Sinus Infections
Health Benefits

Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Naturally Treat Sinus Infections

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.

305 User Reviews

5 star (258) 
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4 star (19) 
  6%
3 star (2) 
  1%
1 star (16) 
  5%
(10) 
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Posted by Reinventyourhealth (Redding, Ca, Usa) on 04/23/2010
★★★★★

I am a 53 yr old male and I have had sinus problems periodically for 10 years. Lately, they have been getting progressively worse and much more severe. The deciding factor for me to try one of the suggested remedies was when, just a few days ago, I experienced severe sinus blockage on the left side of my face and what I initially thought to be some dental problems as my cheek was swollen from the impacted sinus cavity. Anyway, I scanned the various remedies and tried the 50/50 mixture of ACV and purified water. I mixed up the solution and put it in to an unused nasal mister bottle. The suggestion was to pump 4-5 sprays in to each nostril. I knew it would sting with the 5% acidity of the ACV so I opted for 1 pump in each nostril to start. I was glad I did as it definitely stings for approx. 10 sec. I also chose to sniff my nose to get it further in to the blocked sinuses. If you can tough out the stinging, you should be quite pleased with the results. I actually ended up doing 4 pumps in each nostril just not all at once. Within a half hour my sinuses were starting to open up and the pain was subsiding in the upper jaw. Approximately 3 hours later and I was able to breath through my left nostril that was previously blocked. I can testify to the effectiveness of this treatment as it really cleared me up and saved me tremendous medical costs as this solution cost less than 25 cents to mix. I need to inform you,however, that prior to this treatment I tried the steaming method which consisted using 50/50 parts of ACV and water brought to a boil. It didn't seem to be working as effectively as I had hoped it would so I went to the aforementioned remedy.

After my sinuses were under control I decided to dilute the mixture to a 1 part ACV to 2 part water and will now use as a sinus prevention program. Hope this information is helpful to all of you that suffer from sinuses.

Replied by Maurice
(Northbridge, Ma)
08/28/2010

Could you tell me the exact prevention program you are using. Also the exact type of ACV for you nasal rinse? Thanks much, Maurice


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Melanie (Portland, Or) on 04/19/2010
★★★★★

About a week ago, I was suffering from a VERY BAD sinus infection, so bad that my ear was causing me excrutiating(sp?) pain, I lost some of my hearing and my mucous was mixed with blood and would not stop draining. I am also one of the many in this country without health or dental insurance. So when I woke up with my ear bothering me even more, I searched for a natural cure for sinus infection and was directed to earth clinic. The main things I found to treat a sinus infection was steaming my sinuses( shower turned up all the way and sat in a steam filled bathroom for 15 minutes) hot tea with honey, and Apple Cider Vinegar. 2 Table spoons mixed with 8 oz of water 3 times a day. With the severaty(sp?) of my sinus infection, it did take a week to feel nearly 100% better! Since finding your website, I have been in Awe at how many remedies are out there. So thank you. I will be recomending this website to everyone I know. Thank You again for helping those in need with inexpensive natural remadies for those of us who need them.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Knseeker (Chesterfield, Mo, Usa) on 04/12/2010
★★★★★

My wife was suffering from severe cold for 2-3 weeks. Tried anti-biotics and all kinds of mucus thinning tablets without much effect. 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 OZ of water did wonders. She did that for 3 days and all her sinus infections were gone in no time. It controlled the night time coughs as well. Thanks for posting this amazing remedy

Replied by Dolly
(Brighton, Sussex, England)
12/19/2011
★★★★★

Well, what can I say?? A miracle. Have suffered sinusitis on and off for years and was in real pain yesterday, with guests arriving any minute. Found your site and dispatched husband off to healthfood shop to get ACV. Mixed it with honey and warm water; drank it down and within 15 minutes... No more sinusitis. Same today - here I am, sitting in a centrally heated room which would usually give me real sinus pain and, nothing, zilch. Thank you - will be revisiting this site if I get any other things wrong.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elvishscorpio (Wilkesboro, Nc) on 03/30/2010
★★★★★

I had a really really bad sinus infection. With no health insurance I could not afford to go to the doctor, and grew really worried because my friend let a sinus infection go once, and the doctor told her that they can be really dangerous if left untreated- can cause brain aneurysms and blindness... I woke up one morning and my whole head hurt and I could not even focus my eyes... after taking a pain killer I looked you guys up and within 3 days of mixing honey, Organic apple cider vinegar, and hot tea 3 times daily I am better! People really need to know this so they are not giving the doctors and pharmaceutical companies even more money... Thank you so much. Works better than prescription antibiotics.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Roger (Bowling Green, Kentucky) on 03/06/2010
★★★★★

I've been miserable for 5 days now...got hit with a cold and a sinus infection. I haven't taken any medication or treatment for my constant allergies etc in over 10 years. I just learned to deal with it. This time...after the pressure was so bad both ears felt like I was wearing cheap earplugs and could not sleep more than an hour at a time in a recliner...I bought a couple packages of Tylenol severe cold pills the next morning. No effect at all. Steam treatments would give slight relief as far as my stuffy nose, but nothing for any other symptoms. I finally wandered on the web and thank God for ACV and everyone's posts. In an hour and a half my right ear popped and I had real relief for the first time in nearly a week.

Replied by Stefani
(Lafayette, Co)
03/08/2010
★★★★★

I tried the remedy of 2 tbsp. ACV in 8 oz h2o 3x a day as directed on this site for a sinus headache in the area of my right eyebrow/forehead. I'd been plagued with this pain for almost 2 weeks and I had been taking 4 ibuprofen in the morning and afternoon for the last 3 days without relief. I've suffered sinus infections frequently in my life and didn't want to take antibiotics. Within 2 days the pain had diminished so I kept up the routine. Now, 1 week later, my sinuses are clear and no pain whatsoever. I also found relief of a lower ache in my back around the kidney area which began 1 week into the sinus infection.

I am a believer and will continue to drink this "tea". I did add a bit of honey for flavor and for the antibacterial properties, but I'm a vegan. Does anyone know of a honey replacement that has the antibacterial properties such as grade b maple syrup or agave nectar that will keep me vegan? or do I have to choose?

Replied by Anuj
(New Delhi, India)
04/23/2010

I have been suffering from Sinus infection and Tinnitus which started a few months back. On reading about ACV, I have started having it for the last few days and have definetely noticed a difference in my sinus. I am drinking ACV twice a day. Would like to know how long I should continue this and will it cure my Tinnitus also ???

EC: Feedback on Apple Cider Vinegar for Tinnitus here: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/tinnitus.html#ACV

Replied by L.
(Private)
05/02/2011

Glad you mentioned the Kidney pain, I have had similar pain as well and thought it might have a connection to the sinus pain, but wasn't sure how.


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!

EC: Lots of yummy apple cider vinegar recipes here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/acv_recipes.html

Replied by Leigh
(Raleigh, North Carolina)
12/12/2010

I felt the same way the first time I tried it. But I just tried it again, mixed with some Splenda and heated like tea. It's SO much better! I can actually sip it without the unpleasantness of just the ACV. Give it another whirl!

Replied by Andrea
(Port Alberni, Bc,canada)
03/29/2011

you should read up on Splenda, it is not a good choice! Worse than sugar, use honey.

Replied by L
(Private)
05/02/2011

Maybe try it with warm, not hot water, and some honey!

Replied by Lauren
(Denver, Colorado)
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 Rob (Va. Beach, Virginia) on 02/22/2010
★★★★☆

I had had a sinus infection for three weeks when I started ACV- 2tbls in 8oz of water three times a day plus nasal irrigation with 2tsps in approx 6oz w/ some salt once a day. I have done this for five and a two-thirds days with perhaps some improvement (feel better, less drainage) but sinuses are still infected.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christina (Kansas City, Mo) on 02/17/2010

I have tried drinking 1 T. ACV in a cup of hot water, and it only results in heartburn. I want to give this a chance, as so many people attest to the benefits of ACV. Any tips? I have had 2 dental extractions, both teeth were infected, there was communication from the teeth into the sinus, and now I have a sinus infection. It's been a mess. I am on 2 abx now, but so far, nothing has worked. I'm desperate for solutions since I've been sick since Thanksgiving.

Replied by Nicole
(Decatur, Ga)
03/12/2010

Christina from Kansas City, everything does not always work for everybody. You must understand that every human body is different and we have to listen to our bodies when trying remedies. In your case of heartburn, you are having a major side effect of ACV and should stop using it immediately. If you continue, it could cause you to have chronic (continue over time) heartburn even after you stop. You should try a different remedy for your sinus infection.

Replied by Gemz
(Santa Cruz, California)
03/15/2010

Not all ACV is the same. You will find one creates heartburn while the other cures it. The ACIDS in them are unique. The one you will want to try will be cloudy and murky. Hopefully Organic. The clear pungent stuff from the egg coloring days is the one that creates heart burn.

If you do a search of ACV for heartburn you may find one that works good. I know I tried it off and on and it did not work for me. Then I learned the difference.

Sorry I do not know the names of the acids but they are totally different. Good luck and try the heartburn tips on here. They helped me tremendously!

Replied by Tina
(Toledo, Ohio, Usa)
07/25/2010

Do try to get Organic Apple Cidar Vinegar. I find that putting 1/4 teaspoon or more baking soda with the AC in 1 cup water in a large glass helps lower the acidity so it doesn't hurt my stomach.

Replied by Karen
(Seattle)
07/13/2018

For maxillary sinus infections, try garlic capsules.


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 Krysta (Houston, Tx) on 01/11/2010
★☆☆☆☆

I've tried the hot water with 2 tablespoons ACV twice today and nothing happened. I even boiled water and poured some ACV in the water, at least 2 parts water 1 part ACV, and inhaled the steam for as long as i could. my nose just runs.


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 Bliss (Schaumburg, Usa) on 12/31/2009

I will try ACv very next thing in the morning 2mmorow as I hav been struggling with sinus congestions since last 3 days and now my nose bleeds when I blow. But I have questions...Is this Ok to give to my 4 year old daughter who gets sinus infection too very frequently? also how long does the effect stay with ACV? Do we keep gulping this throughout our life?


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Strangelilmama (Santa Fe, Nm, USA) on 12/29/2009
★★★★★

I hesitate to speak too soon, but after 10 days with a relentless cold, I woke up with a raging sinus infection yesterday; fever, swelling of my face, redness over my cheekbones, couldn't breathe through my nose whatsoever. I stayed home from work & was ready to call my doctor, knowing she would prescribe antibiotics, which I try to avoid as often as possible. I dreaded the aftermath of the antibiotics, but I also knew this was a doozy of an infection. My husband had read up on ACV a while back, and we had some in the house, so when I googled natural sinus infection remedies & saw all the testimonies here, I thought I'd give it a shot. I took two tablespoons in warm water (a big mug, probably 10-12 oz), plus a tbsp of honey three times yesterday. I also used a saline rinse/ neti pot. I am like NIGHT & DAY today. I am not 100% yet, but I can breathe, the swelling went down, the redness is gone, and I feel functional. I do still have some congestion & my face is a bit tender, but it is no longer terribly painful. Perhaps TMI, but the nasty green-yellow mucus has gotten considerably less disgusting-looking, too.

I am going to continue the ACV & the saline for the next few days, and next time I will do it preventively.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Arlene (Meredosia, Il) on 12/23/2009
★★★★★

My husband and I have been miserable lately with sinus infections. I do not take any medication unless I have to, diabetes and blood pressure are all I take so I was looking for something natural. Found this site accidently, tried the apple cider vinegar. We found out the next day that we were using the distilled and that that was incorrect, but, we both woke up in the morning with our heads completely cleared. We will get the right kind of acv in a few days, but so far this is working. We both feel so much better, and can breathe clearly. I was very sceptical, but I'm so glad that I found this. Thank you so much for this site. I have shared this with my whole family.



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