Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

ACV and Tooth Enamel

Posted by Mr. Ree (U.s.a.) on 06/19/2014

Just a quick note on ACV usage...I have been using Braggs ACV since 1960 with absolutely no trouble with my teeth. I have a slug of it after I have a protein meal as it's a digestive aid. Of course I know it does many other things but just wanted to calm everyone down about their enamel peeling off their teeth after using it.

Hair Conditioner

Posted by Ellenf (Leander, Tx, Usa) on 03/06/2012
★★★★★

Thank you EarthClinic contributors... You have made me the happiest mom!!!

My eight year old daughter has had dense, curly hair since she was two. I have for six years of my life dealt with her screaming and crying while brushing or combing the tangles out of her hair. I literally had to chase her when she was younger and brush her hair while running. I only brush her hair when it's wet or it turns into a puff ball. I have tried every shampoo and conditioner you can imagine. Even special (expensive) products made for curly children's hair.

I read the posts here, washed my daughter's hair, then rinsed. Next, I mixed about 2 tbsp of ACV mixed with warm water in a 16 oz squeeze bottle. I applied it to her scalp and worked it down through her ends, then rinsed and towel dried. I applied a small amount of leave in conditioner and began brushing her hair with a special (expensive) brush made for curly hair.

As I brushed her ends, the tangles fell out with VERY little effort. I then brushed from scalp to ends... Completely dumbfounded. I finished in about one minute and she ran off to play with her sister. I stood there, paralyzed in amazement, on the verge of tears. I could not believe that 2 tbsp of ACV solved this long standing problem. I think of the time, energy, frustration and tears that have gone into brushing my little girl's hair over the last six years and all I can do is shake my head. Bless you all!

Warts

Posted by Jay(sc) (Sumter, Sc) on 01/19/2012
★★★★★

I had warts, and tried the duct tape with the cotton balls with some success. I started taking a quick swig from the bottle at night and in the morning, and now my hands have cleared up. I have also noticed that when I do take it at night, I don't have heartburn. This is my exp. though.

Acid Reflux

Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/18/2013

Kevel and U Taylor, it seems to all boil down to whether one has TOO LITTLE or TOO MUCH acid in the stomach. For too little, the apple cider vinegar (ACV) is marvelous, but if someone doesn't get benefits from it, and the situation is agravated, then the opposite measure (baking soda) would probably be more helpful.

Acid Reflux

Posted by Shaina (Bloomington, In) on 04/21/2011
★★★★★

ACV help acid reflux because your body needs more stomach acid. The body may also need more digestable foods. The combination between a poor diet (may be a personal dietary situation, or processed conventional food including pasturized dairy products) that is had to digest and the body not having the resources it needs to produce the stomach acid to fully digest this food. Without enough acid to digest, indigestion (not digesting) occurs and results in burning of the esophagus.

Inhibiting stomach acid production with an antacid may halt the burning but will surely increase the digestion problems, probably resulting in constipation or other digestive upset. Would seem better to tackle the source of the issue than to compound stressors, through to each his own. Vitamin C also helps this greatly.

Sinus Infections and Sinusitis

Posted by Nicole (Paris, France) on 04/02/2012
★★★★★

I feel a real sense of obligation to post something here touting the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar to combat a sinus infection. I first read about it here and must concur with the other "yeas".

I am 4 months pregnant and had been suffering with an incredible sinus infection for three weeks. This is apparently rather common for pregnant women due to various reasons. Not ever having one before, I just thought it was a severe cold with headaches, toothaches, etc. Finally, I found out what I actually had. I did the saline solutions which helped and took in more vitamin C. No doubt these were helpful, but it was when I starting the magic concoction suggested here: 2 tbsp ACV, 1 tbsp honey, 1 cup warm H20. I actually had to chase each horrific gulp with water. But I got it down. That was YESTERDAY! Today, I woke up having a full night of sleep and no headache, no earache, no face tenderness.

Just WOW! I did do a bit of research into the possible adverse effects of ACV for pregnant women before proceding, but found nothing to concern myself with. I wouldn't choose to use it daily however during a pregnancy, but for combatting that debilitating infection, yes! Yes! Yes!

Apple Cider Vinegar Contraindications

Posted by Sams (Colorado) on 10/08/2020

This was very helpful info as I am also on blood thinners because of a man-made aortic valve.

When I started using ACV, I did end up having trouble keeping my INR stable until I added more garlic as part of my effort to use minimal blood thinner and more natural blood thinners. It was very helpful to know what was causing the problem so thanks for your post (years ago by now).

Weight Loss

Posted by Jenny (Kaiser, Missouri) on 11/30/2009
★★★★★

I HAVE VERY GOOD RESULTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS USING ___S APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. IVE LOST ALMOST 20 POUNDS IN 4MONTHS!!!! AND ITAKE 4TABLESPOONS WITH 1TEASPOON OF RAW HONEY TWICE A DAY FOR BAD FATIGUE. I HAVE RHEAMOTOID ARTHRITIS. THIS HAS BEEN A LIFE SAVIOR!!!

EC: 130 more YEA testimonials for Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/apple-cider-vineagr-weight-loss-program.html

Apple Cider Vinegar Tips

Posted by Crystal (Salyersville, Ky, USA) on 09/13/2009

I was having a terrible time trying to take ACV and then I followed a post that ted responded to and he said o mix 1 teaspoon ACV and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a cup and then wait for it to stop fizzing and then add 1/2 a cup of water. I was so excited because you could not taste or smell the ACV. I am 39, female, with lupus and fibromyalgia.

Energy

Posted by Kymn (Oklahoma, US) on 11/04/2014

Your post made me crack up! Especially typed in all caps! I'm still laughing because I am feeling the same way and it happened over night! Through the roof energy! I'm giddy, silly and my mind is kind of freaking out! What a transformation for me! 2Tbs apple cider vinegar in water with honey and a dash of baking soda twice a day! I haven't felt this level of happy in I don't know how long! I'm 49! I'm excited and I just keep reading! Thank you God! :) OH! I'm also taking 400mg of Magnesium and 400IU of vitamin E before bed to help with hot flashes and it has helped tremendously. Over night seriously! What a shock! I was hoping I would sleep better and I do a little but I'm so happy during the day that I don't care! Ha!

Flus and Colds

Posted by Peggy (Young Harris, GA) on 03/09/2009
★★★★★

Just to let you know this is a GREAT site. I have recommended it to lots of people who are having ailments which I believe can be helped by natural remedies.

I work in a long term care facility and am exposed to a lot of germs. I drink a TBS of ACV & Honey in water daily and believe this keeps my immune system up. While a horrid stomach & diarrea bug had the place quarantined, (Knock on wood) I escaped this bug which I give credit to the ACV/Honey.

My co-workers tease me about my attention to "natural" eating, etc, but I try to avoid processed foods, drink lots lots of water. Thanks so much for this site.

Acid Reflux

Posted by Keith (Nacogdoches, Tx. USA) on 07/17/2008
★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is the best. Lived on all the prescriptions and over the counter drugs. They relieved but they did not cure. ACV does. It's not just good for acid reflux but for other things in your body. Every Morning 1 tble spoon ACV plus 1 package of emerg C in 8oz. of pure water, been acid reflux free 2 years and counting.

Dental Enamel Issues

Posted by Cindy (Sterling, CO) on 12/12/2007
★★★★★

I have a small glass of about 1/4 tsp baking soda mixed with water ready, then I take 2 Tblsp ACV straight. After taking ACV, I swish with water, then swish with baking soda & water mixture & spit it out to clean all ACV out of my mouth to protect teeth. ACV has really helped digestion and constipation.

Dental Enamel Issues

Posted by Nathan (Portland, OR) on 03/22/2007
★★★★★

Let me add to Dr. Yong's comments regarding tooth enamel (and point out why William Campbell Douglas was misinformed). Acid damages tooth enamel. Pathogenic bacteria in the mouth produce acid as a byproduct when they consume sugar. So when you drink ACV, you expose your teeth to acid. When you eat products with high sugar content, the bacteria produce acid. Neither of these situations is necessarily deleterious to the tooth enamel if the exposure to the acid is over a short period of time. Saliva is able to cleanse the mouth, and the pH returns to normal. However, if you sip the ACV over a long period of time during the day, the pH of the mouth is unable to recover, and as a result of constant prolonged exposure, dental decay results.

The same amount of ACV ingested over a period of a few minutes will typically cause no problems. Yes, we eat/drink acidic/sugary foods all the time (as the MD mentioned) but these are the things that cause decay especially if sipped or ingested in large quantities over long periods of time. Try to consume your ACV 3 times per day within a period of 5-10 minutes.

Acne

Posted by Angelina O (USA)
★★★★★

[she'has found that applying apple cider vinegar (ACV) topically to her face several times a day (4 or more times) has cured her of a "very bad complexion". She reports that she applies it straight and that while it burns her skin a bit, works like a miracle!]

Arthritis

Posted by Lynda (Grants Pass)
★★★★★

I have arthritis of the spine and a friend of mine gave me a recipe with apple juice, grape juice and ACV. I have been taking a 1/2 cup daily for about a month and I know that it is helping me tremendously. I can get out of bed in the mornings without having to stand still for a few seconds. It has also helped me curb my appetite.

Fibromyalgia

Posted by David (Chicago IL)
★★★★★

I saw somewhere that apple cider vinegar cures Fibromyalgia. I don't definitely have it, but was diagnosed with it based on symptoms years ago. I've had muscle spasms varying in severity for 24 years. I just started to come out a 1 1/2 year bout with it. Drank vinegar and have been completely pain free for a week. It's asinine this isn't common knowledge. It feels kind of like an metabolism enhancer too. I'm down to 1 tablespoon twice a day. And I repeat I'm completely pain free. I don't know what was wrong with me, thought it was just something I had to live with. Somebody tell a doctor!

EC: Click here to read more remedies to cure fibromyalgia.

Headache and Migraine

Posted by Reviewer (Amazon.com)
★★★★★

In Dec. '97 and Jan. '98 My wife and I spent the holidays in Costa Rica. I had already read "Folk Medicine" by D.C. Jarvis and while we were visiting one of my wife's friends I noticed our hostess (the wife) seemed in pain. Upon querying her she said she only had one of her daily migraines which she has suffered most of her life. The migraines began when she was around 12 years and she rarely went even one day since without them. No doctors had done anything for her. She "lived" on Ibuprofen, 1000mgs 2/3 times a day. She was 52 Y.O. I mentioned the Folk Medicine book and 2 tsp vinegar with 2 tsp honey in a full glass of water. I told her it was worth a try, but (fearing it may take a while to take effect) I told her to try it faithfully for at least a week before abandoning it. I returned next day (1/2 block away) to find her bright and smiling giving me a big hug! NO MIGRAINE!! This was surprising enough, but I was skeptical ... placebo?...

To be brief, she ran out of vinegar at 25 days, and thought she was cured...no migraines, no pain killers. After 4 days with no mixture she had her first migraine again, and we quickly got her some more vinegar. Immediately, on re-starting the vinegar/honey drink, no migraines. When we left to return to USA she was on her 45th day without migraines except for the day mentioned. She now drinks 2 glasses a day and so far, NO MIGRAINES!! I of course felt delighted to have been able to help her this way. She had the real thing with flashing lights, sounds, grinding pain. She really looks like a different, bright, person. Any one wishing to verify this I can give her name and address in C.R. Her daughter is married and lives here in the USA near us.

EC: Click here to read many more remedies to cure headaches and migraines.

Shingles

Posted by Kev (Toowoomba, Australia) on 11/19/2011
★★★★★

35 yr old male, I too got a bout of shingles on my back. Doctors said it was too late for cream treatment. It blistered and pain became unbearable so I tried ACV swabs 5 times a day. It stopped the pain and in a couple of days it had cleared up. Amazing!!

Sinus Infections and Sinusitis

Posted by Jean (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 08/14/2008
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar has cured my chronic sinus infection.

About 4 years ago a root-canal on an upper back tooth developed an abcess that drained into my sinus. For two years I had a chronic sinus infection on that side and it seemed as though I would never be able to breath through my nose again! Anti-histamines, antibiotics, nasal sprays & saline rinses would knock down the pain and swelling temporarily, but nothing worked permanently until I found this site and started using ACV & baking soda. I used 2 TBS ACV and 1/4 tsp baking soda morning and night in small glasses of fruit juice. Put the ACV in the glass first, then the Baking soda (it will foam up and then subside) then fill with fruit juice.

Almost immediately the sinus started to drain and I can't describe the yucky blod filled mucous that came out at first. Gradually, the discharge became clear and now I feel "normal" for the first time in years. I can even smell the roses again!

Varicose Veins

Posted by Yellogurl121 (Baton Rouge, La) on 11/10/2014
★★★★★

OMG, please give more details on ACV and spider/varicose veins. I've been searching for a home treatment for yrs. I'm a ACV fan and do use it for other health issues.

Vitamin and Mineral Content of ACV

Posted by Susan (USA)

Scientists have reportedly measured ninety different substances in apple cider vinegar such as thirteen types of carbolic acids, four aldehydes, twenty ketones, eighteen types of alcohols, eight ethyl acetates etc. It also contains important minerals, trace elements and vitamins as well acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes, amino acids as well as roughage in the form of potash and apple pectin.

Apple Cider Vinegar contains minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon, fluorine. An alternative to drinking apple cider vinegar may be to take potassium supplements, as potassium is known to absorb excess fluids (ie, mucous) in the body. Drink lots of water if you take potassium supplements so you don't get dehydrated! Potassium, by the way, lowers high blood pressure.

Apple Cider Vinegar's vitamin content includes Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Provitamin beta-carotene, Vitamin P (bioflavonoids).

Vitamin and Mineral Content of ACV

Posted by Lee (Brooklyn, NY) on 01/08/2010

WARNING: This post on EC states that potassium supplements will lower high blood pressure. I worry that it may not be stated clearly enough: potassium supplements In Natural Forms may lower high blood pressure. Strictly taking potassium pills may actually kill you. I am speaking from experience with a doctor.

If you need potassium, make sure it is within a natural product that you may consume. That is the safest way to supplement it."

02/09/2011: Jfb Maarketing from Toronto, Ontario, Camada replies: "Hey I just started using this remedy and l can tell you one thing l am starting to feel younger and fully of energy. Have since stopped smoking and have more energy then l have had in years... Thanks for all the great information so far love all you have written about all of this great and best of all inexpensive methods of taking care of your body...

All the Best, JFB"

03/05/2011: Jms from Albany, Ny replies: "I have read everything up to this point, and I have to ask. Just above, the USDA data indicated absolutely NO vitamins or amino acids in apple cider vinegar (ACV). There are minerals, I'll give you that. But, honestly, for any other claims, how do I know it's not just wishful thinking? My ACV bottle has a pretty much empty list of nutritional info...

Capsules

Posted by Susan (USA)
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Be careful if you decide to buy apple cider vinegar capsules. They are extremely acidic and can cause heartburn. However, they are a useful alternative if you are worried about protecting your dental enamel.

Capsules

Posted by Amy (League City, Texas) on 04/13/2009

If you suck apple cider vinegar through a straw, it doesn't bother your teeth nearly as much! (Remember not to brush your teeth for an hour afterwards since it softens the enamel.)"

05/11/2009: markkimb from dothan, alabama,america replies: "I can't drink apple cider vinegar, I bought capsules, 500mg. each. Help! I have no idea how much, or how often to take. Trying to help my acid reflux, any suggestions would help.thanks"

08/15/2009: Winniekate from Northern, Il replies: "Regarding: "Remember not to brush your teeth for an hour afterward since it softens the enamel.

04/13/2009: Amy from League City, Texas"Did you mean to say to Brush your teeth afterward? Or is brushing too harsh for teeth? Also, am I right in assuming from this that the enamel returns to its original strength after an hour? Thanks."

09/28/2009: E from Nw, Fl replies: "regarding the brushing your teeth...yes she is saying NOT to brush immediately, My dental hygienists have always said don't brush if you vomit (I think this might have been when I was pregnant) just to rinse with water to remove the excess acid from your mouth but if you brush immediately it can damage the enamel on your teeth since the acid has broken it down temporarily. So the poster is saying wait before brushing. Your saliva will help counteract/re balance the correct ph balance in your mouth...you could always brush your tongue and gums gently and then rinse gently but just don't scrub the teeth. Hope this helps! :)"

01/18/2010: Dandygirl from Newport Beach, Ca replies: "I have suffered from GERD...heartburn/acide reflux etc... for years...have been on medication for years and finally found my cure! I started with digestive enzymes combined with 2 apple cider vinegar pills with EVERY meal...now I ONLY use apple cider vin pills with every meal and I have NO MORE heartburn or acid reflux! I also always keep papaya enzymes to chew on after a heavy meal or anytime between meals! It's like a MIRACLE!!! :o)"

01/31/2011: Andrea from Springfield, Missouri Usa replies: "Why not try rinsing your mouth with water or bottled water to get the vinegar off of your teeth so it doesn't ruin the enamel rather than waiting an hour for your ph to return the salivia to normal, because it is probobly just eating the enamel off of your teeth during that hour after taking the ACV.