The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
General Feedback
Posted by Lisa (Michigan, US) on 03/12/2015
★★★★★
For those of you who use ACV for helping with ailments, I keep reading that you mix the ACV with honey & water or something similar to make a drink. Well, I love the taste of ACV straight and actually crave it. I would like to know if I would still benefit in the same way by just taking it straight? ex: fill a 3 tsp medicine cup and down it. Thanks.
Capsules
Posted by John (Averill Park, Ny) on 01/05/2015
Hi,
My name is John and I'm so thankful to discover earthclinic.com . I get excited to log on and read so much supportive advice from many good people throughout the world .
Here is my question : Is there an apple cider vinegar pill ? I'm concerned about tooth enamel being compromised .
If pills are available : 1- Are they as beneficial as the liquid ? 2- what is the recommended amount to take and how often ?
Thank you for any advice . Happy New Year!
Hair Conditioner
Posted by Ellenf (Leander, Tx, Usa) on 03/06/2012
★★★★★
Thank you EarthClinic contributors... You have made me the happiest mom!!!
My eight year old daughter has had dense, curly hair since she was two. I have for six years of my life dealt with her screaming and crying while brushing or combing the tangles out of her hair. I literally had to chase her when she was younger and brush her hair while running. I only brush her hair when it's wet or it turns into a puff ball. I have tried every shampoo and conditioner you can imagine. Even special (expensive) products made for curly children's hair.
I read the posts here, washed my daughter's hair, then rinsed. Next, I mixed about 2 tbsp of ACV mixed with warm water in a 16 oz squeeze bottle. I applied it to her scalp and worked it down through her ends, then rinsed and towel dried. I applied a small amount of leave in conditioner and began brushing her hair with a special (expensive) brush made for curly hair.
As I brushed her ends, the tangles fell out with VERY little effort. I then brushed from scalp to ends... Completely dumbfounded. I finished in about one minute and she ran off to play with her sister. I stood there, paralyzed in amazement, on the verge of tears. I could not believe that 2 tbsp of ACV solved this long standing problem. I think of the time, energy, frustration and tears that have gone into brushing my little girl's hair over the last six years and all I can do is shake my head. Bless you all!
Warts
Posted by Jay(sc) (Sumter, Sc) on 01/19/2012
★★★★★
I had warts, and tried the duct tape with the cotton balls with some success. I started taking a quick swig from the bottle at night and in the morning, and now my hands have cleared up. I have also noticed that when I do take it at night, I don't have heartburn. This is my exp. though.
Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Nicole (Paris, France) on 04/02/2012
★★★★★
I feel a real sense of obligation to post something here touting the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar to combat a sinus infection. I first read about it here and must concur with the other "yeas".
I am 4 months pregnant and had been suffering with an incredible sinus infection for three weeks. This is apparently rather common for pregnant women due to various reasons. Not ever having one before, I just thought it was a severe cold with headaches, toothaches, etc. Finally, I found out what I actually had. I did the saline solutions which helped and took in more vitamin C. No doubt these were helpful, but it was when I starting the magic concoction suggested here: 2 tbsp ACV, 1 tbsp honey, 1 cup warm H20. I actually had to chase each horrific gulp with water. But I got it down. That was YESTERDAY! Today, I woke up having a full night of sleep and no headache, no earache, no face tenderness.
Just WOW! I did do a bit of research into the possible adverse effects of ACV for pregnant women before proceding, but found nothing to concern myself with. I wouldn't choose to use it daily however during a pregnancy, but for combatting that debilitating infection, yes! Yes! Yes!
Apple Cider Vinegar Contraindications
Posted by Sams (Colorado) on 10/08/2020
This was very helpful info as I am also on blood thinners because of a man-made aortic valve.
When I started using ACV, I did end up having trouble keeping my INR stable until I added more garlic as part of my effort to use minimal blood thinner and more natural blood thinners. It was very helpful to know what was causing the problem so thanks for your post (years ago by now).
Weight Loss
Posted by Jenny (Kaiser, Missouri) on 11/30/2009
★★★★★
I HAVE VERY GOOD RESULTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS USING ___S APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. IVE LOST ALMOST 20 POUNDS IN 4MONTHS!!!! AND ITAKE 4TABLESPOONS WITH 1TEASPOON OF RAW HONEY TWICE A DAY FOR BAD FATIGUE. I HAVE RHEAMOTOID ARTHRITIS. THIS HAS BEEN A LIFE SAVIOR!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Crystal (Salyersville, Ky, USA) on 09/13/2009
I was having a terrible time trying to take ACV and then I followed a post that ted responded to and he said o mix 1 teaspoon ACV and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a cup and then wait for it to stop fizzing and then add 1/2 a cup of water. I was so excited because you could not taste or smell the ACV. I am 39, female, with lupus and fibromyalgia.
Energy
Posted by Kymn (Oklahoma, US) on 11/04/2014
Your post made me crack up! Especially typed in all caps! I'm still laughing because I am feeling the same way and it happened over night! Through the roof energy! I'm giddy, silly and my mind is kind of freaking out! What a transformation for me! 2Tbs apple cider vinegar in water with honey and a dash of baking soda twice a day! I haven't felt this level of happy in I don't know how long! I'm 49! I'm excited and I just keep reading! Thank you God! :) OH! I'm also taking 400mg of Magnesium and 400IU of vitamin E before bed to help with hot flashes and it has helped tremendously. Over night seriously! What a shock! I was hoping I would sleep better and I do a little but I'm so happy during the day that I don't care! Ha!
Flus and Colds
Posted by Peggy (Young Harris, GA) on 03/09/2009
★★★★★
Just to let you know this is a GREAT site. I have recommended it to lots of people who are having ailments which I believe can be helped by natural remedies.
I work in a long term care facility and am exposed to a lot of germs. I drink a TBS of ACV & Honey in water daily and believe this keeps my immune system up. While a horrid stomach & diarrea bug had the place quarantined, (Knock on wood) I escaped this bug which I give credit to the ACV/Honey.
My co-workers tease me about my attention to "natural" eating, etc, but I try to avoid processed foods, drink lots lots of water. Thanks so much for this site.
Fibromyalgia
Posted by David (Chicago IL)
★★★★★
I saw somewhere that apple cider vinegar cures Fibromyalgia. I don't definitely have it, but was diagnosed with it based on symptoms years ago. I've had muscle spasms varying in severity for 24 years. I just started to come out a 1 1/2 year bout with it. Drank vinegar and have been completely pain free for a week. It's asinine this isn't common knowledge. It feels kind of like an metabolism enhancer too. I'm down to 1 tablespoon twice a day. And I repeat I'm completely pain free. I don't know what was wrong with me, thought it was just something I had to live with. Somebody tell a doctor!
EC: Click here to read more remedies to cure fibromyalgia.
Headache and Migraine
Posted by Reviewer (Amazon.com)
★★★★★
In Dec. '97 and Jan. '98 My wife and I spent the holidays in Costa Rica. I had already read "
Folk Medicine" by D.C. Jarvis and while we were visiting one of my wife's friends I noticed our hostess (the wife) seemed in pain. Upon querying her she said she only had one of her daily migraines which she has suffered most of her life. The migraines began when she was around 12 years and she rarely went even one day since without them. No doctors had done anything for her. She "lived" on Ibuprofen, 1000mgs 2/3 times a day. She was 52 Y.O. I mentioned the
Folk Medicine book and 2 tsp vinegar with 2 tsp honey in a full glass of water. I told her it was worth a try, but (fearing it may take a while to take effect) I told her to try it faithfully for at least a week before abandoning it. I returned next day (1/2 block away) to find her bright and smiling giving me a big hug! NO MIGRAINE!! This was surprising enough, but I was skeptical ... placebo?...
To be brief, she ran out of vinegar at 25 days, and thought she was cured...no migraines, no pain killers. After 4 days with no mixture she had her first migraine again, and we quickly got her some more vinegar. Immediately, on re-starting the vinegar/honey drink, no migraines. When we left to return to USA she was on her 45th day without migraines except for the day mentioned. She now drinks 2 glasses a day and so far, NO MIGRAINES!! I of course felt delighted to have been able to help her this way. She had the real thing with flashing lights, sounds, grinding pain. She really looks like a different, bright, person. Any one wishing to verify this I can give her name and address in C.R. Her daughter is married and lives here in the USA near us.
EC: Click here to read many more remedies to cure headaches and migraines.
Shingles
Posted by Kev (Toowoomba, Australia) on 11/19/2011
★★★★★
35 yr old male, I too got a bout of shingles on my back. Doctors said it was too late for cream treatment. It blistered and pain became unbearable so I tried ACV swabs 5 times a day. It stopped the pain and in a couple of days it had cleared up. Amazing!!
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!
Varicose Veins
Posted by Yellogurl121 (Baton Rouge, La) on 11/10/2014
★★★★★
OMG, please give more details on ACV and spider/varicose veins. I've been searching for a home treatment for yrs. I'm a ACV fan and do use it for other health issues.
Food Poisoning
Posted by Deirdre (USA)
★★★★★
I took a shot's worth of straight apple cider vinegar the moment I got home from a restaurant suffering from a queasy stomach. I usually dilute apple cider vinegar in water, but knew this time it had to go down straight if it was to work fast. Remarkably, it stopped my queasy stomach within 5 minutes. I am certain I did not get food poisoning because the apple cider vinegar quickly destroyed the bacteria in my colon and stomach. Amazing!
Allergies
Posted by Danae (Mckinney, Tx) on 07/12/2013
★★★★★
I've been drinking ACV for a few weeks now -- one shot morning and evening, with some water, and throughout my work day (a tbs or 2 in a bottle of water). I have so much more energy and end up not needing as much coffee as I used to. It also helps flush out candida and "junk" from the body. I'm hoping it'll help me shed some weight.
Yesterday my eye started feeling really itchy, not sure if it's allergies or a stye but immediately after it started swelling up I took 2 tbs of ACV with a little water in a shotglass and 30 minutes later the swelling went down tremendously. I woke up today and my eye is 90% better already!! Usually when I have allergies it takes a few days for the swelling to calm down but ACV sped up the process. Will definitely keep taking ACV :)
EC: Danae, Another option for even more energy is to add a dash of cayenne to your shot of ACV (or ACV tonic). Whew!
Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Coco (Jupiter, Fl) on 07/05/2013
I have found a way to prevent enamel erosion when drinking a cider vinegar tonic. Get a handful of dark lettuce or other greens. Put the greens in your mouth and chew them to a mush, but do not swallow them. Push the greens to both side of your mouth so they coat your teeth. Then use a straw to drink the tonic. After you drink the tonic, you can chew the greens a little more and swallow them. With a little practice, you will find that you can keep the acid from ever touching your teeth.
Warnings
Posted by C. Jones (Cleveland, Oh) on 08/28/2012
Warning! I took apple cider vinegar (ACV) with lunch and dinner daily for about four years and developed ever-worsening fatigue. I never put the two together until I came across a book about copper toxicity and zinc deficiency. ACV is stored in copper vessels. Taking it daily can increase your copper levels and subsequently decrease your zinc levels. If your copper levels get high enough, you will develop thyroid and adrenal issues and be plagued with fatigue. Since cutting out the apple cider vinegar and taking a zinc capsule I cannot believe how much better I feel. I can exercise again and not be exhausted for days. I had tried EVERYTHING (dietary changes, medication, supplements) and nothing helped until I added zinc AND eliminated ACV (adding zinc only did not help).
Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Delila (Tel Aviv, Israel) on 03/22/2012
My sister had very serious sinus problems and was suffering badly and said that the chronic conditions had completely ruined her life for over a year and half with mega doses of antibiotics and was considering to undergo an operation. As a last resort she went into google and looked up natural remedies for her problem and came up with this wonderful site and it has been a G-d send and read up all sorts of home remedies for the sinuses. One of the remedies was drinking 2 teaspoons of apple vinegar in a cup of water (using a straw so as not to ruin enamel of teeth) 3 times a day. From the first day she found relief to her chronic problem, but then came up with the idea of adding vinegar to a boiling kettle with water and breathing the fumes up her nose making sure not to burn herself - u must keep a distance so as not to burn herself and keep a low heat and use a towel over the head and making sure not to use too much vinegar because of the strong fumes, start with too tablespoons, if too strong add more water until comforable, if too weak add more vinegar. Since then and until this day her problem has completely gone thank G-d and I am a witness as to how much she had suffered before using apple cider vinegar. Halleluyah!!!
Energy
Posted by Melanie (Ankeny, Iowa) on 03/21/2010
★★★★★
I've used ACV for about 2 months, and feel good. No weight loss, like I hoped, but aches and pains have gone away, and high energy throughout the day. I usually mix about a week's worth in water bottles and store in my fridge.
ACV Chasers
Posted by Terry (Clarksville, Arkansas, United States) on 01/09/2010
Can anyone tell if there is any disadvantage to just taking two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar orally and just quickly getting it over with? I am one of those people who just likes to get it over with quickly when it comes to unsavory tasting drinks or food.
ACV Chasers
Posted by Thomas_m (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 12/13/2010
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
ACV should not be taken straight. Dilute in a glass of water. ACV cuts the protective mouth mucus and will burn your esophagus and back of throat. (People who drink 40% alcohol straight get infections and cancer much more frequently than beer drinkers)
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Posted by Deirdre (Earth Clinic) on 10/07/2009
Not all apple cider vinegars are made alike.
Okay, yeah, I win this week's "ultimate dork" award. I have been faithfully following Tricia's remedy for cracked heels for days now. Yesterday, a dark and gloomy day in Atlanta, I proceeded with Tricia's remedy as usual and used a fine nail file on the cracked area of my feet and heels. Then it came to soaking them, and this is where I changed my protocol and decided to use cheap apple cider vinegar from Heinz that I bought at the store ages ago. Usually I use the organic, raw, decidedly more expensive ACV to soak my feet, but not this time. Heh heh. I filled up my casserole dish with 1 inch of apple cider vinegar (room temperature & undiluted) and then started soaking my feet as I worked at the computer. I lost track of time. Some time passed, maybe a lot of time. I came out of my Earth Clinic computer fog enough to register that my feet were FREEZING and that an hour and a half had passed. A trace longer than the half hour that I usually soaked. My feet did look pickled and prune-faced, but that didn't worry me. I went and rinsed off the apple cider vinegar. Heh heh. Then I sat down to apply the moisturizer, just as Tricia recommended, and that's when I saw my new feet. By new, I mean discolored, burned, orange-tinged feet with a dark line running across the bottom half of my ankle, showing where the apple cider vinegar stopped and the air began. They looked so ridiculous, the feet of a clown: half orange, half pasty white.
Confidentally, I was certain the new color scheme would fade within the hour. But they didn't. Or they haven't I should say. Time has passed, almost 24 hours, and my clown feet have not returned to their original color. Wish me luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Bonnie (Stroud, Glos Uk) on 09/13/2009
I have discovered a great way to take apple cider vinegar with no taste. I bought some empty caplets 00 size off the internet.If you google empty caplets a whole list of companies come up. Then i use an empty dropper and fill them up and take them like that with plain water to swallow them. The kind of dropper i use is the sort you get for putting drops in your ears for ear wax etc as i have not seen any to buy . Taking them this way also protects the tooth enamel as it doesn't touch your teeth. I know you can get apple cider pills but there is a big question as to how much apple cider vinegar is actually in each pill and what do they do to it to get into the pill state. The empty caplet way is a sure way of getting pure apple cider vinegar in a tasteless way.You have to make them up fresh or they dissolve but it takes no time at all. I take 5 at a time as this is about a teaspoon full on the 00 size caplets
