Apple Cider Vinegar
Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

| Modified on Dec 02, 2023
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!


Broad Benefits
Posted by Esther (Texas) on 05/05/2014
★★★★★

I've heard about ACV health benefits about 2 weeks ago; and after doing research about the healing power of ACV, I started taking it. In a matter of less than a week, I feel great relief from pains I use to feel on and off with my insides. I used to feel pain on my knees, and it's gone. I also felt some pains in my heart and that is gone, too. I also don't feel hungry at night anymore like I used to. I am feeling good at 66 yrs old. Before I started with ACV, I've changed my way of eating already-- I do juicing, eat salads and fruits, some fish and lean meat and chicken, stopped eating wheat products, sugar laden foods. I've also changed my sleeping habits and been getting at least 7 hours at the most of sleep, which helps a lot.

But when I added ACV in my health regimen, totally all the pain I suffered from in my lifetime seems to disappear. I drink warm water with lemon in the morning; then after 30 minutes, I follow it with a glass of water, raw honey and unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar and has some of my veggie/fruit/seeds fresh juice.

I've noticed that my BP has been controlled. I'm hoping that it will show lower readings in the months ahead with ACV intakes. I take it 2 to 3 times a day, sometimes a tablespoon of it followed by drinking water. As early as two weeks of taking ACV, I can feel a big change and difference in my body fully enhanced by ACV. I do some moderate treadmill workouts; but the real promise of good health is really from nutrition. It is true that we are what we eat. If I am mindful of what I put in my body, there's a chance I may not need any medications in the later years of my life. I don't take any prescription meds at all except my herbal sleep aid. I may not use it anymore either, as I've read ACV can help with sleep also. A miracle cure that I did not realize I have in my pantry!

Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Jessica (San Diego)
★★★★★

ACV cured my sinusitis - caused from living in polluted California. Even better, I had adhesions from having a c-section with the birth of my son. The doctors, over and over, had stated it was Irritated Bowel Syndrome and gave me a pill and sent me home. I was constantly constipated and feeling ickie. I NO LONGER HAVE THESE PROBLEMS.. HERE IS WHAT I DID - they (the adhesions) went away after 1 week:

Every morning - prior to eating anything:

5 glasses of good water
(with the last glass)
1/2 shot (use a shot-glass) of ACV & 1/2 water (in shot glass)

DOWN that shot with the last glass of water. You will never be constipated and as far as sinusitis... takes a while to get use to the taste, but now I like it.. PAIN IS GONE! woooo hoooo

Broad Benefits
Posted by Rosie Q. (Santa Cruz Ca) on 12/30/2013
★★★★★

I just wanted to share this little bit of info in case anyone else has a similar experience.

One year ago when my roommates were swearing by ACV as a cure all I figured what the heck- so I tried it and immediately got a TERRIBLE headache and some itchiness on my forearms, I was devastated and thought I was deathly allergic to this liquid that I had high hopes for.

Rhe next time I went and saw my acupuncturist he randomly recommended I try Apple Cider Vinegar and I told him I couldn't because I was allergic to it. He let me know that what I was experiencing was a detox sign and that it was actually a good thing. I was still quite scared of it but eventually (maybe a month later) tried it again out of desperation.

This time I drank it and had a mild headache but within 2 days noticed my sinuses clearing up, better sleep at night, and more energy during the day. (and no crazy itchiness on my forearm! )

Today I drink it all day long, I no longer need to dilute it in juice, I just drink it with water, stevia and lemon. I love the energy it gives me and I literally CRAVE it now, I very rarely drink plain water- just this and fresh juice.

The Apple Cider Vinegar along with dietary changes has helped with a number of issues, such as PCOS, allergies, acne, low energy and poor sleep to name a few. - I actually use it as a toner for my acne too- I mix water lemon and Apple Cider Vinegar together in a bottle and put it on a cotton pad which I wipe my face with, this is going to sound weird, I use it as a deodorant (cotton ball, and add lime if you have some) and hair conditioner also. (you can find amazing tonic recipes online for rosemary and thyme and Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinses- yummy) and to think the first time I used it I thought I was allergic! I love this stuff geez I even clean with it sometimes, the list goes on!

I wanted anyone on here to know, that if you have a bad experience with it the first time, to not give up hope. maybe try it again later if you feel up to it. ` peace and love`


ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 01/20/2016

Now and again, the subject comes up on this site of the safety of using Apple Cider Vinegar for the teeth. The concern is that the acidity of vinegar will harm teeth enamel.

Yesterday I tested the pH of a cup of coffee and a glass with 8 ounces of water plus 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. The pH of each was pretty close. Both were quite acidic.

So what this makes me conclude is that taking diluted apple cider vinegar in water is probably no worse for tooth enamel than coffee. Seeing that coffee is consumed in such immense quantity in our country, and I don't think there is an epidemic of tooth enamel problems from that, I tend to think that the tooth enamel concern with apple cider vinegar is not really a concern for most people. And for someone for whom it is, it would seem coffee would be contra-indicated also.

Just an observation and a few thoughts.

~Mama to Many~

Energy
Posted by Spiceitup (Maryville, Tn.) on 11/12/2010
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar..... My husband grew up farming and by farming I mean hundreds of acres. He and his brother were responsible for it all. Growing up he always had good teaching and a lot of love and respect for his family and friends and neighbors. So, when I first met him he told me about the long time ACV. He informed me that he just drank it straight from the jar it came in. Of course I giggled and said, okay that's nice dear.

Well, here we are today... MY little farming sweetheart is... Well over 50 and I can't keep up with him. And to boot he eats all the time, mostly at night... Drinks way too many coca colas and has energy coming out his ears. He has been to the doctor umteen times only to get the same outstanding results. HIs heart is perfect, no blockages, his blood presssure is on the dot. His lungs are as clear as a whistle on a quiet day and his libido even after 50 would put a teenage boy to shame.... ACV... Have you had yours today?

Flus and Colds
Posted by Meg (Grafton, WI) on 01/24/2009
★★★★★

Thanks for the website. I have used apple cider vinegar since the 70's but somehow (maybe good health) it went off my radar. I just caught a nasty flu and going into day #3 was not cheering me up. I looked on your site and my lights went back on. I did my 3 T. acv + 3T.honey and 1/2 t. cinnamon in 6 oz. water and within 2 hours felt like I just might shake this today. 4 hours later (now) I am feeling really much better and even the cough is almost gone.


Flus and Colds
Posted by Betsy (Morrow, Georgia) on 06/24/2008
★★★★★

My 96 year old Grandmother insisted on 2 Tbl of vinegar 3 times a day in something you were drinking. She was right and vinegar continues to my answer for just about everything. 2 Tblspoons in your drink, every day and you should never be sick. A week before she passed away, she was reminding me to drink my vinegar!


Apple Cider Vinegar and pH Balance
Posted by Susan (USA)

It's suggested that Apple Cider Vinegar has such curative abilities because it causes one's pH levels to become more alkaline. If you are going to try apple cider vinegar for allergies, or even to prevent sickness, we suggest you do an investigation of your own by buying a pH test kit at a local pharmacy, garden nursery, or even pool supply store. You can use these kits or pH strips to test your urine to see if you are more alkaline or acid during an allergy attack, virus or bacterial infection. Once you ascertain your pH levels, you can adjust adjust your dosage of Apple Cider Vinegar accordingly.

If you live in a highly polluted area like we do (Los Angeles) where allergies and sinus infections are rampant, your system may better balance itself with a small dose of apple cider vinegar each day. Ultimately we suggest you experiment with a kit to find the pH balance your body functions optimally at. Want to know more about pH? Click here.

Our Bangkok contributor Ted tells us, "Apple Cider Vinegar in itself is alkaline because of its "ash" content, which means if the apple cider vinegar was burned, what is left over becomes ash. When you check for the pH of that ash and dissolve it with water, the content is alkaline. Whenever our body digests anything, it undergoes oxidation, which is similar to burning and the end result is that you can determine whether the end product was alkaline or acid. Apple Cider Vinegar has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, primarily coming from the malic acid and acetic acid portion of the vinegar. Apple cider vinegar acts as a buffer in the body because the acetic acid reacts with base or acid compounds to form an acetate, therefore rendering them chemically bioavailable for the body's utilization. Additionally, Apple Cider Vinegar can reduce the toxicity of certain compounds by converting the toxin into an acetate compound, which is less toxic. This is why they are ideal for insect bites and certain skin allergies. While Apple Cider vinegar in itself is considered alkaline, a chemically pure vinegar (acetic acid) is neither acid nor basic forming as it leaves no ash as the entire portion, when burned evaporates completely. Ted

Fat Reduction
Posted by Ma (Canada) on 12/09/2015
★★★★★

I feel myself blessed to come across this site and I have learnt a lot about healthy living from here. It would be a pleasure to be helpful in return.

I just came across an awesome discovery that I would like to share. The topical application of Apple cider vinegar (ACV) works great for breast size reduction and for fat reduction from almost any part of the body.

I have used apple cider vinegar (ACV) in a spray bottle, to spray and spread evenly on the breasts (re-apply immediately after it dries) for 30-40 min twice everyday for 3 weeks and got amazing results with size reduction from 38 to 36. Vinegar cuts fat like bleach cuts color, I also applied ACV to my belly and love handles and reduced my waist by 2 inches in three weeks. ACV has countless benefits for skin. If it doesn't suit to anyone, try using regular white vinegar.


Energy
Posted by Kathie (Houston, United States) on 05/16/2011
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Why does ACV give me so much "nervous" energy? Am I detoxing or is it just its nature? I do not consume much caffine, only a few cups of green tea in the morning, so I really feel the effect.


Flus and Colds
Posted by Shabbycrafter (Dos Palos, Ca) on 11/14/2009
★★★★★

For the past two days my daughter has had a horribly sore throat with white spots on it. She's had a fever, body aches, and sniffles as well. After calling around and finding that the local doctors were booked up and the rural clinic would be $250 just to see the doctor, I decided to figure out how to help her myself. I remembered a friend suggesting ACV so I gave it a try. I gave my daughter (18 years old) 2 tablespoons of ACV in an 8 oz. glass of water. She sat and sipped on it for a while. Her sore throat immediately calmed to the point where she was able to fall asleep and slept most of the night. Around 6:30 am she woke up and did the same routine again and is up and around today looking better than she has in days. I should add here that along with the ACV I gave her an over-the-counter pain reliever as well. From now on, I've decided I'm going to treat everything I can in this manner. The treatment worked better than anything I've ever seen! Amazing!

Canker Sores
Posted by Shirley (Riverside, CA) on 11/08/2008
★★★★★

After reading about canker sores and some home remedies on this site, I decided to try them. All today, I tried first Hydrogen Peroxide, that didn't work, then I put salt on it and it hurt sooooo bad and that didn't work. A few hours later, I couldn't take the pain anymore, so I decided to try apple cider vinegar. I put some on a Q-tip and it hurt soooooo bad, but a few minutes later the pain was basically gone. I went from not being able to talk to eating dinner within a matter of an hour. I am so amazed! I did it couple more times today and it did not hurt that much second time around. I am just amazed as how fast it worked.


Warts
Posted by Silencio (Elko, Nv, Usa) on 01/27/2012
★★★★★

I had a wart bigger than a half of my heel. Little warts grew all over my toes. This was the result of yanking out the center of a small to medium size wart on my heel. It made those evil devils spread like wildfire. I put apple cider vinegar on a paper towel and I duct taped it to my heel. Making a shoe. By the time this was done the wart was throbbing in pain. I planned on doing my toes, but I couldn't handle the pain. I laid down but didn't sleep the whole night.

Next day, I feel like my heel was eaten away by acid.

I peeled of the duct tape, I put so much apple cider vinegar that it turn my skin yellow, and tiny bits came off with the duct tape. The wart was twice the size as before big white and puffy, but it had a little little BLACK center.

I knew it was working.

Three sleepless nights later, almost no outer layer of skin on my heel, but a half its normal size completely used car oil black wart is in the center.

No more vinegar, I needed to sleep.

One week later, the wart dries up, I just scratch it, and a huge chunk of black death easily peels out of my foot, leaving a crater twice as deep as wide. I peel the rest out, and I literally can see the bone of my heel through the transparent inner layers of my body.

Four weeks later, the hole COMPLETELY healed. All the baby warts in my toes fell out. Apple Cider Vinegar is sacred shit.


Acid Reflux
Posted by U Taylor (Jacksonville, Ar) on 01/17/2013
★★★★★

I wanted to respond to Kevel from Marysvill, Washington regarding apple cider vinegar (ACV). First of all, I am not a professional health provider, but I did want to relay my own experiences so far, using ACV, and hopefully add some suggestions. The first thing I would recommend is to see a doctor for all of your symptoms. That being said, here are my own experiences, which some are similar to your own. I have been diagnosed with acid reflux and have been taking the "purple pill" for years!! Like you, I searched the internet for more natural solutions to my many illnesses. I also have adult onset asthma, chronic sinusitis, hives, allergies, mild acne, and high blood pressure.... But I am also a lot older than you, so hopefully you won't have to go through what I did! Not to mention the tremendous money I have spent for all of these meds over the years... I could have bought a small country!! Anyway, in my search, I found several websites that basically said the same things about apple cider vinegar, which was that it has been used for centuries, starting with Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, who was considered to be the father of western medicine, who not only advocated ACV, but used it himself!

And so with all of the knowledge that I gained in my investigation of ACV, along with a LOT of testimonials, especially here at EC, I decided to try it! I am so glad I did! I have been taking ACV now for going on 7 weeks and it has "quieted" my system! I find I have so many benefits.... Some I hadn't expected! I no longer need "the purple pill" because I don't suffer from the symptoms of acid reflux; I am weening myself off of all my medication... Just to see if all I need is apple cider vinegar... But I still have my meds on stand by... Just in case! My mild acne has totally gone away; my blood pressure has stabilized; my sinus are just as clear without sinus meds... AND without the side effects! I also don't have upset stomach, and my appetite has subsided a LOT!!! Other side benefits is that I'm losing weight and I sleep a little more soundly at night! I don't know what kind of ACV you're using, but make sure that it unpasturized, raw and organic with "The Mother", which is the enzyme that settles at the bottom of the bottle, and part of the normal production process with natural apple cider vinegar. That's where all the "good stuff" is. Each time you use it, make sure to shake the bottle very well before using. For a while, there was a company that is pretty popular for making this type of apple cider vinegar (ACV), but now another familiar company that is known for making vinegar of all kinds, (found in grocery stores) has just introduced their own version with "The Mother", and it's just as good! I take about 3 tablespoons with 3 tablespoons of raw honey (the raw honey needs also be organic, and also has a lot of health benefits! ), mix that together well, then add 8-12 ounces of purified drinking water. I add ice, then sip through a straw, (otherwise, the ACV eats at your tooth enamel over time). I do this twice a day... Like clockwork. I am so pleased with my results, and I hope you will continue to take it! I hope it works as well for you as it has for me!! God Bless you in your quest!!


Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by George (Philadelphia, Pa) on 09/25/2010
★★★★★

UNBELIEVABLE......... 4 month sinus infection(only over the counter sudafed used(hate doctors)). Apple Cider Vinegar in 24 hours cures the affliction. What else can I say-fabulous-please keep up the good work!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar and pH Balance
Posted by Scott (Hawaii) on 01/12/2015

ACV in its chemical liquid form is acidic, but when consumed it converts to citric acid in the body via the Krebs Cycle. ACV is a type of acetic acid and is changed to citric acid by combining with oxaloacetic acid with the help of Acetyl CoEnzyme A and ATP (adensosine triphosphate). Acetic acid is decomposed in our body into hydrogen atom (H+) and acetyl (CH3CO-), which is alkaline. Because it is converted to Citric Acid, it actually causes an akaline effect on the Blood. Types of Citric Acid foods are lemons. Lemons are known for alkalizing effect. This is why ACV is very good health food, when consumed in small quantities dissolved in water. It helps with all kinds of illnesses because it has an alkalizing effect. Most illnesses are due to acidity in the body. Modern humans have lost touch with this thousand year old remedy.

Source: http://www.naturodoc.com/library/lifestyle/umeboshi_vinegar.htm


Energy
Posted by Goji (London, England) on 11/03/2009
★★★★★

I've just reached the ripe old age of 72 years, but inwardly still feel 20. However, over the last few months I have been having problems finding enough energy to get through household and other tasks and, and life had lost its magic. I felt like an old person. In the past I'd tried a well known brand of organic ACV, but it did nothing to help how I felt. Then about a fortnight ago I came across an iconic brand (I'm not allowed to mention names) of raw, unfiltered ACV containing the mother, and I began taking one tablespoon in water sweetened with stevia three times a time just before meals. I now wake up with a song in my heart, the world has suddenly become beautiful again, and my energy has been restored. And I feel the way I walk has become more free, looser somehow, as though I am walking more like a younger person.

I just hope that the ACV continues to work its magic.

Acne
Posted by Marion (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 05/03/2013
★★★★★

I am a 25 year old female and I have been using ACV for almost a year now mixed half and half with distilled water for a toner after using a mild cleanser on my face 2 times a day. I have had horrible issues with acne since I was 13 years old and have spent over thousands of dollars for invasive lazer treatments, chemical peels, medication, creams... EVERYTHING... And yet... Still not the results I wished for. This product has changed everything about my skin. My pores are smaller, the dark spots have faded, I rarely get any acne anymore, and when I do, it goes away within days. For the first time in my adult life... I can say that I am happy with my skin. I don't have to hide behind make-up and sunglasses any more and that has been the most amazing thing I could have ever dreamed of. This product is absolutely amazing. I have recommended it to tons of my friends with the same issue, and they too have been able to appreciate the benefits from ACV!


Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Jolenestewart (Boston, Ma, Usa) on 01/11/2012
★★★★★

Omg! I am a first-timer to this site, just stumbled upon it in when searching for some relief for my latest sinus infection. I am 30 years old and have gotten them chronically since childhood.

This one is particularly bad and it has come with the added bonus of sinus pressure-related tooth pain. It is about 4:00 am here and the pain and sinus pressure was keeping me and my poor, sympathetic husband, awake.

I was in so much pain and had taken a cocktail of over-the-counter pain relievers and sinus meds with still no relief. I had even spent the last hour alternating hot and cold compresses which I read can help with the pressure of compacted sinuses.

Nothing was helping. Then I found this thread about the ACV with honey and water mixture. I decided to try it, I figured at this point, anything was worth a shot.

I made the mixture and I also took a big swig of the ACV right from the bottle, just for good measure! Though the taste was a little off putting, the result was worth it!

In about ten minutes, the throbbing in my face and teeth began to subside, my sinuses began to clear and the pressure and pain was markedly subsiding.

I'm stunned. So stunned that I needed to post this response right away, even at 4:00 am! Thank you for this site! I have bookmarked it and am looking forward reading about other useful remedies!

Off to bed now for what may be my first congestion and sinus pain-free sleep in days!

Thanks again everyone! Cheers!



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