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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Yogitha (Singapore, Singapore) on 01/24/2011
Which of these remedies is safe during pregnancy?"
02/03/2012: Kristys from Appleton, Wi replies: "Yogitha - I drank 8oz Hot water, 1-2TBLS. ACV and honey to taste while I was pregnant when I had colds that included sinus congestion. I had 2-3 cups a day usually. It really helps with stuffiness etc. I can convince myself that it tastes vaguely like hot apple cider so I can tolerate ACV this way - even with a sensitive stomach during pregnancy.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nwaca (Fw, Usa) on 06/20/2011
maybe if u drink a whole bottle u might not feel so hot. But I don't think u can 'overdose' as in medicines or vitamins. Kinda like drinking too much apple juice or something. Might make u feel crappy but not gonna kill u
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gina (Athens, Alabama) on 12/26/2010
About 2 wks ago I started feeling pain which became maybe the worst sinus infection I have ever had -- or at least in years. I was advised to use Mucinex D and Tylenol, then prescribed antibiotics and steroids for a week, and advised to use nasal spray and even an inhaler when my coughing fits started to alarm everybody I was around. The day I started taking all this, I found the website. I decided to go ahead and take all the meds first. They helped some, but never completely cleared my head.
I have been using the 2 Tbsp ACV and 1 tsp honey in a tea 1x a day for the last 3 days. The first cup of tea completely cleared my head in just a short while. I looked again today and found that I should be drinking this more than 1x a day, so I will be increasing my doses. I hate taking prescription meds, and usually avoid doctors until I just can't, so I am excited to find this natural remedy and am encouraged by the results I feel already. I still have some pain occasionally in my head, and am still stuffy at times, but the tea always takes care of it. Its not a great flavored drink, but I have found I can drink it much more easily today than I did three days ago. Looking forward to being well and I will be checking out your site for other things as well -- thank you!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by K. (Charlotte, Nc) on 03/15/2011
My sinus infection came on suddenly after the flu. I woke up one morning and I thought all my teeth were about to fall out, the pain was so bad. It progressed over several weeks to today, when it's not so bad but I'm having severe nausea due to accidentally swallowing the drainage.
I started out taking astra isatis (got the tablets from my acupuncturist); drinking lots of tea; drinking hot water with red pepper, lemon, and honey; and using my neti pot. That all helped a lot but now I want to try the ACV to get the final gunk out. I'm tired of spitting out crap every few minutes and feeling like I'm confined to the house because of it
I had my first ACV drink (2 tsps of ACV with a tsp of local honey) this afternoon. I'll be drinking another one in a few minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maurice (Northbridge, Ma) on 08/28/2010
I've been suffering from a sinus infections every year. Antibiotics are not helping. I'm going to purchase the ingredients that you tried. Thank's much for the input. Sincerely,
Maurice
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (USA) on 07/18/2012
Interesting, I am also from Houstone, and have the same problems with overlapping migraine/sinus issues - it must be due to the environment here for those of us sensitive to such. Yoga helps, the headstand, shoulderstand - which increases blood flow/circulation to the head, helping to move the gunk. However, I suffer terribly with headaches, and they seem to be 50/50 migraine/sinuses and buggars to get rid of. They hang on and come back to finish me off if I am not persistent and vigilant, but sap my energy way too much especially now I am older (50).
I take ACV which goes down well, so body must need it. I also juice with beets and other veg's and take probiotics to keep a good balance. But the headache/sinus pressure is unbearable, with no gunk actually ever coming out, just constant drainage and constant mucous. I am trying to change my family's diet to less sugar, dairy, etc... But hard with many different needs. I also have a terrible smell in my nose, breath for 6 months now and cannot shake it. Almost a chemical, gas smell sometimes - it makes me sick when it is at its worst.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elaine (Rosville, Ca) on 09/28/2010
So, is this safe to add to nasal rinse ? Very little comments on snorting the ACV. I started drinking yesterday after finding this website. I have done everything there is to do for my sinus including surgery and suffer every year. Pls advise on using for a rinse. Thank you everyone.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anita (Sudbury, Ontario,canada) on 08/02/2011
I do not advise using the neti pot when you have inflammation. I did and now have a swollen parotid gland.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Drew (Eliot, Maine) on 05/05/2010
Just got excited about the ACV. Just read one post about snorting the ACV. Couldn't get any cayyane pepper so I figured what the heck, why not.
So i got some ACV, (not sure if it was organic or not, but it was dark) then I poured in some texas pete hot sauce for good measure.
I snorted it up, and hoooooooly c*&^p ballz it was intense. It felt like a fire breathing dragon was trying to blow out my right ear. My nostrils are perfectly clear, but they were before as well because I'm hopped up on a nasal spray with oymetazoline hydrochlride in it.
Now my right eye is slightly more bloodshoot now and my right ear feels a little funny. Then I just read that ACV is pretty acidic and that drinking it straight is not great for teeth. I can only imagine what it does for sinus cavities. I'll keep ya posted!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michael (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) on 04/30/2010
I have read thru the postings and it seems that i would need probably some strong anti fungal?My mucous is white, not yellow or green. would you have a suggestion and how is it administered?. I must say I have been putting a combo of vinegar/hydrogen peroxide in my ears too and a big cyst seems to form inside with pressure. almost like a mound of pus or something.It is a heavy feeling with alot of pressure It goes away in an hour or so.. Above the right eye, as i wrote in my post that gets an occasional pounding headache and lots of spaciness which seems to correspond with vinegar drinking.regards Mike
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jennami (San Jose, Ca) on 02/24/2010
HI. I just tried 2Tbsp ACV mixed with 8 oz. of hot water for my sinus infection. Could barely get it all down before I had to run to throw it all up!!!! Think I'll try something else!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by L (Private) on 05/02/2011
Maybe try it with warm, not hot water, and some honey!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lauren (Denver, Colorado) on 06/16/2011
Stevia is probably the best choice of sweetner to add to your ACV mix if you're fighting sinus congestion. Artificial sweetners of course come with their own stuff, but sugar in any form, especially as honey, will just keep feeding the bacteria or fungus that cause chronic sinusitis.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by 3rdcamaro (Littleton, Co) on 02/07/2010
★★★★★
Just tried ACV for my ongoing sinus problems (infection, congestion, etc) that have plagued me for over six weeks. I am a skeptic, but within 30 minutes I was breathing better - for real! This stuff is great. I used the 2 TBSP in 8 ounces of warm water. Amazing!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Daniel (Berlin, Germany) on 02/05/2010
★★★★★
Hi! Its only 5 days ago i found your site. Want to give you great credits for all the good information i found here...thanks to all !!
I found it cause i got back my painfull and disturbing sinus infection again (wich happens with me always 2 ,3 times a year,with headaches,totally ,,blocked,, nose and forhead,swollen eyes,no energy etc.) I even believe that this chronic sinus problem is due to some sort of unknown deficiency in my body that also makes me more ,,down,, then many others throughout the year..but this is a guess.
anyway: This time i brewed my own mucus ,,releaser,, Since i discovered the kosher salt and the himalaya salt which is the main worker in this liquid, iam so happy to be able to quickly loosen up all the mucus up there so that it is not ,,exploding,, my head anymore.
my recipe is (mix acording to feeling and strength and amount of solution needed):
-nice Kosher salt or himalaya salt.
-some healthy green tea
-bit of lime
-5 drops of good bee propolis (solution in alcohol)
-bit of (good!) olive oil, or take self made oregano oil.
(of course carefull with this strong recipe on kids please)
mix until dissolved in a bowl that,s not your newly bought porcelin wedgewood bowl .the oils and the propolis will not dissolve of course and float around a bit on the liquid,no problem. Also the propolis is brownish and looks a bit strange...but in fact it,s very good stuff (bees use it in their nests as an anti virus) ...bring in the nose and let run. It can sting a bit for a few secs and is a sort of horsemethod i think
If you bring it in in bed (laying with head backwards) then have loads of toiletpaper ready!
--Nevertheless!--
This rinse does al lot in preventing the alongcoming head aches, further illness and weakening in sinus infections and the first steps of curing faster, but it is NOT completely taking away the total cause of the infection. Since i live in the countryside close to Berlin i get hold here of an excellent mild tasting, raw Apple Cider Vinegar quality which i took 3 times daily in my applejuice (2,5 tablespoons in a glass and a pinch of natrium hydrogen carbonate( baking soda) but note :only since 4 days!!!
I must say reading all the reactions about ACV i was a bit reserved...but i took it and it almost immediately stopped further closening of the sinus,it stopped the depressive feeling coming with it and although i somehow still feel the infection is still there...it,s being noticebly surpressed by the ACV. I was working again almost immediately and i feel marvelous !
Normally this sort of illness knocks me out 2 weeks minimal. Wow, this is amazing stuff. I try some other qualities of biological ACV now but i find them much sharper in taste..the one from the region here did the wonders but tastes so good!
Other effects : better skin ,better hair (i also put some directly on the scalp,undiluted, and after that some carrot,rosemary oil) and further it helps a better digestion.
hope this can take away any doubts with new readers. i was just another sucker who believed for too long that the ,,normal ,, doctors were able to help me on this.
take care! Daniel
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bruce (Huntington Beach, Ca, Usa) on 01/10/2010
★★★★★
I have gotten a lot of great information from Earthclinic, so now it's time for me to share my experiences: I had a sinus infection that began zfter a cold, that lasted for a full year. I decided to put apple cider vinegar into my sinus rinse "pot", along with 1/2 cup spring water, 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda. The first time I tried this, I used way too much acv (est 1-1/2 tbl). I bravely pored the mixture in both nostrils - hurt a LOT and the mucus began to flow freely. I was up and down all night, carefully blowing my nose, but the next day ohhh what uncongested nasal passages! Susequent irrigations weren't as painful, now that the infection has cleared up, but I rinse once daily anyway to clear out the remains of the infection. See in another post my experiences with cinnamon/clove/thyme oils.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lizpride (Clinton, Nj, Usa) on 10/03/2009
★★★★☆
Hi, I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar (organic) for my congestion/sinus infection. I wasn't sure if this was where I should comment. It worked pretty well, although it took a few minutes to kick in, but then lasted for at least an hour. Anyway, it's much better than conventional drugs. It works, but my congestion isn't completely gone, but it is better at least.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mira (Venice, California) on 07/29/2008
Hi, this is for Vitalia from Boulder Colorado, 1/4 cup is a lot! I imagine it would make your system really acidic, almost feeling like you want to throw up, and that is not the way to healing yourself. I had this lesson to learn, less is more.You want to make your system alkaline.
Trust me I had a sinus infection for 15 years that was cured like magic from Acv and OIL pulling. after years of anti-biotic s and pain killers...Also bouts of laryngitis that made me crazy; as i am a singer.
All you need for the relief of your sinus is a neti pot and a teaspoon of vinegar(the acv burns your nose like hell and so watch out) in warm water and rinse your nasal cavity's. keeping your head a bit forward always moving your head side to side and blowing out the opposite nose, you poured in.
I blew out chunks and years of Flem and mucous it was like a scary blob movie.
When you drink the Acv you need "one or two tablespoon ACV" mixed in a 1/4 cup of WATER...what I have done is made my own magic potion. I buy a large tub of Honey. I pour 3/4 of it in another jar,and store that for normal use. Then with the 1/4 tub of honey that is left, (in original Jar), I pour in ACV to fill to top (so it would be 1/4 honey to 3/4 vinegar) and shake really well to mix. Not only does this work for coughing ,acid reflux,stomach aches and arthritis... just about any ailment... It doesn't taste bad. I made some for my mother who is a naysayer on everything and made her use it. she complains of coughing at night and every other ailment back aches...I made up the potion and Put it into what looked like an old fashion jar( she wouldn't have gone for it if it was just in a old Acv bottle or something... I will be forever amazed this mother of mine who believes in nothing but the doctor; then complains about that too...really believes in my potion!hahaha. It works.also this potion never goes bad.! No expiration date if stored in a cool dark area with jar closed tightly. don't give up your fight...
and good luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ruth (Taupo, Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand) on 12/29/2009
Can Gaylene from Denver CO USA tell me what it was the Chinese Acupuncturist gave her for her sinusitis? My older sister has chronic sinusitis i don't know if she could take ACV as she has chron's disease and has to be very careful what she eats. Her chronic sinisitis is really getting her down and she seems to be continually on antibiotics
Many thanks Ruth
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nory (Fort Worth, Tx, Usa) on 11/23/2009
To Pam of Flower Mound TX,
I am suffering from severe nasal congestion for over a month now and have to use a phenylephrine nasal spray every hour at night just to get some sleep. The inside of my nose is so swollen when i look with a flash light. The nasal spray will bring the swelling down but it will swell again in one hour or less.I just bought apple cider vinegar from walmart. Do you think that will work? Thanks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robb (Anchorage, Alaska) on 11/24/2009
Pam,
You need a neti pot. I have had sinus problems for years and the worst thing you can due is use most sinus sprays. You will become addicted in a manner of days and it is difficult to break this bond.
I use a neti pot; you can buy one in most health food sections at your local super market. The last one I bought was at Fred Meyers, I like the plastic ones, unlike the porcelain pots plastic does not break when you drop them. To use just read the directions on the box, the pot usually comes with a supply of pre measured salt.
I use ACV every morning; I drink it, straight from the bottle, chasing it with water. If my sinus congestion is severe I also add a few drops to my neti pot; I use one full pot of warm water per side. This can be uncomfortable, even painful but it works and the results for me are immediate. I also use cayenne pepper, just a dab, this really sorts out any congestion you may have.
In the spring I am bothered by dust and various plant blooms, I use a pinch of salt and warm water, twice a day. This treatment has eliminated the allergy problems that have plagued me for years.
I am sure these remedies will make a difference. I believe that we as individuals are responsible for our health. We need to learn about our bodies, keep them tuned like a fast car and do most of our own maintenance...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robb (Anchorage, Alaska) on 11/24/2009
Pam, You need to use "RAW-UNFILTERED APPLE CIDER VINEGAR" It needs to be "ORGANIC" and have "THE MOTHER".
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gislain (Phoenix, AZ) on 02/22/2008
★★★★★
Earlier this week, I was diagnosed with a bacterial infection in the back of my throat and was prescribed antibiotics...which was a hit to my health ego because I eat well but somehow caught this bug. Along with this, I developed this awful sinus infection. Horrible headaches, watery eyes, no sleep, and non-stop discomfort accompanied this! I went to the health food store and bought some nasal spray and sublingual sinus relief tablets, both of which didn't work. While suffering at work, I came across this web site and read about Apple Cider Vinegar. While excited to try this for my Sinus infection, I ate an apple as a snack. Within an hour, my sinus symptoms decreased by 60%. When I came home, I had some ACV with water and within another hour, the symptoms decreased some more. Right now, it's almost time for bed and my Sinus Infection is 90% gone and just three hours ago, I was suffering!! The apple helped and the ACV sealed the deal on this Sinus stuff! Awesome!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stella (Omaha, NE) on 10/05/2007
★★★★★
Hello! I have been dealing with chronic sinus problems and infections for almost 20 years now. I've had three sinus operations (two which did help some for a while) and I've been on just about every antibiotic there is available. I had just finished my first round of the latest antibiotic treatment, when I realized my infection was not completely gone. So, with a heavy sigh, I once again contacted my doctor to get some more medication. Feeling very frustrated and tired with having to deal with this for so many years, I decided to do some research on-line for other options and new treatments. I found the EarthClinic website and the ACV remedy options. I was a little skeptical at first, but after reading all the positive responses, I decided it wouldn't hurt for me to give it a try. I started doing the ACV remedies on Tuesday, Oct. 2nd, and after just the first day I noticed a HUGE difference in how my sinuses felt! Within 1/2 an hour of drinking my first mixture of 2 tbsp of ACV with 8oz of water, my sinuses started to drain and the pressure and headache starting going away! I followed up with doing the 1/4 cup of ACV in 16oz of water and sipped it all morning at work. Later that evening, I did another 2 tbsp of AVC with 8oz of water again. I slept great that evening and woke up feeling great the next morning! No headache, no pressure, and more energy than I had had in a long time. I've continued doing the same thing all this week, and today, Oct. 2nd I have more energy and I feel great! I'm going to finish out the week by doing the same treatments and slowly taper them off after a week. I'll have to admit, the taste is not the greatest, but it's a very small price to pay for something that works so great! Not to mention the fact that it's so much less expensive as well compared to all the prescriptions and over-the-counter meds that I've been taking for years! From now on, when I start to get a cold or feel like my sinuses are heading towards another infection, I definitely will start using the ACV remedy again! SPECIAL NOTE: Carefully check the label of the Apple Cider you purchase. Be sure you get the pure Apple Cider Vinegar and not the types that have water added that dilutes it, or have what's labeled as artificial "flavorings".
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Henry (Lambertville, New Jersey) on 10/03/2007
★★★★★
I have had chronic sinus problems for years now. Antibiotics work but a week after I take them my problems come back. I have been desperate for holistic solutions. I use a neti pot daily which helps alot. Today I saw this web site and thought I would try ACV and see how it did. With in a half hour my swelling went down and I finally had a LARGE amount of discharge within that time. I am totally surprised how fast a reaction I had to this. Growing up my grandmother and great aunt would take ACV and honey twice a day, I thought it was silly but now i'm wishing I tried this sooner, it really has worked. I'm gonna keep taking the ACV and see how it works over time. I get a sinus infection to some degree just about every month, I'm fed up. Its amazing how something as simple as ACV can have such a quick response time.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julie (Houston, Texas) on 09/02/2007
★★★★★
I usually get 3 sinus infections a year that start off as allergies then my sinuses clog and the drainage goes down the back of my throat and down into my chest. Then it goes into full blown bronchitis. I can't take antibiotics anymore - I took so many doses over the past 10 years I don't think they work on me anymore. Today - with a clogged head, nasal drainage, stuffy nose, sore throat, chest cough - I tried ACV. Did the 2 Tbls. with water - chugged it and it does seem to be helping me. Within 1 hour the sinus pressure diminished and all my drainage stopped. I'm going to use ACV with hot tea next time - the taste is pretty gross but if this stuff works - I'll continue to drink it! So far it's helping! I'm the queen of major sinus infections and bronchitis so if this cure works on me it's gotta work on others! Life is miserable when you've got a sinus infection that's for sure! Good luck to anyone who uses ACV!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Darian (Springfield, Missouri) on 08/29/2007
★★★★★
It's been a few months since I gave an update, however, the results are simply amazing. I take raw unfiltered ACV, 1/8 cup 3x a day. My sinus infections are all history, but that's not the reason I'm writing. About 2 weeks ago, I stepped on the scales. I have lost 30 pounds. I weighed 220 pounds in April, and I now weigh 190. Of course, the ACV isn't the only thing I do, however it was definitely the catalyst in giving me the energy to move forward. I drink a gallon or more of pure water a day. I eat whatever I want, whenever I want, and I'm still losing weight. Most of the weight (about 20 pounds), was lost during a period when I was doing NO exercise. I've lost 2 waist sizes. My wife is jealous!!! I keep telling her what she needs to do, but she says the thought of drinking ACV is just too disgusting. So, she gets to watch me buy a new wardrobe in a few weeks. Thank you EarthClinic for being here when I needed you back in April. You have truly changed my life. In addition, I've spread the news about the life altering experiences I have had through this site, so it's touched even more people. Keep the faith all, and remember... none of this worked "overnight". It took 3 days of ACV to lose my initial severe sinus infection. And if I go more than 3 days without using the ACV, I can tell a HUGE difference... as the sinuses start plugging up again, and I start getting tooth pain. I will drink ACV for the rest of my life! God willing, it'll be a long one. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tracy (Phoenix, AZ) on 08/15/2007
★★★★★
I've had this horrible sinus infection for weeks now. I have a long history of them but have been able to keep it under control for the past few years... though I still have difficulty with my sinuses, I am generally able to keep them draining enough that an infection doesn't fester. Anyway, for the past month or so, I've felt awful and haven't understood the flare up. So, here I come, looking for some kind of hope and find the info about apple cider vinegar. Now, I know that ACV is great stuff, but hadn't realized that it helped sinuses. So, as soon as I read about it, I went to the kitchen and gulped down 2T of it with 8oz of water. I am sooo pleased to say that my sinuses immediately began to drain - yucky thick mucous down my throat - but, hey, that is a relief with what I've been feeling! The pressure is somewhat relieved already!!! I'm so excited! What's more, I then read on and found the ice cream theory... And, without much surprise, I am sure enough able to link my recent sinus troubles to two rounds of ice cream! I had not eaten ice cream with "flavors" such as these in a long time prior to this, so it really fits for me! My troubles all started with a trip to COLDSTONE Creamery and shortly thereafter worsened upon consumption of some CARVEL brand ice cream cake!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Zookie (Baltimore, Md) on 11/04/2010
★★★★☆
I have had allergies and sinus infection for 11 years now. 3 or 4 infections a year. Antibiotics have destroyed my body. Found this site, started using the apple cider vinegar twice a day with honey bout 10 days ago. Sinuses are clear with NO headache. Yessss!!!!!! This is a godsend for me. I will probably continue for the rest of my life. I still have my allergies, but at least im not all stuffed up and in pain. Hopefully no more drs for me. :-)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Siah (Silver City, New Mexico) on 04/08/2007
★★★★★
I am currently 9 months pregnant and finished a course of antibiotics for a sinus infection about 1 week ago, only to develop a yeast infection because of the antibiotics. I felt good for 1 day after finishing the antibiotics and then symptoms returned. I did not want to take another course of antibiotics and risk getting another yeast infection so close to delivery so I got on the internet to look for a natural cure and came across the apple cider vinegar remedy. I went directly to the health food store and bought some organic apple cider vinegar and drank 1/4 cup mixed with 16 ounces of organic apple juice. I didn't notice anything, but later tried the steam (1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup water). My sinuses finally began to drain. I have continued drinking the mixture and breathing in the steam for 3 days and feel almost 100% better. I can breathe easily now, but I still have some crud down my throat when I first wake up in the morning. I am sold on this remedy and am so grateful I came across this website so I didn't have to get on more antibiotics. I actually felt relief faster from the apple cider vinegar than I did from the previous course of antibiotics. Interestingly, I had just eaten a Dairy Queen ice cream cone the day before my symptoms returned.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carolyn (Salem, NH) on 04/03/2007
★★★★★
I have suffered sinus infections for years. This was one of the worst. The pain was intolorable. It was 1:00 am when I googled sinus pressure natural cures and your site came up. I read the feedback and left the house at 1:15am to go to a local all night store to get some ACV. I immediately drank 1/4 cup and tried the steaming. Within 10 minutes my nose was running and the pressure had diminished. I am going to stay up a little longer and steam again and I can't thank you enough for this GREAT natural remedy. Oh, by the way I had been on an antibiotic for 7 days at this point and taking otc decongestants. Nothing helped as much as the ACV. I will never be without it!!!
