10 Healing Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar (plus a recipe to relieve inflammation!)

10 Healing Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar (plus a recipe to relieve inflammation!)

Today, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a household staple for many, and is used for much more than making delicious recipes. Its anti-bacterial properties make it a perfect all natural cleaning product, while it’s anti-fungal properties make it a simple cure for fungus, warts, and other annoying and unsightly skin problems. Additionally ACV is becoming more and more well known for its proven benefits related to acid reflux, high blood pressure, and inflammation, weight loss and digestion. In our house, we use ACV daily to help improve digestion and maintain overall health, by either incorporating it into our recipes or drinking it with water, as a tonic, each morning.

What kind should I use? 

In order to get the most bebenefit from ACV, make sure you use:

– raw
– organic
-unfiltered
– unpasteurized

Here are 10 Healing Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

1.  As a Probiotic. ACV contains probiotics and a type of acid that promotes the growth of probiotics. These properties can help with constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion. Mix 1T with water and drink once a day.
2. An Aid to Weight Loss. Studies have found that consuming apple cider vinegar can promote weight loss. ACV reduces sugar cravings and improves detoxification, and may even reduce body fat.
3. To Kill Fungus. Much like coconut oil, ACV is an amazing anti-fungal and you’ll notice the effects almost instantly. To kill skin or toenail fungus, rub ACV on the area of fungus twice daily.
4. To Heal Poison Ivy and Other Rashes. ACV can help reduce swelling and inflammation, and help the body detox. These properties will help poison ivy and other rashes heal more quickly. To relieve itching, mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water and mix to form a paste. Apply this paste to the infected area to relieve irritation. Alternatively you can dip a cotton ball or q-tip into a small amount of ACV and apply directly to infected area a few times a day as needed.
5. Healthy Hair. ACV can used as a natural conditioner, or as a rinse to dry out overly oily hair. Try this for the conditioner: 1T ACV mixed with 1 cup water, poured onto hair after shampooing, 3 times a week. To help combat oiliness: Mix 1 part ACV with 1 part water and pour over hair once a week.
6. As a Natural Alternative to Deodorant. ACV is anti-bacterial, and can therefore kill yeast and other bad bacteria in the armpit, while also neutralizing odor. Just rubbing a little into your armpit each day can be beneficial.
7. To Kill Warts. Apply ACV topically and cover with a bandaid once a day until wart is gone. Be careful not to over apply, as this may lead to an acid burn.
8. To Cure a Cold or Sore Throat. Due to its vitamin and probiotic content, ACV is an ideal remedy to cure a cold and sore throat. Try 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water 3 times daily to cure a cold. For acute laryngitis or strep throat, gargle 1 tsp ACV in 1/2 cup of water 3 times an hour.
9. To Help Acid Reflux Symptoms. Many have touted the benefits of ACV in combatting symptoms of acid reflux, by breaking down fats, balancing pH levels, and improving digestion. Try 2T in 8oz water before meals.
10. To Heal Inflammation. Sinusitis, joint pain, tendinitis, etc. can be helped by ACV. Try a tonic of 2T in 8oz water once daily.

To find out more about ACV, see this post by our friends at Cooking Detective!

Plus, here is a recipe that we use to help prevent and heal inflammation. This is a great alternative when the taste of the tonic is not so appealing!

Recipe to Relieve Inflammation:
1/2 organic lemon
2 in piece of ginger root
4 tsp apple cider vinegar
Raw honey, to taste

Chop lemon and ginger and add to teapot full of water. Boil tea and remove from burner. Pour tea, strained, into mug and add 1 tsp ACV per cup of tea. Add honey top taste, for added benefit and to help the taste!

I’d love to hear which of the healing uses of apple cider vinegar you’ve tried, and any others that work for you!

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