Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Congestion

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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.

David (USA) on 11/11/2025:
5 out of 5 stars

Incredible. I breathed the vapors through my nose until it was cool enough to add the honey and drink. My sinuses cleared before I finished the glass. Also added a pinch a cayenne and turmeric.

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Nina (Philippines) on 09/08/2020:
5 out of 5 stars

Hi to all our EC readers from the Philippines!

It's nearly 12 midnight and I can't sleep due to sinusitis and the dreaded headache that accompanies it. So, I went to this site and read through.

I decided, steam inhalation is the best coz it can go to places no one has ever gone before! Hihihi

1/4cup ACV ( braggs wd the mother.)
1cup water

Heated it up in the microwave two min.

Tilted my head over the bowl wd the mixture, got a clean dishtowel n covered my head including the bowl, so the steam will just concentrate on the area I want and not scatter all over the place.( I hope you get the picture) tried my best to breathe through my clogged nose. After a while it slowly cleared. Made sure to breathe deep and while doing that I did those facial sinus massages they do on You Tube.

I did spit a lot of clogged stuff while my sinuses were draining. After about 10 minutes of that, I'd gargle ACV wd warm water n a pinch of cayenne. That got all the mucous in my throat out. What a relief!

Walked a bit to allow gravity to drain away more clogging. I felt my headache just saying goodbye not wanting to come back to me. Good riddance!

I did the whole cycle two times.and after about
30 minutes, my sinuses were drained no headache, happy me!

I can't thank you enough for sharing this!

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Lisa D. (Hartford, SD) on 04/20/2018:
5 out of 5 stars

Sinus pressure:

A very saturated ACV onto a q-tip and roll inside your nostril sniff back and pressure is gone. Great stuff.

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Lakesha (St. Louis, Mo) on 12/03/2017:
5 out of 5 stars

This remedy worked immediately for me. I've known about it forever but just didn't think to do it. So this site reminded me. I immediately drank 2tblsp of vinegar in 1 cup of filtered water then followed that with snorting 1tsp in 1 cup of warm filtered water. I was so stopped up I couldn't even snort it at first. So I used a small bottle cap to pour it in as I held my head back. That cleared it enough that I could blow it out. And for the first time in a week it was looser and more clear. So I snorted when I could and it keeps coming out loose and clear!!! I can breathe!!! It only took a minute of my time. I wish I had done this a week ago SMH
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Amazed (Rochester, Ny) on 09/12/2017:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV + Honey + Hot Water for Congestion

WOW. I did NOT believe this would work. Not that I'm against natural cures, but this really, really shocked me. I'm not that sick, just a head cold, but tonight my runny nose turned into a congested one within a matter of hours. So full I had to start mouth breathing. I found the ACV-HONEY-HOT WATER remedy and gave it a try. I also added in a few sprinkles of freshly ground black pepper and cayenne pepper. BAM. Within 30 seconds (NOT KIDDING! ) I was starting to feel open. Within 5 minutes I'm COMPLETELY clear. I went ranting and raving to my husband (who's also sick but with throat stuff not nose-yet). I dont know how long it will last but I will continue drinking it for health. I actually really love the taste of ACV and honey so this will be a treat. TO EVERYONE'S GOOD HEALTH!

*note, the honey and ACV I used were raw/organic.

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Ted (Tx) on 06/12/2017:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV sniff for sinus congestion.

It worked for me as well

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Beagleslways (Lighthouse Point, Fl) on 03/28/2017:
5 out of 5 stars

Have had sinus congestion for 3 days. Just watched the Earth Clinic video using a paper towel saturated with apple cider vinegar and tried it. Started to feel relief! Then made up the 6 oz of water, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar and honey mixture and am drinking it as I write this. Amazing....... I can breath. I was totally clogged before this. Thank you!!
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L8wman99 (Orem Utah) on 02/16/2017:
5 out of 5 stars

I've been congested for two days. NyQuil did not help. Mucinex neither. This actually worked! Hoping to get some sleep tonight.

6 oz. hot water
2 tbsp ACV
1 TBSP honey

Kind of tasted like theraflu to me. Wow!

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Sally (Michigan ) on 01/27/2017:
1 out of 5 stars

I'm so stuffed up I can't breathe, I've tried the Apple Cider Vinegar and I tried the hot towel for the steam, Nothing works! Any advice, anyone?
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Caroline (Norfolk, Uk) on 12/06/2016:
5 out of 5 stars

Just tried this and within a minute a clear nose, hope it lasts and I can sleep tonight...I'm amazed as I was completely blocked up.

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Jj (Old Bridge, Nj) on 11/11/2016:
5 out of 5 stars

Amazing! I tried taking it first and did not feel relieved. I'm so desperate to feel better. So I tried the other suggestion. I heated some of the ACV and then inhaled the fumes. That worked for me! TIP: close your eyes when you inhale the fumes. It stings. So happy I found this website!
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Shulie (London) on 05/16/2016:
5 out of 5 stars

I used the recipe on your site, 1/4 cup of ACV to 16 oz of water. My nose is already unblocked and I haven't even finished the drink!! Thank you.
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Thrilled2pieces (Bella Vista, Ar) on 04/18/2016:
5 out of 5 stars

I've been adding a splash of ACV and honey (I mix a cup of each, microwaved to blend, in a bottle) in every glass of water I drink. My husband cannot stand the smell, but I absolutely crave it. I almost always have a stuffy nose--one nostril or the other. I was considering going for the balloon sinuplasty since my eyes feel squinty and small all the time because of the congestion. I was reading about ACV as a nasal wash last night---thought it would burn like the dickens! I took one of those saline nasal-wash bottles--used distilled water and about a teaspoon ACV, plus I added a squirt of the coconut oil I keep in a spray bottle. No burn whatsoever---and voila! I can breathe through both nostrils! My eyes feel bright and wide---sounds incredible, but true.

My husband complains of allergies all the time and has had tinitus for 45 years. He is NOT Mr. Natural--what a shame. I gave up dairy, soda pop and alcohol. I just cannot believe how alert I feel. Go ACV!

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Chloespeaks (Nyc) on 11/08/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

I came home last night with a serious bout of sneezes after walking the dog through windy fall leafy weather. Immediate massive congestion accompanied by runny nose. I neti'ed immediately which helped the sneezing but everything else still present. I even took a Zyrtec, which again, helped but still massively congested after 3 hours.

Drank a warm glass of 8oz water, 2 Tablespoons honey, 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar and it immediately cleared one nostril. Felt like 50% better but my sense of smell was still gone for about one hour. Then I took another, milder dose, 1 Tablespoon each of honey/ACV. I got less noticeable relief but went to bed and slept soundly (snoring though which only happens with congestion). Woke this morning with one side still congested, but now 2 hours later completely 90% clear with sense of smell back.

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Beckie (Windham Maine) on 04/05/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

Holy heck! Been sitting in bed stuffed up so bad and found this remedy.. Figured I had nothing to lose and had the ingredients.. I am not kidding you.. Four sips and I am breathing out of my nose!! It tastes like hell but id rather breathe so I am finishing it.. Anyone know how long the effects last?? I will find out!

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Paula (Mississauga, Canada) on 02/13/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

Just got back from vacation in Hawaii and I got really sick 3rd last day. Head and sinus congestion. My eye sockets hurt as well as my teeth. Every bone was sore and I was so stopped up I thought my head would explode. Developed a sore throat than a cough and my ears were plugged. Lots of sneezing, nose blowing And very weak.

I have often taken Apple Cider Vinegar as a health supplement and have taken it on faith it does me lots of good but never noticed anything different. Well, after landing at the airport and 2 air planes later, my voice sounded like it was inside me. The congestion was as bad as I have never experienced. I made myself an Apple Cider Vinegar drink. About 3 tablespoons added to warm water and a little cayenne, a couple of light shakes.

Approx. 1/2 to 3/4 hour later lying in bed, my left stopped up ear was making a sound than all of a sudden it popped clear open. Than all else, other ear, runny nose and phlegm in throat all stopped and I could totally breath again after 4 days of misery. Never had I experienced this before. I always wished I could be one of those people who claimed after consuming Apple Cider Vinegar had a reversal or a miraculous Turn around.

I can now claim such an experience And timing couldn't have been more perfect. I was really suffering.

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Texascannas (Texas, US) on 09/16/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

Tried 5% Apple Cider Vinegar from Walmart; some local produced honey to taste and hot water. I felt congestion relieve in my sinuses within 10 minutes. Thanks for a great tip!
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Sarah (Us) on 05/29/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I get really bad allergies a couple of times a year and I'm usually just resigned to suffering through swollen sinuses and copious amounts of mucus, but it's really wearing thin. I just tried apple cider vinegar and much to my surprise, it actually helped. I'm still congested but the throbbing itchy feeling in my sinuses has finally subsided, and the congestion has lessened. Sitting here with eucalyptus oil in my burner now and hoping that will help with the remainder, but at least I have something I can take to make sleeping easier (that isn't a benadryl - that stuff really wrecks me). Thanks for sharing this.
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Kerich (Nakuru, Kenya) on 12/17/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

What a wonderful moments! Hey it works barely a day men GOD IS GREAT! Over the past my nostrils have been a mess. I used my mouth to breathe. I took it as instructed ooh my GOD. Thank you so much. i had suffered for years that I frequently went for HIV test though I was 100% I had never misbehaved anywhere.Once again thank you earth clinic for sharing this information so crucial .sinus distracted my undergraduate that at one time I nearly opted to defer. Cheers men!

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Acvworks! (Atlanta, Ga) on 08/10/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

Wow... 4 days of being completely 100% stuffed up. I had been drinking tea with ACV and honey.. But obviously not ENOUGH. Measure it out... 2 TBS of ACV and 1-2 TBS of honey and 6 oz of water. Within a couple minutes BOTH nostrils completely clear... Ahhhhh! :) Now.. what to do for earaches that came from being stuffed for 4 days.
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Sowm (Bangalore, India) on 07/07/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been having sinus congestion for the past 2 months. None of the medications worked, neti pot gave relief for an hour or so. I tried 2tsp Apple Cider Vinegar with honey and hot water and within 30 min the nose was clear. I was able to breathe freely. I still have have lots more to clear up. Thanks a lot to all the people for sharing their experiences.
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Christine (Ma) on 06/04/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I was miserable and just tried this. It worked within minutes!!! Thank you! Could not breathe at all through my nose. Feel wonderful!

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Suntater (Danville, In) on 05/26/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Congestion: Just a side note, my grandfather drank a glass of apple cider vinegar and honey every day as a daily preventative. I remember him staying home from work for only one day with a cold when I was a kid, and I even lived with him for awhile.
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Sandi M (El Dorado Hills, Ca) on 05/23/2013:
1 out of 5 stars

I'm so disappointed. I've had nasal congestion for 3 days now and have tried a few OTC and natural remedies, but everything only temporarily helped. Then I came across this site and gave ACV a try. I've now sniffed it, gave myself a facial steam with it and drank it with a mixture of honey and hot water.... Nothing. Well, maybe not nothing; on a scale of 1-10 (10 being able to breath clearly without obstruction and 1 being completely blocked) I'm about a 3. I can sort of still breath through my nose, but it's only mildly better. Bummer. I was really hoping this would work. :-(
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Rosie (Artesia, New Mexico ) on 05/15/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I was having such a hard time breathing so I googled home remedies and came across this one using ACV. I heated 6oz of water, 2 tblsp ACV and 1 tblsp honey on the stove and drank it warm. It was actually not bad tasting and worked great. In a matter of minutes I could breath. I will definitely do it again.
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I am a nut for home remedies (Bloomington, Indiana ) on 05/05/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

Thanks so much, I just tried it. I had also read that drinking ACV in water daily and eliminating sugar for a couple weeks will also get rid of parasites in the bowels. Gross but it happens. It helped my sinsus but it many take longer for it to really help in the long term. It is a healthy way. Better than tons of antacids and foreign made toxic sinus meds. Decongestants, (so I've read online) will rise the blood pressure so it's good to avoid that in people with hypertension. I have to stand in the shower most mornings to get some relief of allergies. Washing the face daily and especially around the nose helps wash off any kinds of pullens that might attach to the face. Washing hair and clothing daily helps too, to avoid pollens.

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Lori (Chicago Heights, Il) on 02/25/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been drinking the Apple Cider Vinegar tea for about 3 weeks 16oz a day. With that I have experienced loose stool and drainage from sinuses. Today I do not feel the greats but I am able to breath out of both nostrils and that feels great. I will continue to use ACV and the tea. Thank you
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Randy (Howell, Michigan) on 01/05/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been heating ACV and breathing the fumes for the last few years when ever I feel congested or like I'm getting a sinus infection. This has always worked great for me. Heat a small amount in a pan on the stove (I would not microwave, it may destroy the properties of the ACV) SLOWLY breath in the vapors and hold in as long as you can. You can even breath this into your lungs as long as you do it VERY SLOWLY!! To hard and fast will cause you to choke. You will find that it will loosen up phlegm and mucous like nothing else! You will get immmediate relief and the key is to not stop breathing it in just because you get relief so quickly. I try to keep breathing it in 3 times a day for several days to be sure the bug gets killed by the acv, which it will. I do like the idea of making a nasal spray which I am going to make up and try.
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Jml (Denver, Co) on 11/26/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you for the ACV remedy, it was helpful! ACV in water also works for heartburn. Sinus problems, among many other illnesses, are fungal related and the eating of grains and sugars definitely exasperate it. It's not that grains in themselves are bad, it's because many of our grains these days because of the way they are stored are contaminted with mold and fungus and most of the fungi are not tested in our food supply. For anyone who's interested there's a great site where you can read or listen to more info on the subject... The website is knowthecause.com and the man's name is Doug Kaufmann - he's been researching the fungus link to disease for over 30 years. Many have been healed of various illnesses by going on what's called the 'Phase 1' diet. It's basically a diet that eliminates sugar and grains and believe me it does make a major difference! I have veered away from it the last few months and my sinuses acting up again was the price I paid. Needless to say, I plan to get back on the diet since it's the only thing I've found that really makes a difference.

In any event, hope people will check out the site, there's tons of good information and it will definitely help you - it's been a lifesaver for me! Stay healthy!

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Roxanne (Dallas, Tx) on 11/13/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I used 2 Apple Cinnamon herbal tea bags, after boiling a large cup of water in the microwave. I added 2 T. AC Vinegar and 2 large Tblsp. Honey. My sinuses instantly drained, and it tasted like hot apple cider! No gagging involved here. I might try the ACV in the Saline solution too, because I still feel pain in my sinuses, probably from being stopped up so long. They were throbbing so bad earlier, I felt like you could see it throb in the mirror.

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