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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cured (Ft Walton Beach, Florida) on 10/21/2009
★★★★★
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Natalie (London, Uk) on 10/05/2009
★★★★★
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Refrigeration
Posted by Giglez2u (Morrill, Ne, United States) on 10/03/2009
Okay, I'm reading various posts and I've come across the info that it is NOT supposed to be refrigerated. When I purchased the product, I was advised to refrigerate it. Now I won't, but since it's been in the cooler for this time, is it okay to do so? I won't have to throw it away will I? I love this stuff!! Also, I still haven't heard if it will destroy my enamal on my teeth. I'm trying not to drink too much of it, but I still worry.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Refrigeration
Posted by Rachel (Manassas Park, Va) on 09/27/2010
The Br---s Kind says on their FAQ that it does not need to be refrigerated. But it does need to be kept in a relatively cool place, out of direct sunlight.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/30/2009
Grocery store ACV (acetic acid) starts out as "glacial" acetic acid...that is, water-free acetic acid, which has a pH of 2.4. They then take that glacial acetic acid and water it down to a pH of 5 to get a standardized solution of acetic acid that they label "vinegar"...in other words they "reduce" the acidity to 5 percent. That is what they mean by "reduced to 5 percent". I don't' know if what they call organic vinegar is also just diluted glacial acetic acid, so I'll find out by reading the label the next time I go to the store. Personally, organic vinegar is so much more expensive than regular vinegar that it is not worth the price. Plus, it is very easy to make your own organic vinegar at home. Buy a gallon of organic apple cider. Remove the lid, and cover the top with several thicknesses of cheesecloth, secured with a rubber band (to keep the fruit flys out). Stir the cider around to introduce air into it and in a few weeks, it will naturally turn to vinegar. Put the cap on and shake the cider every day to make sure that air is getting into it (acetobacteria are an aerobic species and need oxygen to do their work). You can also innoculate your cider with a small amount of vinegar (organic or regular) to get the fermentation going. Given time and oxygen, cider or wine will turn to vinegar.
p.s. and in case you haven't noticed, regular old grocery store vinegar will also develop a mother culture over time, so there is nothing special about organic vinegar except the price.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Tanya (Hailey, Id) on 09/30/2009
Thank you for this recipe! I have always wondered how to do this!
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/30/2009
Oh, no problem, Tanya. But be aware that the fermentation will draw fruit flys. And btw, the vinegar is ready when the cider smells and tastes like vinegar...let your nose and tastebuds be your guide. Also, homemade vinegar can vary in acidity and sometimes have a pH of above (meaning more alkaline than) 5, which is why it shouldn't be used for water-bath canning of pickles, relishes, etc. In other words, home made vinegar may not be acidic enough to deter botulism in water-bath processed home-canned goods.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Ratgirldjh (Austin, Texas) on 09/27/2009
★★★★★
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Haley (Greenville, Nc) on 09/26/2009
★★★★★
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA) on 10/07/2009
You had me laughing out loud... Clown Feet! I can only imagine. And yes there is a difference in quality of ACV. When I first started trying ACV after coming to this site, I used Heinz since it was in my pantry and I was anxious to get started with ACV. It took me about 5 days to finally get to the health food store to get _____s- the one with the mother as they say. Without a second thought, I took a tablespoon of it as soon as I got home which was the night- about 8 pm. After going to bed I awoke about 3am with raging detox symptoms- sweating, chills, body aches which were excruciating and basically feeling sick. I rolled over and said to my husband that I felt really sick and he said," Don't you remember you took the ACV when you got home?" Never had anything with the Heinz. Big difference...
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 10/11/2017
You may wish to buy new shoes and socks, or treat the shoes and socks for fungus to prevent recurrence.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Hippiechick (Laurel, Md, United States) on 09/24/2009
★★★★★
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Pam (Orange County, Ca) on 09/23/2009
I have side effects after taking 2 TBS ACV diluted in a 8 oz cup of water twice a day - a lot of gas and bloating problem, even acid reflex, I think. Anyway, I couldn't sleep at night. That's how uncomfortable it made my stomach and chest feel. Then, I tried two ways to ease the problem. One is adding about 1/4-1/2 TS of baking soda to the drink. It worked. But, I was concerned about the side effects of using the baking soda mentioned on this web site, so I switched my ACV drink to a lower dosage - 1 TBS ACV with a full glass of water, and always drink it after a meal. Either way helps my problem. Oh, I also found out another great way to stop the gas/bloating problem - apples. It really works. But, it seems green apples work the best. Hope the tips would help anyone with the same problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 03/03/2016
To Eric:
Are you certain about the neutralizing effect of Baking Soda? I've read about that a few years ago and the effect was to change the nature of the acid to a different form of acid but the effect was not to completely defeat the acid. Ted, I believe, has written on this very issue.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Dianna (Mumbai, India) on 09/12/2009
★★★★★
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!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Lee (New York, New York) on 09/13/2009
I think it would be useful to know people's ages.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 09/13/2009 490 posts
For Dianna from Mumbai, India:
Hello Dianna,
I have used ACV with my children and my youngest one is now 47 years old. I don't remember giving it orally to any of them until they were l year old, In view of the
fact that honey is said to contain some bacteria (it also has some antibiotic/antihistaminic action) that the babies immune systems cannot handle under 1 year or age. However I got the honey/ACV from Dr. Jarvis' book on home remedies that he found worked, so I probably did give it to them before since I didn't hear the above caution until all four of my children were past the age of l year.
I haven't seen it on EC yet,but I used to have a relative with 2 small children visit frequently. In the heavy insect bite seasons, my children always developed impetigo (also a streptococcus organism) after their visits. I quickly learned that putting a cup of ACV in the bath water for my four after these visits, stopped my kids from catching impetigo all the time. Another benefit of the ACV in their bath water, they had very few bug bites following the ACV baths. Not wanting to spend half my time treating bug bites & stings, I started using ACV every night for their bathwater.
I am now 76 years old & still using ACV for multiple purposes: cooking, medicine, clogged sinks, bathing, etc.
I can only recall one respiratory infection with severe cough that 50/50 ACV/local honey didn't help. I must have drank at least 3 pints of that stuff and if it helped I would hate to think what pertussis would have been like without it. There was a couple of times that I came close to dialling 911 for transport to the hospital ER. That was when I caught pertussis (whooping cough) from a patient about 10 years ago. When I got one of those coughing spasms after returning to work (the cough does sound terrible and it doesn't feel good) my doc remarked that I needed to see a lung man. He looked surprised when I told him that I didn't, because what was making me cough was all in my head, and my lungs were working hard to keep the crap from moving on down into them. If any of you or your children ever get this mess, remember that. The cough comes from the drainage from the head, which I can best describe as "feels like someone is spraying Elmer's glue or worse over the trachea (windpipe) and the best way to stop it is to flush the nasal passages with normal saline, which I got proceeded to do and stopped the coughing for an hour or two, when I needed to repeat the process. The good news is that my lungs did sucha good job of keeping it out that my entire chest was sore from coughing so vigorously.
Wish I had known about Bill's H202 inhalation then. I certainly would have used it by inhalation & probably sprayes it in my nose too.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Justmeh (Sdney, Nsw Australia) on 09/11/2009
★★★★★
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!!
Yeast Infections
Posted by Alib (Swansea, Wales, Uk) on 11/04/2010
From what I understand, yeast infections can be an issue if you are still eating processed carbs and sugars in any quantity. As yeasts need sugars to feed on, removing those from your diet would help to prevent yeast infections whether you are taking vinegar or not. All carbs will turn to some kind of sugar in the body, which is why most, if not all, Anti-Candida diets remove them. Those who have removed sugars and carbs from their diet are less likely to have problems with the vinegar - especially when some time has passed and all the residual sugars have cleared from the system. It is also possible that those who have issues with yeast infections when taking vinegar, may actually be pre-diabetic and have issues with carbohydrate metabolism anyway, in which case following a low-carb regime would benefit them.
The quantity of processed carbs and refined sugars that are consumed in the Western diet is damaging everyone to a greater or lesser degree. Above all we need nutrition - and the carbs and sugars rob the body of valuable nutrition during their processing whilst giving little or nothing in return. They look good, they taste good, but they are worthless to the body.
Yeast Infections
Posted by Steve (Nc) on 02/17/2015
For yeast infection check out coconut oil... you need to read all about coconut oil anyway
Broad Benefits
Posted by Aja. (Canton, Oh.) on 08/28/2009
★★★★★
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!
Long Term Side Effects
Posted by Mia (Upstate New York, United States) on 08/06/2009
I am just wondering if ACV will deplete anything from your body such as pottasium or anything else that i should watch out for. I take it twice a day(2Tbl spoons with a small cup of Organic apple juice, then i drink a cup of water. In the evening i mix it with a tablespoon of Blackstrap Molasses) and feel great, i am just worried that there could be some long term side effects from taking it everyday. I know that it can effect teeth, so i make sure it does not sit on my teeth. Thanks, and look foward to a response.
Long Term Side Effects
Posted by Dan (Myrtle Beach, Sc, Usa) on 01/03/2011
The first person who recommended ACV to me said that YES it does deplete your potassium, and that it could make your legs ache as a result. She said she would eat a banana when that happened and she would be fine. However, I've read in many other places that one of ACV's greatest benefits is that it INCREASES your potassium, which is a main reason why it works so well. I don't know. I like bananas, so I eat them often anyway. My legs never hurt.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Leah (Las Vegas, NV) on 07/25/2009
★★★★★
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!
Broad Benefits
Posted by feeling.better (Vancouver, British Columbia CANADA) on 07/24/2009
★★★★★
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.
Energy
Posted by Ed2010 (Canada) on 09/10/2013
Add 1 tblsp of ACV, 240 ml of water and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Baking Soda. Feeling fatigue is sign of body being ACidic. Good Health
General Health Tonic
Posted by Amyjoe (South Island, New Zealand) on 07/13/2009
★★★★★
I have been taking ACV along with manuka honey which also contains many healing properties, so far so good, every now and then i will add 1 clove of garlic by crushing and adding to it, im feeling great and will continue with this as long as i need too, thank you all for the awesome stories and knowledge you have all shared. Kia Kaha
Refrigeration of ACV
Posted by kristinad (SLC, UT) on 07/03/2009
There seems to be some confusion so I am writing to clarify about the ACV mother. I did go to the Briggs sight and looked up the the information on ACV with mother needing to be in the refrigerator. It 'did not' say 'do not' refrigerate it only said you did not 'need' to refrigerate! That is logical because vinegar has a almost indefinite shelf life but in can be stored in the refrigerator with no ill affects as well. Neither one is a problem, or right or wrong so it is a personal choice. Hope this is helpful.
