my favorite remedies that is effective, easy to make, and tasty, but not for the weak of heart. Make a batch before the cold season starts. Combine 1 quart apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup grated fresh horseradish, 1 onion chopped, 1 head of garlic (peeled and chopped), 2 tablespoons powdered turmeric, and a pinch or two of cayenne. Cover and let sit in a warm place for 3 – 4 weeks. Strain the mixture, add 1 cup honey, and rebottle. Refrigerate. Take 1–2 tablespoons at the first sign of a cold and continue throughout the day (approximately every 2–3 hours) until the symptoms subside.
- Sore Throat Gargle: This is one of the best gargle for sore throats and laryngitis. Combine 1 cup ACV, 1 cup strong sage tea (triple strength), 2–3 tablespoons salt and pinch of cayenne. Shake to mix. Gargle with this mixture frequently throughout the day.
- Cough: For a tickle cough try equal parts of honey and apple cider vinegar. When it strikes, let a small amount sit and slowly melt in your mouth.
- Hiccups: Apple cider vinegar is very useful in the treatment of hiccups. Put a few drops onto a cube of sugar and slowly let it dissolve in your mouth.
- Soothe Heartburn: The next time that you have heartburn due to indigestion problems, take 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and follow with a glass of water and be amazed.
- Control High Cholesterol: Early in the morning, drink 1 cup of hot water into which you add 1 teaspoon of honey. This will help to “scrape” fat from your system and reduce cholesterol. Adding 10 drops of ACV will make the drink more effective. This drink helps to reduce cholesterol, maintains vasodilation, and helps to regulate blood pressure.
- Dry Mouth: To stimulate saliva flow, squeeze in some lime or lemon juice or add one-half teaspoon apple cider vinegar.
- Indigestion: Try drinking 1 teaspoon of ACV mixed with a half-cup of water, especially if you’d overindulged in a large meal. It will help you digest the food if you don’t have enough acid in your stomach. Add a little honey to sweeten the taste.
- Insect and Spider Bites: As soon as you have the stinger out, soak the area in ACV for a few minutes. Dip a cotton ball in vinegar and tape it to the sting site. It will help relieve redness and swelling.
- Jock Itch Relief: ACV is a useful remedy for jock itch. Vinegar is acidic, and fungi cannot thrive in an acidic environment. Using a fresh cotton ball, apply vinegar to the jock itch once a day.
- Get Rid Of Acne: Pour 1/2 water and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a small, clean bowl. Stir to combine. With a cotton swab or cotton ball, dab the diluted vinegar on each blemish. Use one swab or ball per blemish to keep infection from spreading. The application may briefly sting, but that should soon stop. Apply nightly for best results. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is an antiseptic and helps regulate skin acidity.
- Swimmer’s Ear: Dilute a small amount of ACV with an equal amount of distilled water and use 1 drop in each ear after you swim or shower. The vinegar is good for preventing bacterial and fungal infections as well as clearing them up.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Bath: This helps relieve sore muscles, itchy skin, and sunburn. Vinegar helps draw pollutants out of the body. It is an acid medium and contains alpha hydroxy acids. It is also mildly antiseptic, antifungal, and naturally deodorizing. You can even infuse therapeutic herbs – such as calendula, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, spearmint, rose petals, sage, and scented geraniums – into the vinegar to make an herbal vinegar. Add 1/4 cup (8 g) herbs to 1 cup (235 ml) vinegar and let steep two weeks to a month. Strain the herbs out before using and rebottle the vinegar.
- Alleviate Arthritis Pain: To make your own liniment (a tincture applied to the skin) for topical use to alleviate arthritis pain, steep 1 tablespoon (5 g) cayenne pepper in 1 pint (475 ml) of apple cider vinegar for two weeks, shaking daily. Strain. Apply gently to the skin but wash your hands afterward and avoid getting it close to your eyes, which would sting.
- Hemorrhoids: Bleeding hemorrhoids will stop if you take 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water at every meal.
- Fight Body Odor: Place 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 6 drops lavender essential oil in a small, clean spray bottle, cap, and shake. Spritz on underarms after a shower or bath. It lowers the pH level of the skin, discouraging bacteria that turn body sweat into body odor. Lavender discourages bacterial growth and adds a scentual lift. This is a refreshing spray of this underarm elixir has post shower power.
- Cools The Sunburn: After excess sun exposure, take a cool shower or soak in a tepid bath to which you have added 1 cup (235 ml) of alkalinizing apple cider vinegar.
- Bring Boils To Head: Mix red clay with enough ACV to make a thick paste and apply directly to the affected area. Leave it on until it dries. This helps to dry the boil and draw toxins to the surface. Do this several times a day.
- Ant Bites: You can treat ant bites topically with ACV (or a paste of baking soda and apple cider vinegar). It will help neutralize any venom and dry up the itching and stinging chemicals left by the ants.
- Mosquito Bites: Wash the bitten area and apply three to five drops essential oil of lavender or some apple cider vinegar. Apply ice. Other helpful things to apply topically include mud, plantain leaf poultice, witch hazel, lemon juice, and baking soda mixed with enough ACV to make a paste and moistened with vitamin C powder.
- Stop Nosebleeds: When dealing with an acute situation, apply a cold water or vinegar compress of 2 teaspoons (10 ml) apple cider vinegar and 1 cup (235 ml) of cool water to the base of the neck and to the top of the nose to help constrict blood vessels. You can also drink 2 teaspoons (10 ml) ACV mixed with 1 cup (235 ml) of water for its astringent effect. Do this daily if bothered by frequent episodes of nosebleeds.
- Calm Morning Sickness: Sip 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (10 ml) and honey (13 g) in a cup (235 ml) of warm water. If you do experience vomiting, be sure to consume adequate fluids to prevent dehydration, preferably in small sips between meals which is easier to keep down.
- Lower the High Blood Pressure: Mix 2 teaspoons (10 ml) ACV and 1 cup (235 ml) water or pomegranate juice. Drink the tonic once a day. ACV, an apple product, contains flavonoids. Apple cider vinegar has been used as a tonic for blood pressure and other ailments for centuries.
Warning: Check with your doctor before using apple cider vinegar. Large doses of it over a long period of time can burn the mouth and throat or erode tooth enamel; it may also counteract medications for heart and kidney disease.
FAQs.
Q. What is apple cider vinegar and what are its uses?
It is a type of vinegar made from fermented apples. It has a pale to medium amber color and a distinctively sour taste. ACV is often used as a condiment, ingredient in salad dressings and marinades, or as a natural preservative. It is also known to have many health benefits, such as aiding in weight loss, improving digestion, reducing cholesterol, and boosting immunity. ACV is also a popular home remedy for skin and hair care, as well as for treating colds, sore throats, and other illnesses.
Q. What is the main benefit of apple cider vinegar?
The main benefit is its potential to improve overall health. It has been linked to a variety of health benefits, such as aiding in weight loss, lowering cholesterol, reducing blood sugar levels, improving digestion, and fighting infections.
Q. What are the 10 benefits of apple cider vinegar?
- Aids in Weight Loss: It may help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite and increasing the feeling of fullness.
- Reduces Blood Sugar Levels: It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
- Improves Digestion: It may help improve digestion by increasing stomach acid production and reducing symptoms of acid reflux.
- Lowers Cholesterol: Studies have found that taking it daily can help reduce cholesterol levels.
- Lowers Blood Pressure: Studies have found that consuming it can help reduce both systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) blood pressure.
- May Help Prevent Cancer: It may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
- Fights Bacteria: It has antibacterial properties that may help fight certain types of bacteria.
- Reduces Acne: May help reduce acne and other skin conditions.
- Improves Hair Health: It has been found to help improve hair health, including reducing dandruff.
- Detoxify the Body: It has detoxifying properties that may help remove toxins from the body.
Q. How Apple cider vinegar good for health?
It is a popular health food with many purported benefits. It contains acetic acid, which may have various health benefits. For example, it may help with weight loss, blood sugar control, reducing cholesterol, and fighting bacterial and fungal infections. It may also help improve the health of your skin and hair.
Q. What happens if I drink apple cider vinegar every day?
Drinking it every day may have some health benefits, such as helping to regulate blood sugar levels, aiding digestion, and boosting the immune system. However, it can also have some side effects, such as lowered potassium levels and increased risk of dental erosion. It is important to talk to your doctor before adding apple cider vinegar to your daily routine.
Q. How often should I take Apple cider vinegar?
It is generally recommended to take one to two teaspoons mixed with water or in a salad dressing at least once a day. However, it is important to note that consuming too much can cause side effects such as lowered potassium levels, lower bone density, and potential damage to tooth enamel.
Q. How to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning?
- Dilute one tablespoon in 8 ounces of water.
- Add a teaspoon of honey and freshly-squeezed lemon juice for added flavor.
- Drink the mixture first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach.
- Follow with a glass of warm water to help the body flush out toxins and reduce the acidity of the vinegar.
Q. How much apple cider vinegar should I drink in the morning?
It is recommended to start with 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water. You can increase this to 1 tablespoon if desired, but it is important to start with a lower dosage and gradually increase it.
Q. Can Apple cider vinegar detox your body?
It is a popular home remedy for a variety of health problems, including detoxification. It is believed to help flush toxins from the body, improve digestion, and increase energy levels. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Furthermore, drinking too much can be dangerous and could cause serious health problems. Therefore, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional before attempting any type of detoxification with apple cider vinegar.
Q. Do Apple cider vinegar gummies burn belly fat?
No, these gummies do not burn belly fat. It may help reduce appetite, but there is no evidence that it can directly burn belly fat. To reduce belly fat, you should focus on making healthy dietary and lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. Apple cider vinegar gummies are a relatively new product that has been gaining popularity among health enthusiasts. They are small, chewable gummies that contain a concentrated form of apple cider vinegar, which is known for its health benefits such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. The gummies are often flavored with natural fruit extracts and can be enjoyed as a convenient and tasty way to get the benefits of apple cider vinegar without having to drink it.
Q. Does apple cider vinegar burn belly fat?
It does not directly burn belly fat. However, it may help with weight loss in other ways, such as by increasing satiety, decreasing the absorption of carbohydrates, and acting as a prebiotic to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Q. How long does Apple cider vinegar take to reduce belly fat?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone’s body is different. Apple cider vinegar is thought to help with weight loss by helping to reduce appetite, reduce fat storage, and improve digestion, but it is not a miracle cure. As with any diet or exercise plan, it is important to be patient and consistent in order to see results.
Q. Does Apple cider vinegar affect the body’s pH?
Yes, it can affect the body’s pH. It is believed to have an alkalizing effect on the body, meaning it can help to balance the body’s pH levels. However, more research is needed to definitively prove this.
Q. What are the Apple cider vinegar risks and side effects?
It is generally safe to consume, but it can cause some side effects in some people. It is important to note that it should be consumed in moderation, as too much can lead to more serious side effects, such as increased risk of bone fractures, low blood pressure, and interactions with certain medications. It is also important to note that it should never be consumed in its undiluted form, as it can cause stomach and throat irritation. Common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Throat burn
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Low potassium levels
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Blood sugar fluctuations
- Interactions with certain medications
Q. Can Apple cider vinegar change the color of your urine?
No, it will not change the color of your urine. The color of your urine is determined by the concentration of waste products in your body, the amount of water you drink, the foods you eat, and certain medications you take.
Q. How do I use Apple cider vinegar for the skin?
- Make a toner. Mix 1 part with 2 parts water. Apply the mixture to your face with a cotton ball or pad, then rinse with cool water.
- Treat acne. Combine equal parts it with water. Apply this to the affected area with a cotton ball, and leave it on for up to an hour. Rinse with cool water.
- Soothe sunburn. Combine 1 cup with 4 cups of water. Apply this mixture to the skin with a cloth or spray bottle. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
- Reduce age spots. Combine 1 tablespoon of it and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply this to the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
- Treat dandruff. Combine 1 part with 2 parts water. Apply this mixture to the scalp and massage it in. Leave it on for 15 minutes before shampooing.
Q. Is apple cider vinegar good for weight loss?
Yes, it can be beneficial for weight loss. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce appetite and can help to regulate blood sugar levels. However, it is important to remember that there is no universal weight loss solution, and any diet or exercise plan should be tailored to the individual.
Q. How to use apple cider vinegar for weight loss?
- Start your day with a tonic: Start your day with a morning tonic of 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of warm water with a squeeze of lemon and a bit of honey or stevia. This will help to kick-start your metabolism and provide you with some natural energy to start your day.
- Add it to your meals: It will provide added flavor to your meals and salads. Try adding a tablespoon to your smoothies for added texture and flavor.
- Drink it before meals: Consume a tablespoon with a glass of water before meals to help aid digestion and curb appetite. This will help to reduce your overall calorie intake.
- Make a detox drink: Combine a tablespoon of it with a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of honey. Drink this before bed to help flush out toxins and promote weight loss.
- Use it for salad dressings: Make a simple vinaigrette by combining apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use this as a dressing for your salads throughout the day.
Q. Is dry apple cider the same as liquid?
No, dry apple cider and liquid are not the same. Dry apple cider is a type of alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice.
Q. Who cannot drink Apple cider vinegar?
It is generally safe to consume, but it is not recommended for people with digestive issues such as gastritis or ulcers, as it can irritate the stomach lining. People who have low potassium levels or are taking diuretics should also avoid consuming it.
Q. How do you know if Apple cider vinegar is original?
It should look clear and have a distinct, acidic smell. It should also have a tart taste. If the vinegar looks cloudy, has a strong smell, or tastes overly sweet, it is likely not genuine.
Q. Can you drink Apple cider vinegar with milk?
No, it is not recommended to mix it with milk. Apple cider vinegar is acidic and could cause an adverse reaction when mixed with dairy.
Q. Which is better, rice vinegar or Apple cider vinegar?
That depends on what you plan to use it for. Rice vinegar is milder and sweeter than apple cider vinegar, so it is better for salads, marinades, and sauces. Apple cider vinegar is more acidic and has a stronger flavor, so it is better for pickling, cleaning, and health tonics.
Q. Can you eat cheese and Apple cider vinegar before bed?
It is not recommended to eat this combination before bed due to the high acidity of the vinegar and the potential for indigestion and heartburn that the combination of these two foods may cause.
Q. How do I make an Apple cider vinegar detox drink?
To make a detox drink, combine 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 8 ounces of warm water in a glass or mug. Stir until the honey is dissolved, then drink the mixture. You can drink this detox drink once or twice a day for best results.
Q. Can I drink Apple cider vinegar with normal water?
Yes, you can drink it with normal water. However, it is recommended to dilute it with water to reduce its acidity. Mix two tablespoons of it with 8 ounces of water and drink it.
Q. If I take Apple cider vinegar right before a meal, will it interfere with my body absorbing the protein from the meal right after working out?
There is no clear evidence that Apple cider vinegar will interfere with the absorption of protein from a meal. However, it is recommended to wait at least an hour after drinking the vinegar before eating your meal.
Q. Do Apple cider vinegar pills have the same effect as liquid?
No, pills do not have the same effect as liquid. The liquid form contains a variety of enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that are not found in the pill form. Additionally, the acidity of liquid form may be weakened in pill form, reducing its effectiveness.
Q. Can you use Apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar?
Yes, you can use it instead of balsamic vinegar. The flavor will be different, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients in the recipe to accommodate the difference in flavor.
Q. Does Apple cider vinegar make water alkaline?
No, it does not make water alkaline. It is acidic and will lower the pH of water.
Q. Is white vinegar as good as Apple cider vinegar?
No, both are not equal in terms of their health benefits. Apple cider vinegar contains beneficial enzymes and probiotics that can provide numerous health benefits, while white vinegar does not. White vinegar is often used for cleaning and cooking, while apple cider vinegar is often used for its medicinal benefits.
Q. How does apple cider vinegar become alkaline when it’s inside the body?
Apple cider vinegar is acidic in its natural form, with a pH level of 2-3. When it is consumed and digested, the acetic acid in the vinegar is metabolized, resulting in the production of alkaline byproducts like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These byproducts help to neutralize the acidic effects, raising the body’s overall pH level and creating an alkaline environment.