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.
April (Gaffney, South Carolina) on 02/03/2009:
I've been suffering from a sinus infection for about a week now. I had pain in the right side of my nose, ear pain, and my upper teeth would ache. I could not breathe at all, so I was losing sleep and feeling really bad through out the day. So I googled home remedies for sinus infections and clicked on the earth clinc site. I read lots of feedback on how ACV helped tons of people, so I thought why not try it. I happend to have some in the fridge so I mixed two tablespoons of ACV with some water, and 15mins later, I can actually breathe through my nose! The pain in my nose is less. Thank you earth clinic! You've saved me a trip to the doctors office that I really could not afford. I strongly recommend everyone use this for their sinus infections!
All I have to say is wow! I have been suffering from this sinus infection for awhile now, and taking antibiotics. I was up all night and i just could not sleep and needed some relief......This ACV really really works. I take two shots one at night and in the morning when I awake. I have nine year old who suffers as well; well not anymore thanks to ACV and earthclinic.
I can vouch this is true. I started oil pulling and 2T vinegar in qt of water morning and night and suddenly after battling three months of sinus infections/colds, I got this incredible amount of mucous 24 hrs after beginning the above and my head is clear first time in months. Thank you again contributors to this site. I'm discovering all kinds of amazing simple but powerfully effective remedies here.
I just tried this with a combination of yogic alternate nostril breathing: breath IN first nostril (block the other) and OUT the second, then breath IN second nostril and OUT first. One side is usually more blocked by mucus than the other so I found it more effective to help unblock it: while breathing in put fingertips on cheekbones and pull the flesh away from the nose. I repeated this over and over, with a towel over my head. I stop often to blow my nose and massage my face (sinus cavities). I also put the pan back on the heat a couple of times. The hotter the solution (1c water - 1 c ACV) the stronger and more effective the vapors. I will re-use the solution.
I also use my neti pot every morning. (2c warm water - 1/2t sea salt). I've added one drop of baby shampoo on occasion, and it stings. I've also sniffed saline solution and used the steam from a bowl of plain hot water (with the towel). I read the article on the Link between Sinus Infections and Allergy medications. There is so much contradictory information.
Drinking vinegar or snorting Cayenne does not appeal to me, but we're all unique. Maybe we just need to take the time to help ourselves instead of quickly popping pills. Our bodies are a system - all the parts are connected - and with the cost of healthcare and medication today, I'd rather try something preventative.
I have had a recurring sinus infection now off and on for a year. I am so tired of taking antibiotics for this to return within a week. I finally searched the internet and found this site. I immediately called my husband who was at the store and had him buy ACV. I sipped a couple of tablespoons last night and again this morning. I also swished with Olive Oil for 15 minutes (all I could handle) and immediately upon spitting it out, I got the "heaves" and so much congestion came up! I can't say the oil left over in my mouth wasn't the culprit of me gagging but I think it was the combination of both. I am going to try this over the next several days and will report back with the results. I am quite excited and expecting it to get worse before it gets better.
I was on your website earlier today researching for natural ways to help a sinus infection. I came across the use of using ACV, and since my boyfriend was at the health food store for me anyway, I texted him and asked him to also bring home some ACV. He mentioned this to the lady at the store, and she said she SWEARS by ACV, for a multitude of things.
I've had a terrible head cold/sinus infection, just on my right side... have had it nearly 2 weeks. I've tried OTC things like Benadryl and Tylenol, with no relief. Maybe it's the German in me, but I LOVED the taste of the ACV!! (I drank it straight from the bottle) I also tried the warm water/salt nasal and sinus rinse this afternoon, and between that and the ACV, my nose is CLEAR!!
My sinus infections had all but gone away with dietary changes and other natural remedies. However after indulging in dairy and wheat, chocolate, etc. over the holidays I have a whopper of an infection. Apple Cider Vinegar usually helps but not this time. The problem is that it helps the congestion a little, but then causes the post nasal drip of mucus into my throat and lungs. So, to get the nose relief, my throat and lungs get worse. Any ideas on how to get rid of the congestion in my throat and lungs. Nothing is working for that at all. I've tried many natural products, homeopathic, herbal, compresses, steam, etc. Nothing, Yikes!!! Help!!!
I have had a sinus infection on and off for the last month and on Monday I was so upset because both nostrils were glued shot with thick mucus, I couldnt breath and even Afrin (I try not to use) wouldnt work for more than a few hours. I came on line and read about the ACV and had 2 Tbl in a glass of warm water and some honey and within a half an hour my throat was cleared of the mucus and one side of my nose opened. I was able to sleep for the first time in weeks! I have drank this tonic twice a day for the last 3 days and my sinus feel about 95% back to normal. I am soooo happy I found this site and learned about ACV. I cant wait to check out the rest of the helpful advice. Thanks to all!
After two days of feeling like a zombie from a sinus infection I stumbled across this site and the ACV suggestion and decided that I had nothing to loose as I had some Apple Cider Vinegar in the house already. I decided to try mixing 1 tablespoon ACV with about 8 ounces of warm tap water. I was a little hesitant to drink it as I thought I would more than likely vomit from the taste. But after sitting there with the cup under my nose trying to get up the guts to just drink it, I felt my sinuses starting to loosen from just breathing in the vapors. Still afraid of the taste I decided to drink it as fast as I could to just get it over with. I must say that the taste is something I will never get used to but the results were wonderful. Instantly the pressure in my head vanished, and the mucous stopped flowing from my nose. A few minutes later it felt as though my sinuses were completely dry and free of mucous. Though this feeling did not last, the amount of mucous had decreased considerably. Three hours later I was still feeling a lot better but still had the scratchy feeling in the back of my throat, and some mucous and pressure returning I mixed up another glass at the same ratio and this time drank it slowly. I can still say that it is a taste that I don't enjoy but after drinking it slowly my throat and nose are completely cleared and it has been about 4 hours since my last dose. Thank you for taking the time to host a site such as this. I have not tried the oil pulling yet but definitely intent to.
I searched the web to find out more about mucus color and how to determine if you have a cold or flu. Then found this site that explained the symptoms of a sinus infection which was what I had. Then read up on a home ready that included ACV. At first I was skeptical then I thought what can I lose, ACV is very inexpensive compared to going to the doctor's office, waiting forever and then only to be told to let it clear up naturally! I chose to drink 8oz of water mixed with 2 TBSP of ACV and immediately I can feel it working. You can feel the congestion breaking free from you head and your ears this is great stuff. The first day I drank 3 cups of the mixture and already my voice sounds clearer and I feel less stuffed up. I will continue to drink the mixture to see how long it takes to completely clear. I would and already have recommeded the ACV mixture to co-workers! It's aweseome!!!
First off, I'm a HUGE skeptic with natural remedies. After two rounds of expensive antibiotics I was still having yellow/green drainage and my entire face was so painful, I couldn't lay my cheek against the pillow. I broke down and cried trying to figure out how I was going to come up with more money for another antibiotic.
Instead I decided to do a search and found all of the comments about ACV. I sent my husband to pick up a bottle of it for me because I was so sick I couldn't move. I really didn't have faith that it was going to do anything but with the pain I was in, I was desperate to try. Once he got home, I immediately took in 2 tablespoons in pure water. Within an hour I began draining more little stuff out, and as the hours pass, I kid you not that really bad pain I was in started to decrease in my forehead and cheeks. Even that pain and grinding ache above my teeth was dissipating. Another thing that surprised me was, I felt a little better all over my body. Those aches in my neck and every where had lessoned. Four hours later, I intuitively poured out 1/4 cup to 12 oz of pure water and drank that down. About 5 hours later, the pain had really significantly decreased. I could talk and smile. I can see that the mucous is changing into a more whitish pale yellow instead of the bright yellow green. It's drying up a little.
I'm reporting this about 14 hours after the first dose. I'm not sure how I'll be in a few days but I can definitely say my pain is surprisingly ..almost gone and I feel much more like my old self.
This is definitely worth a try if you're out there and suffering like I was. Good luck and Good health to you all.
Apple Cider Vinegar has cured my chronic sinus infection.
About 4 years ago a root-canal on an upper back tooth developed an abcess that drained into my sinus. For two years I had a chronic sinus infection on that side and it seemed as though I would never be able to breath through my nose again! Anti-histamines, antibiotics, nasal sprays & saline rinses would knock down the pain and swelling temporarily, but nothing worked permanently until I found this site and started using ACV & baking soda. I used 2 TBS ACV and 1/4 tsp baking soda morning and night in small glasses of fruit juice. Put the ACV in the glass first, then the Baking soda (it will foam up and then subside) then fill with fruit juice.
Almost immediately the sinus started to drain and I can't describe the yucky blod filled mucous that came out at first. Gradually, the discharge became clear and now I feel "normal" for the first time in years. I can even smell the roses again!
I am truly amazed at how effective acv really is. I have been a sufferer of sinus problems for nearly 10 years now. I feel like I have tried everything. Recently, I was down and depressed because I was dealing with another episode for 4 days straight. I could barely make it through the day. And suddenly the light bulb went off...why not search the internet for a home remedy. Well, thank the lord. I am a former caterer so I always have apple cider vineger in my pantry. After reading this site I went down to the kitchen and did a 2 ounce shot. I figured if I could do tequila this would be a cakewalk. In less than an hour I felt relief. I actually slept like a baby without the use of a sleep aid. I did another shot in the a.m. and I felt even better as the day went on. Best day I have had in a very long time. I cant wait to share this with friends and family who also suffer. Oh, it always curbed my appetitie all day. I am trying to shed 15 lbs I picked up this past year. And I am sure acv will be a huge help. I'll keep you posted on the progress. Yippee!
Well, after reading about ACV on your website along with all the positive feedback I decided to give it a shot. I have been suffering from a sinus infection that just won't go away. I've tried everything from colloidal silver to nettie pots, garlic soups, eucalyptus inhalation steam baths, you name it, I did it. And so here comes ACV. I drank 1/4 cup of it with hot water the first night and yes it worked, my head ache felt better, my face was relived of some pain and my nose cleared up, not all the way though. Well this is day three and I have to come to a conclusion that it is no longer working for me. My throat hurts again, my head is pounding and so is my face, and my nose is completely clogged. I've been drinking two cups a day for the last two days and I am drinking it right now and nothing!!! I really hoped this would be my cure. I am breastfeeding and refuse to take meds of any kind. So, at this point not sure what my next step should be. Wishing you all luck with your bodily ailments!
I have suffered from sinus infections for more than 20 years. About 1 1/2 years ago, after battling a 2 year infection, I had surgery. The surgery helped for about 4 months, then the pressure and congestion came back. Since the surgery, I use a saline rinse daily to flush out my sinuses and also installed air purifiers in the house. I was doing everything right and I was still having problems. I had constant pain and pressure under my eyes that sinus rinses were not helping. I had a sinus infection last fall and my doc said if I continued to have problems, it was time for another cat scan and more meds (noooooo!!!)
For the past couple of weeks, I could feel an infection starting up. Because of all of infections I have had, my body is now immune to three antibiotics. Not wanting to start down that road again, I searched the internet for natural cures and found this website. I have to admit I was skeptical that ACV could cure my infection, but I was desperate. I figured if it didn't work, I could use it to make salad dressing. Yesterday, I took 3 tablespoons ACV in an 8 oz. glass of warm water at noon. It wasn't the most pleasant tasting stuff, but I chugged it down. Around 8 pm, I put 1/2 teaspoon ACV into 8 oz water and used it as a sinus rinse. Owwww! The right side of my face where the infection is, burned so bad! After I recovered from the rinse, I drank a second dose (and added a little honey for taste) around 8 pm. About an hour later, I was shocked. The pain under my eyes was gone and I could breathe thru my nose!
This morning I drank another dose, and didn't notice any change in the pain in my cheekbones. As a matter of fact, it got worse as the day went on (probably the infection from under my eyes was pooling in my cheekbone area). At 5 pm, I repeated the sinus rinse only using 1/4 teaspoon ACV to 8 oz water. Much more tolerable and it seemed to only burn in the areas I could feel the infection. I pinched my nose and held the solution in as long as I could stand it. I then drank another dose. It is now 2 hours later and I can only feel a slight tenderness in my cheekbones. I am absolutely stunned how fast the ACV worked. At this rate, I should have this infection kicked in another day or two. I haven't felt this good in years. I plan on continuing using the ACV every day as a preventative measure. I can't thank you enough. Everyone's experiences here with ACV is what convinced me to try it. Thanks again.
I have bad allergies and it got to the point where it was causing me to have an ongoing sinus infection. I would wake up every morning with a dry throat and mucus backed up in my throat, having to cough it up every morning. I read on the internet about ACV curing sinus infections so I started taking a tablespoon every night and gradually my sinus infection got better and better and is now gone. I still take, some nights I forget but the nights I do forget I don't wake up the next morning with an infection. Needless to say its effects are long lasting and not just temporary based on usage!
WOW! I have come to love the wonderful product of ACV. I have had severe allergies and sinus problems since I could walk. Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis (they have lonce since been removed), rhinitis, etc... I have always taken prescription medication. However I am 8 mos pregnant and have not been able to take anything but over the counter Tylenol products. For the past 3 days I have been down and out with a severe sinus migraine, congestion and pressure. Nothing worked and I am sleep deprived! Adding these symptoms to 8mos of pregnancy spells MISERY for sure. I was desperate so I hopped online and what do you know? I found the same product that cured my husband of his pesky wart will also clear my sinuses. I only wished I found this info sooner! I took 1 tbsp of ACV with 8oz of water and downed. Then I made a mixture and put it in my veggie steamer (ACV is also a great residue cleaner) and sat over it for about 5mins. Everything started to clear up within the hour. I then rinsed with saline solution and I can breathe out of both nostrils! My headache is almost gone and the pressure almost nil! Oh and by the way the ACV steam bath is great for oily skin. I noticed a difference immediately after the face bath. I was then curious to see if this was a known rememdy for acne/skin problems and sure enough it is!!! In fact, Earth Clinic was the first hit. I am amazed that such a simple, inexpensive product can do so much. Thank you dearly for this site.
Went to the doctor for a sinus problem and ears beginning to stop up. Of course, he prescribed 10 days of Augmentin, Allegra, Singuliar, etc. Had enough sense not to take the Singuliar and Allegra just makes blood pressure go up. Any antibiotic usually also gives me a yeast thing. That's another story to deal with now. Yesterday mucas started again and ears began to stop up, mucas draining down the throat also makes it sore. After reading this site I started 2 Tbs. of ACV with The Mother yesterday, was all ready taking garlic caps. This morning I awoke and my mucas problem is totally better and ears are popping. I can actually breathe a lot better. I'm really happy and will continue ACV. I also mix 1 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. baking soda with 2 cups warm water and wash out my nasal passages. Natural is the way to go!
I have had sinus infections for the last 2 years; my ears were always clogged. The sinus infection would come and go. I began taking 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar at night and in the mornings, it appears my sinuses have cleared up.
Thanks for the ACV suggestion - my sinus infection was held at bay and feel great compared to the typical 3 week bout.
A suggestion for those who found ACV didn't work - my wise Chinese acupuncturist gave me 2 bags of a dried compostion that I couldn't imagine describing other than bizarre. It was amazing -great night sleep and minimized the symptoms.
Recently, from something my dr told me & from ur site, which by the way is fantastic, i mixed up a 10% solution of apple cider vinegar & put it in a nasal sprayer bottle & use it like nasal spray.........it works real well......my nutritionist told me that candida can colonize mucus membranes........what i do is, spray 1 full spray in each nostril, NOT SNIFFING IN...... immediately pinch my nose closed.....hold it for about a minute.......then let go and for about 10 to 15min, sniff the drip very lightly, cause if ur sinus' r inflamed, it can hurt, but u do want to get some of it to the deeper sinus tissue & the back of the throat..........after about 15min u can start blowing........it clears up the clogged nose, deep mucus and i'm pretty sure it kills the candida, which i am now sure is the cause of mine & my husband' sinus problems.......this solution also works on anyone who has itchy skin........._____s' vinegar seems to me to be less harsh........don't know yet if it works the same or not........i'm thinking it should...i was amazed at how simple & effective this is.......hope this helps those out there who want to find the cause of things & cure them naturally...
Here I was plagued with yet another sinus infection. The last one I had settled in my chest and I was sick for two weeks! This one started the same way...I swear this is true. I called my husband he bought lemons, organic ACV and the rest was up to me. I boiled water and steamed over it for 15 minutes in a bowl with 2 table spoons. Then I drank the water, lemon honey mixture and 45 minutes later I can taste, breath and smell 50% better and my ears finaly popped within an hour! I feel so much Better!! WHOOOOOOOOOOHOOO..This is not mind over matter...this worked!
Hi there, After 8 weeks of sinusitis; 2 episodes of antibiotics, my sinus infection had not cleared. By the 9th week, I contracted an eye infection, had severe upper jaw ache and toothache, had severe nasal congestion which kept me awake at night combined with persistent headaches and lots of green mucus, sore body and I was very listless. I was on various allopathic medication - but nothing helped - and did not even provide relief to my symptoms!! I then came across this website. It was either surgery OR apple cider vinegar.
I then followed the following strict routine because ACV on its own did not work effectively:- 1. 2tbsp ACD in one glass of water - followed by another glass of water. I drank this on average 4 - 5 times per day for the 1st 4 days 2. Used luke warm saline water with a normal syringe to clear my nasal passages. At least 2 - 3 times per day. 3. Inhaled steam in a bowl - couple of eucalyptus oil drops in boiling water and covered my head with a towel. At least 2 - 3 times per day 4. Followed a strict diet of apples, fresh fruit, meat and chicken - no dairy, wheat and sugar 5. Drank lots and lots of water 6. To dry the mucous, I used I used homeopathic meds and took this every 3 - 4 hours 7. Took Panados (pain killers) every 4 - 5 hours to relieve the pain
After 5 days of following the above routine...my sinus infection cleared!!!
It has been 5 weeks since I last accessed this website and I can happily report back - that ACV works. When I feel a bit sick, I take the ACV and it really works!! I haven't taken any medicaton since then - which is amazing - given that I was constantly taking nasal drops and medicines etc.
Thank you for this website. It has really proven to be invaluable.
Amazing, I am not even done sipping a glass of 1tps ACV with water and honey and my sinuses are opening up. The pain is starting to decipate and my nosal cavity doesn't feel like acid is being poured in there. I still have a fever (I'm heading for the aspiren), but I feel soooo much better than I was when I read these articles only 1/2 hour ago. Thanks for the heads up.
My husband had a sinus infection and took some super strong antibiotics and cold medication, but his sinus infection just came back. He was sick for a month or so when I read about the apple cider vinegar. He tried it and not five minutes later the pressure was completely gone!!
I must admit- I had little faith but was desperate. After three rounds of antibiotics and still constant congestion/ sinus infection, I became addicted to Afrin. Using it twice daily cleared my nose enough for me to make calls at work and sleep at night but after only two weeks, I had to increase to 4x's a day to stay clear. I realized this was a major problem and began searching for alternative solutions. After reading the earthclinic site, I threw out the Afrin, purchased apple cider vinegar and a Neti Pot (since lots of friend have been recommending it too). My nose was so clogged the Neti Pot was not effective- the water had no where to do. So, I mixed the one TBS. of ACV with 8 oz. of water and chugged it. I haven't been able to taste anything for over a week but could still feel the bitter tingle on my tounge. I was disappointed when I didn't feel relief within the hour. The evening passed and I realized as I went to lay down for the night- I could breathe through my nose. While it wasn't totally clear- I could sleep with my mouth closed- without using the dreaded Afrin! I followed the same procedure the next day and by the second night- I was breathing totally clear and feeling great! GOD BLESS YOU earth clinic. My taste buds are back and the ACV is terrible but I don't care- it's worth it x's 100 for the relief I finally feel!!! After reading the other benifits ACV offers- I have recommended it and your site to many family and friends. Thanks again!
Is it possible to take too much acv? I have started getting sinus infections every time I get a cold, so this time I decided that I better not go on antibiotics, but let my body learn again to fight this off. After about the third day I was miserable so I got online looking for a way to survive this. The acv with honey and baking soda is working very well. After I take 2T acv/1T honey/1/4 bs, I feel better in about 30 minutes, but after another hour or so, I feel bad again and want to dring some more. Could it be bad to drink too much?EC: Our experience is that the acv works to thin the mucous, but we've had to use a powerful anti-bacterial or anti-fungal herb or supplement at the same time to clobber the infection
Earlier this week, I was diagnosed with a bacterial infection in the back of my throat and was prescribed antibiotics...which was a hit to my health ego because I eat well but somehow caught this bug. Along with this, I developed this awful sinus infection. Horrible headaches, watery eyes, no sleep, and non-stop discomfort accompanied this! I went to the health food store and bought some nasal spray and sublingual sinus relief tablets, both of which didn't work. While suffering at work, I came across this web site and read about Apple Cider Vinegar. While excited to try this for my Sinus infection, I ate an apple as a snack. Within an hour, my sinus symptoms decreased by 60%. When I came home, I had some ACV with water and within another hour, the symptoms decreased some more. Right now, it's almost time for bed and my Sinus Infection is 90% gone and just three hours ago, I was suffering!! The apple helped and the ACV sealed the deal on this Sinus stuff! Awesome!
I used the ACV drink- 2 Tbl. in 8 oz. of water, as well as a 2 Tbl. ACV and 2 tbl. water steaming for a sinus problem this morning at 8 a.m. Shortly afterwards I blew my nose and sure enough clear mucous. It is now 3 p.m. No more aching head, teeth, and jaws for the first time in a week since I had a big bowl of, yes the devil, ice cream!
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