Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

Modified on Dec 02, 2023 | Earth Clinic Team

Apple Cider Vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a versatile natural remedy that can help address numerous health issues. It promotes balance within the body, which may be its most significant attribute(1).

ACV is known to aid in weight loss and diabetes management by binding with enzymes to metabolize fats and carbohydrates.1

It also boasts antifungal,2 antibacterial properties, and immunostimulant effects.3 ACV supports good digestion and skin health.

9 Apple Cider Vinegar Uses

Here are nine uses for apple cider vinegar: 

1. Eases Acid Reflux

ACV is an effective home remedy for acid reflux and GERD. Its pH-balancing abilities and nutrient content provide quick relief.

Dosage: Mix 1 teaspoon of ACV in 8 ounces of water before and during meals.

2.  Supports Weight Loss and Calorie Reduction

ACV can help with weight loss and belly fat reduction by promoting satiety and reducing calorie intake.

Recommended dosage: Mix 1 tablespoon of ACV in 8 ounces of water twice a day.

3. Clears Sinus Infections and Congestion

Apple cider vinegar can be used for sinus infections and congestion.

It can be added to distilled water and used in a Neti pot (1/2 teaspoon vinegar and 6 ounces of water.) Or you can boil a cup or two of water on the stove. Remove the water from the heat and add 1-2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Drape a towel over your head to make a tent and lean over the steaming water. Slowly breathe in the steam, being careful not to burn yourself!

4. Treats Pink Eye

For pink eye (conjunctivitis) or pterygium, mix 1 teaspoon of ACV with 1 cup of distilled water. Use this solution as eye drops 2-3 times a day until the condition improves.

5. Alleviates Earache Pain

ACV can be used to treat earaches, but not if the eardrum is ruptured. Dilute ACV with distilled water and use the solution in the ear 2-3 times a day. For fungal infections like swimmer's ear, combine equal parts ACV and rubbing alcohol.

6. Enhances Skin Health

ACV detoxifies the liver and balances pH, improving various skin conditions. Drinking a tonic made with 1-2 tablespoons of organic ACV in a liter of water throughout the day can help with acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and scalp infections.

7. Balances Hair Sebum and pH

ACV's pH level is close to human hair, making it effective for oily hair and removing product buildup. After shampooing, rinse your hair with a solution of 1 tablespoon ACV in 1 cup of warm water. This rinse can also complement lice treatments and prevent outbreaks.

8. Relieves Food Poisoning Symptoms

ACV can quickly alleviate vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping caused by food poisoning. Take 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons of ACV to experience relief, either straight or mixed with water or juice. If symptoms persist after 30-60 minutes, you can repeat the dose.

9. Reduces High Blood Pressure

ACV can help lower high blood pressure by clearing deposits from the vascular system's interior walls, allowing blood to flow more easily and with less pressure.

Earth Clinic readers suggest starting out with 1 or 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar with the mother in 8 oz of water per day to lower HBP. Read over 100 positive reviews from EC readers here about ACV helping high blood pressure.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar: Top 65 Uses

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a versatile remedy that has been used to address numerous health conditions. Here are 65 common conditions that ACV can help with:

  • Heartburn
  • Reflux
  • GERD
  • Food Poisoning
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Shingles
  • Varicose veins
  • Warts
  • Eczema
  • Bladder Infection
  • Nail Fungus
  • Constipation
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Dandruff
  • Sinus Infection
  • Gout
  • Pseudogout
  • Joint Pain
  • Gas
  • High Cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Allergies
  • Lice
  • Rash
  • Hot Flashes
  • Gall Bladder Attack
  • Burn 
  • Hives
  • Insect Bite 30
  • Leg Cramps
  • PMS
  • Arthritis
  • Sore Throat
  • Low Energy
  • Brain Fog
  • Flu
  • Common Cold
  • Fever
  • Sprains
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Genital Warts
  • Trich
  • Bacterial Vaginosis
  • Heavy Menstruation
  • Athlete's Foot
  • Bursitis
  • Canker Sores
  • Sunburn
  • Cold Sores
  • Coughs
  • Dandruff
  • Hypertension
  • Dermatitis
  • Fungal Conditions
  • Hormones
  • Mites
  • Heavy Metal Toxicity
  • Moles
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma
  • Rosacea
  • Body Acne
  • Poor Circulation
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Neuralgia

Understanding Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: Benefits and Differences

Raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) is produced exclusively from apples, which are crushed to create fresh apple cider and then allowed to ferment. Unlike the conventional vinegar found in grocery stores, raw ACV is not filtered or pasteurized. These processes, which remove the "mother" and diminish some beneficial properties, are not necessary for preservation, as raw ACV can last for years without refrigeration when stored away from direct sunlight.

The pasteurization and filtering of most apple cider vinegar is primarily driven by consumer appeal. The presence of the stringy "mother" and the cloudiness of raw ACV might be perceived as less visually attractive. Additionally, marketing pasteurized and filtered products as "safe" can influence consumer preferences, even if this may not be the optimal way to consume vinegar due to the additional benefits of raw apple cider vinegar, it is the preferred choice for regular use. It is generally worth the extra expense, considering the increased nutrients and enzymes present in raw ACV. In a pinch, conventional (not raw) vinegar can still be effective for many health issues. In emergency situations, even white distilled vinegar can serve as a substitute in some cases. Ultimately, incorporating raw apple cider vinegar into your diet can provide a range of health advantages and support overall well-being.

Apple Cider Vinegar and pH: Balancing Acidity in the Body

A common misconception about raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) is that its acidity should contribute to an acidic internal environment in the body. While it's true that vinegar is acidic, with a pH of around 3, raw apple cider vinegar actually works to alkalize the body.

Raw ACV promotes better mineral balance and digestion, which in turn helps to maintain a more alkaline state. This balancing act is crucial for overall health, as an overly acidic body is more susceptible to illness and may require longer healing times. Excessive acidity has been associated with various health issues,, including an increased risk of cancer.

By incorporating raw apple cider vinegar into your diet, you can support your body's natural alkaline balance, leading to improved overall health and well-being.

Apple Cider Vinegar Dosages

As varied as people are, the optimum dose of apple cider vinegar varies. But don’t let that discourage you from trying it for yourself. For most people, it is best to start with a smaller dose and increase the amount if you are not seeing the results you would like to see. This will allow you to see how your body responds to apple cider vinegar.

Typically, 1-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar are added to a glass of water. This water is then consumed once or twice a day. This tonic would be for overall health and well-being.  For certain acute conditions, more might be taken at a time. For example, if you have food poisoning, 1-2 tablespoons might be taken in only a little bit of water to allow the antibacterial effects of apple cider vinegar to begin their work immediately.

Best Way to Take Apple Cider Vinegar?

While the typical tonic is simply apple cider vinegar added to water, some people find this intolerable. If you do not like the taste of the remedy, you are less likely to be willing to continue with it. There are plenty of other solutions for getting your daily dose of apple cider vinegar.

Add your dose of apple cider vinegar to juice. It goes almost unnoticed in apple, orange, grape or cranberry juice.

Add a healthy sweetener to your tonic. You can add honey, maple syrup, or stevia to your tonic.

Use your apple cider vinegar in cooking. You can keep a bottle on the table and add some to vegetables. Apple cider vinegar with olive oil, salt, and pepper makes a delicious salad dressing.

Apple cider vinegar can be made into a hot drink as well. Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons of honey, and a squeeze of lemon juice to a mug. Add hot water and stir. This hot tonic is especially helpful for the flu.

How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Taste Better

One Earth Clinic reader suggests adding 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to a pint of 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and purified water to improve the taste and provide essential nutrients. 

Here's her post:

Posted by Andreina (Roma, Italy) on 12/27/2007:

"In the morning, I mix 1Tbl ACV with a pint of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. I put it in a bottle and drink it throughout the day. I repeat the procedure in the afternoon, so I drink 2 pints a day. It cures everything (my acne, sore throat, stomach ache, dry skin, sore joints...etc) I've been doing this for 3 months, and have dropped 7.5 kilograms! I <3 water! Be sure to mix it with salt and vinegar, so you don't lose vital nutrients and sodium!"

Best Time to Take Apple Cider Vinegar?

The best time to take apple cider vinegar varies according to what you are trying to accomplish.

For overall health, you can simply make the tonic of 1-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and sip it throughout the day.

If you are using apple cider vinegar for weight loss, take 2-3 teaspoons in water 30 minutes before meals.

If you are taking apple cider vinegar to help with gall bladder attacks, heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion, it can be taken when you are experiencing symptoms. It can also be taken before or with meals as a preventative. Many cultures serve fermented foods as a condiment with meals. Using apple cider vinegar is compatible with this principle, as it is a fermented drink.

Are Apple Cider Vinegar Pills Effective?

If you can contain the benefits of an apple into a spoonful of vinegar, can you then put the benefits of a spoonful of vinegar into a capsule? Maybe. There are certainly pros and cons of using apple cider vinegar in over-the-counter capsules or tablets, not the least of which is the ease of use. For many people, they are an excellent option. If it seems the best option for you in your situation, it may be worth a try!

Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar Topically?

Apple cider vinegar has many wonderful benefits when used topically as well. Sometimes it can be used undiluted and other times it should be diluted, depending on why you need to use it. If you have sensitive skin, you should always dilute it first!

Undiluted apple cider vinegar is typically used for sprains, toenail fungus, and bug bite relief. For children or those with sensitive skin, use only 1 part apple cider vinegar and 1 part water for these issues.

For skin problems like molluscum contagiosum, eczema, acne, and perioral dermatitis, apple cider vinegar should be diluted by at least 50%. For sensitive skin, even a solution of 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water will benefit, though it may take a little longer.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe for Pets?

Pet owners will be thrilled to know that apple cider vinegar is a stellar remedy for a variety of common pet health issues including fleas, bladder infections and stones, parasites, and skin problems.

Any Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is not the perfect remedy for everyone. While it works amazingly well for many people, it can cause side effects for some people. For this reason, it is best to start with a small amount and increase the amount slowly if desired. See this important page for all the side effects of apple cider vinegar including heart palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks and more.

Where to Buy Organic and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar?

Organic and raw apple cider vinegar can now be found in almost all grocery stores in the USA. If you cannot locate it, check online at amazon. If you live in another country, please visit our Where to Buy ACV page here.
 

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27209492
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25219289
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27840173


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For a partial Spanish translation of our apple cider vinegar page, please click here.

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List of Remedies for Apple Cider Vinegar