If you’ve ever researched home remedies for different things, odds are you’ve come across apple cider vinegar at least once or twice. Vinegar has been used for centuries for all sorts of things, many of which have been tested and confirmed by science. When using vinegar for health, it is important to make sure you’re using one ‘with the Mother’. The Mother culture is the reason for the dark, murkiness of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. Many people believe this is the reason for the potent health benefits: The Mother contains tons of good bacteria and enzymes, and is naturally occurring. There are so many reasons to grab a bottle next time you get the chance!
1. Burns
While I have a secret love for cooking, I am such a klutz in the kitchen. Seriously, I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve burned myself. The other day, I was making hamburgers and, somehow, in the process of transferring the burger from the pan to the plate, a huge splash of grease landed on my hand. It burned like fire, and I immediately ran it under cold water.
After doing a little online reading, I realized ACV is a great treatment for burns, so I grabbed a little and splashed it on the burn. (This can also be used for sunburns.) At first, I was hesitant because I was afraid it’d make it hurt worse. But, after only 30 seconds or so, the pain was gone! There was no swelling or residual redness either-it was as if I’d never been burned at all.
2. Antibiotic
Apple Cider Vinegar is naturally high in malic and acetic acid, and contains countless vitamins which make it a wonderful antibiotic. In the case of open cuts, ACV will burn some (think of alcohol), but it has been known to heal faster and reduce scarring.
ACV can also be used internally. Taking 1-2 shots per day will help your and your gut fight off any bad bacteria or infection-this is especially helpful in treating sinus infections. Oftentimes, to help with the taste, I’ll mix hot water, honey, and ACV to create a sort of tea.
3. Relieves Itching
If you’re a sufferer of eczema, like me, you know all about the creams and ointments to help with the, sometimes unbearable, itching. The thing is, those don’t do much at all, especially for the healing process. These creams are loaded with so many other random additives and ingredients that simply don’t belong on the skin, our biggest organ.
ACV is especially noted for helping itching associated with dry skin-which is why it is so helpful for things like eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. For dry skin that covers a good portion of the body, ACV baths are a great idea, by adding about 2 cups of vinegar to your bathwater. Because dry skin patches are often covered with small open wounds, diluting the ACV will be more gentle on your skin.
4. Cleaning
While this tip doesn’t necessarily have to do with your body, it is a health benefit. Traditional cleaning sprays are loaded with unneeded chemicals that are harsh, and toxic. If only there was something that worked just as well, without the detrimental effects on our health and homes. If only we didn’t have to lock, double lock, and extra child proof our cleaning cabinets in the fear our children would get into them. But wait…
The acidic properties of ACV make it a great antibacterial and antimicrobial. Some studies have even shown that ACV, when mixed with table salt, can even stop the growth and spread of E. Coli. Safe for the environment, and your lungs, apple cider vinegar can replace many of those dangerous household cleaning supplies.
5. Antacid
I know, I know, this probably sounds like the most backwards thing in the world. To pour vinegar, of all things, onto the searing fire in your throat and chest. But, trust me!
I actually discovered this little gem during my pregnancy, when my heartburn was so bad that I had to mouth breathe because the flames were licking the inside of my nose. ACV naturally helps balance the pH of the stomach, which makes it more efficient at digesting food, preventing acid reflux.
Always dilute ACV, as it does have the potential to damage the enamel on your teeth.
Apple cider vinegar has a huge and long list of benefits, but these are my favorite. What are yours? Tell me in the comments below, and maybe I’ll make a part 2!
Until next time,
Savannah
I use it as a conditioning treatment for my hair and it's also my go-to remedy for nausea.
I use it as a conditioning treatment for my hair and it's also my go-to remedy for nausea.
Ive often heard of the benefits of vinegar. White is supposed to be good for cleaning isn't it? Ive never tried any for other then on my chips ha. I do suffer dry skin so ACV could be useful. #stayclassymama
I had no idea it had so many uses, I have to admit. Thanks for this post 🙂 #FabFridayPost
I knew about all but #5! Thank you for such a great post! Vinegar is just one of those things you NEED to have in the cupboard. 🙂 #KCACOLS
I didn't know i had so many uses. I use it in cooking but had no idea about burns etc – thanks! #KCACOLS
Wow I had no idea it was so good for cleaning and burns. I've added it to my salads before since I know it is healthy for you, but I haven't done much else with it.
#KCACOLS
For nausea!? Wow! I had no idea, I will definitely be keeping that in mind! Thanks for sharing (:
Yep, white vinegar is also good for cleaning! I think I've found the effects of ACV and white vinegar with cleaning to be very similar, so I think you'd be fine with either. ACV is a miracle worker on my eczema! (:
Isn't it crazy how little we know about our everyday products?! Thanks for your comment (:
Absolutely!!! Thanks so much for your comment (:
wow this is super useful! I needed this on sunday when I burnt my hand twice cooking bloody fathers day breaky! #KCACOLS
Wow I didn't realise you could use apple cider vinegar for so many things! I actually used this to condition my hair at one point, I went Au Natural! lol It did feel a bit softer : ). Thanks for the advice and sharing with #StayClassyMama!
Wow! Apple cider vinegar for burns! I didn't know it could be used for so many different things! I used to sterilise my daughter's steriliser with vinegar which used to stink the kitchen out haha!Thank you for sharing these these fab tips! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday.
Wow! I had no idea! My girl suffers from eczema and I would definitely give this a try. Thank you so much for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost – very useful info indeed. I will need to pin this! 🙂 x
I did not know it works on itchy bug bites! That is awesome, we went on a biking trip and got eaten alive. Will try it out! #KCACOLS
I've actually never bought apple cider vinegar, but will consider it next time I'm shopping after reading this and learning how useful it can be! x #KCACOLS
These are so interesting! I had no idea you can use ACV as an antacid. So cool! #KCACOLS
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project
Apple cider vinegar is so incredible! I use it for healthy digestion. I love natural health tips, keep them coming 😉
Thanks Stef! How do you use your ACV? Just like, a swig a day? Thanks so much for commenting! <3
I have definitely tried it for burning! Great tips! I didn’t realize the other uses
Hey Mary!!! It’s like a miracle worker for burns, isn’t it?! I was sooo surprised at how amazing it worked. Definitely give it a try for some other things as well <3 Thanks for commenting!!
Wow! I had no idea vinegar worked on itching or bug bites!
Huh! Those are really great ideas! Especially burns in the kitchen. All the time.
I knew about the heartburn, but had no idea it would work on skin burns or excema. I lost my voice and had a really sore throat, so I gargled with it, and also drank some and it really reduced the pain and helped me get better quicker.
I’ve heard about ACV being antibiotic and use it as a natural way to cleanse and condition my hair. I had no clue about it helping with heartburn. My hubby could really benefit from this. I wonder if that’s why pregnant women crave pickles because the vinegar helps with the acid?
I did not know it had so many benefits. This is not health related but you can use ACV to catch fruit flies with it. Which can contribute to your mental health lol.
I use ACV for acne, to get hair product out of my hair, and sorethroats!
Apple cider vinegar has so many great benefits. I make a mixture of ACV, lemon, cinnamon, honey, and water for the hubby to help stabilize his blood sugar. His last years doctor checkout was proof that it works.
I use ACV in my dogs food. She has sensative skin and tends to get hot spots but the ACV has really helped ( along with olive oil). I also love using it for my aztec clay face mask!
I love ACV! I also used it during pregnancy for heart burn, and it kept the common cold away!
Good stuff. Thanks!