Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Infections

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4 star (19) 
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3 star (2) 
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1 star (16) 
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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.

Tiki Storm (Victoria, British Columbia) on 09/29/2012:
4 out of 5 stars

(Better But Not Yet Cured). HELP!! I think I fall under that category, but honestly it is hard to tell. I've been trying to fight this current sinus infection for months now. It's a real drag and it is effecting my professional and personal life very negatively. I tried the AVC cure yesterday and honestly, but the end of the day things were a bit better. I had hope. Until I woke this morning with a horrible sinus migrane.

I am supposed to start a new job this week and can't bear to think how things will go if I have this kind of a distraction (the pain is so bad that it keeps me up most nights leading to very poor energy and focus throughout the working day). I am beginning to think this may be a fungal thing and I really don't know if ACV or anything else will kill it. I'm going to try to muster up the strength to go into town today to get the grapefruit seed extract and hopefully that gives me some relief. Any suggestions from the awesome members of this board would be greatly appreciated.

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Stallischelle (West Allis, Wi) on 09/07/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
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Medcalfchef (Albany, NY - USA) on 09/05/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

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Adambur (Kansas City, Missouri) on 08/24/2012:
4 out of 5 stars

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.
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Skeptic To Believer (Chicago, Il) on 08/16/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
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Shawn (Ny) on 08/02/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
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Marty (Nevada City, California) on 07/02/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

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Rachel (Plainfield, Illinois) on 07/01/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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!!!!

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Bradshad (North Providence, Rhode Island) on 07/01/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
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Regi\'s Cafe (Miami, Fl) on 06/13/2012:
4 out of 5 stars

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.

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Mama T (Sparks, Nv) on 05/27/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

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Labs52 (Brownsburg, In) on 05/19/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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
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Sophie (Seattle) on 05/18/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
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Roly (Miami, Fl) on 05/10/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I have had a sinus infection with a fever for 3 days now I tried everything I dont know this was just a coincidence but I started the tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar every few hours with water like said on this forum and a few hours later I feel great thank you!

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George (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 04/27/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

Got a cold from my grandchild and it developed into yet another sinus infection. Woke up 4 mornings in a row with a pressure headache and yellow discharge. It was so bad I had to leave work early yesterday. I looked up natural remedies (hate taking antibiotics) and found some people swear by apple cider vinegar. This site helped the most. Wow! I have never seen anything work this well. Simply amazing.

I used 1 tbsp (or more) of raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized, apple cider vinegar with "mother" in a small glass of water every couple of hours. Found this at the health food store. I don't even know what "mother" is!

It is now 15 hours in - the headache is gone, I can breathe and my cold symptoms are disappearing. Note: I am also using chewable vitamin C tablets to supplement. I had to share this with someone. I have suffered with this problem off and on for years. Deviated septum sometimes clogs up 1 side of my nose. George

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Norm (Menifee, Ca, Usa) on 04/19/2012:
1 out of 5 stars

I tried the apple cider vinegar mixture and it helped some the first time, but after that no benefit. My doctor had me on Mucinex, 4 pills a day for ten days and Motrin for pain. I'm still not out of it, but it's better.
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Geoff (Bakersfield, Ca) on 04/18/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

After one month and countless over the counter and even my trusted herbal remedies, nothing broke my sinus as this did. Raw local honey is the key, but be sure not to mix when the tea mix is too hot, this can damage the healing properties of the honey. Better to take it at room temp before or after sipping the tea. Enjoy!

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Katie (Daytona Beach, Fl) on 04/16/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I am also in Florida, we've had the roughest allergy season ever this year - most likely because of our mild winter. My son and I are both taking zyrtec in the am and claritin in the pm (our allergist said we could take them together). You can now buy them both generic, you can get about 3 months worth/90 pills for $20 at Walmart.

Please be careful with the antibiotics, my allergist prescribed me 28 days worth of them for my allergies and I got oral THRUSH oh, my, gosh - worst experience of my life. Very expensive to fix with top brand probiotics and I'm sure it will take a few months to get over, had to change my diet ugh and everything.

Anyway in addition to this, I've been drinking the _____s organic ACV (1 tbs) in organic carrot juice 1/2 glass, 2x a day. And it kills the fungus on my toungue for a few hours and since your drinking the stuff hopefully it's helping in my body somewhat as well with the probiotics.

Regardless, I mention this because I used to have to neti pot 2x a day intake because of my sinuses... Prior to the ACV but now NO post nasal drip!!! And we're still in the very heavy pollen season here in FL. Good luck everyone, I'm going to post in the thrush section as well...

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Holly (Buffalo, Ny) on 04/12/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I have to say that like many others here, I was skeptical at best. I didn't think that the ACV in my fridge that I use for cooking could do anything for my sinus pressure. But, when I woke up this morning with severe head pain, jaw pain and no way to breathe, I was willing to try anything (except calling the doctor for antibiotics that would likely result in a yeast infection, another round of medication for that, and a following week of stomach upset and mood swings). At 4:30, I used my neti pot and got some serious results, but still felt the jaw pain and head pressure. So, at 6:30, I mixed 8oz of water, 2TBSP ACV, 2tsp purified honey (leftover in the cupboard from when the tike was an infant). I sipped it like a tea, and felt the effects about 20 minutes later. I started alternate nostril breathing, in on the good side, out on the clogged side, and it really got things going. Then I tried the ACV treatment again an hour later, and I can breathe clearly. My jaw pain is gone, with just a little stiffness left. My sinuses are clear and I feel amazing. I also did an oil pull in between the two ACV treatments, but don't think I swished long enough because the oil wasn't white when I spit. thank you to everyone who posted their amazing results.
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Sbkymberli (Santa Barbara, Ca, United States) on 04/10/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I must say I was fairly skeptical when I read about the Apple Cider Vinegar cure for an acute sinus infection. In all of my 48 years I had never once heard anyone mention this, but after feeling absolutely miserable for 3 straight days I was willing to try anything.

I see by the feedback it doesn't work for every individual, but it does work for the vast majority of people (185 out of 200) and I am very pleased to say that it worked wonderfully for me.

Within an hour of drinking a concoction of 8oz hot water; 2 tablespoons ACV; 1/2 packet of Instant Ginger Honey Crystals and 2 tablespoons of honey I noticed the pressure in my sinuses was greatly reduced. 30 minutes after that I could breathe clearly through my nose for the first time in 3 days and my headache was finally gone. Although I wasn't suffering any longer I opted to get up in the middle of the night and drink another glass. Afterward I slept soundly through the night and feel really good this morning. I have been blowing my nose all morning and as the cure stated the mix did thin out the mucus and is now coming out. Will bring enough to work with me today (yes, I feel good enough to work! ) and be sure to redose if I feel any sign of a relapse coming on.

Thank you so very much for this natural way to alleviate my pain. If I can avoid taking OTC or prescription medications I ALWAYS prefer the natural method.

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Jay (Vidalia, Ga) on 04/04/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I am a total skeptic by nature, but the numerous responses here to ACV for a sinus infection made me say Hmmmm....

Well, it did away with my obvious sinus infection...
For 2-3 days, twice a day, I did stove-hot water with ACV & local honey, sipping the cup for 15 minutes or so.... I also added cayenne & garlic.

No more green gunk from my nose, no more sinus pain & pressure, etc. Yeah this really works.... sign me up for the commercial.

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Lopez1775 (Orlando, Fl) on 04/03/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

Thanks EC.. I read the post about 2 tbs of ACV 8 oz of water and some honey for my sinus infection. In minutes I felt the relieve of the sinus pressure in my head and ears. Thanks to all for the post. It saved me a trip to the doctor plus very expensive antibiotics.
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Erik (Denver, Colorado) on 03/28/2012:
1 out of 5 stars

My sinus infection must have been different from that of the 183 people who have said on this site that drinking apple cider vinegar cured their infection or helped somewhat.

I had had a bad sinus infection for less than a week when I tried drinking the ACV. I didn't notice anything different after I tried it. So I would say that drinking apple cider vinegar definitely did not help.

The next day, miserable, very sick and exhausted, I did what I should have done a few days earlier, namely, I went to a clinic and got a prescription for antibiotics. I paid $20.45 for a generic, 3-day, 500mg Z-Pack and 2 hours after taking the first one I felt remarkably better. Today is day 2 and I'm almost back to normal.

In my case, modern medicine was the right solution.

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Gail (Ft. Myers, Florida) on 03/16/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I have about had it with this sinus infection/allergy problem for the past 2 weeks. The pollen count is so high in Florida right now, and I have never felt so miserable. I love when it rained, for only then did my symptoms subside. Unfortunately, it only rained twice in 2 weeks. Eyes are watering, throat itching, face hurts and swollen, continual nose blowing and ears hurt. It reached its high point today. I am allergic to antihystamines so my options are limited. I could go to an ENT doctor, but I already know he would prescribe a strong antibiotic, which my body does not handle well.

So I went to the computer for natural remedies. I Mixed 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of honey in a cup of hot water along with one tea bag that contains ginger root and rooibos. (Good Earth Sweet & Spicy Red Tea). It is a soothing drink and not bad in taste. Amazingly, within 15 minutes my sinus' are clearing and I definitely can see an improvement. Thanks to all who posted this remedy. I think I will have another cup and then make a batch of it to have on hand for the next few days. I am looking forward to feeling normal again. Much appreciation to everyone. Have a wonderful day!!

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Dawn (Phoenix, Az, Usa) on 02/24/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I made a mug of Chai Spiced tea with 2Tbsp ACV and Honey to taste. I can breathe AND smell for the first time in 3days!! I will definitely be using this concoction until this sinus infection is GONE! If anybody is like me, I lose my sense of taste and smell when I get these infections, so the ACV doesn't bother me at all.

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Rkrall (Irwin, Pa) on 02/13/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I have a had sinus infections off and for six years now. I had nasal surgery three years ago. It helped some of my problems but I still get the sinus infections at least three times a year. I have been on antibiotics for almost three weeks now. I felt somewhat better. Then the pain came back. I googled home remedies and found this site. I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar and honey. It has already helped. It's been twenty min. and a lot of the pressure in my face has stopped. I will try again in the morning. Thank you!
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Deborah (Coeur D Alene, Id) on 02/04/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

Raw honey is a natural antibiotic, so it is important to use it in conjunction with the ACV.

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Deborah (Coeur D Alene, Id) on 02/04/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

Whenever I get sick I make a hot ginger lemonade. This time I added the ACV and I couldn't even taste it! Too soo to report any relief, but here is my lemonade recipe: 3 to 4 slices of fresh ginger, 1/4 of a large lemon and honey to taste. Simmer the ginger in water to taste (the more golden the infusion, the stronger the taste). Pour into a mug and add the lemon and honey to taste. Of course, I also added the ACV this time.

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Laura (Denver, Co, Usa) on 01/21/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

Wow, this worked wonderfully! I suffer from multiple sinus infections every winter (has been going on for a few years now), and my symptoms are always sore throat, fatigue, fever, lots of sneezing, congestion and that weird smell in my nose (imagine trying to get classwork done while you feel so yucky! ). After being on antibiotics almost constantly last year and completely messing up the bacterial balance in my body, which ended up making me even more sick, I put my foot down and decided this year to find a natural cure.

I did what many others here did and put 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of hot water with about 1 tbsp of honey. My sinuses cleared right up- even my sore throat was gone! I will be taking more until I've gotten my sinuses completely cleared out, but it looks like this is the way to go. Thank you!

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Afton (Baltimore, Md, Usa) on 01/17/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

Thanks for the ACV suggestions! It worked wonderfully! I battled sinus congestion for 2 weeks and was ready to go to the doc, but thought I would look for some home remedies first. I took 2 tbsp on ACV with 1 tbsp honey mixed into 8oz of warm water and chugged it down. It was fairly tart, but not so horrible and worked at relieving the pressure almost immediately! I took this again 6 hours later and one more time the following day. Super amazing and thanks again!

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