Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

ACV has been great for my other ailments (especially warts!), but it made my hemorrhoids much much worse. They went from being a minor nuisance to swelling twice their size, becoming incredibly sore and oozing. Ouch! I'll never try this again!

Zachary be careful using ACV on your hair. I have blond highlights in my hair and the ACV turned my highlights pink! I use regular white distilled vinegar on my hair every few weeks and it works just fine.

Yes, I have been on a similar high protein/low carb diet, through a weight loss center, but in their case when I reported constipation as a side effect of the diet, their remedy was to sell me their "cleansing tea" which while pleasant tasting was just a teabag version of senna-based laxatives! It seems that the ACV is helping in this regard but it may be too soon to tell just yet. Of course the weight loss center will not like this because they don't sell ACV or make a lot of money off it...

I have been drinking ACV at a 2 Tbsp ACV/32 oz. Water dilution, 3 times a day, for a little over a week now, and have an overall feeling of energy, especially more energy at the end of the day than I usually have. This is especially important as my job has been unusually stressful lately. Friday, I felt the onset of a cold in the form of a tickly and then sore throat. I doubled my consumption of ACV and even did a couple of "shots" (my husband figured out that one standard shot glass holds right at 3 Tbsp. Liquid) with honey chasers. I don't feel 100% better, but I do feel like the cold never really got its "claws" into me, which has made a big difference. Also taking the popular alkaline fizzy tablet cold medicine, because

1) that's the only over-the-counter cold remedy that's ever really worked for me and

2) now I understand more about how pH levels are related to overall health.

LOVE! ACV. Have been taking it now twice a day for about a month. Unlike others, I have no problem with the taste. Actually like it, and don't add any sweetener. I've had acne all my life. Was told it was hormonal. Since taking apple cider vinegar (ACV), my skin has been clear and healthy looking. Also have lost some weight. And feel an overall sense of general wellness. Am keeping an eye on my varicose veins to see if it has any affect on those. Will keep you posted. But, either way, you can be sure I will keep up with the ACV.

For your sinuses and hearing improvement, how much of the ACV/honey/garlic mixture did you take per day? Also, what are the proportions of each ingredient? Do you add water or juice to the mixture. Thanks.

Last year, I was taking ACV with garlic, and honey... First My Sinuses, cleared up within a week, next my left ear which has been deaf for 15 years started to crackle, and three weeks later I could hear stereo again. My back and knees cleared up about a month later... I thought that since I'm on a roll I'll Take some vitamins via a fizzy baroca... Ten days later watching the Television I noticed that I was having trouble focusing.. So I took my glasses off. I swear to you that I could see so clearly I was in shock. So stupid me stopped everything, and two weeks later I was wearing glasses again. So from then on I started the Baroca.. And the apple cider vinegar and honey without the garlic.. But I got such a sore mouth, I ran to my medic book which said if you are taking vitamin supplements stop! I did and along with yogurt the soreness went. I resumed the ACV and honey but left the garlic out of the mix... I've been taking garlic on my evening meal. I've just started back on the ACV honey plus garlic.. And am taking a tbs. of molasses.. So will keep you posted. I'm 64 years of age and haven't felt so well.. I have also been taking a portion of tuna or Salmon everyday.. Thats to make sure all the 72 essential nutrients are present. I got that from Truehealth.org.. What they say makes sense.

A message to Earth Clinic: Why are you not fans of the baking soda/ACV mix? Do you feel that the addition of the baking soda adds too much sodium to be healthy?

Secondly, if our bodies are meant to be slightly alkaline, doesn't consuming ACV add MORE acid to our system? Won't my body then try to neutralize the acidity by drawing calcium from my bones to maintain the proper pH, which might lead to a calcium deficit leading to osteoporosis?

Mon. Of this week my boyfriend sprained his ankle at football practice. I got on EC to see what was recommended and I saw ACV. This is what I did - I put approx 3 Tbls of ACV, 5 Tbls of olive oil, about 1/2 cup of salt and Kidney Drainage liquid herbs, 3 squirts, and then rubbed his feet for about 1/2 hour. The swelling went down by the next morning and he could walk on it, however, it was sprained really bad. So I did it again the next night and by the morning it was 90%, and the next day it is 100%.

I had very bad Gerd conditions. Occasionally I could not even digest my food for days. I would have night sweats and general flu like feelings. I was prescribed pills from the doctor, and also tried the over the counter pills, all with varying results of success depending upon the severity of my condition. I had all the fun tests done on my digestive system with no real issues found, except Barrett's esophageal which the acid burning my throat caused. I determined to resolve the problem, and read many articles about diet. For me it was coffee, smoking, and stress which caused my worst break outs (in hindsight). Alcohol could also trigger an outbreak. Not overloading my body with coffee all day and drinking in the evening accompanied with smoking throughout, alone made a big difference. But while I was making these changes in diet I found information on how pills might not be that great for someone either, and I found Ted's recipe. Perhaps I should say I found the ACV treatment first, which didn't do anything for me, but then I added the Baking Soda, and what a difference! I threw the pills away and have never been back since! I began taking it 2-3 times a day, and after a week I was doing it only occasionally. Now I take it only as needed, maybe once or twice a month, though it wouldn't hurt if I did it more regularly. My most serious gerd symptoms are gone and now I only get occasional heartburn when that diet I spoke about earlier gets a little heavy on the bad stuff. But just one or two treatments in a day have me back on track. Make no mistake, for the worst conditions, you must modify your diet. I cut the coffee, stopped smoking (for awhile), and limit my alcohol consumption (though it's worse or as bad as coffee to me). After making difficult changes I was able to return to normal enjoyments in moderation. All things in moderation is something which must be observed for the best recovery. My mix is slightly different than Ted's by accident. I was confused about the water so I only used enough to slightly dilute the mixture, about 2-3 ounces of water (an easy amount to take in one or two gulps). A minute later I let out a big burp and I feel instant relief everywhere. If I do not feel better or burp I give it about 30 minutes and I do it again. I've never had to do it a third time, and once the symptoms are gone I don't do it again until they return. Usually I will be back in moderation mode and it isn't necessary until my next slip up. Also, I only use 1/4 to 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda to two teaspoons of ACV, so a lot of baking soda is not necessary, as has been mentioned. This is not a temporary daily fix like antacids, the effects seem to last days. Recently I was with friends for a weekend. It was early evening when we started drinking and my reflux began hammering me more than I had seen in a long time. I took this remedy and resumed to the festivities (hoping it would undo the damage that had already started and allow me to continue what I had started) and with only 1 dose I was fine all that weekend through the all "fun". I am posting this because my friends made alot of fun for me for this recipe. I explained that I did not know how it works, but I have tried alot of things and it just works. And works it does! Apparently, it can even stop reflux dead in its tracks when moderation isn't optional! My friends aren't convinced (likely far from it), but if you suffer, try this, it works, and it cost maybe 5 bucks for a 6 month supply. It has been about 2 years since I first read and begun this cure, thank you Ted! I try to pass it along to those who will listen.

Carlos, those aren't worms. It is sediment from the unfiltered vinegar. This milky, cloudy, and stringy looking stuff at the bottom of the container is what contains the healthiest part of the mixture. It also lets you know that the important vitamins and minerals, enzymes, and naturally occurring good bacteria have not been compromised due to over processing, filtration, or excessive heating. Before consuming, shake the bottle gently to thoroughly distribute all of the nutrients, pour, and serve.

Hi Deirdre
Those crystals are probably uric acid crystals. Their accumulations create all sort of problems. The pain in joints is called gout. So look for gout treatment. Eat the least processed food as possible. Don't drink sodas pop. Avoid food with aspartame, msg, any food with high fructose corn syrup, reduce protein... All these are acidic. 60% or more of uric acid is eliminated by the kidneys via the urine. If the urine is acidic a lot less of it will be eliminated. To measure urine acid level you can use pH paper or sticks. You can verify that your urine is most probably acidic (pH lower than 7). The closer the urine pH is to 7, the more you will be able to eliminate uric acid. This is about the best thing I learned for myself. So, learn about alkalizing, search for alkalizing formulas here or on the web, read some of my posts here. Unlike filtered vinegar, good unfiltered raw unpasteurized ACV is alkalizing. But there are better formulas than just ACV alone. Good luck, Alain

Dear friends, I would ask about the worms that exist in the vinegar, especially in apple vinegar is not filtered or treated much to inhibit the growth of these worms. Wonder if is bad for health? Or if they grow and create a population in the stomach. Anyway, what is the truth about these parasitic worms of vinegar, for those who make use of apple cider vinegar for health? Is it dangerous? dangerous as there are worms that attack the human body. I look back, Grateful, Carlos Viccino

I have arthritis and a naturopath tested that my blood has acid crystals. I checked with Dr. Paul C. _____'s book "Apple Cider Vinegar Health System" and he advocates = 2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 tsp honey in small glass of water, twice a day. Apparently when acid crystals are allowed to harden in joints and tissues, joints become stiff and tissues are hardened. When acv programme is given the precipitated acid crystals enter into a solution form and pass out of the body. Have you any thoughts on this?

Answer to Jessica from San Diego about pH balancing and vitamins. You just observed by yourself that vitamins are acid forming. Vitamin C is Ascorbic Acid. Probiotics are also acid forming. I don't know about garlic. Possibly alkalizing if of good quality. Just take more alkalizing food, spices and minerals. Alain

I started testing my pH and was able to get to the optimal level with ACV and honey in warm water. In the last week I have added Vitamin D, Vitamin C, garlic, probiotics, a prenatal vitamin and colloidal silver. When I felt a slight cold coming on, I tested my pH again and found it to be highly acidic. Could one of the new things I'm taking be affecting my pH negatively? thank you!

Hi Fra-fra... Regarding your mixture, I would leave out adding any H2O2 to it. HP will react with the iodine and may form Hydrogen Iodide. HP will also react with ACV to form Peracetic Acid, a much stronger version of Hydrogen Peroxide. So, unless you know what you're doing, just take the ACV, Magnesium Oil and Iodine on its own. Make sure you take the HP on its own later in water -- at least an hour after the mag oil etc.

Here is a link where you can check remedy combinations on EC. See Ted's List.

I'm trying to find out if you can take acv, h2o2, iodine and magnesium oil mixed in 8 oz. of water in one dose. Will you still get the benefit as if you take them separate?

HELLO EVERYONE, I'VE BEEN USING ACV AND OVCO FOR THE PAST MONTH AND ALL I CAN SAY IS I FEEL GREAT. I HAD THIS CRAVING FOR SWEETS! COULD NOT STOP MYSELF(NOW I THINK COULD IT BE CANDIDA?)AFTER A MONTH I NO LONGER CRAVE FOR SWEETS. MY JOINTS DON'T HURT THE WAY THEY USE TO, I'VE MORE ENERGY, MY PANTS WHICH WERE TIGHT-NOW I HAVE TO USE A BELT!! I'M HAPPY AND I THANK GOD FOR DIRECTING ME TO EC! PS. FOR THE PAST WEEK MY SCALP IS ITCHING, I READ HERE THAT IT COULD BE BECAUSE OF ACV?? ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED. THANKYOU EC.

I CANT TAKE EXCEDRIN OR ASPIRIN PRODUCTS. HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG SHOULD I USE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR ULCERS?

If you have 500 mgs. In a capsules, how does that equal out by teaspoon?

If you live in Europe indeed most tbspoons are smaller but you can buy measuring spoons and those are exactly the same. They usually come in sets of all sizes and bread makers and so often come with a measuring spoon. I don't agree with you that we don't use spoons as measure, we do, for smaller quantities. I cook a lot and I never come across ml for such small quantities, always tbspoons or tspoons. I use French, English, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese recipes.

To Keyser Soze from Amsterdam, You can buy the american measuring cups and sets with teaspoon, tablespoon, 1/4, 1/2, 1/8 tablespoon at any Blokker here for only 2-3 euro per set. Might be easier than converting everything. Groet, Tina

Hello everyone, I know in the States you use tablespoons as an amount for the ACV. In Europe we do not, mostly we talk in "ml" Milliliter
or 1 tablespoon of sugar. I searched the internet and found out that 1 tbs is 15ml of liquid! A normal size tbs in Europe is 6ml maybe 8ml! So, I think most European people take more than the half of ACV in their home made cocktail. As I read often "it doesn't work". I know there is a lot of misunderstanding between the European and US and English sizes or amounts. Just have a look on this site http://www.curezone.com/conversions.asp

I hope that Earthclinic can make this clear on the site. So that it's clear for everyone on this planet. Regards KS, Holland Amsterdam

I am so happy to writing this email right now. I like so many others were skeptical about trying Apple Cider Vinegar. I had high hopes but since nothing had helped in the past I wasn't going to hold my breath. Since I didn't have any ACV on hand I ran to the store to buy some. I was so excited to try I almost opened it on the way home. I mixed 2 tablespoons with 8 oz of water and chugged it. TASTE GROSS! Really gross. Sorry but it does. I could feel it starting to work. So after an hour I took a shot of straight ACV and soaked some paper towels in it and stuffed it up my nose. NO REALLY I DID. Laid down and inhaled it for 10 mins. An hour and half later I feel so much better. I have suffered with this for many, many years. I was starting to look into surgery for it. Hopefully now I don't have to. Thank you so much for advice. I really can't thank you enough.

I am 34 year-old male who had terrible side effects (severe constipation) from statins while trying to reduce my cholesterol of 234. I had to quit taking them. A friend at work recommended 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with some juice every day. She said her results shocked her doctor after 2 months. She also said it worked for her sister. So, I tried it that night, and also wanted to check it out online, because I'm always a skeptic. What I found was that a LOT of people recommend ACV for a whole range of things that interest me. After reading all I've read, and from my personal experience so far, I'm really diggin it. The only side effects I've seen is the taste, and because it is very acidic, people say you should keep it off your teeth as much as possible.

Here's a list of some of the things I've read that it helps dramatically with: Cholesterol, blood pressure, immune system, detoxification, eczema, migraines, headaches & sinus headaches, hair thinning & hair loss, warts, slow steady weight loss, diabetes, depression, insomnia, increased energy & alertness, infections & cancers, the flu, sinus infections & post nasal drips, allergies & asthma, chronic fatigue, sore throats, arthritis, ulcers, bowel problems & IBS, nail fungus, acne, skin problems & complexion.

The list goes on and on, to the point where it sounds WAY too good to be true. I read several testimonials from teachers and nurses that used to get sick repeatedly, to the point where they thought they'd have to quit their jobs, until they started taking ACV. They claim they don't get sick anymore at all. Since there really doesn't seem to be any side effects from ACV, I can't think of any reason NOT to try Apple Cider Vinegar. I am curious/anxious to see if it helps with some of my stuff. In particular, I get sick. A LOT. I work in retail and I usually need antibiotics at least 4 times each winter for sinus infections, sore throats and post nasal drips, going back to when I was a kid. Allergies. Cholesterol. More energy and some weight-loss sounds good too! Basically, it seems to clean out your blood and detoxify your body really well, which helps to get the whole machine running like it should. I've only been on it for 14 days as of this writing, and what I can testify about so far is:

1. Energy/Alertness. I feel really good so far. Many users claim they feel a very persistent boost of energy within a day, and I certainly felt it too, and it hasn't stopped. I've also been sleeping very well. For at least 10 years, (since about when I had mono) I have always felt like I was in a bit of a brain fog. (No jokes please! ) Since taking it these past two weeks, I feel very alert with increased energy. It just FEELS like my body and brain are simply "on their game", so to speak.

2. Allergies. When I started taking the ACV, my allergies were already bothering me for a bit, and I've been clear as a bell since the first day. Also, every time I go to my in-laws, my allergies go nuts from their dog. I usually have to start popping Benadryl within a half an hour. This past week, I was there for 2 nights and 3 days and didn't even need 1 pill. My sinuses were totally clear! Was it the ACV? Other people said they had similar quick findings, but I don't want to say for sure. Ragweed season is right around the corner, so we'll see how it handles that.

3. Complexion. ACV supposedly helps clear it up in a slow but steady fashion. My face was breaking out really bad for the past month when my cholesterol pills screwed up my whole system. In addition, I have always had many blackheads on my nose area, no matter what I washed it with. I poured a little bit of ACV on some paper towel and rubbed the area with it like a Stridex Pad, and within 2 days my facial complexion looks better than it has in years. I've never gotten results like this! Again, is it the ACV? I can't say for sure. It could just be that my body is happy I've stopped doing what I HAD been doing. Watch. . . I'll probably wake up with a big 'ol zit tomorrow morning!

In general, it just feels like I am being detoxed, and natural remedies like this are up my alley. If it helps with just 1 or 2 of these things, with no side effects like my pills gave me- I'll keep at it for a while. I don't want to go around running my mouth until I am positive it is seriously working, but I wouldn't mind hearing if it is working for other people too. So let me know if you try it and what you find, and I'll continue to do the same. . . I'm a bit of a closet scientist who loves to discuss his data! The only other things I take daily are a Men's One-a-Day vitamin, Activia (yogurt), Claritin (allergy pill), and a fish oil pill (also good for cholesterol & heart health). I've been taking 2 tablespoons of the ACV mixed with very little water, like a shot, and then I chase it with more water. The bad taste is over in less than 5 seconds- No sweat! One thing I've read over and over again, is to NOT buy the regular ACV you find in the store. People say that it has been distilled and filtered to make it look more clear- but that just takes out all the nutrients and potency. They say to look for "organic" or "raw" from a health store or farm stand, and it is just as cheap. They say that the cloudier it looks, the better. Just Google "apple cider vinegar" and you'll quickly find hundreds of user testimonials and advice from around the world, from all types of people. I was skeptical at first, but you have to ask yourself. . . "Could ALL these people be morons?" Or, "Why would they all lie about a 3 dollar bottle that they aren't making any money from?"

There doesn't seem to be much to lose. If it stops working, I'll stop drinking! I'll write another review after my cholesterol check-up within 2 months, and probably another after I see how it does with colds this winter! Good health!!

This is my first time trying the ACV diluted in water and I find that I like the taste! Maybe because my nose is so stuffed up from my allergies. If they do clear up as you guys say. Then maybe my sense of smell and taste will come back! (And that I will still not mind the taste of the ACV! ) Hoping to lose some weight too. . . . Keep ya posted! . . . Caroline

U have many options to use vinegar. Best option is to make Apple cider Vinegar at home. It is very easy. U can find so many articles on the net on how 2 make ACV at home. However other vinegars are also very good and can subsitute the apple vinegar. But the best option is to make it at home

One day I dropped my husband off at his physical therapist and all of a sudden I got really sick (like i was going to vomit) I ran to Trader Joes because that was the closest store and bought applecider vinegar (not with the mother) and poured some in a water bottle and drank it as fast as I could and I felt better in a short while. So in my opinion it works and if I don't have the other ACV I will use a generic brand..

Hi Joyful, There is no contraindication of what you are doing. As a matter of fact, apple cider vinegar is a prebiotic which feeds probiotics! So they work hand in hand. There should be no problem with the other 5 ingredients listed either. Hope this helps. Glad you're doing well! Lisa

I currently take 2-3 tsp of ACV (with the mother, of course!) daily. In the morning, I pour between 2 and 3 teaspoons into a measuring shot glass then place that in the refrigerator. Whenever I fill up my glass with (steam-distilled) water I add a smidgen of the ACV at a time so by the end of the day the ACV in the shot glass is depleted. I've been doing this for about 2 months with good results (will post those later).

Last week I added a very good priobiotic to my daily regimen. Will consuming ACV interfere with the probiotic? I'm also considering taking the cayenne capsules (which includes ginger, garlic, onion and hawthorn berry), but I am also concerned this would interfere with the probiotics.

Blessings!