Apple Cider Vinegar
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Apple Cider Vinegar - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Jul 07, 2025
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Apple Cider Vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a time-tested natural remedy praised for its ability to balance the body, improve digestion, support immunity, and relieve dozens of common health conditions.

Backed by scientific research and thousands of testimonials, ACV offers benefits such as:

  • Weight loss support and blood sugar regulation1
  • Antifungal and antibacterial protection2
  • Improved skin, digestion, and immune response3

9 Popular Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Relieves Acid Reflux and GERD

ACV helps neutralize stomach acid and improve digestion, making it a powerful remedy for acid reflux and heartburn.

Suggested Dose: Mix 1 teaspoon of ACV in 8 oz of water before meals.

2. Supports Weight Loss and Reduces Belly Fat

ACV increases satiety and may curb appetite, helping with weight loss efforts and caloric intake control.

Dosage: 1 tablespoon in water, twice a day.

3. Clears Sinus Infections and Congestion

ACV thins mucus and fights infection. Add 1/2 tsp to 6 oz of distilled water in a Neti pot or inhale steam with 1–2 tbsp ACV added to hot water.

Also effective for sinus infections and congestion relief.

4. Soothes Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Mix 1 tsp ACV with 1 cup of distilled water and use as eye drops 2–3x daily. See full remedy for pink eye here.

5. Alleviates Earache and Swimmer’s Ear

Use a 50/50 mix of ACV and distilled water in the ear (avoid if eardrum is perforated). For fungal infections, use equal parts ACV and rubbing alcohol.

6. Clears Skin Issues and Detoxifies

ACV supports liver function and pH balance, helping with acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and scalp infections. Drink 1–2 tbsp in a liter of water throughout the day.

7. Balances Hair Sebum and Reduces Buildup

ACV’s acidic pH removes buildup and refreshes oily hair. Rinse hair with 1 tbsp ACV diluted in 1 cup warm water after shampooing.

8. Calms Food Poisoning Symptoms

Relieves vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea. Take 2 tsp–2 tbsp in water or juice. Repeat in 30–60 minutes if needed.

9. Lowers High Blood Pressure

ACV helps cleanse arteries and improve circulation. Start with 1–2 tsp in 8 oz water daily. Read over 100 reader reviews on ACV for high blood pressure.

Top 65 Conditions Apple Cider Vinegar May Help

Thousands of Earth Clinic readers have used ACV to find relief from:

  • Acid reflux, GERD, constipation, diarrhea
  • Sinus infections, sore throat, cough, colds
  • Shingles, warts, eczema, acne, rosacea
  • Arthritis, joint pain, bursitis, muscle cramps
  • Bladder infections, UTIs, kidney stones
  • Allergies, asthma, rashes, hives
  • High blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes
  • Hot flashes, PMS, heavy menstruation
  • Parasites, lice, body odor, brain fog

Why Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Is Best

Raw, unfiltered ACV contains the “mother,” a strand of proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria. It’s more potent than filtered, pasteurized versions and lasts indefinitely when stored away from light and heat.

Choose raw ACV for maximum nutrient content, even if it appears cloudy or has sediment. In emergencies, conventional vinegar can still be helpful.

Apple Cider Vinegar and pH Balance

Though acidic in nature (pH ~3), ACV has an alkalizing effect in the body by improving digestion and mineral absorption. This supports overall wellness and helps reduce inflammation and infection risk.

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar to Take?

General Dose: 1–3 teaspoons in a glass of water once or twice daily. Start small and increase gradually based on how your body reacts.

For acute conditions: Up to 1–2 tablespoons in a small amount of water.

Ways to Make ACV Taste Better

  • Mix with fruit juice like apple, grape, or cranberry
  • Add honey, maple syrup, or stevia
  • Use in salad dressings with olive oil and herbs
  • Create a warm tonic with ACV, honey, lemon, and hot water

Reader Tip: Add 1/4 tsp sea salt to your daily ACV drink for extra minerals and taste improvement. "It cured my acne, joint pain, and more!" – Andreina from Italy

Best Time to Take ACV

  • For digestion: Before meals
  • For weight loss: 30 minutes before eating
  • For symptom relief: During or after discomfort
  • For daily wellness: Sip throughout the day

Are ACV Capsules Effective?

ACV pills offer convenience, especially for those who dislike the taste. While not identical in potency to liquid vinegar, they can still offer noticeable benefits for many people.

Can I Apply Apple Cider Vinegar Topically?

Yes, ACV is effective for external use. Always dilute for sensitive skin. Use full-strength or 1:1 diluted vinegar for:

  • Sprains and muscle pain
  • Bug bites and skin irritation
  • Toenail fungus and athlete’s foot

Use 50% or more dilution for:

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe for Pets?

ACV is widely used for flea control, bladder infections, and skin issues in pets. Use with care and proper dilution based on pet size and condition.

Possible Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV may cause side effects such as:

  • Stomach discomfort
  • Tooth enamel erosion
  • Heart palpitations or anxiety (rare)

Always dilute and start small. Discontinue use if symptoms arise.

Where to Buy Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Look for raw, organic ACV with “the mother” in most grocery stores. If unavailable, order online from Amazon or check the Where to Buy ACV guide.

References

  1. NCBI Study on Enzymatic Activity
  2. Antimicrobial Properties of Vinegar
  3. Immunostimulant Effects

Keep reading below to see how apple cider vinegar has helped our readers find relief from dozens of conditions, and don’t forget to share your experience!

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.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Compress

Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 10/03/2020
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Apple Cider Vinegar Compress:

For Sinus issues, Sore throat, Laryngitis, Swollen lymph glands, Headache/Migraine, Eye chalazion, Pinkeye and other eye issues

-A hot or cold (depending on your choice, heat promotes drainage while cold is more for migraine) ACV compress is an effective sinus treatment to drain out mucus and get a relief from a blocked nose and pressure.

A time-tested remedy to reduce swelling is warm ACV compresses.

Holistic health practitioners prescribe apple cider vinegar as a lymphatic tonic, to help promote lymphatic drainage, and for general bodily detoxification. Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid as its primary constituent that helps preventing bacteria/fungal growth. The hot temperature helps increase blood circulation, which in turn reduces swelling as well as pain. This remedy has a lengthy history for its many health benefits, used for a range of ailments. Along with taking apple cider vinegar internally, you may opt for topical application combination to get better and faster relief.

Place a thin cloth (wash cloth) soaked in apple cider vinegar and warm water 1:1 ratio over the area. Your skin will absorb the vinegar directly.

Method 1:

Required Things:

  • Apple Cider Vinegar (with mother) – 1 cup (Dilute 50/50 with water if skin sensative)
  • A Towel/Wash cloth big enough to go over the area

Process:

  1. Soak the towel in the apple cider vinegar mixture and place it on the paining area. Be sure it covers your eyes, cheeks, temples, forehead. Keep your eyes closed during this process or it will sting!

  2. Lie down for 10 minutes to ½ hour or so. Place a bath towel around your outer head to soak-up the ACV mixture dripping for your face. Secure it with a plastic wrap and ace bandage. Repeat this process several times every day.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Awesome Nana (Chicago, Il) on 10/09/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have been using Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for 20 months. My mixture is slightly different - 2 TBL ACV, 1 heaping TBL of Organic Honey & 1.5 C of filtered water heated to melt the honey.

The results are amazing! I no longer need allergy medicine, my knuckles are normal again & not swollen from arthritis, my hiatal hernia is under control, my eye pressure from border line glaucoma dropped from 19 to 15, and best of all, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma last year and even though 1 mass was 2.2 cm & the other was 1.5 cm my sentinel lymph nodes were clear!

If I start to feel a cold or sinus problems starting I drink the mixture 3 times a day instead of once in the AM before eating.

I am a true believer in this remedy!

Pain

Posted by Jim (Madison, Wisconsin) on 03/16/2009
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have spinal stenosis and scoliosis and my back got so bad that I started limping. I had severe pain especially if I bent over. My back literally was killing me with pain. I was taking prescription naprosen (1000 mg/per day). That had little effect on the pain. I had arthritis in both index fingers, both shoulders and my back was full of it. I remembered that I had heard or read somewhere about ACV. I found this web site and read everything I could on ACV. I was so encouraged! I went out that day and bought a qt of organic ACV. The first time I took it I wondered how could I continue taking it. However the taste was not as bad as the pain I was going through. I quit taking the pain medication and just used ACV. I take about 3 ozs. to 4ozs a day in some water. After about 3 or 4 days, I noticed the pain throughout my body starting to subsiding. By the end of 2 weeks the pain was literally gone. I can bend over with no pain, hop around with no pain and play with my cat. No more NSAIDS, only ACV. I have been telling everyone I see about this MIRACLE CURE FOR PAIN. I hope I have encouraged someone sitting on the fence to try this. By the way, there are other benefits to taking ACV.



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