Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

Recipes

Posted by John (Caledon, Ontario)
★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar is easiest to palate when mixed with apple juice. It tastes like apple cider, plus you get the numerous antioxidant and natural benefits from the apple juice.

Allergies

Posted by Dan (Myrtle Beach, Sc, Usa) on 08/16/2011
★★★★★

I've had the exact same results!

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Posted by Angela (Oregon)
★★★★★

I started using ACV for my IBS. First thing my husband noticed was how clear my complexion was and my healthy looking rosy cheeks. I lost about 5 pounds in 10 days. I have so much energy I cut way back on caffeine. I mix 2tbls. with cold water and sip with a straw before meals and before I work out. I LOVE this stuff!!!

Sinus Infections and Sinusitis

Posted by Lynne (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
★★★★★

I suffered from bad throat and cough, blocked nose esp night. It was so bad that as if I could not breathe, so I have to get up so often night causing sleeping problems. It was so bad that doctors thought I had asthma. Whenever I eat spicy food, I tend to get choked easily and it was so embarrassing. Sought help from ENTs (Ear Nose & Throat Doctors) but no avail and to extent they recommended surgeries. It was a friend who recommended me and literally forced to drink a mug at her apartment. In fact, it was almost instant remedy on road to recovery. I mix a tablespoon with a mug of water and drink in the morning. After about a month, it sort of cleared the irritants in my throat and I hardly have any bad throat problems, blocked nose problems at night and I hardly cough like I used to have like a monthly occurence. Apple cider really helps on sinuses. No need to go to doctors! Now I can sleep so soundly.

EC: Click here to read hundreds more testimonials on the best natural cures for sinus infections & sinusitis!

Broad Benefits

Posted by Angela (Colorado)
★★★★★

I have a friend who uses that ACV recipe every day. He has rid himself of acid reflux, allergies, skin problems, excess weight, and says it gives him a real energy boost. I am about to try it myself, although I do not need to lose weight (on the contrary). We'll see how it goes.

Vitamin and Mineral Content of ACV

Posted by Azmath (Hyderabad, India) on 02/18/2012

I have been suffering from bronchitis- my face has several hard pimples, very hard, no pain it is just starts on my face. Help me as soon as possible I am 31 now.

Bitter Taste and Sometimes Exceedingly Acidic

Posted by Susan (USA)

Some apple cider vinegar brands are extremely acidic, causing heartburn and yeast infections. (Note: certain brands of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar stop a yeast infection, yet other brands are so acidic that they can actually cause a yeast infection. Thus start with a lower dose to see how your body responds to the vinegar.) 5% acidity level is what is posted on all apple cider vinegar (ACV) labels, however it seems that some brands are far more acidic than others! We once bought an expensive, organic, unpasteurized brand with a fancy gold label and got terrible heartburn that lasted for hours from just 2 teaspoons' worth!

Apple Cider Vinegar History (Part 2)

Posted by Timh (Ky) on 09/24/2016 2048 posts

J: Just guessing, but I have a similar situation w/ my kitty minus the redox potion. Mine is a case of indoor/outdoor kitty that prowls around the bushes and gets those little green stick-balls on his long fur, lays around and pulls them off with his mouth and can't help but swallow them rather than spit them out. This may not be your case but the symptoms you listed are similar to my kitty and I think is those little green stick-balls terpenes that cause such intestinal irritation. On the good side, there's probably no greater natural parasite remedy for wild animals which are often plagued by parasites.

Application Tips

Posted by Haines 2154 (Chicago) on 08/16/2023
★★★★★

Starting today using ACV on my back probably 20-25 spots all over….figured out an easy way to reach those unreachable spots!

I used a long handled “ baby bottle brush”…the wire kind with the stiff bristles at the end. I wrapped a cotton pad around the bristles and you can just dip the cotton pad into the bottle of ACV and apply! So easy!

Hoping it works!

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Stephanie (Boston, Ma) on 04/08/2015
★★★★★

I have been using 2 tablespoons of organic ACV in water every morning for the past 2 years. It has been life changing and people very often asked me what I'm doing. I am 43 years old and I feel like this health tonic is as good for your insides as it is your outsides.

It has helped me with all of my minor health ailments.

I have suffered with bleeding ulcers as a result of a hiated hernia. It has cured my acid reflux. It has also lowered my blood pressure. It has helped with my anxiety. It has kept my weight the same. (I'm a healthy weight for me, 130pounds). It helps keep my skin youthful and I haven't gotten sick. No colds, no flu.

Acv is the fountain of youth. And a very potent health tonic. I highly recommend it.

Bad Breath

Posted by Mary (Stafford, Uk) on 06/18/2014
★★★★☆

Hi all thank you for your brillant information about ACV. I have BB for the past few years now although some people can tolerate my BB but when I see some people frowning , or move backward, I feel saddened inside.

I just stumbble on the write up about ACV for bad breath and I have been using it for the last 3weeks now, I have noticed some improvement with my breath as many people do not behave very badly when I speak. I can only think that it working, I will continue using it. Thank you all.

Baking soda and Hydrogen peroxide do not agree with me, my breath smell very bad when I used those two but ACV agrees with me.

Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Bettyboop (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 06/14/2011

I know that apple cider vinegar is good for gout and alot of other problems like weight loss and arthritis and more. But I see that a lot of people are asking what is the mother. It is when you buy vinegar that have not been processed in making so it is cloudier than say Heinz which is clear and processed so all of the healing properties are loss. Where as unprocessed vinegar with the mother ( is cloudy and floats around in the bottle is part of the apples used to make the healthy brand of vinegar). Can be bought at most health food stores.

Best Time to Take Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/25/2011

When I take it, I drink the diluted ACV before or during a meal. Helps with digestion; stimulating/increasing the digestive acid in the stomach (read this in Jarvis' book), and helping kill off any bacteria in the meal you're consuming.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Carly (Seattle , Wa - Usa) on 05/16/2011

Just to note - here is where I could have used a "Thumbs Up" button. ;-) I totally agree with Debbie. Aspartame is evil (mo).

Read up on it.... It is not to be put into the human body lightly. I personally would NEVER knowingly ingest it. It is poison as far as I can tell. You would be better off with a drink with sugar or honey (I use molassas myself) in it any day of the week.

Carly

EC: Hi Carly, a thumbs up button is in progress! We're just testing it out now and troubleshooting some design issues.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Suzanne (Los Angeles, Calif/usa) on 02/26/2011
★★★★★

I had read that drinking apple cider vinegar is good for your bones, that the vinegar prevented oxidation (as in brittle bones)also there was a whole page of the benefits that one will reap drinking 1 tablespoon of vinegar everyday. well all I can say is that it changed my body (internally)for the better, I do not think that there is enough space to describe everything, also the artritis in my hands, the pain, swelling is no more.

Apple Cider Vinegar Tips

Posted by Stanford (Las Cruces, Nm) on 02/03/2011

My wife and I use LOCAL organic honey... Helps get it down AND helps with allergies

Gout

Posted by Alain (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 08/12/2010

Hi Deirdre
Those crystals are probably uric acid crystals. Their accumulations create all sort of problems. The pain in joints is called gout. So look for gout treatment. Eat the least processed food as possible. Don't drink sodas pop. Avoid food with aspartame, msg, any food with high fructose corn syrup, reduce protein... All these are acidic. 60% or more of uric acid is eliminated by the kidneys via the urine. If the urine is acidic a lot less of it will be eliminated. To measure urine acid level you can use pH paper or sticks. You can verify that your urine is most probably acidic (pH lower than 7). The closer the urine pH is to 7, the more you will be able to eliminate uric acid. This is about the best thing I learned for myself. So, learn about alkalizing, search for alkalizing formulas here or on the web, read some of my posts here. Unlike filtered vinegar, good unfiltered raw unpasteurized ACV is alkalizing. But there are better formulas than just ACV alone. Good luck, Alain

Broad Benefits

Posted by Dan (Myrtle Beach, Sc, Usa) on 01/03/2011
★★★★★

Still going strong! I still feel the energy benefits, my allergies have been perfect this fall (my worst season), and I've not had more than two sore throats which went away FAST after gargling with the ACV and some water! My dad boiled some on the stove and breathed the vapors and it got rid of a sinus infection really fast. (I've been waiting to try this one, but haven't needed it yet! ) I haven't been sick at all, which is rare for me- Very intriguing! Had my cholesterol checked 2 months ago, and it dropped to 203, but I want to get it checked again to be sure! I am thoroughly convinced!

Dental Enamel Issues

Posted by Siobhan (Fairbanks, Alaska) on 10/23/2010

To protect my teeth from the vinegar acid, I swish baking soda and water around in my mouth after every dose of ACV. Usually about a teaspoon of baking soda to a mouthful of water mixed in a small cup does the trick.

Dental Enamel Issues

Posted by Averillh (Eastsound, Wa) on 02/13/2012

Swishing with baking soda or another acid-neutralizer immediately after consuming ACV is the best way to protect your teeth. Brushing your teeth directly after acidic things have gone into or come out of your mouth can further the damage to enamel since enamel is softer then.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Tim (Euless, Tx) on 05/03/2010
★★★★★

acv worked well at getting rid of my prostate infection. it also helped for my gout and constipation. i'm using 2tsp acv to 8oz. of carrot juice, also added 2tsp of wheat grass.

question: will the acv destroy the benefits of carrot juice and wheat grass? thanks for a response.

ACV Vs. Other Types of Vinegar

Posted by Don (Rodeo, Nm) on 10/27/2011

Hi Bill, in the Philippines, you mentioned lemon or lime with baking soda. Would like to know the recipe for that. Would you share that with me? Thanks, Don

Nummular Eczema

Posted by Harbo (San Diego, Ca) on 02/06/2010
★★★★★

I take two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 8oz of water every other day and I have noticed a STRONG difference in my body. I developed "nummular eczema" on my legs over three years ago which prevents me from shaving from the knees down. My legs were constantly breaking out and the bumps would flare if i went to a dry city keeping me awake all night in itchy pain. Lotion, baby oils, topical medicated creams, you name it, I used it. But since I've been using raw ACV I no longer suffer from blotchy red bumps on my legs and am free to shave every day!! It's absolutely amazing and something that three different doctors couldn't cure or even treat. The mild detoxification that the ACV did was truly remarkable and will continue using it for the rest of my life!

Acid Reflux

Posted by Ted (Bennnington, Vermont) on 02/05/2010
★★★★★

I also have suffered from acid reflux for about a year. Took acid-dissolving tablets which only temporarily alleviated the symptoms. Discovered ACV on this site and after taking two doses (2 tsp. of ACV in 8 oz. of water) in one day, I felt better for the next five days than I had for months. Problem totally gone.

While looking for information about ACV, I discovered at least one site that purported to pop the ACV balloon by declaring ACV has no medicinal or health-giving properties, etc. Amusing to see that the site's sponsors were all pharmaceutical and health care-insurance companies. Gee, how about that! As if those folks would tell the truth if their lives depended on it.

Dental Enamel Issues

Posted by Elysa (A, Tx) on 12/02/2011

Actually I saw a study saying we are not supposed to brush our teeth until 30 minutes after eating something acidic because acid apparently loosens the enamel and it's possible to brush it away.

I personally like to rinse my mouth out with plain water and then wait to brush my teeth 'til later. No more sensitive teeth while brushing! :)

Dental Enamel Issues

Posted by Giglez2u (Morrill, Ne, United States) on 09/30/2009

Here's the thing, I've recently adopted the acv ritual of 3tbsp acv, 16oz. glass water, 2 sometimes 3x's day. I like the taste of it, no necessary sodas or honey to add, and I find that I crave it throughout the day. I AM concerned however, about tooth sensitivity to it. I've not experienced it but have read previous posts that problems with sensitivity and softening of the enamal occurs. Is that true? Am I going to have to stop? I will admit, I am completely obsessed about my teeth and my dentist is on my speed dial! lol, Can't help it, I love to keep my smile looking its best. So, should I cut back or not worry? I've used a straw, but honestly, I don't think that works. Contact w/ teeth isn't minimal to me. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

Posted by Tricia (Ireland) on 09/25/2009 84 posts

To Deirdre Re cracked heels. I have had great success with the following -

Before you put your feet in any liquids use an emery board to remove any dry flaky skin. Your feet MUST be dry for this. Wet skin will only move with the emery board not fall away. The type of emery board is important. Here we use the black style. The types for nails that come in different colors i.e. pink blue etc. The reason you don't want to use the metal ones or the one designed specifically for the feet that are like cheese graters is that they are too hard and pull too much skin at once from what is already a very dry area. Think of how they would leave the cheese looking. I always recommend that this can be done while watching the telly or listening to the radio cos you can't damage yourself with these as you can with the metal type. Try to get the hard bit on the edge of the cracks without making yourself sore. You will be very surprised at the amount of dust that you will see coming away from your skin but this is normal. The brown old fashioned emery boards are too gentle and the black ones are perfect. When the dust stops flying move to the next part. If you are getting sore at all you have done enough for the day. More will come off tomorrow.

Rinse that dust off your feet as while it is blocking your pores you will absorb nothing transdermally. And it should only be dust, if you see larger bits of skin the emery board is too strong for you. At this stage you can soak your feet in any liquid of your choice i.e. anti-fungal, vinegar, peroxide or oils or salts for as long as suits you. Doing this with a couple of sports clubs some of the men chose to do it with plain old washing up liquid (detergent). So it is a case of whatever suits you. Use antiseptics or peroxide if there is any chance of an infection or dirt being caught in the cracks as it may close over the dirt and cause a diferent problem.

Then this is most important. Pack the cracks with some kind of thick oil. Our choice at the time we did this was vaseline but some would not choose this because of the petrolatum issue. Whatever you use press it over the crack to ensure that it has gone in the full depth. These cracks cannot heal while they are dry. If you had an operation on your stomach and the skin dried out to the same extent it would not heal either. We usually put large medical issue bandages over them to keep the vaseline on the feet.This won't suit everyone so a cotton pair of socks will do. The people we did this with all had to walk home so bandages were needed to keep the vaeline well packed. Wash next day as normal and leave bandage off. You want your feet fairly dry to repeat the process the next evening.

Remember it will be easy to slip on the floor until this is washed off. Do the same the next evening and continue til necessary tapering the amount of times done as they heal.

This worked within 3 days for some and some took approx 2 weeks. But it makes sense that the hard skin needs to go and the skin to be wet for the cracks to knit together.

As for the fungal infection. Many people will only treat the area that they can see the infection on. The human eye cannot see all of a fungal infection so if it spreading nor can they see it when it is at the last stages of treatment so it is very important to treat outside the area and for a lot longer that you can see it or feel it. My husband picks up an athletes foot while he is travelling for business on a regular basis. He never feels it but we can see it between his toes. We only know he has it when I catch it because I get the itching and burning long before I can see it. We use a providone iodine antiseptic wash which is normally used for pre-operation swabs in a footbath then antifungal medicated creams. Because he gets the moccassin type we bathe and cream his feet up to the ankles. I only get the moccassin type around the toe area so I only need to cover the shoe area. This is a long winded way of telling you how to do it but it actually doesn't take long perform it. The longest part of it is how long you choose to soak you feet and it is our tried and tested method.

EC: Tricia - Wow, thank you so much for these detailed instructions! Much appreciated. I will start immediately.

P.S. Your feedback has been cross-posted to the cracked heels page.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

Posted by Tricia (Ireland) on 09/26/2009 84 posts

One thing that I forgot to say in my previous post is to mark your nail file in some manner i.e. nail polish. Make it obvious so that you never use it on your finger nails or that somebody else might use it inappropriately. If you are carrying an infection of any kind (and most people do) it will be transferred to the fingers. The nail file can be cleaned with peroxide or rubbing alcohol but the dust is so minute and nail files are not easy to fully clean without a steriliser. So make sure it is kept for YOUR feet. As we say in Ireland "to be sure, to be sure".

Bacterial Vaginosis

Posted by Kh (Oklahoma City, Ok) on 12/18/2009

I have used regular vinegar for years now to clear up any problems in the region. I just buy the disposable douche bottles in the box with solution already in them, pour the solution out and replace with 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water. Do this twice a day for 2 days and then Im fine. It does sting a little at first, but nothing unbearable. The vinegar odor does not last long at all (maybe an hour or two). ACV is alot more powerful than regular vinegar so I would imagine it works better.