Apple Cider Vinegar
Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar: Broad Benefits & General Wellness Uses

| Modified on Dec 06, 2025
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.
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!


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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`


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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!

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Posted by Lidia (Pennsylvania) on 05/19/2017
★★★★★

I started two days ago with ACV a regular bottle by Red & Rose my results starting with a serious rash that hospital thought was a viral infection that was draining me dry. Since I started ACV, I realized I was drinking too much - 1oz in 8oz glass of water. I wanted to dance it made me feel alive again, my mood changed from miserable to extremely happy. My rash is clearing up, and I'm full of energy, I love it! It pumps me up so much my husband tells me to sit down already you've done enough. Lol it also increased sex drive. Now the headaches I've always suffered from I still get and my lymph nodes are still swollen any remedies for that?


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Posted by Dottiep (Poteau, Oklahoma, United States) on 11/24/2012
★★★★★

I have been taking apple cider vinegar (ACV) for three years now on a pretty regular basis. Now and then I slack off for awhile, but I always come back to it. I have allergies, acid reflux and a weight control problem. I have managed to conquer all three of these issues, plus keep down colds and infections by using ACV on a regular basis. I LOVE the taste. I mix mine in warm water and add a teaspoon of raw honey just to make it a little more palatable. I started doing this at night because that's when my acid reflux is the worst. I was terribly overweight at the time and I noticed my weight started dropping. I was pleased and continued to take it. I am now within 20 lbs of my desired weight and I will get there by using this formula. I mix 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar, 12 oz. warm water, 1 tsp raw honey and I drink it slowly at bedtime. I also have a blood pressure problem that is now completely under control and has been for some time.

While I do still take medication, I now only take ONE pill daily instead of three different ones twice daily. Apple cider vinegar is one of the best cures I have found and it works no matter how old you are. I was very ill for 8 years before I discovered ACV and its many uses. I started taking it three years ago and I am amazed at the difference in my energy level, my ability to move around, my quality of life in general and my overall health. My doctor is even more amazed. I also take a tablespoon of bee pollen every morning for my vitamins, but that's another story altogether. I encourage anyone who has health issues to consult your doctor about taking ACV and honey and bee pollen, but I assure you, unless you are allergic to something in the bee pollen, you WILL feel better. It will happen gradually and one day you will realize you feel better than you've felt in years and you are doing more than you have in years.


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Posted by Shel (Eugene, OR) on 04/17/2009
★★★★★

I wrote previously to say how impressed I was with oil-pulling. Now I want to sing the praises of ACV. I'm a type O (blood), have never liked sour things and have always avoided vinegar. I recently reread my book and realized that ACV was approved for me. I have a lot of issues--candida, herpes, psoriasis and they have all been improved by taking ACV. My face was seriously broken out with psoriasis, a week ago, and I began applying ACV morning and night and drinking it several times a day in juice, water, whatever. My face is now completely cleared up. I also have a yeast rash almost all the time, from too much sugar, etc. That completely cleared up, too, also with topical application. I also applied it topically to a herpes site that was beginning to tingle and that went away, too. No constipation or bad side effects of any kind.

What I would like to point out is that everybody cannot expect to have the same results. That's the beauty of this site and the variety of experiences and remedies available. My other point is that attitude is everything. I never try things with the mindset that it "probably won't work"--why should it not? Sometimes, it's just a case of not having run across the right thing for you. However, people are often loth to admit the psychological aspects of illnesses and many people's specific illnesses are a huge clue about their lives, attitudes and personalities. I think the number one factor in getting well is the willingness to let go of whatever is wrong with you. Many people are dependent on their illnesses without realizing it and a frightening number of people are unwilling to do anything to help themselves. Maybe you will find these comments unappropriate for this website but I think they're valid and my hat is off to the people who organized this website and the people who write in, who have had the courage to try things and thereby help themselves and others. Finally, it is true that there is a period of adjustment before you really see a big change with any natural therapy. Never give up if results aren't immediate--unless, of course, something really drastic happens. I had a few really discouraging days but now I feel better than I have in as long as I can remember (I'm 65 years old.)


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Posted by Tim (Pittsfield, Ma) on 01/28/2012
★★★★★

I had real bad acid reflux and heartburn I was taking two prilosec otc tabs a day! But still had that gnawing little pain rigth below the esophagus.. Then I tried ACV 4tbls a day mixed with water cured it all!! No more prilosec!!! AVC also cured my athletes feet and kept my feet much dryer. I'm a true believer!!


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Posted by Gina Marie (California ) on 04/01/2016
★★★★★

Raw apple cider vinegar with the mother. I start with 2 tbsp of ACV and 1tsp of raw honey in a cup of hot water. I drink 3-4 cups a day, daily.

This decreases inflammation, pain and you can lose weight. Lowers your cholesterol. Boost your immune system, and flushes your kidneys....etc...


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Posted by Rama (Bangalore India) on 08/08/2013
★★★★★

I have been reading everything in this site for quite some time. And I have also read many people enquiring about the benefits of using Filtered, clear, ACV like the one from American Garden, for in India, we only findthis type of ACV, and the other one is the same type from Heinz, which more expensive than the American Garden.

I have also read elsewhere, that it doesn't really matter whether it is filtered or raw, the benefits would be more or less the same.

I have been using 1 and half tsp to 2 tsps daily three times a day before my meals. I found it went well with watery butter milk, for I could not like the taste of it with any other liquids. So I have 1 glass of thin, low fat butter milk three times a day before each meal with 2 tsps of ACV, I have not started to add the baking soda, but can add it if it is supposed to be more beneficial. I am using ACV for various reasons, for my weight loss (because of my menopause), my hair, my skin, and for one or two side effects of menopause. I have been using American Garden's all natural ACV(it does not have the mother) for the last two months without any side effects. But I have not lost weight, which I know will take time, but I have noticed my skin glowing(people have complemented me), the pigmentation marks are slowly fading, my hair is improving, my dry eyes are feeling lot better etc. So all good things only. I also drink it with a straw.

Another thing I noticed is that instead of feeling full, I feel like having something to eat at other times, but not during the meal times. I am also a fitness instructor and love exercising, I do exercise for minimum2 to 2 and half hours, not in one stretch, but in a day. And I exercise 5 days in a week. I know, that too much exercise also will trigger some hormones which might defeat my purpose to lose weight for intead of losing weight I would only be putting on weight or might just remain the same, but I just love exercising.

So tell me does it really make a big difference whether ones uses alll natural American Garden ACV or only Braggs raw ACV? And making this at home is a big hassle. I would request you to post your reply to my email: rama.ananth (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thank you very much.

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Posted by Karen S (Canada) on 10/22/2013

It matters very much if the "mother" is with the vinegar, I'm afraid. I know that even using clear Apple Cider Vinegar will still give you a nice complexion. However, the amazing wonderous enzymes that exist in the "mother" are what heals us. Maybe that's why they call it that.


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Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 02/05/2016

Comment on 'lovin the buttermilk but not losing weight'

Rama - I noticed you said you can't lose weight despite the fact that you are a fitness person. Suggestion: Eat full fat buttermilk or not at all -- better for you because of more nutrients! But, you may possibly have a milk intolerance (many people from your part of the world do) and your body protects you by keeping you full of fluids (food sensitivities can do this). I suggest going a week with no milk products (ice cream, cheese, milk & buttermilk...) and see if that makes a difference. OR, perhaps your body is getting too many carbs from the usual sources (rice, wheat, corn...) Remember this: It is not fat that makes us fat but way too many carbohydrates. Lower your carbs just for 1 week to between 70-100 a day and see how you feel and if your weight recedes. If it does, you have your culprit! Tally your carbs on-line or get a good carb-counting book. Love & Happiness...CAT


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Posted by Marie (Seattle ) on 11/18/2018

Hi, it sounds like the vinegar you're using is working well. But if you can find raw apple cider vinegar I'd also try that. If not, go with what you can find! ;


Broad Benefits
Posted by Rob (North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand) on 04/08/2009
★★★★★

Hi there, I have just come across your great site and have now saved it to my favourites for ready access as and when required.
I have been using apple cider vinegar for over eight years after breaking both my clacaneous (heel bones) in a fall from a miltary assault case on a proferssional training exercise at a work conference. I was referred to it by a Reiki healer who felt it would assist me deal with the ongoing pain issues and also felt it would be a good de tox for the body.

It certainly did that with ny body reacting initially with a lot of small boil type infections manifesting as the apple cider vinegar in the body forced the toxins out through the skin. That lasted for 2 months and then my body cleared and I felt a whole lot better as a result - and continue to do so.

I am confident that ACV has assisted me to reduce the effects of living with constant pain and has so many other added values as the amino acids and enzymes produced in the fermentation process act as catalysts to help the body break down and rebuild molecules on a daily basis.

I swear by the natural benefits of ACV in so many ways and it is now part of my daily routine of getting up in the morning and pouring 25mm + into the bottom of glass and filling with warm water and a touch of sea salt. I follow this with a further 4 to 5 glases of water and this is a great way to start the day. I also try to have a shot before my meals when practical to do so.

If i go on a road trip I fill my water bottle with a dose of ACV and couple of pinches of sea salt as well.

Here is another good tip for you -Try filling a spray bottle with one third ACV and balance wityh water and spray onto your hair and skin on a daily basis after shampooing while showering. Just wait for the positive comments from your hairdresser and your skin feels nice and soft as a result. My hair is rejuvinated and definitely feels thicker as a result of using ACV.

So I am a believer and any natural product that contains essential minerals and trace elements present in ACV such as calcium, boron, magnesium,silicon,manganese and potassium has to have a positive effect on ones metabolism.

Another tip for liver spots on the skin ( hands and face in particular) as aging kicks in is to dip half a lemon into a bowl filled with ACV and let soak for short while as absorption occurs. Then rub on liver- spotted skin daily and watch spots begin to fade in a few weeks.

Rob North Shore Auckland New Zealand

Broad Benefits
Posted by Melissa (FL) on 06/29/2023
★★★★★

I also experienced a reduction in mucus. Every morning, I would have to spit and clean out my "goopy" ears. After taking 2T ACV and 1 t baking soda in a quart of water morning and night for a couple days, this cleared up completely! My ears have been BAD for a decade (multiple infections and goopiness). My singing voice is so clear, too. I was a bit constipated, so I backed off to 1T ACV, and no baking soda and it is still working like a charm. Wonderful stuff!!


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Posted by Shari (Cumberland, Va) on 03/16/2012

I want to thank everyone for this site. I just discovered it last week and it is great. I started using ACV and I already see a big difference. My sinuses are better after being awful for over 20 yrs. I have had other symptoms no one could figure out and they haven't returned yet. I am so very thankful to God an to all who help this site. I read lots on this site now. I am telling lots of people about it to.

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Posted by Judy (Hubert, North Carolina) on 01/15/2009
★★★★★

As everyone should be I was very skeptical when I read of all the cures acheived with ACV. I started out looking for relief for my partners enlarged prostate. When I kept looking at all the things ACV could do, I said what the heck and tryed it along with him. Well let me just say that I feel like a brand new woman! I have had sever back pain and degenerative disease since I was 11 yrs old. About 6 yrs ago I was in an auto accident that I have had constant neck pain from. More recently, with my age now being 48, I have had knee and hip pain on my right side. After taking ACV in water, 2 tbls in 8 oz, for three days my hip no longer hurt! I decided to follow the recipe better and slowly drink 3 to 4 glasses of the same recipe all day. While at the gym I realized I could move my neck and look over my shoulder with no pain!! When I get up in the morning I no longer have to hang on to the counter when I kneel down to get something from the bottom of the cupboard!! I wake up everyday now PAIN FREE! I can't wait to see what happens next! As for my man, well he see's what it is doing for me and wants to do it too but hates the taste and doesn't have the patients. I have been doing all I can to get him to do it. He will now and again but won't do it every day. Does anyone have any ideas how to make it taste better for him? I am used to it already and really with everything it has done for me wouldn't care how it tasted.Thankyou so so so much for this site! Who would have thought that a little bottle from the grocery store costing all of one dollar could make me feel younger then I ever have!!

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Posted by Betty (Plant City, Florida) on 10/11/2008
★★★★★

Raw organic apple cider vinegar has helped me so much, I feel like a vinegar evangelist!! I tell everyone about it. I heard about it in 2003 after having been in the hospital for chronic broncitis three times that year and had develped asthma, was on a nebulizer and inhalers. I have always had allergies.

After I started the raw vinegar mixed with raw honey - I have been drinking 1/4 cup mixed with a glass of water at night.- I have lost 55 pounds, which I learned was due to the vinegar daily - have not had bronchitis or asthma and have quit taking acid reflex meds, lung meds, singular for asthma, don't need the nebulizer or inhalers. I also quit taking nexium and just learned it is also good for leg cramps. I am a much healther person. I take mine at night, but think I will try taking smaller doses three times a day. Even my lung doctor agreed ACV was good for your lungs. He said his Mother raised them on it for sore throats and colds. Too bad the drug companies don't agree. Thanks for your site


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Posted by Anon (Anon) on 10/10/2017

I never dilute it. I scrub my face with baking soda and then rinse with vinegar. My face is pink for a day. LOL! Out darn freckles!


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Posted by Otterley (West Palm Beach, Fl, Usa) on 09/05/2011
★★★★★

I'm HIV positive and I juice once a day every other day through the week.. This past week I juiced 1 Beet, a small bowl of Kale, and 2-3 Carrots, and some ginger root. I then add almost a half cup of organic Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV cuts out the earthiness of it all. (I've read some studies that say ACV can even lower HIV viral loads! I also LOVE about 3-4 tablespoons of ACV in a nice big cold glass of water.. SO good.. ~

ACV also protects against food poisoning.. I remember my grandmother telling me she knew a man growing up who would take a teaspoon of ACV before every meal. Remembering that, one night not to long ago I was out having a calamari appetizer. It tasted a little funny so I spit it right out. Then I told the waiter to bring me some vinegar as soon as he could.. I then took a teaspoon.. I've had food poisoning from seafood before.. And don't want it ever again.. It's not pretty! Lol


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Posted by Liz (Boston, Ma) on 05/17/2011

Hi Francisca - Believe me, I am informed and I've tried "something else". I've tried pretty much everything else over the years. ;-)

I didn't advise the other poster to eliminate fats from her diet, as I know they have their place in our overall health. I said that ultimately, it's less calories and more movement that works best. And it does. If someone is eating 2, 000 calories per day (regardless of how many of those calories come from fat) and not exercising, they won't lose weight.

If they lower their calorie intake by even just a few hundred calories per day, which isn't that difficult, and do something as minimal as going for a 10 minute walk every day, they will lose weight. Drop the calories to around 1,200'ish and walk for 20-30 minutes a day and they'll lose it even faster.

As for fat intake, I include it in my diet daily (mostly healthy fats like Omega-3's, olive oil and flaxseed oil), and I typically have a couple of walnuts or a tablespoon of peanut butter on a slice of whole wheat toast.

I never had difficulty losing weight fairly quickly up until around age 45. I went through menopause early (at 42) and woahhh! It is SO much harder to lose weight post-meno. I'd hoped the ACV might help break the cycle - expedite things, but sadly - it did not.

But, as they say - "Getting older isn't for sissies. " I'll SAY! ;-)


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Posted by Suzanne (Los Angeles, Calif/usa) on 02/26/2011
★★★★★

I had read that drinking apple cider vinegar is good for your bones, that the vinegar prevented oxidation (as in brittle bones)also there was a whole page of the benefits that one will reap drinking 1 tablespoon of vinegar everyday. well all I can say is that it changed my body (internally)for the better, I do not think that there is enough space to describe everything, also the artritis in my hands, the pain, swelling is no more.


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Posted by Myrna (Pasig, Philippines) on 02/12/2011
★★★★★

For years I have problem w/ my bowel movement and experience constipation for years. After doing some research about ACV I tried taking it first thing in the morning when my stomach is empty 1tbsp ACV and 1 tbsp honey after several days I notice that I have my bowel movement regularly my acid influx is gone and my stomach is no longer bloated compared before. Thanks for the stuff. I use organic ACV with the mother. I hope it can help some who have problems the same as me.

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Posted by Raquel (Davao City, Philippines) on 01/05/2011

The cholestrol is lower due to ACV cleaning the veins and arteries of calcium deposits. My mom drank ACV with honey in distilled water for years and it not only lowered her cholestrol but got rid of her arthritis and vericose veins. Its great stuff.


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Posted by Kristen (St. Peters, Mo) on 05/07/2010
★★★★★

ACV - (1 capful in 1 cup water per day after meals) Organic Raw Apple Cidar Vinegar - started taking it 2 years ago, I no longer have seasonal allergies, ( I also do a sinus flush 1 per week), also cured my Oral allergies to fruit (ie: apples, pears, etc) I also noticed after initial burning sensation when applied to a sunburn, all pain or evidence of sunburn subsides, also I notice when taken after eating aids in digestiontakes away feeling of fullness. I believe it lessoned an episode of slight food poisoning as my symptoms seemed far weaker than others poisoned.(drank after meal)



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