Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

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Posted by Cured (Ft Walton Beach, Florida) on 10/21/2009
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I stumbled upon this site looking for a cure for the flu. I am amazed and had never heard of the healing powers of ACV. I am now a believer and will tell anyone who will listen. My symptoms started out as allergies then went to a sinus infection then started feeling like the flu. This went on for over a month with the flu being the last straw to bring me to the internet to search for an alternative to OTC medicines. Within the first few hours my symptoms had reduced in severity, the first to break was the fever. I have continued the last two weeks various concoctions. One being 2T ACV to 4-6oz orange juice. I would take this as much as 3x a day. I also suffer from back pain where I was popping pain pills and muscle relaxers and ibuprofen on a regular basis. Most of this has gone on for almost 2 years--the last week I have hardly taken any of them. I don't know if it is the ACV but I will continue using daily. I have also read it helps with depression and can't wait to see if it helps with my occasional bouts. I have also tried 2T ACV in 6oz of warm water with honey to sweeten--wasn't too crazy about that. I tried it today with 2T ACV and 8oz room temp water with a straw and this actually wasn't too bad. I think that last concoction is something I could mix and put in the fridge so that I don't have to mix it every glass. I will try this out and others and post again my results.

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Posted by Natalie (London, Uk) on 10/05/2009
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Apple Cider Vinegar

I started using acv with organic honey two weeks ago, to stop unbearable menstrual migraine headaches, which also went on for nearly half of the month. I must say the headaches have improved but not gone completely, but the acv seems to have other effects, in one week several people remarked how "well " I look and glowing!!

I am concerned however, about the weight loss side of acv. I am slim and have noticed a little toning up which is fine but I do not want to lose any more weight at all

please give me advice on this as I want to stay at my present weight!

with many thanks
ps I tell many people about earth clinic!

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Posted by Ratgirldjh (Austin, Texas) on 09/27/2009
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i love ACV. my dad always drank it and so i've known about it forever. but being young and healthy i often didn't remember to drink it.

now that i'm older and not as healthy i've been using it again. when i first started i tried to drink a teaspoon in 8 ounces of water with or without the baking soda and found it gave me very bad gas at night! also my teeth would start to get sensitive even with the baking soda added.

so i found that if i would put a dropper full (about 1 teaspoon) in 32 ounces of water and drink it throughout the day and drink at least 2 teaspoons per day - followed by regular bottled water at night time that i didn't have any gas!

the first effects for me are usually that i feel cleaner 'down there'. i actually can feel this very quickly and i notice that my sweat dosen't smell as bad.

after taking it for a while i usually begin to notice that my libido is stronger! i am 49 and usually pretty disinterested in sex - so this always suprises me.

then i will begin to notice that my skin looks fresher! it also feels firmer.

finally, i take insulin for diabetes. when i drink this daily i begin to notice my blood sugar levels stabilizing and can usually lower my insulin dose.

try it! it really helps a lot of things! i also put a teaspoon in my pets drinking water.

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Posted by Haley (Greenville, Nc) on 09/26/2009
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I am diabetic and was overweight, blochy red skin, sun spots on my face, neck, chest, arms and legs. I read Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) was good to drink and put on skin. I bought some and began drinking 1 tablespoon three times a day and put it full strength on my body in the shower after bathing when I still had some water on me. I rubbed it all over including my face, neck whole body, arms, legs and feet. After a month I began to notice the sun spots were getting lighter, my skin was getting a more youthful look (I am 55 years old) and I had more energy. When I went to get my A1C checked, it was 5.4! My blood pressure was 113/63! My doctor was estatic and so was I. My skin now is clear and bright. I have LOTS of energy. I'm not tired anymore. All the sun spots are just about gone. My dark elbows and ankles are now a normal color. I am so happy. I have been getting so many compliments on my "glowing" complexion. My facial capillaries have just about disappeared. ACV to me is a miracle in itself.

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Posted by Hippiechick (Laurel, Md, United States) on 09/24/2009
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ACV has nearly cured my acne. I have acne since my 1st menstrual cycle in 6th grade. I'm 35-years old now. I have tried everything you can think of ... the only thing that has worked is Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

I am addicted to carbonated sodas! These cause huge blood sugar spikes. I noticed that my acne got worse when I ate high glycemic foods and when I drank sodas or ate cakes. From the research I did on Earth Clinic and from other places, I discovered ACV helps to control spikes in blood sugar. So, not only did I lower my consumption of these foods, but when I absolutely HAD TO HAVE a soda or a slice of chocolate cake, I took 2tbs of ACV diluted in about 6 ounces of cold water about 10-minutes before. Not only did it eliminate the breakouts already there, but it has prevented more from popping up. It smells awful and tastes even worse - but, for more than 20-years I have spent thousands of dollars to fix this unsightly problem and it's the only thing that has been worth anything! A huge bottle costs about $8.

As for weight loss ... the same reason it seems to work on acne, is likely why it seems to help with weight loss. We gain weight (especially around the middle) when we have an insulin response to the foods we eat (along with stress , etc.) Lower insulin response = lower stored fat. It also helps the digestive process and I don't feel like eating two pieces of cake after the ACV. All of these things contribute to ACVs weight loss prowess. It's better and cheaper than diets and diet pills. But, always try to maintain a good balanced diet, low in fat and at least walk for thirty minutes three times a week.

ACV also cured my hemorrhoids. I had such bad ones internal and external that I needed surgery. It was the worst pain i have ever experienced. (Don't do it!!!) But, after three months, they had not gone away. On Earth Clinic I learned that they could be remedied by applying ACV. I tried it and they shrank to almost nothing overnight! I just saturated a enough of a section of a gauze pad to cover my hemorrhoids and applied it directly on them for 30-minutes before bed. I was in so much pain after the surgery that I would cry all day and I stopped eating, just so I wouldn't have a bowel movement. The ACV was a miracle. I wish I had read Earth Clinic before I decided to go under the knife.

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Posted by Dianna (Mumbai, India) on 09/12/2009
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PERSONALLY I HAVE TRIED THE ACV REMEDIES FOR COLDS, COUGH, VOMITING, INDIGESTION, ACIDITY, HEADACHES, AND ALL OF THEM WORKED WELL.

THANKS PEOPLE FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS AND REMEDIES , BUT REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF THE AGE OF THE PERSON IS MENTIONED SO THAT ONE CAN GAUGE IF THE REMEDY WILL WORK FOR AN OLDER OR YOUNGER OR IN CASE OF CHILDREN.

EC: To our dear contributors: please weigh in with your valued opinions as to whether or not you think it would be a good idea if EC added an age field to our contact us/feedback form. It could be an optional field. This is the third time someone has requested one's age to be posted, so we need to pay attention here. Thank you!

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Posted by Justmeh (Sdney, Nsw Australia) on 09/11/2009
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I am the living witness on how Organic Apple Cider Vinegar helps much in our body. I suffered different ailments..and it always come to the doctor see the cure and take the medicines. But still it takes a while before the our body relieves. I use this internet to see what is best on my ailments. I found this Organic ACv. i try to use it last 2008. and until now it does really works with me. Every time i am not feeling well, I used 1 tbsp of acv diluted with a glass of water3x a day before meal. It does really works with me. Good advise try it and you will see the difference with your body!!heaps of people relieves thru this .Try now! Use straw to drink it!!

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Posted by Aja. (Canton, Oh.) on 08/28/2009
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i feel that apple cider vinegar is a cure-all. It cures everything from constipation to a urinary tract infection. I take a shot of it everyday and it helps me so much! I love it, the taste is strong, but its worth the help it does your body. ACV is good for everything, allergies & sinus problems. I love how much it has helped!

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Posted by Leah (Las Vegas, NV) on 07/25/2009
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I've been drinking ACV w/ maple syrup and cayenne for several months now after reading about it on Earth Clinic. It has helped me to control my sweet tooth, drop a few lbs., and completely healed the dry cracking skin on the back of my hands. If I miss a day of drinking it or when I feel thirsty, I actually feel a craving for it. I use 2 TB of ACV and maple syrup per 8 oz. of water and a few dashes of cayenne pepper.

Also, I haven't gotten sick once since I started drinking this great stuff. My entire household got colds a couple of months ago and I fully expected to get one too, but to my surprise, it skipped me!

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Posted by feeling.better (Vancouver, British Columbia CANADA) on 07/24/2009
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I started taking ACV just over two weeks ago, and after about 3 days my hay fever was almost completely gone and hasn't come back! It has been absolutely terrible this year since about May. I started out by using 2 tbsp. a day, just adding 1 tbsp. to a 160z water bottle. I found that worked well, and I've reduced it some days to just 1 tbsp. and I found it still to be just as effective. I also noticed almost immediately after I started taking the ACV that I have absolutely NO ODOR under my arms. I've always had to wear deodorant, so I was shocked when the second day I was taking the ACV and I forgot to put my deodorant on and I realized I didn't smell. It's wonderful! I haven't worn deodorant for 2 weeks now! Just to note, I always use a straw when drinking the ACV, to prevent my tooth enamel from wearing away.

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Posted by Susan (Big Sky Country, Montana) on 05/27/2009
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I have been waiting until the end of the school year to report on my success with organic ACV with the "mother". I have been a tutor in an elementary school for three years now. The first two years I caught everything imaginable...constant sore throats, horrendous coughs, runny noses, on and on all year....I truely was constantly fighting something. Last Fall before the start of the year I began to take 1/4 cup of ACV with tomato juice faithfully once a day. AMAZING....I have not so much as had a sniffle the entire year....no flu, no colds, no anything. I'm in my late 50's and until discovering ACV I believed I needed to quit a position with children that I loved!! This is good news in my world and what have you got to lose by trying it? I tell anyone who will listen about this simple natural "cure-all"....I'm living proof of it's benefits!!!!

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Posted by Kim (West Palm Beach, Fl, USA) on 05/26/2009
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Hello. This is a wonderful site. I have been reading about the many uses of apple cider vinegar and keep it handy. I know that it makes the body more alkaline as it should be, but it also abates inflammation in the body. For years I have had joint pains on and off (sickle cell trait), and last sunday had a flare up. During the night it was difficult for me to move in the bed because of my left knee. In the morning when I got up to get ready for church, I had about 3 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water, just before I went and took a shower. By the time I left for church my knee pain was gone. This stuff is great. My dad was also complaining of back and knee pains and I told him to start drinking ACV daily- he no longer complains. I have been using ACV and 3% percent peroxide (50/50)with occasional tea tree oil for a fungus of my big toe nail- it is clearing up nicely. Thanks earth clinic.

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Posted by Jon (Birmingham, Alabama) on 05/07/2009
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I am a wellness coach and I tell everybody about the healing benefits of ACV. Many people have tried it with great results. One thing is that everyone is different. Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural detoxifier. I know first hand it cured my skin condition taking 2 teaspoons in 10 ounces of water twice a day. I have experienced all the similar benefits that everyone else has. I had an overactive liver and now I don't!! That is the most impressive benefit for me! Why, because I was toxic and it did take a while, but by continuing to use it I experienced the full benefit I could. No more sever cold or Flu.I hardly ever feel bad. ACV balances out the ph in your body and when that is balanced your body begins it's natural processes for healing itself. Like anything else it is not really the best tasting tonic but it doesn't follow with the label.

Side Effects, could fall asleep, could feel extreme pain, you may feel lost or suddenly confused, so far to date the worst side effect I have heard is if you are extremely toxic, you could experience a major breakout in your skin. So always start out with a low dosage and work up to the recommended dose as your body can handle.I have seen people get rid of shingles, lower there blood pressure,get rid of mild to severe acne, blood sugars balance out in diabetics, prostate problems go away, finger nails grew stronger, taste become more enhanced, wartz gone, athletes foot gone, stomach ulcers dissipate, cleans out your colon, helps prevent edema, more and more.I would only recommend talking with your doctor first if you are taking medications. Do some research on your issues and if taking ACV in some way shape or form could help you. Another thing is your kidneys filter 200 quarts of blood in 24 hours.The kidney play major roles in blood pressure and supports the health of many other organs.So when your urinating a bunch, you generally are doing something right. I hope I helped inform some people on how the body works and how ACV help aid the body.

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Posted by Shel (Eugene, OR) on 04/17/2009
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I wrote previously to say how impressed I was with oil-pulling. Now I want to sing the praises of ACV. I'm a type O (blood), have never liked sour things and have always avoided vinegar. I recently reread my book and realized that ACV was approved for me. I have a lot of issues--candida, herpes, psoriasis and they have all been improved by taking ACV. My face was seriously broken out with psoriasis, a week ago, and I began applying ACV morning and night and drinking it several times a day in juice, water, whatever. My face is now completely cleared up. I also have a yeast rash almost all the time, from too much sugar, etc. That completely cleared up, too, also with topical application. I also applied it topically to a herpes site that was beginning to tingle and that went away, too. No constipation or bad side effects of any kind.

What I would like to point out is that everybody cannot expect to have the same results. That's the beauty of this site and the variety of experiences and remedies available. My other point is that attitude is everything. I never try things with the mindset that it "probably won't work"--why should it not? Sometimes, it's just a case of not having run across the right thing for you. However, people are often loth to admit the psychological aspects of illnesses and many people's specific illnesses are a huge clue about their lives, attitudes and personalities. I think the number one factor in getting well is the willingness to let go of whatever is wrong with you. Many people are dependent on their illnesses without realizing it and a frightening number of people are unwilling to do anything to help themselves. Maybe you will find these comments unappropriate for this website but I think they're valid and my hat is off to the people who organized this website and the people who write in, who have had the courage to try things and thereby help themselves and others. Finally, it is true that there is a period of adjustment before you really see a big change with any natural therapy. Never give up if results aren't immediate--unless, of course, something really drastic happens. I had a few really discouraging days but now I feel better than I have in as long as I can remember (I'm 65 years old.)

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Posted by Rob (North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand) on 04/08/2009
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Hi there, I have just come across your great site and have now saved it to my favourites for ready access as and when required.
I have been using apple cider vinegar for over eight years after breaking both my clacaneous (heel bones) in a fall from a miltary assault case on a proferssional training exercise at a work conference. I was referred to it by a Reiki healer who felt it would assist me deal with the ongoing pain issues and also felt it would be a good de tox for the body.

It certainly did that with ny body reacting initially with a lot of small boil type infections manifesting as the apple cider vinegar in the body forced the toxins out through the skin. That lasted for 2 months and then my body cleared and I felt a whole lot better as a result - and continue to do so.

I am confident that ACV has assisted me to reduce the effects of living with constant pain and has so many other added values as the amino acids and enzymes produced in the fermentation process act as catalysts to help the body break down and rebuild molecules on a daily basis.

I swear by the natural benefits of ACV in so many ways and it is now part of my daily routine of getting up in the morning and pouring 25mm + into the bottom of glass and filling with warm water and a touch of sea salt. I follow this with a further 4 to 5 glases of water and this is a great way to start the day. I also try to have a shot before my meals when practical to do so.

If i go on a road trip I fill my water bottle with a dose of ACV and couple of pinches of sea salt as well.

Here is another good tip for you -Try filling a spray bottle with one third ACV and balance wityh water and spray onto your hair and skin on a daily basis after shampooing while showering. Just wait for the positive comments from your hairdresser and your skin feels nice and soft as a result. My hair is rejuvinated and definitely feels thicker as a result of using ACV.

So I am a believer and any natural product that contains essential minerals and trace elements present in ACV such as calcium, boron, magnesium,silicon,manganese and potassium has to have a positive effect on ones metabolism.

Another tip for liver spots on the skin ( hands and face in particular) as aging kicks in is to dip half a lemon into a bowl filled with ACV and let soak for short while as absorption occurs. Then rub on liver- spotted skin daily and watch spots begin to fade in a few weeks.

Rob North Shore Auckland New Zealand