Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Naturally Treat Sinus Infections

305 User Reviews

5 star (258)		85%
4 star (19)		6%
3 star (2)		1%
1 star (16)		5%
(10)		3%

Write a review

Posted by Texaschic (Lantana, Tx) on 10/11/2012
★★★★★

This really works folks! I had a sore throat for 2 days and on day 3 in went into my sinus (where I have a deviated septum). The pain was excruciating! (even on 600 mg of Ibuprofen) I was volunteering at the school and I had to leave due to the pain. Couldn't get any air through my left side and extreme pain throughout the entire lower and upper sinuses. Miserable~!

I had already been taking probiotics, vitamins, drinking chicken soup. Here's what I did:
* 8oz hot water, 2 tbs ACV (organic unfiltered), 1 tbs raw honey. Drank this mixture every hour... 3 times in the evening.
* 2, 000 mg oral Vit D
* Probiotics
* HOT HOT water on a thick washcloth compress across the sinuses, hold for sever minutes and repeat.
* Saline nasal spray every hour

I was in bad shape, but went to bed (with head elevated) and woke up with no pain! Wow.

Folks, please, please don't take antibiotics until way after you try this.

Replied by Kathy
(Henrico, Va)
10/14/2012

You may want to start taking magnesium. Stay away from chocolate until you don't have anymore pain in your neck and back. ~Kathy~

Replied by Caroline
(Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
01/01/2013

the pain in your neck may be a result from strain while sneezing or blowing your nose or possibly coughing. I pulled a muscle in my neck from coughing too hard recently, and kept aggravating it with more coughing. a simple long cotton bag (i used a new sock) 2/3 filled with uncooked rice, microwaved it for 1 min helped that. it can be used on any pained muscle.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Don (Moorpark, Ca) on 10/09/2012
★★★★★

I have had sinus problems for at least 10 years. I have used all the allergy medicines in combination with antibiotics, but hated the side effects. After getting this last infection I checked the internet for a cure and the ACV article came up, I thought I would try and after about an hour felt relief in my sinus. Nice simple cure. Thanks for the information.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rabbit7 (Athensedua, Oh) on 10/05/2012
★★★★★

OMG, lying in bed, cheeks were killing me. Did the NetyPot, but my sinuses were so congested that no fluid would drain from the other nostril-more pain. Read the ACV remedy, as a last result I made the concoction. I kid you not, the gunk that was in my head started draining immediately. The pain is now tolerable, and I can sleep. Do it again tomorrow. Didn't use honey, used Truvia, 1 Tbsp, pinched my nose and drank. Actually, wasn't bad, tasted tart.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Stallischelle (West Allis, Wi) on 09/07/2012
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I've been suffering with a sinus infection for 8 months, and have tried seemingly everything offered by Eastern and Western health practices: Chinese herbs formulated for sinus health, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, two rounds of antibiotics, and a prescription nasal spray combined with a daily dose of allergy meds. Now armed with a bottle of organic ACV with the 'mother', I am finally winning the battle! Three times a day I drink a tea consisting of 8oz. Water, 1 Tablespoon ACV and 1 Tablespoon of locally harvested honey. Once daily I use a NetiPot with 8oz. Distilled water, 1/4 tsp. ACV and 1/4 tsp. Plain salt (4oz. Per nostril). I've tried the NetiPot before without much success, but once I added the ACV I noticed an immediate improvement. Yes, it burns some but the results are more than worth the short term discomfort. My sinuses have cleared significantly after only two days, and I intend to continue with this routine to kick out the infection altogether. I am also considering adding the practice of oil-pulling to even further reduce the bacteria and toxins that my body is apparently harboring.

Replied by Remei
(Port Arthur, Texas Usa)
10/24/2012

can you comment on the oil-pulling? I never heard of that. I would like to know more. I hate medical doctors so I use all natural remedies. I believe that the body was created from natural elements and synthentic drugs don't work. so tell me about oil-pulling.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Medcalfchef (Albany, NY - USA) on 09/05/2012
★★★★★

2 TBSP Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
1 TBSP Organic Honey
8-10 oz Hot Water

In approximately 20 minutes the drainage will begin, and the pressure will be relieved. This lasts for an hour to an hour an a half. It was my saving grace with the last sinus infection I had. This, along with saline irrigation cleared up the infection--NO steroidal nasal spray, NO antibiotics needed.

Replied by Kristina
(Mt. Pleasant, Sc)
09/21/2012

We use real Maple Syrup with ACV and like it much better than honey.

Replied by Wonder
(Dallas, Tx)
01/20/2013

Some people, myself included, react to the "mother" in some ACV. I found the regular ACV works for me. Plus there are many other uses for ACV as well. I could be wrong but the mother seems like mold. I am allergic to mold. So I don't use it.

Replied by Stephanie
(Buffalo, Ny Usa)
01/28/2013

How often did you take this mixture? I just tried it for the first time and I'm not sure if I should be doing this daily, a couple times a day, etc? Thanks!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Adambur (Kansas City, Missouri) on 08/24/2012
★★★★☆

Similar to others I hate antibiotics and the negative side effects associated with them. Came to this site for a sinus infection that I suffered with for over a week. Tried saline sinus rinse which would clear me up enough to sleep through the night along with breathe right strips. After continuing to be miserable I tried 8oz warm distilled water, 2tbsp organic unfiltered apple vinegar with mother, and 1 tbsp honey. Maybe I am a baby but this tasted awful. I had major troubles drinking it without gagging. I hated it. Being desperate, I forced it down. A few minutes later I noticed pressure relief in my forehead but nostrils weren't as clear as I had hoped. I could definitely tell a difference in my facial pressure so will use this again (with more honey and maybe a green tea bag) along with the sinus sinse. Made me a believer.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Skeptic To Believer (Chicago, Il) on 08/16/2012
★★★★★

I had to add my success with ACV for sinus infections. I recently got hit quickly with a sinus infection after having travelled on a long flight. I've been a sufferer for several years now and have always gone to the doctor for a script. Never again! This worked so well! The infection hit me Tues morning and I knew I wouldn't be able to get in to see my doc - plus, I was so tired of being bound to going to the doc and to prescriptions every time this happened. I found this site and got the recipe for a couple of TBSP ACV (organic, raw, unfiltered with the "mother" - that's the key), warm water and honey. I eyeballed the amounts and took the first cup on Tues night. I couldn't believe that I slept through the night - that never happens with the onset of a sinus infection. I continued to drink 3-4 cups throughout the day on Wed. By Wed night, I was feeling fine. Fine!! I will continue to drink it today because I'm not quite 100% yet, but I am stunned by the effectiveness of this natural remedy! Very happy to report a very enthusiastic "yea". Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Shawn (Ny) on 08/02/2012
★★★★★

I have been suffering from mulitple sinus infections for the past year now. I took antibiotics over and over just as soon as it would work a week or two later it was back. I came upon this site and decided to give Apple Cider Vinegar a try thinking it was better than a run to the emergency room. I took the 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with 8oz of water and abracadabra just as simple as that it was gone.......... Definitely, definitely, definitely works. Im so thankful for this site.

Replied by Freezekewl
(New York)
08/05/2012

Shawn, when you say you "took" apple cider vinigar, what do you mean? Do you mean you ingested it orally or used it in a neti pot by irrigating through the nose?

Replied by Allison
(Cheonan, South Korea)
09/20/2012

Netipots should only be used with water and the salt sold with it! Drink the ACV.

Replied by Simone
(Maryland)
05/06/2015

Yes I would only suggest drinking ACV diluted with water (and honey if needed). I tried the ACV diluted with water as a nasal rinse and it burned so bad! My sinuses seem a little more clear but the burn is terrible. Much better reaction to just drinking.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Android (Vancouver, Canada) on 07/11/2012

I get chronic sinus infections and my best remedy starts with apple cider vinegar, I also take echinacea and use a saline rinse. Always make sure to drink lots of water and I find that if I lay on the couch or in bed the mucus turns thicker and more stagnant, whenever I get a sinus infection I make sure to alway keep moving, nothing too intense just keep busy doing things around the house or going for small walks.

If you follow this routine as soon as you feel the start of a sinus infection it will be gone quickly, sometimes in my case it only lasts for a day or too.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Bradshad (North Providence, Rhode Island) on 07/01/2012
★★★★★

Yes I have used Apple Cider Vinegar in the neti pot, and I got the suggestion off earth clinic. I used 1 teaspoon in luke warm water. You may want to use less the first few times because it does burn a little. I use it when I am really clogged or have a sinus infection. It draws quite well. Also if you looking to kill a sinus infection off try cutting up a little garlic in the neti pot and leave it for awhile or a small amount of cayenne powder. I have killed of sinus infections this way. I dont know the long term side effects so I only use these remedies occasionally. Good luck.

Replied by Sunny
(Ca)
11/12/2013

Can you explain the garlic part please? So you put chopped up garlic in your netipot with water and let it sit, then take out the garlic and use that water in the neti pot?

Thank you for your clarification.

Replied by Sj Mcgrath
(New Zealand)
11/13/2017

Just used ACV for nasal irrigation. Extreme discomfort however excellent sinus drainage, finally able to clear nose by blowing. To be honest not sure I'd try again but desperate times call for desperate measures. Had chronic sinusitis over 12months. repeated GP visits. Take care all, ongoing sinus issues can have a negative impact on mood/mental wellbeing.

Replied by Wendy
(Columbus, Oh)
11/14/2017

I agree that using ACV for nasal rinsing can be painful. I hope you didn't use it full-strength! When I've used it I put @1/8-1/4 teaspoon into a 1/2 cup lukewarm distilled water. Even with this amount of ACV, it was difficult to tolerate, but it did a good job of rinsing and I avoided a full-blown sinus infection!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rachel (Plainfield, Illinois) on 07/01/2012
★★★★★

I had a wicked sinus infection. The pressure was all through my face, head, and ears. It felt like my head was going to explode! I went to the doctor but they wouldn't see me because I couldn't find my insurance card (blessing in disguise). I came home (totally upset and crying which doesn't help! ) and Googled how to get rid of a sinus infection without antibiotics and I found this wonderful website. I get an infection about 1-2 times a year and off to the doctors for antibiotics I go. Well NEVER AGAIN!

I read through all the posts, then went down the street to our local health store and bought ACV with the mother and a local honey, all natural and raw. When I got home it was about 5pm. I made the drink- 8oz water- 2 Tbls ACV- 1 Tbls honey. I drank it slowly. Right away I was blowing out a bunch of gunk. It wasn't immediate complete relief, but this really does work. I drank a total of 3 glasses of the drink throughout the evening. I went to bed around 11pm. I just got up now and feel sooooooo much better. I am still not 100%, but all of the pressure in my head is gone. I am completely amazed!! On antibiotics within this short of a time I do not feel this much of a relief. WOW DOES THIS WORK!!!!

Replied by Marty
(Nevada City, California)
07/02/2012
★★★★★

I can not believe this, but it is true. The apple cider vinegar (ACV) treatment is a miracle!! I started using it yesterday after reading the reviews on this site and by last night I was MUCH better. Did another "treatment" this morning and I'm almost 100%. I actually had enough energy to mow all of my lawn without any pain in my head... yipee and thanks.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Anon (Shoreacres, Texas) on 06/30/2012

I was just diagnosed with sinus fungus and was wondering if you could use Apple Cider Vinegar in your neti pot? Has anyone tried that?

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
07/01/2012

Hi, Regarding the neti pot and apple cider vinegar solution- it certainly can be used but personally I think it is much harsher than a saline solution. I remember my daughter trying the Apple Cider Vinegar and it really irritating her sinuses. I use a neti pot every morning and just use about a quarter tsp. Of sea salt in it. It works beautifully.

I would suggest that if you have a fungus in your sinuses you use the neti pot w/ salt water more often and also consider changing your diet such as eliminating dairy, eating more alkaline to support your whole body in this effort. My daughter was plagued with chronic sinus infections and nothing helped until she finally changed her diet. It's been about 4 years now and she is committed to eating right since it was the only real difference that changed that for her. Hope this information helps. Best to you, Lisa

Replied by Diane
(Los Angeles, Ca. United States)
07/02/2012

Regarding Apple cider vinegar in a neti pot.

My sinusitis became so bad that I could barely live with it. I was so desperate that I resorted to using a couple drops of apple cider vinegar in the neti pot up my nose and into my sinus cavity. I don't know how I would have survived my sinuisitis nightmare without this treatment at the time. After using this treatment for about 4 months I never had any problems in my sinuses due to using it! Sinusitis attacks are similar to hot chili sauce pouring down the sinuses and into the nose and ears, down the throat and into the chest! Pure hell on earth!

My sinuses were completely normal after I found the true cause of the problem!

What totally cured me of sinusitis was discovering that I had a cold spot at the top back of my head that may have been an infection of some type.

I could not confide in a professional because not one doctor knew how to help me in 11 years!

What I did was notice that heat or warmth (even a blow dryer) stopped my sinus attacks. So I wore a warm hat or cap day and night for about 3 to 4 months and my horrible sinuisitis nightmare ended.

Whatever the problem in my head stopped with the heat.

In other words there was nothing wrong with my sinuses---my problem was a cold head infection!

At least this worked for me.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Mama T (Sparks, Nv) on 05/27/2012
★★★★★

I was working at a job site where the receptionist had a sinus infection. She told me she was on antibiotics. She was coughing a lot and blowing her nose. I was exposed to this for about 3 days. Two days after I finished the job I was working in the garden and had an overwhelming sinus attack. I thought it was spring allergies and treated it as that. It did not abate. As I continued working at a different job sight, I got worse and the sinus infection turned green! Then I got larengytis.

I looked up on EC how to treat laringytis and did the vinegar and cayenne pepper gargle. Within minutes I coughed up a lot of gunk! I felt a lot of relief from the pressure in my voice. But it was not over. I had also seen a post about the Tomato Tea. I looked it up and made some that night. Drank it again the next day. While I was still working I was not really taking care of myself and I got worse!

When the weekend came I made more Tomato Tea and drank it often. I kept it in a pot on the stove and would drink 1 cup every couple of hours. By the end of the day the green had turned to yellow. By the next day it was gone! Faster than anti biotics(when you do what you need to do! ) I also use the netti pot with a change after checking on EC, I use 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1/4 tsp baking soda with warm water to rinse my sinuses. I think this is even more comfortable to use than salt. I keep getting out a lot of the yellow stuff.

I am getting better so fast, I am so thankful. I still have a plugged internal ear but my nasal passages are clear so continue the netti pot. I have now developed a dry cough and have drank organic apple cider vinegar with agave syrup because I am allergic to bees/honey. Again the EC has suggested this and the cough has already calmed down. Tomorrow I have to go back to work, and in one weekend I have learned so much and healed a lot! Thank you all for your contributions.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Labs52 (Brownsburg, In) on 05/19/2012
★★★★★

OMG! I have never had a sinus infection before. it has been a week now and I am starting to feel worse... Just drank the ACV, water and honey...... And I feel better already. I will try more later.... It is 10pm.... Thank you for the suggestion. I NEVER get sick... And did not want to go to the doctor or take prescribed meds. Thank you Thank you

Replied by Regi's Cafe
(Miami, Fl)
06/13/2012
★★★★☆

Sipping my first tea of ACV with the ginger honey crystals, some local honey and hot water.... Already feeling some relief from sinus headache, runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. I hope this does it. I hate meds. I will post update on my progress - thumbs up so far.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Sophie (Seattle) on 05/18/2012
★★★★★

I had my first sinus infection which is caused by bacteria My symptoms: a stiff neck, headache and fever I had no idea that a stiff neck is considered a serious sinus infection yet I was not stuffed up at all. I had a facial rash during and after the sinus infection I don't understand how you get a rash from the sinus infection? Anyhow took ACV and zinc that helped tremendously.