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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bob Bode (Frisco, Co) on 11/25/2011
★★★★★
I routinely use dilute apple cider vinegar/water solution for ear infections which freguently occur after swimming in pools. I recently started using it very successfully for sinus infections that occur with or without a cold. I taste the solution first. If it is very strong vinegar taste it probable will sting, so I dilute it more. (Bacteria do not like the acid in vinegar)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Roly (Miami, Fl) on 05/10/2012
★★★★★
I have had a sinus infection with a fever for 3 days now I tried everything I dont know this was just a coincidence but I started the tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar every few hours with water like said on this forum and a few hours later I feel great thank you!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 09/15/2011
★★★★★
I hope you are taking the honey with the ACV as they work together.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Clair (Burlington, Ia) on 09/11/2011
★★★★★
I get sinus infectoin all the time, and yet only 14! I started getting it probably 2-3 years ago.. And I've probably had 13ish times. Well, when it gets close to fall, about now in Iowa(:, my dad always buys apple cider. I also just got off medication for a sinus infection about a week ago. Yesterday and last night I felt it coming on again my snot changes to almost a dark yellow brown color, and as soon as I blow my nose it immediately closes back up. So anyways I had a glass this morning with my breakfast and my nose got majorly better! ... So I had another glass and the results were better! So being a curious one, I googled sinus infection remedies and waaalaaw! Apple cider is one! I have like no claug at all! So anyone reading this pllleeeaaassseee give it a try! :) Haha what a wonderful day!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carmen (Fair Oaks, Ca) on 07/24/2011
★★★★★
I am typing while drinking. I am Soooo desperate for this to work. I told my friends, that could hardly understand me as I sound so pathetic, I feel like one of those cartoon characters where they are runing around screaming and the head explodes! My eyes hurt so bad I just wanted to cry all night (pause, sip) On antibiotics and mucinix and saline and vicodine so far the best I got was an occasional feeling of maybe air, but mouth breathing is my only surviaval... Sip.... Ok OMG left side just opened! Although right is my worst side. My recipe is actually very yummy and I HATE ACV I put 2 tbs ACV 1 heaping tbs honey and a decent splash of lemon juice in a coffe cup and heated in m/w. sip again!! I am not kidding, this email has taken about 5 mins and I feel relief! Pain in right eye still severe, but definitely a big difference. Put it this way, I am in sales and I could not talk on phone as it was disgusting, I would pick up phone now. Try it. Lemon truly made a huge difference and it actually tastes good!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dln (Forty Fort, Pa) on 07/29/2011
★★★★★
I have been suffering from a severe sinus infection for about 3 weeks, the most painful I have ever had. The sinus infection grew out of an infected gumline and tooth, which I did not know was infected until the dentist told me so. The tooth infection was around the root, 4th tooth from the back on the upper right jaw. Well, the dentist put me on clindmyacin and vicodin extra strength. The clindamyacin did absolutely nothing to the infection, waste of time taking the pills. Oh, the dentist also sent me to a dental specialist, who was able to determine the location of the infection and the fact that it had gotten into the tooth nerve, so I had a root canal done on the tooth two days ago, I was nervous abou the root canal, but the dentist was a miracle worker - not pain during the procedure and no tooth pain since.
The sinus infection is still raging though. The 2nd dentist put me on a Z Pak for the infection, not sure if it is working or not, as I am still getting the extreme pressure and pain in the right side sinus.
Tonight, my wife bought me a neti pot and I used it as soon as she got home, I was in the midst of a really bad episode of pain and pressure. Well, the neti pot reduced the pressure and pain - from 10 to a 6. So I loaded up on some sudafed and benadryl, too a vicodin too. Then the pain and pressure started coming back so I jumped online looking for a natural home remedy since the OTC crap was not working.
Just happened to find this site and I read the first 4 pages of "Cure a sinus infection" So, what the hell, since I was in enough pain to wish that Mr Death would come and knock on the front door, I decided to try the ACV remedy. I did the modified version - 2 tbsp of ACV, 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 tbsp of wild flower honey - mixed them up in a coffee cup and drank it down in 3 gulps - not too bad tasting at all. It was like a miracle, 4 minutes later the pressure started to go down and the pain right along with it. In 15 minutes I would say the sinus inflamation had been reduced by 50 percent and I could breath thru my right nostril. So, just so you know, I am one of those people that has any patience and if one cup of the ACV mixture did this well, a 2nd cup of the same mixture couldn't hurt - LOL So 25 minutes after the first cup went down I drank the 2nd.... 10 minutes later I was feeling a bunch of pain again, but this was different than the sinus pressure, like an opposite pain... It was the pain of my sinus's - both sides of my head, and all the sinus cavities at the same time.... They were shrinking.... Too quickly... And it hurt like hell..... Well 10 more minutes and the pain and pressure are both gone and I am breating freely. So, if you read this and are going to try the ACV mixture I listed above.... Take my advice, do not drink 2 doses within 30 minutes of each other... It works great but it hurts!!!!
Just a couple of other items about my sinus infection. I have had very similar episode 6 times before, with uncommon symptoms: no nasal discharge - none; no drainage into my throat when sleeping; hours upon hours of no pain or pressure at all - completely normal feeling, then all of a sudden the pain and pressure come on like a freight train going 100 mph. The pain brings tears and crying - I am a 41 yr old man with a very high threshold for pain, but this is an evil kind of pain - and the pressure is unbelievable - feels like the right side of my head is going to actually burst open and my right eyeball feels like it is being pushed out of its socket!!!!
Since a lot of folks on this site seem to know more about sinus infections than I do, I have a couple questions to ask.
1) Is it common for a sinus infection to stay on only one side of the head?
2) Is it common to not have any nasal discharge at all?
3) What causes the sinus pressure and pain to be absent for up to 14 hrs and then all of a sudden flare up with a vengence?
Well, that is enough for now. I would like to thank everyone for sharing their experiences as I have already benefitted greatly with the ACV remedy!!! For those that will read this posting, try the ACV remedy.... It worked extremely quickly for me!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mitch (Dover, Ma ) on 08/06/2011
★★★★★
I found this thread after 2 weeks of an on again off again cold that eventually became a sinus infection. I have used the neti pot with salt water in the past with good results especially if I catch it early, but this time the sinus infection seemed to hang on longer. I drank apple cider vinegar with honey and hot water yesterday and like others wrote the stuffiness seemed to clear in about 15 minutes. It did come back somewhat later in the day and I had another round of the drink. The next day (today), my symptoms are barely there. AMAZING! I am definitely a believer and am very happy not to go the antibiotics route - which has worked but then my GI tract gets messed up for weeks. ACV!! Thanks for this website!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shiverling (Mackay, Queensland, Australia) on 06/13/2011
★★★★★
Last week, after having bad pain in one sinus(maxillary) and green disharge, I thought that only a trip to the doctor and antibiotics would sort this out. But I read everyone's tips here on apple cider vinegar and decided to try it (with scepticism). After sniffing the steam of hot half apple cider vinegar and water, the next morning I woke to no pain and only a slight clear discharge and have been better now for days. These home remedies here are worth their weight in gold and I'll be happy to hang around and hear even more :).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shiverling (Mackay, Qld, Australia) on 06/14/2011
I hope that it works for you too Jen, please let me know how you go with this :)
It wasn't the nicest thing to do-sniffing such a strong-smelling concoction and the steam left a little burning sensation in my nose, but I was able to blow out so much gunk afterwards. Now I'm also trying other remedies for better health including eating 1 or 2 cloves of raw garlic each day & have also started oil-pulling.
After being so fatigued over the years(no energy & need at least 9-12 hours of sleep per day just to function), this morning I woke at 6. 30am, got the kids ready & off to school, myself off to work and I felt so energetic.. Am hoping that this isn't a fluke(or placebo effect), that perhaps these remedies are doing something for my constant tiredness.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angela (Ny, Ny) on 06/06/2011
★★★★★
Good Day!! I want to thank everyone on this site... I had a sinus infection... Or what I believed was a sinus infection cause I did not go to a doctor.... I had a lump that I first felt inside of my nose about a week ago... Then I was able to feel the lump on the outside of my nose and I got worried. I was told by a friend it could be a sinus infection. So I looked for a natural cure and came across this website... I did the ACV.... Wonderful!!! With the honey added for 3 days.... Also got the neti pot!!! I will tell you after the first use the lump inside my nose was gone!! After two uses I was lump free!! I do no that it has something to do with pollen, dust, pets, and other things... All which are in my life... My job is so dusty its crazy... I have made the neti pot a part of my life now!! Thank you to all of you!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amy (Clemmons, Nc) on 03/21/2011
Was wondering if anyone knows if this is ok to do while pregnant? I am 10 weeks and I don't want to take any meds. So scared for the baby.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marla (Atlanta, Georgia, Usa) on 03/22/2011
Not only is it okay to take apple cider vinegar while pregnant, it's an excellent idea, as it creates a healthier environment for growing a baby. Dilute! You may want to skip honey during pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to the (very, very small but real) risk of botulism. Try molasses or stevia instead.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrea (Odessa, Tx) on 07/13/2011
are we supposed to boil equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar and h2o and enhale
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wendy (Ontario, Canada) on 03/20/2011
★★★★★
I just wanted to say the ACV made me breathe easier within 2-3 minutes... Totally amazing! Now I just need to keep it on the counter so I remember to take it every day 3x a day!
I did want to mention that I do get sinus infections and they started when we moved into our house- we suspect mold but are afraid to rip open the walls until we can do any removal properly. That was 9 years ago. We ripped up the carpets 7 years ago because my daughter coughed on and off for 3 months. (she is doing it again now despite every holistic remedy in the book) I get about 1 or more sinus infections a year but always after a cold.... the whole shebang, teeth, cheek bones, head pain you name it.
Anyhow, I wanted to mention that I don't consume milk of any kind, yogurt or cheese, and haven't eaten ice cream in over 15 years LOL I also don't have air conditioning in my house and it broke in my car years ago- it makes me feel yukky and tired too so I don't like it on. I live on 100 acres secluded and our woodstove is now OUTSIDE... although we do live 2 km from a 4 lane highway.
We eat a holistic allergy free diet (no wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, corn, refined sugar) and we sprout, eat high raw foods, grow and juice wheatgrass etc.
From what I have read about mold... sounds like that could be the root cause of most peoples sinus issues and can stay in the sinuses for years.
My girlfriend has 4 children. In their old house (where they did have to deal with mold and mice) they had a horrible time. The kids were always seeming to get sick, her one son was snoring and a mouth breather, lots of coughing, she has seasonal allergies etc. Since they moved to their new house they are doing wayyyy better!!! |Wish I could do the same!
I do however look forward to moving out of our house in a few weeks and into our trailer to see if I no longer wake up stuffy and brain fogged in the morning and hopefully this head cold will be gone by then!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by P. (Redondo Beach, Ca) on 02/18/2011
★★★★★
My son (6 years old) has been using apple cider vinegar to treat his chronic sinus infection. I learned it from a web-site(couldn't remember which one) which recommended adult to take it the minute the sinus infection start w/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar w/a bit of honey 3x a day for at least 3 days or more. I think that's the key, the minute you felt you come down w/stuffy nose you should start the treatment right away, don't delay.
In my son case, he took 1 tbsp 3x a day w/1/2 tbsp Manuka honey. Manuka honey apparently has property stronger than antibiotic that can cures many ailments, among them is sinus infection, that's what the researcher claim. Anyway, the combination of these two treatments have been working great for my son. Usually he would get round of antibiotic from his doctor but no more. We've been able to avoid going to the doctor ever since we started this treatment. I've noticed that if I forgot to give him his apple cider vinegar treatment(before he goes to bed at night) then he has trouble sleeping due to stuffy nose, etc. w/apple cider vinegar and manuka honey treatment, he slept good at night and able to get rid the sinus infection w/in few days. I hope this information help.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Barbara859 (Mission Viejo, Ca) on 02/13/2011
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar really helped. I have been suffering from a sinus infection for a few days. First I tried the 2 tablespoons ACV and 2 tablespoons water and heated it and inhaled the steam. It made my eyes water a little. I felt a bit of relief, then after about 1/2 an hour I tried 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 ounces of warm water and drank it. I started to feel better in about 20 minutes. What a relief!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Asheley (Smyrna, Georgia) on 12/27/2010
★★★★★
Well, I was skeptical about this at first. I have used cayenne to gargle with for a sore throat and thought it would be hell to put up your nose, but that crap works wonders! I mixed a cup of filtered water, lukewarm, with a neti pot packet, 5 drops of ACV, and a tiny dash of cayenne (the tail end of the tip of a knife). It made me have to blow my nose for about 5 minutes straight, but an hr and a half later, I am clear as a bell. A sinus infection set in 2 days ago and yesterday I started oil of oregano pills and nasal spray with grapefruit seed extract. I felt better when I got up today, but the cayenne/ACV rinse has really done the trick. Thanks Earth Clinic.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Addie222 (Morgantown, Wv) on 12/14/2010
★★★★★
I love this site and have come here many times to naturally treat several ailments. After reading everything you had on Sinus treatments I made my own. My two children (at the time 2 and 5) had awful sinus stuff... On allergy medicines and nose sprays that made their noses bleed. They had inherited my bad sinuses and were never without a stuffed up nose or ear infection. I tried the ACV drink and it did help, but there was no way I was getting a 1 year old and a 4 year old to drink ACV!
I made my own solution and put it in an old nose spray bottle and I do two squirts per side on the oldest and myself and 1 squirt for the youngest. They do not like to leave it up there too long and prefer to blow it out. It still helps even though they blow it out. When I do it, I try to leave it up there as long as I can. It is good to blow after though, you get out a lot of gunk. I've reduced my sinus infection doctor visits from 1 per month to 1 per season and the boys have visited the doctor only for strep throat, not sinus or ear infections and they are now 4 and 7 years old! They re off all medicines (allergy and sprays). My doctor and my husband think I'm crazy and it's all in my head. But I know better and I think the pediatrician is starting to believe me!
Here's my recipe... (all measurements are approximate. I don't usually measure, just "eye-ball" it, but I tried to make it as close to what I do as possible. Also, I err on the side of more mild than strong as the boys don't like the "sting")
1/2 cup warm water
About a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of salt
About 1 teaspoon of ACV (organic, with "the mother")
About 50-60 DROPS of GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)
I mix it up in a measuring cup and pour it into the mist-er nose spray bottle. If it's too strong, I add salt water. If it's not strong enough, I add a bit more ACV and GSE. When you spray it, look down at your feet. That way it won't drain down your throat. I keep the left over in a small bottle and refill the sprayer whenever I need it. I hope this helps someone. Especially those of you who don't think you could stomach the ACV drink!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ann (Austin, Tx) on 12/29/2010
★★★★★
After reading a few things about using apple cider vinigar, I decided to make some changes and use it more directly. I put 2 tablespoons of vinigar and 2 tablespoons of water into a coffee cup, heat the mixture for 40 seconds, after expelling as much mucus as possible, breathe in the steam through nose and mouth, reheat as often as you can. I do it all day. It's stinky, but it seems to really work.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michael (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) on 04/29/2010
★★★★☆
Good morning. I hope you can help me with this. I have had very bad sinuses for many many years and has been very debilitating. It is primarily on the right side of my head and i believe that the upper right frontal/temple are the culprits here. I have used your vinegar for about 3 days nows using variation.s. One day I did 8 ozes of water with 2 tablespoons vinegar 3 times a day then the next day I took an 8 oz cup with 2 tablespoons in the morning and then i sipped 16 ozs with one quarter cup of vinegar throughout the morning/afternoon then I went back to the 8 oz swig that evening. Although it really seemed to help the rest of the sinuses this front upper on the right remains stubborn. My ear on the right side is constantly filling up and throbbing and I have to keep blowing out my eustachian tube. I think maybe this has from the upper sinuses and infection from the upper right sinus?In that upper right area I get pounding and extreme spaciness which I believe increase as I take the vinegar. This morning i inhaled in steam 50/50 water/vinegar. It made me very spacy and the spaciness is obviously coming out of that upper right area. The spaciness is in different degrees and sometimes almost to the degree I cannot think. It makes my memory and concentration very bad as well. Am I doing the correct thing? Should I be drinking vinegar with water all day and at what strength?For how long? Also the steam seems to get up there. How often should i do that and should i maybe do pure vinegar as opposed to mixing it with water? . . please help. Thank You Mike
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julia (Canada) on 06/03/2010
I have the same problem: pounding headache above my eye after the drinking ACV. I think that people with low blood pressure should take ACV carefully because it lowers your blood pressure.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maurice (Northbridge, Ma) on 08/28/2010
Could you tell me the exact prevention program you are using. Also the exact type of ACV for you nasal rinse? Thanks much, Maurice
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anuj (New Delhi, India) on 04/23/2010
I have been suffering from Sinus infection and Tinnitus which started a few months back. On reading about ACV, I have started having it for the last few days and have definetely noticed a difference in my sinus. I am drinking ACV twice a day. Would like to know how long I should continue this and will it cure my Tinnitus also ???
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by L. (Private) on 05/02/2011
Glad you mentioned the Kidney pain, I have had similar pain as well and thought it might have a connection to the sinus pain, but wasn't sure how.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Leigh (Raleigh, North Carolina) on 12/12/2010
I felt the same way the first time I tried it. But I just tried it again, mixed with some Splenda and heated like tea. It's SO much better! I can actually sip it without the unpleasantness of just the ACV. Give it another whirl!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrea (Port Alberni, Bc,canada) on 03/29/2011
you should read up on Splenda, it is not a good choice! Worse than sugar, use honey.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by L (Private) on 05/02/2011
Maybe try it with warm, not hot water, and some honey!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lauren (Denver, Colorado) on 06/16/2011
Stevia is probably the best choice of sweetner to add to your ACV mix if you're fighting sinus congestion. Artificial sweetners of course come with their own stuff, but sugar in any form, especially as honey, will just keep feeding the bacteria or fungus that cause chronic sinusitis.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rob (Va. Beach, Virginia) on 02/22/2010
★★★★☆
I had had a sinus infection for three weeks when I started ACV- 2tbls in 8oz of water three times a day plus nasal irrigation with 2tsps in approx 6oz w/ some salt once a day. I have done this for five and a two-thirds days with perhaps some improvement (feel better, less drainage) but sinuses are still infected.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christina (Kansas City, Mo) on 02/17/2010
I have tried drinking 1 T. ACV in a cup of hot water, and it only results in heartburn. I want to give this a chance, as so many people attest to the benefits of ACV. Any tips? I have had 2 dental extractions, both teeth were infected, there was communication from the teeth into the sinus, and now I have a sinus infection. It's been a mess. I am on 2 abx now, but so far, nothing has worked. I'm desperate for solutions since I've been sick since Thanksgiving.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nicole (Decatur, Ga) on 03/12/2010
Christina from Kansas City, everything does not always work for everybody. You must understand that every human body is different and we have to listen to our bodies when trying remedies. In your case of heartburn, you are having a major side effect of ACV and should stop using it immediately. If you continue, it could cause you to have chronic (continue over time) heartburn even after you stop. You should try a different remedy for your sinus infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gemz (Santa Cruz, California) on 03/15/2010
Not all ACV is the same. You will find one creates heartburn while the other cures it. The ACIDS in them are unique. The one you will want to try will be cloudy and murky. Hopefully Organic. The clear pungent stuff from the egg coloring days is the one that creates heart burn.
If you do a search of ACV for heartburn you may find one that works good. I know I tried it off and on and it did not work for me. Then I learned the difference.
Sorry I do not know the names of the acids but they are totally different. Good luck and try the heartburn tips on here. They helped me tremendously!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tina (Toledo, Ohio, Usa) on 07/25/2010
Do try to get Organic Apple Cidar Vinegar. I find that putting 1/4 teaspoon or more baking soda with the AC in 1 cup water in a large glass helps lower the acidity so it doesn't hurt my stomach.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Krysta (Houston, Tx) on 01/11/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I've tried the hot water with 2 tablespoons ACV twice today and nothing happened. I even boiled water and poured some ACV in the water, at least 2 parts water 1 part ACV, and inhaled the steam for as long as i could. my nose just runs.
