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.
General Feedback
Posted by Rapunzel (Hotlanta, Usa) on 08/09/2011
★★★★★
@Aricegirl,
There's no harm whatsoever in taking the vinegar straight or in less water than suggested above. In fact, I take mine either straight, or I will put the ACV in a tablespoon or two of water and down it in a single gulp. (Sometimes to sweeten it a bit, I'll put in a couple drops of liquid stevia. If you go this route, just make sure that you rinse out your mouth with clean water b/c you don't want the ACV to wear down the enamel on your teeth.
Also (and perhaps most important of all), be sure to purchase an ACV that is unrefined - meaning that it is raw/unpasteurized and with the "mother" still in it ... And preferably organic. The "mother" is the natural fermentation base that allows the apple cider to become vinegar. Always shake up the bottle before you pour the vinegar in order to get those wonderful enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and great nutrients all mixed together.
WRT your own allergy issues, you might also try finding a local honey source and take a small amount each day. (Some take 1 tsp, others 1Tbsp. ) Honey from a local source will have the pollens in your area, and this will allow your body to become accustomed them, naturally.
Liquid Vs. Pills
Posted by Esther (Singapore) on 06/26/2011
Does ACV in pill form work as well as in the liquid form? It sometimes give me a bloated feeling in the stomach after mixing the vinegar with water so am wondering if the pill form is alright as a substitute.
General Feedback
Posted by Linda (Ga) on 08/13/2015
I mix one tablespoon with my Zeal powder every day and it really tastes great! You may need to mix you Apple Cider Vinegar with a strong juice. I love taking it! Not crazy about the taste but it has really grown on me. The other key is to not breath through your nose till you have cleared your pallet with another taste or just plain water.
Liquid Vs. Pills
Posted by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 06/09/2011
I picked up ACV Extract capsules and wondered how effective the ACV is in a capsule versus the bottled liquid. Does anyone know if there is a difference if any, and how can I figure out if the 2-200 mg caps I take a day is equal to 2 tablespoons in water recommended in the ACV dilution recipe? To note, I was told by the vendor that their ACV Extract capsule is more potent than 'regular' ACV in capsule form.
It says on the label that the ACV is "standardized to 35% acetic acid". What does that mean?
General Feedback
Posted by Alfred (Rangsit, Bangkok, Thailand) on 06/04/2011
★★★★★
It keeps Amazing me, how many people do not know the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.. A tenant of mine gave me a Jarvis book in 1994.. I read that book to become healthier.. It opened my eyes.. To Better Health for pennies per day.. I have been promoting ACV ever since.
The ACV book that Deirdre published has been a big help.. I work close with a Temple in Thailand were I now am semi retired. , . Yes, promoting ACV.. But I think that everyone should read up on ACV.. I ordered 9 ACV Deirdre's book to be sent to the Temple for their Library.. I also Had Amazon send 9 of Jarvis book.. Then I contacted the BEST Organic Apple cider people in USA (I think better then _____s) They will be sending 55 gal. Drum to this Thai Temple.. Who will be distributing it in Thailand.. Just bring in your container. We will fill it up with Health for you and your loved ones.
I hope that this letter gets printed.. So many I have sent, never gets to your eyes..
Much Love and caring, Alfred
Best Time to Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bethyl (Clearwater, Florida) on 05/23/2011
I understand that you should take the ACV 3 times a day, but I'm not sure when. Before meals, after meals or in-between meals?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Stacy (East Hartford, Connecticut, Us) on 05/15/2011
★★★★★
I started using ACV about 4 weeks ago. I started using it for weight loss, and to help my menstral flow. I didn't know if there was a specific kind I had to buy, so I just bought the store brand. I drank it for 3 weeks, and nothing seemed to change! So I googled it, and saw that it was supossed to help with a number of different things (which it wasn't). Then I saw that it was best to use organic ACV with "the mother" in it, so I went right out and bought 2 big bottles (this was 1 week ago). Within 3 days, I noticed changes! I had so much more energy!
I am 26 with 4 children, so I am very drained all the time. I never want to do anything with my children (i.e. Take them to the park) because I am always so tired! But since have been drinking the organic ACV, we have went for walks, I've taken them to the park, and we even went in our own backyard and ran around (which we never do)! I am so much more pleased with my energy level!
The 2nd change was my skin. I never had acne, but I always had these little bumps on my chin, upper cheeks, and especially my forehead! Like I said before, I have been drinking the organic ACV for a week, and my skin feels like the skin of a baby!!!! No more little bumps, they have all vanished!
The 3rd change is my menstral flow. I hadn't gotten it for 2 months, so that is one of the reasons I originally started drinking ACV. Nothin happened with the store brand, but once I started using the organic, IT CAME!!!!!!! And I didn't get a single cramp!!!! It was like a miracle!
The final change was my stomach. All my life (before I had my children), I was 110 lbs and a size 1. I went up to a size 5 after having my 2nd child, and a size 7 after my 3rd. I was ok with that, but it was my 4th that I really gained!! After my 4th, I was a size 13/14 and 178 lbs!!!!!! My stomach was nowhere near being flat! Since I started the organic ACV, I have dropped a pant size! I am now in an 11/12! And my stomach has went down drastically!! Don't get me wrong, it is definitely not like it was after my 2nd or 3rd child, but I will say it's close! I have not weighed myself because I want to wait a few weeks. I want to see a double digit weight loss rather than a single digit. All in all, I am completely satisfied with using organic ACV wth "the mother" in it, and I would recommend it to anyone having any of the problems I had! Thanks Earth Clinic!!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 05/16/2011
Hi Liz, it sounds like to me that you might profit from trying something else! I am not overweight myself, so I can't tell you whether it works but there are several books about eating fat to lose fat. I have read Trick and Treat by Barry Groves but there are others. If you have tried everything and nother worked..... I know that it is not really a possibility people think about because of all the bad publicity fat has got but in Britain that is already been changing and they are advising pregnant women to eat a full cooked English breakfast because fat is so necessary for a healthy body!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Staceybrister (Vancouver, Wa Usa) on 05/16/2011
Hi :)
I'm new here and haven't quite figured this site out... But I love it, already. I wish I had something to offer now, instead I have a question. Can anyone tell me, please, does the ACV you all are using taste a lot different than the regular clear heinz stuff? I just started taking the heinz stuff, and I like the way it tastes with warm water, lemon, and honey. I spent the entire night (last night) reading here, and I am excited, and hoping to become a contributing member. Thank You!!!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/16/2011
Hi Stacy
Crystal light contains "aspartame". Please read up on the dangers of aspartame! It is very dangerous and has been implicated in such things as Parkinsons Disease, & seizures amonst others. You would be better off putting raw honey into your ACV drink (which contains many nutrients) or even stevia (a sweet herb). I am wary of anything "sugar free".
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/aspartame.htm
Broad Benefits
Posted by Nancy (Shreveport, La) on 05/17/2011
To Liz from Boston: You're right getting older isn't for sissys, however, if you lower your calorie intake to 1200ish and walk 20-30 minutes a day you still will lose weight. As a matter of fact, if you lower your calories to 1000-1200/day and don't exercise you'll still lose about 1 pound a week. I did it and I'm in my 60's.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 05/18/2011
Hi again Liz, as I said I have never had weight problems in my life but you are right, after the 40's it gets more difficult even if one only wants to get rid of a few pounds. I only suggested the eat fat lose fat concept (not a diet, it is just a way of eating that you keep even after you have lost the weight) because it seems to make sense to me, not because I have tried it. I think most people wouldn't think it could work but the thing is that it not only seems to work but people seem to keep the weight off quite easily. I think that the most important aspect is that you eat all the things you like most so you are not making a huge effort, therefore it is easier to stay on track.
Many experts nowadays don't believe at all in counting calories also because many people end up not getting enough nutrients and that is not a good thing. I often see thin women who look like they are starving themselves to death. I believe they see themselves as being more beautiful that way but to be honest I am not sure most people who see them think the same. And if you don't get enough nutrients you might indeed lose weight but your health will suffer, just think about your skin, your hair, your bones..... Well, just my opinion anyway and on the top of everything else the opinion of someone who doesn't have the same problem!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/18/2011
★★★★★
For Staceybrister from Vancouver,
There is a difference taste, imo, the ACV has a milder taste and rarely does the scent/fumes go up my nose when I drink it, compared to the distilled Heinz vinegar which has always given me a 'kick' and once I developed a headache from it, I stopped and switched to the ACV. You also have more nutritional benefits from the ACV. You can certainly Google for a list of ACV benefits, and come up with a lot of info. HTH.
Recipes
Posted by Natasha (Syracuse, Ny) on 05/02/2011
Hi! I am 31 years old and have been drinking an ACV cocktail 2 to 3 times a day for about a month now. I simply mix 2 tsp organic ACV with 8-10 oz. of cold water with ice. I love the taste! However, a lot of information that I am reading is saying that it is good to mix the ACV with warm water and honey. Is it just as effective for the body in cold water? I appreciate any insight! Thanks!
Warts
Posted by Dan (Myrtle Beach, Sc, Usa) on 08/16/2011
Great post! I need to keep at it too!
General Feedback
Posted by Ninesuns (Fresno, California, Usa) on 04/24/2011
★★★★★
On our apple ranch, we decided to make apple cider vinegar. A neaerby wine company also made brandy; and they had a warehouse of barrels filled with fermenting wine. I bought an old brandy barrel from them and poured in the apple juice. We were told it would take about a year to ferment, but the mother formed in about two months on the top, about 3 inches thick. The vinegar was ready in about 5 months. This was the best cider vinegar I have ever tasted, almost like a flavored drink with a little bite to it. I think the old brandy barrel flavor made the process faster. No alcohol, just raw apple cider vinegar.
Acid Reflux
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 12/31/2016
To Sophia;
About your GERD post asserting the esophageal sphincter is the cause of reflux and not the oft cited acid issue. The question is, even if you are basically correct, what causes the sphincter to malfunction? Harvard School of Medicine has a cite on GERD and lists 15 drugs that can cause reflux. See www.patientinformationcenter.org/articles/causes-gerd/ and you will find the article. Harvard Medical with its list of OTC and prescription drugs gives us a lot to dwell on; if those 15 listed items can cause GERD, what else may alleviate GERD?
I found dramatic reduction in my 10 year fight with GERD by greatly reducing intake of acidic foods; coffee, excess dense meats, ice cream and dairy products of most all kinds and at night taking a tablespoon of ACV with one quarter teaspoon of baking soda in a half glass of water.
General Health Tonic
Posted by Swear By It! (Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Usa) on 03/07/2011
I swear by this remedy. I can prove it. I have lots of people who didn't believe me at first. But I have a public job. Work with lots of germs and sickness all around me, and I have not been sick this year. I did not get a shot. I take this whenever I feel the need for it. I feel like a million bucks! I use 2 tsp. Apple cider vinegar"with the mother", 2 tsp local honey, 1/2 cup of room temp water. I stir until honey is dissolved. Drink quickly, then chug lots of water. All day. 30 minutes later, I feel great!!! I got rid of sore throat with this, 3 times a day, with plenty of water. That is what the Doctor will tell you to do. Drink plenty of clear liquids... But with the added fighter, ACV"with the mother". I really and truly believe this is the cure we have all been looking for.
I have a bad thyroid and take levythyroxin daily. I don't take the ACV everyday. Just when someone around me is sick. Or when I feel that first symptom of a cold. And I am not getting sick. I am a seven year cancer survivor of Hodgkins Lymphoma and intend to find the cure to cancer one day. I am hot on the trail! I feel better than I ever had! There are numerous things that are good for us, but one that truly comes from the fruit of the earth, apples, vinegar comes from the apple, which God put before us. Let's use the old knowledge and learn from it. And use it.. Pure water, pure honey, pure apple cider vinegar. It purifies your body inside out! Swear by it!
Best Time to Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Orwigsburg, Pa) on 02/17/2011
I've seen in posts that ACV is to be diluted in water and sipped through a straw throughout the day. I would like to know if I can drink it straight down, with a straw of course, or does it have to be throughout the day?
Best Time to Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 02/18/2011
Hi Mary, yes you can drink your apple cider vinegar all in one go. A lot of people do it that way. Cheers Lily.
General Feedback
Posted by Saffordshire Born And Bred (Burntwood, Staffs, England) on 02/10/2011 2 posts
Hi all
I tried ACV a few months ago and could not stand the acidity so went onto capsules.
Aftera few weeks of taking these (I know this is not nice! ) my toilet motions were runny. I also noticed that there was a white residue to the above. Could this be body fat or what?
General Feedback
Posted by Danette (Tacoma, Wa) on 08/20/2012
Have you been allergy tested for apples??
ACV and Pregnancy
Posted by Denise (Cork, Ireland) on 01/13/2011
Hello,
I am just wondering if taking ACV during pregnancy is advisable? I am 6 weeks pregnant and would love to continue taking it to help with acid reflux, constipation and skin changes but am not sure if it will affect the folic acid I now take and/or if it will affect the baby.
Any experiences or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
ACV and Pregnancy
Posted by Jmc34 (Trinidad ) on 06/29/2016
Can men use ACV? And could it help their sperm count?
Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Fidelis Oero (Dallas, Usa) on 12/23/2010
Are all Apple cider vinegars given the same remedies as you described? Or is there a special one than the ones you see in ordinary stores , like Kroger, Walmart. I need your immediate answer as I want to buy one before the Christmas.
Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Self (Ny) on 12/23/2010
You generally do not want the regular apple cider vinegar sold in stores, which is non-organic and pasteurized (heated and filtered). Some of these stores have a health food section which sell an organic, raw (unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized) apple cider vinegar (ACV) -- this is the one you want for home remedies. Otherwise, the organic, raw ACV can be bought from a health food store or coop.
Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Special01 (Indianapolis, In, Usa) on 12/27/2010
Everyone says _____'s apple cidar vinegar is among the best.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Posted by Ree (New York) on 03/02/2013
I realize that this is a little late in coming, but I must stress: Do not EVER take ACV straight. It will damage your esophagus and could cause esophageal cancer if taken straight for prolonged periods of time. Always dilute it in a glass of water, don't put yourself at risk. I'm a medical student. Our GI pathology lecturer showed us pictures of this and it is horrible and incurable. It's not a guarantee to cause cancer, but you're definitely at increased risk. The esophagus is not meant to be exposed to acid like that.
ACV Rash
Posted by Storage Girl (St. Louis, Mo) on 12/03/2010

I have experienced the same rash you are talking about while taking ACV. Then, I tried to apply it to the rash, which made it worse! :v( Thinking it may be an allergy to ACV? Not planning to take ACV anymore - despite the benefits.
ACV Rash
Posted by Joyce (Lansdowne, Pa) on 12/03/2010

I have been taking ACV for acid reflux and I also noticed a small rash on my upper back near my arm. It does not hurt. It is there until it goes away then another one comes up nearby. I also believe that it is toxins coming out of my body.
ACV Rash
Posted by Tee (Philadelphia, Pa, Usa) on 09/03/2011
I am currently taking ACV with tap water and I noticed I have a rash on my left thigh. It's like a light spot about the size of a quarter. When I was little I used to get those spots, but smaller on my cheek from time to time. My mother said they were yeast spots. I guess from eating too much bread of starch. So maybe ACV is detoxing our body from too much yeast in our body and that's why we get those spots. They go away in about a week or two.
ACV Rash
Posted by Misha (Binghamton, New York ) on 07/28/2013
Hey Earth Clinic Friends! It's back! I posted on this site back on 4/03/2011 about taking ACV and a resulting Pityriasis Rosea rash. I discontinued the ACV at that time, and waited about 3 months for this condition to clear up. Just recently, I started to take the ACV 3x a day before meals 2 tsps diluted in water for about 2 weeks and I have Pityriasis Rosea AGAIN! This is the third time I have had this rash and when I first got it, my doctor and numerous websites have noted that it is usually something you get once in a lifetime; rarely twice. But this is the third time! At this point, I don't care. I am going to continue to take the ACV because it has done wonders for my energy levels, even though I haven't seen any weight loss yet.
ACV Rash
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 10/11/2017
For the rash maybe do more to help your liver? B vitamins, dandelion tea, activated charcoal, garlic, psyllium husk perhaps.
Liquid Vs. Pills
Posted by Kimberly (Naperville, Il) on 11/22/2010
I have been putting a teaspoon of ACV into an empty pill caplet and taking the liquid as a pill. I have a huge bottle of an old b5 supplement that I just open and empty the b5 out (I don't take this anymore), and I use an eyedropper to put the ACV into the caplet and close it. Very easy. You may be able to get empty pill caplets, but I haven't run out yet.
Energy
Posted by Julie (Hancock, Ny) on 08/20/2017
I read on Medical Blogs that drinking it straight could hurt your esophagus.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Posted by Slidefoot (Elmira, Ny) on 11/03/2010
I have a hard time drinking apple cider vinegar. Is it OK if I add honey to take the tartness out of it? If not I'll do my best to drink it. I have been on blood pressure meds for 20 some years. Same meds and I am having trouble keeping it down. I am under a lot of stress right now and it doesn't help. Please let me know. I am a female and 71. Thank you. Slidefoot
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Posted by Kathy (Las Vegas, Nv) on 11/04/2010
When I drink Apple cider vinegar I usually add it to 1 cup of hot tea, anykind, I add honey and 1/8 tsp of baking soda the baking soda takes away the really strong vinegar taste. If I don't want a hot drink I use room temp water with sugar or splenda and baking soda.