Apple Cider Vinegar
Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar: Broad Benefits & General Wellness Uses

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.
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Posted by Anonymous (USA)
★★★★★

Hi, Sifted, sterile wood ashes would help cut the acid some in drinking vinegar or lemon water. Wood ashes from trees, not lumber from the store, is full of minerals and is highly alkaline. Would this render the vinegar less potent? I don't know, but I think not. But for sure it would make it non damaging for the teeth. Lemon juice, the fresh squeezed kind of course is tough on tooth enamel as well. Wood ashes were used a hundred years back on farms as a mineral supplement and anthemelic (kills parasites) for livestock. It was mixed with sulfur and salt. I have used the wood ashes for the last month and never have acidity. Something I am prone to. A teaspoon per gallon of water is what I use.


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Posted by SR (NC)
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I happened upon this site by "accident." Actually, I think it was more of a "Divine intervention" because I have found SO much on this site that has been extremely helpful. Apple Cider Vinegar - I will ALWAYS make sure to have some on hand and will probably have a little each day from now on. Just a small amount-about a tbsp. in a glass of water has relieved PMS, sinusitis and a headache in less than minutes! THANK YOU!


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Posted by Katie (Chandler, AZ)
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I have been searching on the web for a site that promotes cleaning you meat with apple cider vinegar. This was a tradition in my family for at least 4-5 generations. I believe that a couple of capsulefuls won't hurt and gets all of that sticky, greasy, and nasty film of off meats like: steaks, poultry, porkchops, ribs etc. except for ground or chop meat. Ground beef or chopmeat is probably the only meat that I wouldn't suggest cleaning with vinegar just because of the type of meat that it is. I believe that apple cider vinegar minimizes alot of the bacteria found in our meat. Katie.


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Posted by Kelli (Demotte, In) on 06/29/2016

I just wanted to add that I also, "take it like a shot of tequila" except that I follow it with a small juice chaser! Orange or any flavor of juice (mixed berry is my fave! ) but it helps with the taste and the "burn." I have been drinking it off and on for over 2 years now and I too, have also had a general "better all over" feeling after doing so. More energy and just better.


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Posted by Christine (Perth, West Australia) on 10/19/2011

In Sept, my husband found that he had 3 bladder stones 3mm, 7mm & 14mm. He immediately started drinking diluted lemon juice daily - half a lemon.

This month we went to Singapore & on the 11th bought Heinz ACV as he passed some reddish urine. Shortly after drinking about a capful with some water, we were truly amazed that he passed a small stone - like a crystal with a bit of pain. On the 14th two more stones and on the the 15th, 3 stones at one go and then a larger one later on the day all without pain. We don't know if there are still any more stones present. My husband was also diagnosed with diabetes and was prescribed with Diabex. After cutting out all soft drinks, beer & sugar his readings in 10 days dropped from 13 to 6 points - he was having the lemon juice daily. He had bad side effects with the Diabex and stopped it completely. He is in his sixties.

I too drank half a capful of Heinz vinegar and found there was a lot of pus coming out of my gums. In Perth, I used to sporadically have half a capful of Cornwall's vinegar with a tablespoon of water followed by more water, as the genuine ACV was too strong for me. I didn't find anything happening to my gums but my jeans would get very loose overnight. The same thing would happen if I took a tiny amount of virgin coconut oil on a bit of bread and also if I took a grain of coarse sea salt, let it dissolve on my tongue and then drink more water (my pants would fall below my hips). My problem is that I have never done things regularly.

Many years ago, I had read about the acv, coconut oil, salt etc. But I used to take the quantities specified by other people and would feel terrible pressure in my head and stopped. In 09, I started taking very tiny amounts and found that I had no problems. Coconut oil has helped my mother with heart burn.

One bad thing that occurred was stupidly swishing my mouth with ACV - something that I had read on another site and it corroded half my tooth!!


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Posted by Violeta (Skopje, Macedonia) on 09/22/2011
★★★★★

Just to Share my experience with Apple Vinegar.

* My 8 year old son got eczema on his bought hands. I didn't try anything else so I went direct to Earth clinic web site as usually. I sprayed ACV without solution on his hands. Yes, it does burn at first, but this pain goes quickly. But he did it. In two days the eczema is completely gone from his hands.

* I used ACV for my cystitis. It was a difficult, with pain and blood. I couldn't walk, work from pain. The next day after ACV I felt healthy, I could work and be normal. I felt still some pain but the pain was not killing pain. The second day the pain is gone. The next month I had a pain to hold the urine longer. So I was running immediately to toilet because of this pain. After this month I have no any kind of pain.

* My son got some bacteria in his bladder. That made him to go to the toilet every minute but there was nothing to urine. With ACV is supper.

* I am using ACV as a cosmetic, lotion for may face skin. After ACV I put on my face skin coconut oil. ACV make the skin whiter and smooth.

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Posted by Jethmal (Hyderabad, India) on 07/02/2015

While applying ACV on skin directly shall it be diluted with water before applying on skin or can it be applied in concentrated form? It is strong acetic acid.


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Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/02/2015

Dear Jethmal,

I usually dilute Apple Cider Vinegar when I use it on my skin, although for bug bites, I have used it straight.

Generally though, I dilute it half and half with water.

For sensitive skin areas, small children or babies, I use 1 Tablespoon per cup of water.

~Mama to Many~


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Posted by Nanie (UK) on 09/11/2023

Please don't use undiluted apple cider vinegar on your face. It can ruin your skin barrier. Mix it with bentonite clay or just use a regular chemical exfoliant!


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Posted by Xavier (Queens, Ny) on 08/28/2011
★★★★★

ACV is a great weight loss treatment. Don't expect the weight to fall off right away. You still have to eat right and get the exercise in. ACV does help on warts and boils. Take it internally and externally for best results. a little tumeric, oregano oil and tea tree oil does wonders as well.

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Posted by Stacy (East Hartford, Connecticut, Us) on 05/15/2011
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I started using ACV about 4 weeks ago. I started using it for weight loss, and to help my menstral flow. I didn't know if there was a specific kind I had to buy, so I just bought the store brand. I drank it for 3 weeks, and nothing seemed to change! So I googled it, and saw that it was supossed to help with a number of different things (which it wasn't). Then I saw that it was best to use organic ACV with "the mother" in it, so I went right out and bought 2 big bottles (this was 1 week ago). Within 3 days, I noticed changes! I had so much more energy!

I am 26 with 4 children, so I am very drained all the time. I never want to do anything with my children (i.e. Take them to the park) because I am always so tired! But since have been drinking the organic ACV, we have went for walks, I've taken them to the park, and we even went in our own backyard and ran around (which we never do)! I am so much more pleased with my energy level!

The 2nd change was my skin. I never had acne, but I always had these little bumps on my chin, upper cheeks, and especially my forehead! Like I said before, I have been drinking the organic ACV for a week, and my skin feels like the skin of a baby!!!! No more little bumps, they have all vanished!

The 3rd change is my menstral flow. I hadn't gotten it for 2 months, so that is one of the reasons I originally started drinking ACV. Nothin happened with the store brand, but once I started using the organic, IT CAME!!!!!!! And I didn't get a single cramp!!!! It was like a miracle!

The final change was my stomach. All my life (before I had my children), I was 110 lbs and a size 1. I went up to a size 5 after having my 2nd child, and a size 7 after my 3rd. I was ok with that, but it was my 4th that I really gained!! After my 4th, I was a size 13/14 and 178 lbs!!!!!! My stomach was nowhere near being flat! Since I started the organic ACV, I have dropped a pant size! I am now in an 11/12! And my stomach has went down drastically!! Don't get me wrong, it is definitely not like it was after my 2nd or 3rd child, but I will say it's close! I have not weighed myself because I want to wait a few weeks. I want to see a double digit weight loss rather than a single digit. All in all, I am completely satisfied with using organic ACV wth "the mother" in it, and I would recommend it to anyone having any of the problems I had! Thanks Earth Clinic!!

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Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 05/16/2011

Hi Liz, it sounds like to me that you might profit from trying something else! I am not overweight myself, so I can't tell you whether it works but there are several books about eating fat to lose fat. I have read Trick and Treat by Barry Groves but there are others. If you have tried everything and nother worked..... I know that it is not really a possibility people think about because of all the bad publicity fat has got but in Britain that is already been changing and they are advising pregnant women to eat a full cooked English breakfast because fat is so necessary for a healthy body!


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Posted by Staceybrister (Vancouver, Wa Usa) on 05/16/2011

Hi :)

I'm new here and haven't quite figured this site out... But I love it, already. I wish I had something to offer now, instead I have a question. Can anyone tell me, please, does the ACV you all are using taste a lot different than the regular clear heinz stuff? I just started taking the heinz stuff, and I like the way it tastes with warm water, lemon, and honey. I spent the entire night (last night) reading here, and I am excited, and hoping to become a contributing member. Thank You!!!


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Posted by Nancy (Shreveport, La) on 05/17/2011

To Liz from Boston: You're right getting older isn't for sissys, however, if you lower your calorie intake to 1200ish and walk 20-30 minutes a day you still will lose weight. As a matter of fact, if you lower your calories to 1000-1200/day and don't exercise you'll still lose about 1 pound a week. I did it and I'm in my 60's.


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Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 05/18/2011

Hi again Liz, as I said I have never had weight problems in my life but you are right, after the 40's it gets more difficult even if one only wants to get rid of a few pounds. I only suggested the eat fat lose fat concept (not a diet, it is just a way of eating that you keep even after you have lost the weight) because it seems to make sense to me, not because I have tried it. I think most people wouldn't think it could work but the thing is that it not only seems to work but people seem to keep the weight off quite easily. I think that the most important aspect is that you eat all the things you like most so you are not making a huge effort, therefore it is easier to stay on track.

Many experts nowadays don't believe at all in counting calories also because many people end up not getting enough nutrients and that is not a good thing. I often see thin women who look like they are starving themselves to death. I believe they see themselves as being more beautiful that way but to be honest I am not sure most people who see them think the same. And if you don't get enough nutrients you might indeed lose weight but your health will suffer, just think about your skin, your hair, your bones..... Well, just my opinion anyway and on the top of everything else the opinion of someone who doesn't have the same problem!


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Posted by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/18/2011
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For Staceybrister from Vancouver,

There is a difference taste, imo, the ACV has a milder taste and rarely does the scent/fumes go up my nose when I drink it, compared to the distilled Heinz vinegar which has always given me a 'kick' and once I developed a headache from it, I stopped and switched to the ACV. You also have more nutritional benefits from the ACV. You can certainly Google for a list of ACV benefits, and come up with a lot of info. HTH.


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Posted by Alwayssora (Columbia, Tennessee) on 10/17/2010
★★★★★

I am a great fan of ACV. I drink it in iced water. When I had tonsillitis, I mixed it with a bit of honey and swabbed my throat every hour. The white spots would disappear(and my fever) within 24 hours. I had a small wart on the back of my knee and 2 days of soaking it in ACV and it fell off! I use it with Dawn detergent to shampoo my dogs to prevent fleas. It is also good for gradual weight loss, lowering glucose levels, and relieving my rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. And the biggie: to stop charley horses at night, I keep a spray bottle of ACV by the bed, and at the first sign of leg cramps, I spray it liberally with ACV. Immediate relief. I even have started spraying my leg before bedtime. NO more cramps!


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Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand ) on 09/12/2010

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.

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Posted by Dan (Myrtle Beach, Sc, Usa) on 01/03/2011

Wow... I feel your pain. You are trying so hard to isolate what is working. ACV has helped my a lot, but quitting caffeine has had the most dramatic effect on my life- My adrenals, nervous system, sleep and immune system are much improved, which has made me feel VERY rested, focused and full of vitality so far. Its a very tough addiction though, and you can't quit cold turkey. I kept drinking a cup of coffee less each week, and I still had bad headaches and withdrawal symptoms, but now I can feel a huge benefit for having done so!


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Posted by Tish (North York, Ontario, Canada) on 08/04/2010

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.


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Posted by Dan Dean (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) on 07/27/2010
★★★★★

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!!

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Posted by Rachel (Saratoga Springs, Ut) on 02/25/2010
★★★★★

I am 5'2" I weigh 142.6 I am turning 29 years next week. I am the mother of two children. I have had a hysterectomy. I have 40 pounds of baby weight to lose. My youngest is 4yrs. so it's time to take control of my body again.

I take 1-2 teaspoons ACV raw unfiltered (from the local health food store), with 2 Tbl. honey, and 12oz. filtered water. I started taking it b/c my mother in law gave it to me to use for a canker sore. I healed my canker with another natural remedies and noticed the apple cider vinegar still sitting in my pantry. Feeling guilty I began to use it thinking it should be a healthy supplement...

I have read so many comments and learned some interesting things. Like yeast infections- it makes sense to me... I haven't had one, but for those of you that have. Remember, with any new healthy vitamin or supplement to your diet, you must start slowly with very small amounts and build your way up to the actual dosage. I have been taking the ACV for three days now. I have lost a pound after being on a weight plateau for three weeks! I'm not sure if that is from the ACV or not. I will have to keep ya posted.:)

I know that it helps with filling full longer and giving you energy and clarity of mind. Another side effect for me has been looser bowl movements. I have always had IBS but since I began working out the last two months, eating healthy and drinking over 64oz a day, my stool has changed and I had been some what constipated for the first time in my life. (It was actually a nice change, to not have my bowels cramping and feeling nauseated all the time; still, a bit uncomfortable. The ACV has helped with the constipation and eased the pressure in the bowels.

I've taken my protein drink with fruit every morning for the last 6 weeks. Three days ago when I began the ACV I noticed that I stayed full longer and had more energy to accomplish everything on my list to do. (Even projects I have put off for years.)

I began my strict workout routine under the direction of my personal trainer the first week of January. It is now the last week of February. Which has included 4 days of intense intermediate cardio with weight training, 2 days of cardio, 1 day of rest. (Each workout is no more than 1 hour a day). I also cut out all flour, starches, sugars, and carbs. I eat 5 times a day (every 2-3 hours) with a serving of protein and fresh/frozen fruit and/or fresh/frozen veggies (No more than 300 calories per meal). I don't eat less than 1200 calories per day. (Eating less than that halts all progress making your body think it is starving and it hangs on to fat for storage). I am never hungry. I lost 13 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks. Which was totally awesome for me! (I have never have lost more than 7 lbs. that quickly; and it always comes back on in a matter of days- since the birth of both of my children. That includes every diet and exercise that I've tried over the last 6 years.)

The weight has stayed off! Until earlier this week I gained 1 lb. (could have been muscle- who knows), but it was depressing. Losing that pound again today, was a great feeling! I know that I feel even better; knowing that I am doing this the right way. No more yo-yo dieting. Even if it takes longer than the three months that my trainer told me it would take to drop the excess weight. I will continue the ACV along with the diet and workout plan I am currently on b/c of it's help with energy, bowels, and helping me to avoid that afternoon slump all day long.:)

I take the ACV in the morning with my protein drink and in the evening with my last meal of the day.


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Posted by Larry C (Bartlett, Il, Usa) on 02/03/2010
★★★★★

Been into holistic health for a few years now and stumbled upon Earth Clinic a few months ago when my 11 YO daughter had a bout with strep and mono. After a bad reaction to her antibiotic with a terrible rash and prescribed an even more terrible antibiotic, I pulled the plug on conventional medical "wisdom" and treated her with organic coconut oil for the mono and ACV for the rash as well as ACV and cayenne for the strep. Her sore throat was gone almost instantly with the gargle although the rash itself took longer she did get some relief. The mono disappeared in two days and she was back to being herself... Amazing!

I broke my left elbow about 22 years ago in a motorcycle accident and the Dr. then told me it would give me trouble later in life. He was completely correct as over the past 1-1/2 years it has gone from a noticeable throb to outright excruciating PAIN! Some mornings I couldn't even extend it fully and certainly not do anything physically stressful. After reading about ACV and arthritis I began using it as directed with about two tablespoons in water, sipping it throughout the day. Within 10 minutes of the first sips the pain subsided. I'm now into the fourth day and I'm a new man. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

BTW Gave it to my 19YO daughter for a headache and it was gone in minutes...


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Posted by Arlene (Meredosia, Il.) on 01/05/2010
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I just realized after two weeks of acv, not only all of my sinus problems are gone, but the muscle aches that accompanied it. I didn't realize that that was what was causing the pain all over my body until someone mentioned it on this site. My husband and I have been miserable with the sinus headaches, congestion etc., but we attributed the aches and pains to arthritis. We are in our 70's so it was logical. It wasn't arthritis at all it was the sinus infection. I feel 100% better.


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Posted by Ashlin (Sulphur Springs, Texas) on 12/23/2009
★★★★★

ACV. well i think it works my family uses it for every thing! sinus infections, high blood pressure, complication... just a little fyi dont take it raw you will loose your dinner! half a cap and a cup of orange juice is much better



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