Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

General Health Tonic

Posted by Roz (Calgary, Canada) on 10/13/2008
★★★★★

My grandfather is 93 and has used Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with raw honey and aloe vera everyday for 30 years. He has survived Colon Cancer and Throat cancer. Until the past 2 years he has been healthy as an ox. Warning: A recent side effect has been stomach bleeding which his doctors attribute to ACV.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Betty (Plant City, Florida) on 10/11/2008
★★★★★

Raw organic apple cider vinegar has helped me so much, I feel like a vinegar evangelist!! I tell everyone about it. I heard about it in 2003 after having been in the hospital for chronic broncitis three times that year and had develped asthma, was on a nebulizer and inhalers. I have always had allergies.

After I started the raw vinegar mixed with raw honey - I have been drinking 1/4 cup mixed with a glass of water at night.- I have lost 55 pounds, which I learned was due to the vinegar daily - have not had bronchitis or asthma and have quit taking acid reflex meds, lung meds, singular for asthma, don't need the nebulizer or inhalers. I also quit taking nexium and just learned it is also good for leg cramps. I am a much healther person. I take mine at night, but think I will try taking smaller doses three times a day. Even my lung doctor agreed ACV was good for your lungs. He said his Mother raised them on it for sore throats and colds. Too bad the drug companies don't agree. Thanks for your site

Warts

Posted by Tone (Los Angeles, CA) on 10/10/2008
★★★★★

I have had warts on my right hand for years. I tried treating them with commercial products, and they would work for a while, but the warts would always come back (and invite a few more to join them!). I stumbled upon ACV as a natural way to treat warts and decided to try it. The first attempt on my thumb was a learning experience...I put too much on and it lifted all of the skin off and made it raw and sore. After that, I kept the cotton and ACV only on the wart area with a bandaid, and it has worked incredibly well. After a couple of days the wart will turn black, then die away. It's a miracle considering how many years and the amount of money that I spent trying to rid myself of them.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Rebecca (Aberdeen, Washington) on 10/09/2008
★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar all but eliminated swelling and pain. I am 58 and have been in good shape most of my life but had a low back injury over 3 years ago and have had severe pain and stiffness which has sent me to doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists and even a rolfer for 15 sessions! All of these helped but very temporarily. I have also been doing yoga and exercises from a book called Relaxercise (excellent by the way) which have also helped but only somewhat. I had been getting worse within the past few months and had develped knee, foot and hand pain along with swelling of these areas especially one ankle and foot which was twice the normal size. It hurt to walk or wear any type of shoe. My husband is an RN who looked at my swollen ankle and foot and told me it almost looked like gouty arthritis. This comment prompted me to research the subject and I found a blog of 100's of people all of who had been using ACV and all but 1 person rated the treatment 5 stars. I immediately went to a health food store and bought the organic, unfiltered ACV and started by taking 3 tablespoons in a large glass of water sweetened with organic raw honey. Following the first dose the night before, I woke to find the swelling reduced to about 1/4 of what it had been and the pain nearly gone. The stuff works like a miracle! I have continued to take it every day but have cut down the dose to 2 tablespoons 2-3 times per day in the same amount of water with honey. I have only a twinge of pain and 1 spot of swelling about the size of a quarter remaining on my ankle. Amazingly, my low back has less pain and more mobility than what I have ever had since the injury over 3 years ago. All this and I have only discovered this treatment less than 1 week ago! Amazing!!

Broad Benefits

Posted by Bob (Boston, Ma) on 10/05/2008
★★★★★

I ended up on your site looking for a cure for shingles. I found it and it involved among other things Apple cider vinegar to be ingested and a mix of Aloe vera and crushed cayenne pepper rubbed on the redness which almost instantly brought the blisters to a head. I was done with shingles in about a week. Because of all the testimonials here, I decided to keep on taking the ACV orally 3 times a day. In liquid form or capsules. I realized that my flow of urine got stronger and started to last much longer. I had prostate problems for a few years and I was taking every day some very expensive herbal tea that was working somewhat. I decided to stop the herbal tea and stay on the ACV only. I now pee like a 15 years old and I'm not on any medication. ACV also cured me of my insomnia! Thank you Earth Clinic for such a great site.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Bob (Boston, Ma) on 10/05/2008
★★★★★

Hair Conditioner

Posted by Marcie (Dallas, TX, USA) on 09/27/2008

i am anxious to try using ACV as a rinse for my hair to see if it can help with hair loss. will the ACV lighten the hair at all? i have very dark brown hair that i LOVE ( my natural hair color) and am afraid that the ACV will make it lighter. i plan to use it about 3 times a week as a rinse after the shampoo part and use a conditoner on top of that.

can anybody tell me if it's safe for me to use? i DON'T want to bring out highlights or anything i just want to keep my color as is.

thanks in advance!!

Broad Benefits

Posted by San D (Pasadena, CA) on 09/25/2008
★★★★★

Before ACV, I suffered from being over weight and acne prone skin. I discovered ACV from a good read and decided to give it a try due to its many benefits. I drink a tspn before each meal (except breakfast). The results are wonderful! My energy level went up, and I also lost weight. It wasn't an overnight success, but it worked! Just recently my husband suggested I put some on a cotton ball and use it for a couple of flare ups I had. And that was last week. Today, I can stand here and honestly say, my pores shrunk and my face is glowing. Needless to say, I've used it as a toner. I've never felt so confident.

Acid Reflux

Posted by Judy (Pardes Hanna, Israel) on 09/21/2008
★★★★★

I started using stronger and stronger medicines for acid reflux and wanted to try something else. Looking in your site, I got some apple cider vinegar. I take less than a teaspoonful in a large glass of water, twice a day, and have stopped using any medicine. Thank you so much.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Alice (New Fairfield, Connecticut) on 09/11/2008
★★★★★

Some friends recently joked that I should put Apple Cider Vinegar in a spray bottle and keep it with me at all times since I am recommending it to everbody for everything! (think windex and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding") Anyway, I always try to have 2 bottles in the house (1 for internal ingestion and one for topical uses) and I take 2 Tbsps (a shot glass full) every day. I personally prefer to take it this way as I feel it's not going to taste great no matter what I add it to so I just get it down and follow up with a water or juice chaser. I am recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a form of hypothyroidism, and I now realize that when I first started taking the ACV regularly I noticed a little change in my energy, digestion, and skintone. I stopped taking it a week before my physical and stopped taking it daily and my symptoms were a little worse. I have started taking Levothyroxine and am still waiting for it to kick in...it's only been a few weeks, but I am defintely going to continue ingesting the ACV . As far as ACV for other things, here are a few that I absolutely swear by:

1. bee stings - we had quite a few this summer, my 7 year old's hand swelled up incredibly where it was stung and as soon as I applied a cottonball soaked in ACV the spot immediately deflated and she pain stopped after a few minutes. Hours later there was almost no sign of the sting.

2. Herpes cold sores - My husband and both my daughters have gotten them and at the first sign it's coming on I apply an ACV soaked cottonball and hold it on for a couple of minutes. Since the first time I tried this it has worked every time! The cold sores never ever broke out. Also important to note that I read on this site how diet sodas can bring on Herpes cold sores and I told my husband about it. The last 3 times he drank diet soda he felt a breakout coming on which I stopped dead it it's tracks with the ACV. He is finally convinced not to drink diet soda and that the ACV really works.

3. Triglycerides - Not an issue for me but a friend researched ACV for that purpose and her husband started taking it a couple of months before his next doctors appt. She said his levels did drop quite a bit although not enough to avoid medication, but it did seem to work. Maybe if continued his levels could drop more?

4. pimples - Not a problem for me but occasionally I get one and the ACV clears it up. These are the main uses of ACV for our family but I'm sure I will find more...I am a devoted user!

Diabetes

Posted by Faith (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) on 09/09/2008
★★★★★

I must say when I heard about Apple Cider Vinegar I was curious. I went out the same day and purchased a bottle. I'm a type 2 diabetic and I must say that I feel a lot better since taking it, my monthly cycle has changed to a more normal cyle. It used to be very heavy the first two days...no more.

I also started the pulling oil...that too is great. My mouth feels so clean all day. Just started it so I haven't really seen anything major, but I will report back. Thanks Earthclinic.

EC: Read more about apple cider vinegar and diabetes here.

Blood Sugar

Posted by Pat (Ballwin, MO) on 09/05/2008
★★★★★

I found this article on RealAge (www.realage.com//ct/tips/2655) about ACV and wanted to share.

Vinegar Delight

Research suggests that a little bit of vinegar could have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels.

In a study, ingesting a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before a high-carbohydrate meal was found to help dampen expected spikes in blood sugar levels from the meal.

For a bit of vinegar's benefit, try starting off your next pasta meal with a salad splashed with red wine vinegar and olive oil.

Vinegar is no substitute for healthy eating habits or for proven methods of blood sugar control. The beneficial effects of vinegar on blood sugar levels may not apply to healthy individuals, and more research is needed to confirm its potential benefits for other populations.

In a recent study, ingesting 20 grams (approximately 2 tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar before eating a high-carbohydrate meal improved insulin resistance.

Study participants who experienced the blood sugar control benefits from vinegar were either diabetic or had insulin resistance syndrome. They followed the 20 grams of apple cider vinegar with a high-carbohydrate meal consisting of a white bagel, butter, and orange juice.

After the high-carbohydrate meal, the acetic acid from the earlier serving of vinegar appeared to reduce blood sugar levels by 19 percent in people with diabetes and by 34 percent in people with insulin resistance.

Acetic acid may help lower blood sugar levels by suppressing enzymes required to break down sugars, resulting in slower absorption.

The best way to keep blood sugar levels steady is to eat a balanced diet, eat at regular intervals, and engage in a moderately strenuous program of physical activity. If you have diabetes or insulin resistance syndrome, follow your healthcare provider's advice.

Acid Reflux

Posted by Debbie (Waverly, United States) on 09/03/2008
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar has been a miracle for my mother. She has been suffering terribly from acid reflux and it was so bad the other night she felt like she could not breath. She has tried every medication over the counter and prescription and nothing has worked. She was desperate, so I thought I would look up some natural cures and found this site. I called her right away and told her about the apple cider vinegar. She tried it right away and she could not believe it. She said immediatley her throat felt better and she slept all night for the first time in weeks. She took it agian today and said she still feels great. She said she has not even taken a pill today. She used 8oz of water and a Tb. Apple cider Vinegar and a pinch of baking soda. Thanks for this site. Its a life saver. Debbie

Libido

Posted by Michael (Clarksville, Indiana) on 09/03/2008
★★★★★

I have started taking Apple Cider Vinegar two days ago...And I am having a side effect that no one else so far has reported. My sex drive has doubled. As well as my energy has went through the roof. No weight yet but have only been taking it for a couple of days...Will update later...

Iodine Depletion

Posted by Sean (Toronto, Canada) on 08/18/2008

Just came to know that my itching was due to another problem. An insect bite. Just wanted to post this clarification. I am very happy with ACV and Honey drink and no complaints. Thanks!

Broad Benefits

Posted by Bret (Orlando, FL) on 08/15/2008
★★★★★

Grandma's been telling us to use ACV for EVERYTHING that ales us for years. She's 93 and has not seemed to age for the 20 years. She even recently fell and broke her nose. What did she do even before going to the hospital? Rubbed ACV on her face. That still seems excessive to me but my history with ACV tells me there is knowledge in that old lady.

I ran into a very old man at a yard sale who helped me carry a porch bench to my car. I told him I was very impressed with his energy. He made me watch him do some ankle kicks. I can't even do that. He was 86. Whats he contribute it to? ACV.

Before my esophogus issues, which I am now treating with ACV thanks to your site, I tried ACV on an unsightly mole by my pelvis. Taped a soaked cotton ball to it nightly. Got a bit worried when it appeared to grow, get darker and more coarse. But then it flicked right off by the third day! Gone for 9 months now. But I have to cred my brother with that idea since he once showed me some absolutely frightening genital warts he had. He called me weeks later to say they were gone after soaking them by paper towel over night with ACV in about 1 week! And that was after several doctor visits that would not remedy.

Well, hope it clears up my acid reflux now. But after what I know, and the continual testimony from fam and those willing to share on this site, I'd be a fool to not partake daily. I'm on it. Hint: hold your nose while taking it - even before you let go wash it down with juice or something and completely clear out your mouth if the taste is too strong.

Sinus Infections and Sinusitis

Posted by Jean (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 08/14/2008
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar has cured my chronic sinus infection.

About 4 years ago a root-canal on an upper back tooth developed an abcess that drained into my sinus. For two years I had a chronic sinus infection on that side and it seemed as though I would never be able to breath through my nose again! Anti-histamines, antibiotics, nasal sprays & saline rinses would knock down the pain and swelling temporarily, but nothing worked permanently until I found this site and started using ACV & baking soda. I used 2 TBS ACV and 1/4 tsp baking soda morning and night in small glasses of fruit juice. Put the ACV in the glass first, then the Baking soda (it will foam up and then subside) then fill with fruit juice.

Almost immediately the sinus started to drain and I can't describe the yucky blod filled mucous that came out at first. Gradually, the discharge became clear and now I feel "normal" for the first time in years. I can even smell the roses again!

GERD

Posted by Maggie (Brick, New Jersey) on 08/13/2008
★★★★★

I have suffered with GERD with a year. I could not eat tomato sauce, choclate, soda or fried foods (basically 90% of my diet :). I also could not lie flat in bed. The pain was constant, no matter what I ate, how I ate, when etc. I was put on the typial meds which either did nothing or made the pain worse. I was eating antacids like tic tacs. I asked the MD why I developed GERD as I have no risk factors for it and was unsatisifed with the answer of "it just happens". As a nurse, I need to know the reason why. The pain had to stop. I was not going to go through this the rest of my life. I came across your web-site and thank you and Thank God!! I used the regular ACV and it worked a little. My sister in law talked me into trying the organic ACV with the enzymes and I have used it for two weeks AND HAVE HAD NO PAIN!! I am back to eating whatever I want. I realized I felt better when I had raviloi for lunch followed by pizza for dinner and NOTHING HAPPENED! Previously, I would have been in pain for hours and eating meds and not able to lie down. I still get pain in my stomach if I'm stressed out, combined with bad food, and I rely on an OTC med that works, now one pill is all I need. But I have gone to eating meds to taking nothing!! I checked with my MD first who could neither recommend or dissuade me from using it, but he had no problems with me using it and basically said "knock yourself out". Thank you for being there for us who suffer and I wish someone would do a study on this so that others could be pain free as well.I can also sleep flat again, and on my back, with no pain. I take a tblsp in the morning in 12-16 oz water (be sure to shake the bottle) and again at night before bed. I feel great otherwise as well. It's like my stomach is happy!! Thank you thank you thank you.