Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

My grandfather is 93 and has used Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with raw honey and aloe vera everyday for 30 years. He has survived Colon Cancer and Throat cancer. Until the past 2 years he has been healthy as an ox. Warning: A recent side effect has been stomach bleeding which his doctors attribute to ACV.

WARNING!

To Earth Clinic: Roz from Calgary, Canada's comment on ACV as a general health tonic is mostly very positive, but she warns that a doctor thinks it caused her husband's stomach bleeding, so it would help readers if you label the post as also having a warning.

I am glad that ACV worked for your wife's warts. I have tried it on my hand, not even a big wart and it never worked so after a while I got fed up. I would soak a piece of cotton wool and then tape it but it never disappeared. On my foot it did work but it was difficult to keep the tape in place as it would go loose when I walked. I had one on my leg, as ACV didn't seem to be working I used white vinegar and came to regret it as I had a bad burn which took quite a while to heal, was very painful and left a big brown mark which looks far worse than the wart which you hardly saw. Luckily it is getting a bit lighter. The wart in my hand is very flat and you hardly see it but I would love to get rid of it because I am afraid that if you have one you can get more. I will try the castor oil and bicarbonate next. The banana peel didn't work either!

I know this is going to be hard to believe.... But, trust me, it works! My mom had my niece do this for several warts she had on her hands and it worked. A couple of years ago, I had a wart on my finger... Tried everything.... Compound W... The duct tape... Then I remembered how my mom got rid of my niece's warts.. And tried it. IT WORKED! You put a stone or rock for each wart you have in a small bag and throw it out the window... I live in the country... So I threw it as hard as I could out the window.... And leave it. Two weeks later my wart was GONE! Completely! I have told other people about this... And they have experienced sucess also. Worth a try.

Hi, As strange as it seems I remember when I was young a boyfriend had a large wart on his hand and a friend of his mothers did the stone thing, thanks for reminding me. His wart went and it was huge. When I had one a few years ago I couldn't remember how it was done so I left the wart and it grew over a couple of yours but notably as soon as I did some work on my immune system is vanished!

To Francisca, from Alsace.

What brand ACV do you buy and where? I have only been able to find one in Satoriz. Thanks you in advance.

Apple cider vinegar all but eliminated swelling and pain. I am 58 and have been in good shape most of my life but had a low back injury over 3 years ago and have had severe pain and stiffness which has sent me to doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists and even a rolfer for 15 sessions! All of these helped but very temporarily. I have also been doing yoga and exercises from a book called Relaxercise (excellent by the way) which have also helped but only somewhat. I had been getting worse within the past few months and had develped knee, foot and hand pain along with swelling of these areas especially one ankle and foot which was twice the normal size. It hurt to walk or wear any type of shoe. My husband is an RN who looked at my swollen ankle and foot and told me it almost looked like gouty arthritis. This comment prompted me to research the subject and I found a blog of 100's of people all of who had been using ACV and all but 1 person rated the treatment 5 stars. I immediately went to a health food store and bought the organic, unfiltered ACV and started by taking 3 tablespoons in a large glass of water sweetened with organic raw honey. Following the first dose the night before, I woke to find the swelling reduced to about 1/4 of what it had been and the pain nearly gone. The stuff works like a miracle! I have continued to take it every day but have cut down the dose to 2 tablespoons 2-3 times per day in the same amount of water with honey. I have only a twinge of pain and 1 spot of swelling about the size of a quarter remaining on my ankle. Amazingly, my low back has less pain and more mobility than what I have ever had since the injury over 3 years ago. All this and I have only discovered this treatment less than 1 week ago! Amazing!!

I ended up on your site looking for a cure for shingles. I found it and it involved among other things Apple cider vinegar to be ingested and a mix of Aloe vera and crushed cayenne pepper rubbed on the redness which almost instantly brought the blisters to a head. I was done with shingles in about a week. Because of all the testimonials here, I decided to keep on taking the ACV orally 3 times a day. In liquid form or capsules. I realized that my flow of urine got stronger and started to last much longer. I had prostate problems for a few years and I was taking every day some very expensive herbal tea that was working somewhat. I decided to stop the herbal tea and stay on the ACV only. I now pee like a 15 years old and I'm not on any medication. ACV also cured me of my insomnia! Thank you Earth Clinic for such a great site.

Before ACV, I suffered from being over weight and acne prone skin. I discovered ACV from a good read and decided to give it a try due to its many benefits. I drink a tspn before each meal (except breakfast). The results are wonderful! My energy level went up, and I also lost weight. It wasn't an overnight success, but it worked! Just recently my husband suggested I put some on a cotton ball and use it for a couple of flare ups I had. And that was last week. Today, I can stand here and honestly say, my pores shrunk and my face is glowing. Needless to say, I've used it as a toner. I've never felt so confident.

Some friends recently joked that I should put Apple Cider Vinegar in a spray bottle and keep it with me at all times since I am recommending it to everbody for everything! (think windex and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding") Anyway, I always try to have 2 bottles in the house (1 for internal ingestion and one for topical uses) and I take 2 Tbsps (a shot glass full) every day. I personally prefer to take it this way as I feel it's not going to taste great no matter what I add it to so I just get it down and follow up with a water or juice chaser. I am recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a form of hypothyroidism, and I now realize that when I first started taking the ACV regularly I noticed a little change in my energy, digestion, and skintone. I stopped taking it a week before my physical and stopped taking it daily and my symptoms were a little worse. I have started taking Levothyroxine and am still waiting for it to kick in...it's only been a few weeks, but I am defintely going to continue ingesting the ACV . As far as ACV for other things, here are a few that I absolutely swear by:

1. bee stings - we had quite a few this summer, my 7 year old's hand swelled up incredibly where it was stung and as soon as I applied a cottonball soaked in ACV the spot immediately deflated and she pain stopped after a few minutes. Hours later there was almost no sign of the sting.

2. Herpes cold sores - My husband and both my daughters have gotten them and at the first sign it's coming on I apply an ACV soaked cottonball and hold it on for a couple of minutes. Since the first time I tried this it has worked every time! The cold sores never ever broke out. Also important to note that I read on this site how diet sodas can bring on Herpes cold sores and I told my husband about it. The last 3 times he drank diet soda he felt a breakout coming on which I stopped dead it it's tracks with the ACV. He is finally convinced not to drink diet soda and that the ACV really works.

3. Triglycerides - Not an issue for me but a friend researched ACV for that purpose and her husband started taking it a couple of months before his next doctors appt. She said his levels did drop quite a bit although not enough to avoid medication, but it did seem to work. Maybe if continued his levels could drop more?

4. pimples - Not a problem for me but occasionally I get one and the ACV clears it up. These are the main uses of ACV for our family but I'm sure I will find more...I am a devoted user!

I found this article on RealAge (www.realage.com//ct/tips/2655) about ACV and wanted to share.

Vinegar Delight

Research suggests that a little bit of vinegar could have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels.

In a study, ingesting a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before a high-carbohydrate meal was found to help dampen expected spikes in blood sugar levels from the meal.

For a bit of vinegar's benefit, try starting off your next pasta meal with a salad splashed with red wine vinegar and olive oil.

Vinegar is no substitute for healthy eating habits or for proven methods of blood sugar control. The beneficial effects of vinegar on blood sugar levels may not apply to healthy individuals, and more research is needed to confirm its potential benefits for other populations.

In a recent study, ingesting 20 grams (approximately 2 tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar before eating a high-carbohydrate meal improved insulin resistance.

Study participants who experienced the blood sugar control benefits from vinegar were either diabetic or had insulin resistance syndrome. They followed the 20 grams of apple cider vinegar with a high-carbohydrate meal consisting of a white bagel, butter, and orange juice.

After the high-carbohydrate meal, the acetic acid from the earlier serving of vinegar appeared to reduce blood sugar levels by 19 percent in people with diabetes and by 34 percent in people with insulin resistance.

Acetic acid may help lower blood sugar levels by suppressing enzymes required to break down sugars, resulting in slower absorption.

The best way to keep blood sugar levels steady is to eat a balanced diet, eat at regular intervals, and engage in a moderately strenuous program of physical activity. If you have diabetes or insulin resistance syndrome, follow your healthcare provider's advice.

Was wondering how much ACV this person takes in reference to his increased libido. I am currently taking 3-6 tsp each day. I noticed most of the folks here are taking 2-4 tablespoons and am considering increasing my dosage. The ailment I am working on is GERD and it seems to be working well. Thank you for any ideas and suggestions. - Jerry Voltura

Grandma's been telling us to use ACV for EVERYTHING that ales us for years. She's 93 and has not seemed to age for the 20 years. She even recently fell and broke her nose. What did she do even before going to the hospital? Rubbed ACV on her face. That still seems excessive to me but my history with ACV tells me there is knowledge in that old lady.

I ran into a very old man at a yard sale who helped me carry a porch bench to my car. I told him I was very impressed with his energy. He made me watch him do some ankle kicks. I can't even do that. He was 86. Whats he contribute it to? ACV.

Before my esophogus issues, which I am now treating with ACV thanks to your site, I tried ACV on an unsightly mole by my pelvis. Taped a soaked cotton ball to it nightly. Got a bit worried when it appeared to grow, get darker and more coarse. But then it flicked right off by the third day! Gone for 9 months now. But I have to cred my brother with that idea since he once showed me some absolutely frightening genital warts he had. He called me weeks later to say they were gone after soaking them by paper towel over night with ACV in about 1 week! And that was after several doctor visits that would not remedy.

Well, hope it clears up my acid reflux now. But after what I know, and the continual testimony from fam and those willing to share on this site, I'd be a fool to not partake daily. I'm on it. Hint: hold your nose while taking it - even before you let go wash it down with juice or something and completely clear out your mouth if the taste is too strong.

I have suffered with GERD with a year. I could not eat tomato sauce, choclate, soda or fried foods (basically 90% of my diet :). I also could not lie flat in bed. The pain was constant, no matter what I ate, how I ate, when etc. I was put on the typial meds which either did nothing or made the pain worse. I was eating antacids like tic tacs. I asked the MD why I developed GERD as I have no risk factors for it and was unsatisifed with the answer of "it just happens". As a nurse, I need to know the reason why. The pain had to stop. I was not going to go through this the rest of my life. I came across your web-site and thank you and Thank God!! I used the regular ACV and it worked a little. My sister in law talked me into trying the organic ACV with the enzymes and I have used it for two weeks AND HAVE HAD NO PAIN!! I am back to eating whatever I want. I realized I felt better when I had raviloi for lunch followed by pizza for dinner and NOTHING HAPPENED! Previously, I would have been in pain for hours and eating meds and not able to lie down. I still get pain in my stomach if I'm stressed out, combined with bad food, and I rely on an OTC med that works, now one pill is all I need. But I have gone to eating meds to taking nothing!! I checked with my MD first who could neither recommend or dissuade me from using it, but he had no problems with me using it and basically said "knock yourself out". Thank you for being there for us who suffer and I wish someone would do a study on this so that others could be pain free as well.I can also sleep flat again, and on my back, with no pain. I take a tblsp in the morning in 12-16 oz water (be sure to shake the bottle) and again at night before bed. I feel great otherwise as well. It's like my stomach is happy!! Thank you thank you thank you.

I have had problems with excess mucus which prevented me from getting a good nights sleep. I found your site and tried your apple cider vinegar remedy. I use one to two tablespoons of ACV to a glass of warm water. It worked like a miracle. Not only is my mucus problem gone it also has helped my asthma.I sleep through the night like a baby. Thanks again for this excellent website. Les

PS: Also improved my church choir voice.

I had horrible acne and started applying it straight topically and taking two table spoons internally daily. Also started applying it to my arm pits nightly. I had a horrible problem with deodorant not working after my first pancreatic attack. I now only have to apply deodorant once in the morning. No reapplying 3 or 4 times during the day. I noticed after about a week that I was using the restroom more regularly. Because I have Pancreatitis, sometimes my food does not digest properly. The ACV has also helped with this. I have never believed in anything the way I believe in Apple Cider Vinegar. It is inexpensive and good for you. So even if it doesn't work for Cellulite it will make you feel better over all. I have heard of people using ACV as a fat flush to lose weight. Maybe that is why it has helped with some peoples cellulite. Good Luck!!!

Put about a pint of distilled white or cider vinegar into a basin of warm water and soak feet. This deodorizes and softens calluses at the same time. Rinsing socks in this solution after washing acts like a built-in odour eater.

I found your website about a year ago and I have consulted it regularly since to find remedies with amazing results for various symptoms. I will stick with Apple Cider Vinegar for right now and post the others at a later time.

I have been taking a tablespoon of Organic ACV with Mother of Vinegar just about every day for the past year. Not only have I not experienced acid reflux, but I have also noticed that I have not had a cold to speak of during that time. Back in December of '07 I experienced a slight irritation in the back of my throat and watery eyes that normally would signal the onset of a cold with worse symptoms to follow. It never got any worse and in three days I felt completely normal. I am 52 years old and that is the first time that has ever happened to me.

While several of my co-workers were scurrying to get flu shots, I continued taking ACV and never missed a step and for the first time in years I did not spend a dime on over-the-counter allergy medication.

This may not work for everybody, but I am convinced it has worked for me. I thank God for the practical wisdom contained on this website.

God bless you all!

I used 1 tsp. acv in apple juice 3x/day for about a year. Unfortunately, it didn't help my acid reflux, blood pressure or cholesterol. My bp and cholesterol got higher in fact. My diet never changed. I've stopped the ACV and both numbers dropped. So strange as I used _____'s organic ACV and they say it works for everything. I was so disappointed. Wish I knew why it didn't work for me. I also developed something called sjogren's disease A after using it which is dry eyes and dry mouth. I don't have symptoms ironically, but I do get these huge cysts in the orbit of the eye. They have also stopped since I discontinued the ACV.

Since everyone is discussing using ACV and baking soda, why not use Alka Seltzer gold? It is sodium and potassium bicarbonate. A naturopath doctor told me to use it back in the 80's when I developed severe food allergies. As soon as one started, I put alka seltzer gold in water and it halted the reaction immediately; 1000mg of Vit C does the same thing.

My daughter developed laryngeal acid reflux and was put on prevacid 2x/day. I didn't want to do this as she is only 13, but she is having problems with singing. The naturopath prescribe licorice tablets but it says it's for adults and can only be used for 6 weeks since it causes the bp to rise. Her skin is dry and she has mild asthma and she has been breaking out with little pimples on her back, chest and arms and face. It's so frustrating as I hate meds. They have helped her, but I hate any long term meds as I'm frightened they may cause cancer. I'd try the ACV but it may make her skin break out more.

To the poster who said she used a TEAspoon of ACV and didn't see results:

A teaspoon is too small of a quantity to make a difference. You should take a TABLEspoon of apple cider vinegar 2 or more times a day depending on symptoms and how you tolerate it.

That will give you results.

Nicole

The same is true for baking soda. The difference is you won't smell after you apply it to the wounded area.

I just had to tell others that have experienced stomach problems (had gallbladder removed 8 yrs. ago), sinus problems, allergies. asthma, and yeast infections that the acv has really changed my life! that is the organic acv from trader joe's! I had poop and gas problems. I had breathing problems too! I even got off my inhalers including my steroid! I am also trying to lose weight. I feel healthier and can walk and exercise more now. My social life had changed to not wanting to go out of the house or being away from the toilet! If you try a little bit to start, get used to it first. I was drinking one capful to one cup of water about three times a day. It has also led me to drink more water. I will let you know about weight loss as I am trying walking and taebo. By the way I was also having chronic fatigue, but when I drink the stuff faithfully, I feel great! (Also it helps your bowel to not smell bad.) So if you try it start small and dilute it. Don't burn yourself with it straight because it is a acid base. Good luck!

A great way to get the smell out of towels especially micro fiber (Dish towels) is to soak in vinegar overnight then wash. Do this once a month if needed.