Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Infections

5 star (259) 
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4 star (19) 
  6%
3 star (2) 
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1 star (16) 
  5%
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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.

Stefani (Lafayette, Co) on 03/08/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

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?

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Jane (New York City, Usa) on 03/07/2010:
1 out of 5 stars

I followed directions exactly for three days(2 Tb AVC and 1 tsp baking soda in water 3X day) and also steamed with AVC in water about 5X/day. Also did nasal rinse following steaming. I would feel good relief for an hour or so, and then the sinuses would fill up again. After three days, pressure in head was so bad, that I broke down and took the antibiotics. I will continue to do AVC treatment because I also have reflux, and from what I've read, that takes two weeks. But I would love to understand why this didn't work for me. I am plagued with sinus infections, and get one every time I get a cold. I've only been able to treat them with antibiotics, but I've taken so many antibiotics that two years ago, I got C-diff, a nasty superbug that caused my current stomach problems. I now take probiotics religiously, but if anyone has any idea what I might be doing wrong (or how to get this to work better) I'd really appreciate it. I hate the antibiotics, but hate the sinus infections even more.

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Roger (Bowling Green, Kentucky) on 03/06/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
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Jennami (San Jose, Ca) on 02/24/2010:
0 out of 5 stars

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
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Rob (Va. Beach, Virginia) on 02/22/2010:
4 out of 5 stars

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.
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Christina (Kansas City, Mo) on 02/17/2010:
0 out of 5 stars

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.
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3rdcamaro (Littleton, Co) on 02/07/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
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Daniel (Berlin, Germany) on 02/05/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

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

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Bruce (Huntington Beach, Ca, Usa) on 01/10/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
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Krysta (Houston, Tx) on 01/11/2010:
1 out of 5 stars

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.
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Strangelilmama (Santa Fe, Nm, USA) on 12/29/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

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Clayton (Kelowna, British Columbia) on 12/26/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been suffering from sinusitis for years, with post nasal drip causing havoc with my sleep. After trying a Neti Pot, which didn't help because I was usually too congested for it to work properly. I stumbled across Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and it worked. I take it daily, usually 2tsp-2tbs in tea with unpasteurized honey (Twinnings lemon ginger tea is great) 3X a day. Because I take it daily I never get congested. When I cannot take the organic ACV I take two ACV pills (You can get these at most pharmacies and health food stores). If you want the most benefits, the organic ACV is best, but realistically there will be times when you can only take it in pill form. I have not even needed to use my Neti Pot in nearly a year(It works well if taken daily as a preventative, just not so well when stuffed up already). Remember to rinse your teeth or chew on something after to avoid damaging your tooth enamel. You may also need to take some extra water throughout the day to help dilute the acid in your stomach. Avoid any dairy, this will cause mucus to form as well. Fresh ginger root sliced and boiled to make a tea helps sooth the throat as well if you need it, also sweeten with unpasteurized honey as it is an antimicrobial. Take all of this along with oil of oregano if suffering from an infection, for children dilute 2-3drops in orange juice. Hope this helps. Remember the key is to make it a part of your daily routine if you are a sinus sufferer. ACV is also helpful in losing weight.

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Arlene (Meredosia, Il) on 12/23/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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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Scott (Southcoast, Ma) on 12/19/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

To all the skeptics out there....I was one, until I tried this. I had a cold that turned into a sinus infection. With all the different flu and cold viruses out there I was afraid to go on anti-biotics because of the mutation and resistance that could occur, so I searched on the 'net' and found this web page. I was not a true believer, but figured I'd give it a shot.

I knew I had a sinus infection because one tell tale sign I get is I lose my sense of smell. I had pain, swelling, pressure, redness of my cheeks, and Post nasal drip. Then I tried the apple cider vinegar.

2 table spoons of ACV with 12 oz. of warm water sipped over about a half hour time. Within an hour I regained my sense of smell. The pain and pressure were relieved considerably (not completely gone, but relieved). I took three doses in a day. Later that night my symptoms returned so I took some mucus relieving over the counter meds to help me sleep.

Next day, my symptoms are almost totally gone. I can breathe freely, I can smell, and only have a slight amount of pressure and sinus congestion. In short, I am amazed how this cure worked.
To the skeptics...try it. You have nothing to lose, and the cost is low.

Thank you Earthclinic for this GREAT site.

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Katieegann (Trenton, New Jersey) on 12/08/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Infections

About 3 or 4 days ago I developed a terrible sinus infection in the right side of my face. It was terrible. I couldn't hear out of my ear, dental pain, yellow mucus, facial pain and swelling, the whole deal. I tried the ACV remedy. About 2 tbsp of ACV, about 1 cup of water, and about 1 tbsp of honey did the trick for me. My dental pain and headache are subsiding, and I can finally breathe out of the right side of my nose. I'm very happy about these results. :)

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Gary (Kulpmont, Pa) on 11/01/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

sinus infections: I find acv & honey help a lot.I use only acv with the "mother" in it and raw honey if you can get it. I saw a doctor on tv yrs ago who said he found out that it was a fungus that lies deep in the back of the head, which is dormant most of the time. I use olive leaf extract which is anti-fungul and I also use olive leaf nose spray plus a neti pot. Ask your DR. for anti-fungul medicine. Olive leaf kills many viruses and bad bacteria and fungae. Use according to directions on olive leaf products. I use 1 tbls acv & 1 tbls honey.
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Sheryl (New York, NY) on 10/28/2009:
1 out of 5 stars

ACV made my asthma worse as well. I tried it only twice but it did nothing for my clogged sinus

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Squeak75 (Forestville, Ny) on 10/08/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I too have take vinegar and honey off and on for over 3 years. This time I am a believer! 3 days ago my sinus just about exploded! I was in such pain that I couldn't sleep. I tried some over the counter medication and it only made it worse, couldn't even breathe, only from my mouth. I finally went back to this site and looked up what vinegar could do for me. I started drinking 8 ounces of warm water with 2 tablespoons ____ ACV with a tablespoon of honey. I drank several of these during the next 2 days and as of this morning I can breathe and I haven't had to blow my nose! I also slept through the night, I did use a strip on my nose that helped too but have used in the past and nose has still dripped. I got a good nights sleep and got up this morning and drank another glass of ACV with honey. I am going to use it everyday since reading up that it could calm down hot flashes too! What a relief!

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Lizpride (Clinton, Nj, Usa) on 10/03/2009:
4 out of 5 stars

Hi, I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar (organic) for my congestion/sinus infection. I wasn't sure if this was where I should comment. It worked pretty well, although it took a few minutes to kick in, but then lasted for at least an hour. Anyway, it's much better than conventional drugs. It works, but my congestion isn't completely gone, but it is better at least.
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Amber (Silver City, Nm) on 07/31/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV cures my sinus infections. After many antibiotics and steroids, I tried ACV. When I notice the discharge from my nose is getting thick, yellow/green then I start drinking ACV. I put 1 tablespoon ACV into 12 oz. water. I drink the mix twice a day by straw to avoid getting the acid on my teeth (and I do not care for the taste). After a week, my sinus'are clear again. Dietary changes have helped me prevent the infections (and head aches).
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Hema (Sydney, NSW) on 06/21/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Hi, I have been using ACV for 3 days and my sinus is better than before, I still hv one side of nose blocked. But I am feeling on top of the worl by looking at the improvement. I had bene taking Chiness herbal medicine but it wasn't working at all.

I have QUESTION if someone can answer. I have noticed when I come to work, I get my nose blcoked but if i go outside or am at home I don't have that much blockage.

Do you think it is to do with dust mints in carpet at work. i don't have carpet at home.

So Not sure what I should do, although I have deceided to drink ACV regularly until I get rid of my mucus completly.

Please ADVISE for my QUESTION.

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Cecilia (Vestavia, Alabama) on 05/07/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV cured my cronic sinus infections. I have had recurring sinus infections for years. Recently, I have been on antibiotics for 6 weeks, steriods for 10 days, deongestants at night and two different allergy medicines for the last 2 years. Two weeks after my last infection, I noticed the congestion and pain returning. Since I had gained 15 pounds in two weeks because of the steriods, I refused to go back to the Dr. to start the antibiotic and steriod treatment again. I started researching on the web for natural sinus infection cures and ran across this site.I was willing to try anything at this point. I had a bottle of H____ ACV in the cabinet. I started drinking 2 1/2 tablesspoons of it mixed into an 8oz glass of water 3 times a day. By the 2nd day I noticed that the pressure was gone and the congestion had lessened. It has been 3 days now and my sinuses are totally clear. I have stopped all of my medicines; the antihistamines, allergy pills and decongestants and feel better than I have in years. This has been a God send. I am going to the health food store to buy some undistilled ACV. If the store bought brand was able to do this, I can't wait to see what the undistilled version will do for me. Thank you!
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Toinette (Long Island, N.Y. USA) on 05/04/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Apple Cider Vinegar has changed my life, seriously. I've seen 4 different doctors this past year and been given different antibiotics by each one for my blocked sinus. I haven't felt well or had much energy for a couple of years due to the ongoing sinus problem that never has gotten cured. I quit drinking wine and all alcohol cause I read that can cause a lot of yeast. The last guy I saw was an ENT who put me on a z-pack for 1 week, to be followed by 1 month of Prednisone and another z-pack at the end of the treatment. I took the 1st dose of antibiotics and filled the prescription for the Prednisone but before taking it looked it up on the internet only to read a lot of really scary stuff about it. I decided not to take it and that night I found this site which I absolutely love! I started immediately with the AVC ( 2 Tbsp.) mixed with a tiny amount of juice and 1/4 tsp. baking soda and the rest of the glass (8 oz) filled with water. Within maybe half an hour I could breathe out of my right nostril which was impossible before. The CTscan showed total blockage on that side. So I've been doing this for about a month now, in the AM, sipping during the day, and again in the PM and my breathing is so much better and I don't wake up in the middle of the night anymore having to spray or put on a nose bandaid thing. I'm not cured yet but I believe I will be. I also started oil pulling last week and that also helps. I can actually blow my nose and stuff is coming out of the right side finally. It's dark yellow so I know it's an infection but I think with time it will be cured. I don't expect things to work overnight, though the avc did start having an effect pretty fast. I cured myself of cervical cancer years ago with macrobiotics. It took 3 months. So I'll be patient with this and also try to cut out things like sugar, flour, dairy which I know would help. I also tried the avc as a rinse after washing my face and it leaves your skin looking like glass! It's amazing. I'm 58 and so sick of trying new stuff for my skin that never seems to make a difference but this seems to work nicely. I'm so happy to have found this site with like minded people. I really do believe the body can heal itself with the right natural things.
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Anne (Branford, CT USA) on 04/22/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Thanks for all these great tips on using Apple Cider Vinegar to cure sinus infections. After 21 days on one of the strongest antibiotics, I still had a sinus infection. My doctor wanted to send me for a CAT Scan. After finding your site, I tried two things. I put 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 2-3 cups of water in a pan on the stove then put a towel over my head and inhaled the steam for about 10-15 mins. I did this three nights in a row and now I can breathe clearly, no more pressure and my headache is gone. It worked wonderfully. I also tried one cup of very warm water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and some honey to kill the taste. I drank about 1/2 the cup for two days, so this may have helped as well.
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Leigh (Andover, MA) on 04/09/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

With pages and pages here tolling the virtues of ACV I decided to give it a try. I'm facing sinus surgery in a month and seem to have picked up a cold or little bug and my head is full of pressure and I feel pretty blah. I put a teaspoon of ACV into my neti pot (with sea salt) and poured it through - I only used 1/2 pot for each side because it *does* burn! But it wasn't totally unbearable. I also put 2 TBSP in ~8 oz. warm water and sipped it. While this didn't produce a lot of nasal discharge, it does seem to have relieved quite a bit of the pressure in my sinuses. I will try another dose at bedtime (about 5 hours after the first) and see how the night goes. However, I have nasal polyps in my ethmoid sinuses and I believe I will still have to have surgery to remove those and straighten my septum. But if anyone has any natural remedy that can shrink those polyps (I doubt anything will make them go away) I'd *love* to hear about it!
EC: A few remedies on this page: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/sinus_polyps.html

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Serbella (St. Louis, Missouri/USA) on 03/31/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Several days ago I developed a severe sinus infection, complete with dental pain that made me lie awake at night crying. I had sinus pressure on the left side of my face, and I could feel my sinuses draining down my throat.

I was on the internet about an hour ago and I saw your site. Figured what the heck, the Aleeve wasn't doing anything to relieve the pain, and the decongestent was not working. I had a bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar and I went a little overboard: I put in one ladleful of AVC in a tall glass of warm water, which I believe probably evens out to three or four tablespoons of AVC.

Hey,I was desperate.

I drank it all down in one sitting. Now, forty five minutes later, the dental pain is just about gone, and my throat doesn't feel raw anymore. I know you said to use it before the onset of the infection, but the only time I've ever feel this good this quickly was when I was using prescription drugs.

I'm a believer in ACV now. Will follow up later with at least two more glasses of the stuff. Thank you!

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J. (Alexandria, MN) on 03/31/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I was surfing the net looking for sinus infection remedies when I came across this site and read how many people were for this treatment. I tried it (I used 2 teaspoonfulls) and have to admit was a little sick to my stomach afterward, but I already feel much better. I also had a sore throat which has gotten better since taking ACV(not quite gone yet though). When I do another treatment I will try the honey suggestion someone made on this site as I think that will make it taste better. I am grateful I found this site!
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Cecilia (Tallahassee, FL) on 03/26/2009:
0 out of 5 stars

I drank 16 oz of water with 2 tbs of ACV and the next day I had nausea too. No vomiting yet, but I don't have it in me to drink another concoction feeling so nauseated.

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Donna (Frederick, MD) on 03/23/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) treated my sinus infection. I got bad colds for a week with yellow mucus. I had a head pressure and headache when I got up in the morning. I used netipot with salt to get rid of colds. I also took "Cold Eeze" to reduce the severity of colds which was helpful. I searched for a remedy and I found this web site and I decided to try ACV. Wow! It did help to make my head pressure and headache disappeared. It also cleared out my thick mucus membrance in my throat. I was able to breathe better. Thanks for your suggestion.
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Isa (Guatemala) on 02/15/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

hi, thanks for all of your comments. my son had a chronic sinus infection and after many antibiotics we decided to give it a try. he drank the acv three times a day, with 4 drops of oil of oregano. also he took propoleum for two week, in addition to his nasal flushes. it worked wonders and has been feeling well since. (4 months)
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