Sinus Infections
Health Benefits

Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Naturally Treat Sinus Infections

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 April (Gaffney, South Carolina) on 02/03/2009
★★★★★

I've been suffering from a sinus infection for about a week now. I had pain in the right side of my nose, ear pain, and my upper teeth would ache. I could not breathe at all, so I was losing sleep and feeling really bad through out the day. So I googled home remedies for sinus infections and clicked on the earth clinc site. I read lots of feedback on how ACV helped tons of people, so I thought why not try it. I happend to have some in the fridge so I mixed two tablespoons of ACV with some water, and 15mins later, I can actually breathe through my nose! The pain in my nose is less. Thank you earth clinic! You've saved me a trip to the doctors office that I really could not afford. I strongly recommend everyone use this for their sinus infections!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jan (Seattle, WA) on 02/01/2009
★★★★★

I can vouch this is true. I started oil pulling and 2T vinegar in qt of water morning and night and suddenly after battling three months of sinus infections/colds, I got this incredible amount of mucous 24 hrs after beginning the above and my head is clear first time in months. Thank you again contributors to this site. I'm discovering all kinds of amazing simple but powerfully effective remedies here.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathy (Edmond, OK) on 01/22/2009
★★★★☆

I have had a recurring sinus infection now off and on for a year. I am so tired of taking antibiotics for this to return within a week. I finally searched the internet and found this site. I immediately called my husband who was at the store and had him buy ACV. I sipped a couple of tablespoons last night and again this morning. I also swished with Olive Oil for 15 minutes (all I could handle) and immediately upon spitting it out, I got the "heaves" and so much congestion came up! I can't say the oil left over in my mouth wasn't the culprit of me gagging but I think it was the combination of both. I am going to try this over the next several days and will report back with the results. I am quite excited and expecting it to get worse before it gets better.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michelle (Rapid City, SD) on 01/20/2009
★★★★★

I was on your website earlier today researching for natural ways to help a sinus infection. I came across the use of using ACV, and since my boyfriend was at the health food store for me anyway, I texted him and asked him to also bring home some ACV. He mentioned this to the lady at the store, and she said she SWEARS by ACV, for a multitude of things.

I've had a terrible head cold/sinus infection, just on my right side... have had it nearly 2 weeks. I've tried OTC things like Benadryl and Tylenol, with no relief. Maybe it's the German in me, but I LOVED the taste of the ACV!! (I drank it straight from the bottle)
I also tried the warm water/salt nasal and sinus rinse this afternoon, and between that and the ACV, my nose is CLEAR!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ana (Huntington Beach, CA) on 01/10/2009
★☆☆☆☆

My sinus infections had all but gone away with dietary changes and other natural remedies. However after indulging in dairy and wheat, chocolate, etc. over the holidays I have a whopper of an infection. Apple Cider Vinegar usually helps but not this time. The problem is that it helps the congestion a little, but then causes the post nasal drip of mucus into my throat and lungs. So, to get the nose relief, my throat and lungs get worse. Any ideas on how to get rid of the congestion in my throat and lungs. Nothing is working for that at all. I've tried many natural products, homeopathic, herbal, compresses, steam, etc. Nothing, Yikes!!! Help!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by June (Wichita, Kansas) on 01/11/2009

Hi, Ana. Two things that have often help me:grapefruit seed extract to clobber the sinus infection, then the hydrogen peroxide inhalation cure to clobber the congestion (if you're talking about congestion from a virus). Also high doses of vitamin c. Might still take a couple of days at this point, but maybe worth a shot.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rochelle (Philadelphia, PA) on 02/19/2009

Be sure that when using the ACV you use the ACV with the mother. This can be purcahsed at any health food store. The ACV is also used to heal a varielty of other ailments. Please read up on it.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dixie (Seattle, Wa) on 06/12/2010

This is my 1st time on this web site and I am reading all kinds of things I've never heard of. Oil pulling, ACV with "mother". What do they mean? I have had a sinus infection since January 1, 2010. It started with a cold and a very running nose and progressed from there. My breathing is fine, not much drainage, no sore throat, but what I do have is when I cough, sneeze or bend over it feels like the right side and the top of my head is going to come off it hurts SO BAD. Sometimes the sinus across my nose aches and behind my eyes. I've tried everything, neti pot, steaming my face (which does help, temporarily), OTC nasal decongestants, without it getting better...I finally went to the Dr. for an antibiotic, which I have been taking for 5 days with no change, so far, with my symptoms. I found this web site tonight and have had my first acv/water drink. Right now the pain in the right side has stopped hurting when I bend over (I haven't coughed or sneezed for a few hrs), so hopefully I am on my way to recovery. My question is, has anyone else every experienced anything like what I have described? I don't get sinus infections all that often, and never like this! Any response will be appreciated.

EC: Hi Dixie, ACV with the "mother" refers to unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. More on oil pulling here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/oil_pulling.html


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mira (Venice, California) on 07/29/2008

Hi, this is for Vitalia from Boulder Colorado, 1/4 cup is a lot! I imagine it would make your system really acidic, almost feeling like you want to throw up, and that is not the way to healing yourself. I had this lesson to learn, less is more.You want to make your system alkaline.
Trust me I had a sinus infection for 15 years that was cured like magic from Acv and OIL pulling. after years of anti-biotic s and pain killers...Also bouts of laryngitis that made me crazy; as i am a singer.
All you need for the relief of your sinus is a neti pot and a teaspoon of vinegar(the acv burns your nose like hell and so watch out) in warm water and rinse your nasal cavity's. keeping your head a bit forward always moving your head side to side and blowing out the opposite nose, you poured in.

I blew out chunks and years of Flem and mucous it was like a scary blob movie.
When you drink the Acv you need "one or two tablespoon ACV" mixed in a 1/4 cup of WATER...what I have done is made my own magic potion. I buy a large tub of Honey. I pour 3/4 of it in another jar,and store that for normal use. Then with the 1/4 tub of honey that is left, (in original Jar), I pour in ACV to fill to top (so it would be 1/4 honey to 3/4 vinegar) and shake really well to mix. Not only does this work for coughing ,acid reflux,stomach aches and arthritis... just about any ailment... It doesn't taste bad. I made some for my mother who is a naysayer on everything and made her use it. she complains of coughing at night and every other ailment back aches...I made up the potion and Put it into what looked like an old fashion jar( she wouldn't have gone for it if it was just in a old Acv bottle or something... I will be forever amazed this mother of mine who believes in nothing but the doctor; then complains about that too...really believes in my potion!hahaha. It works.also this potion never goes bad.! No expiration date if stored in a cool dark area with jar closed tightly. don't give up your fight...
and good luck!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deeva (Atlanta, GA) on 06/19/2008
★★★★★

I have bad allergies and it got to the point where it was causing me to have an ongoing sinus infection. I would wake up every morning with a dry throat and mucus backed up in my throat, having to cough it up every morning. I read on the internet about ACV curing sinus infections so I started taking a tablespoon every night and gradually my sinus infection got better and better and is now gone. I still take, some nights I forget but the nights I do forget I don't wake up the next morning with an infection. Needless to say its effects are long lasting and not just temporary based on usage!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jaimi (Orlando, FL) on 06/06/2008
★★★★★

WOW! I have come to love the wonderful product of ACV. I have had severe allergies and sinus problems since I could walk. Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis (they have lonce since been removed), rhinitis, etc... I have always taken prescription medication. However I am 8 mos pregnant and have not been able to take anything but over the counter Tylenol products. For the past 3 days I have been down and out with a severe sinus migraine, congestion and pressure. Nothing worked and I am sleep deprived! Adding these symptoms to 8mos of pregnancy spells MISERY for sure. I was desperate so I hopped online and what do you know? I found the same product that cured my husband of his pesky wart will also clear my sinuses. I only wished I found this info sooner! I took 1 tbsp of ACV with 8oz of water and downed. Then I made a mixture and put it in my veggie steamer (ACV is also a great residue cleaner) and sat over it for about 5mins. Everything started to clear up within the hour. I then rinsed with saline solution and I can breathe out of both nostrils! My headache is almost gone and the pressure almost nil! Oh and by the way the ACV steam bath is great for oily skin. I noticed a difference immediately after the face bath. I was then curious to see if this was a known rememdy for acne/skin problems and sure enough it is!!! In fact, Earth Clinic was the first hit.
I am amazed that such a simple, inexpensive product can do so much. Thank you dearly for this site.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (san Pedro, ca) on 05/07/2008
★★★★★

Recently, from something my dr told me & from ur site, which by the way is fantastic, i mixed up a 10% solution of apple cider vinegar & put it in a nasal sprayer bottle & use it like nasal spray.........it works real well......my nutritionist told me that candida can colonize mucus membranes........what i do is, spray 1 full spray in each nostril, NOT SNIFFING IN...... immediately pinch my nose closed.....hold it for about a minute.......then let go and for about 10 to 15min, sniff the drip very lightly, cause if ur sinus' r inflamed, it can hurt, but u do want to get some of it to the deeper sinus tissue & the back of the throat..........after about 15min u can start blowing........it clears up the clogged nose, deep mucus and i'm pretty sure it kills the candida, which i am now sure is the cause of mine & my husband' sinus problems.......this solution also works on anyone who has itchy skin........._____s' vinegar seems to me to be less harsh........don't know yet if it works the same or not........i'm thinking it should...i was amazed at how simple & effective this is.......hope this helps those out there who want to find the cause of things & cure them naturally...


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julie (Houston, Texas) on 05/05/2008
★★★★★

Here I was plagued with yet another sinus infection. The last one I had settled in my chest and I was sick for two weeks! This one started the same way...I swear this is true. I called my husband he bought lemons, organic ACV and the rest was up to me. I boiled water and steamed over it for 15 minutes in a bowl with 2 table spoons. Then I drank the water, lemon honey mixture and 45 minutes later I can taste, breath and smell 50% better and my ears finaly popped within an hour! I feel so much Better!! WHOOOOOOOOOOHOOO..This is not mind over matter...this worked!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Katie (Chatham, Canada) on 04/15/2008
★★★★★

Amazing, I am not even done sipping a glass of 1tps ACV with water and honey and my sinuses are opening up. The pain is starting to decipate and my nosal cavity doesn't feel like acid is being poured in there. I still have a fever (I'm heading for the aspiren), but I feel soooo much better than I was when I read these articles only 1/2 hour ago. Thanks for the heads up.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica (Great Falls, Montana) on 03/23/2008
★★★★★

My husband had a sinus infection and took some super strong antibiotics and cold medication, but his sinus infection just came back. He was sick for a month or so when I read about the apple cider vinegar. He tried it and not five minutes later the pressure was completely gone!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pam (Flower Mound, TX) on 03/12/2008
★★★★★

I must admit- I had little faith but was desperate. After three rounds of antibiotics and still constant congestion/ sinus infection, I became addicted to Afrin. Using it twice daily cleared my nose enough for me to make calls at work and sleep at night but after only two weeks, I had to increase to 4x's a day to stay clear. I realized this was a major problem and began searching for alternative solutions. After reading the earthclinic site, I threw out the Afrin, purchased apple cider vinegar and a Neti Pot (since lots of friend have been recommending it too). My nose was so clogged the Neti Pot was not effective- the water had no where to do. So, I mixed the one TBS. of ACV with 8 oz. of water and chugged it. I haven't been able to taste anything for over a week but could still feel the bitter tingle on my tounge. I was disappointed when I didn't feel relief within the hour. The evening passed and I realized as I went to lay down for the night- I could breathe through my nose. While it wasn't totally clear- I could sleep with my mouth closed- without using the dreaded Afrin! I followed the same procedure the next day and by the second night- I was breathing totally clear and feeling great! GOD BLESS YOU earth clinic. My taste buds are back and the ACV is terrible but I don't care- it's worth it x's 100 for the relief I finally feel!!! After reading the other benifits ACV offers- I have recommended it and your site to many family and friends. Thanks again!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Heather (Moscow, Idaho) on 01/31/2008
★★★★★

I used the ACV drink- 2 Tbl. in 8 oz. of water, as well as a 2 Tbl. ACV and 2 tbl. water steaming for a sinus problem this morning at 8 a.m. Shortly afterwards I blew my nose and sure enough clear mucous. It is now 3 p.m. No more aching head, teeth, and jaws for the first time in a week since I had a big bowl of, yes the devil, ice cream!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mira (Venice, CA) on 01/28/2008
★★★★★

LET ME START BY SAYING I THINK THIS SITE IS THE BEST ONE OUT THERE ON THE INFO HI-WAY.. I had a sinus infection on and off for the last 15 years! I have tried everything and more from the regular md's including pain pills for years to get rid of that horrible head ache around my eyes and cheek bones. A couple of years ago while walking, I Met a man selling a book about Cancer cures/prevention. he had published the book himself and i was interested in prevention, and what he had to say. He told me that all Humans and animals would benefit greatly by drinking and BATHING in ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WITH THE MOTHERS... I found this to be very interesting and decided to do my own experiments and research, I have a dog who was beginning to get mange on her hind knee it was red and irritaded the vets wanted to give her some horrible medicine and she was clearly not feeling well.I held him over the sink and poured the Vinegar strait from the bottle over her infected knee she squirmed a bit probably from the stinging but a second later that smart pooch put her leg on my chest so i could at it better (as though she knew i was gonna fix her) after the first time it was 80% better and in two days that mange was gone! so I took a bath using the vinegar i probably used a quart as I buy it in gallon jugs ...I could not believe how I felt after one bath..."Reborn" is the word that comes to mind. after that one bath I began to take it orally, in the morning or anytime i had heart burn another ailment of mine...The ACV has worked wonders,also it took My skin tags off and made my skin and hair so much brighter.i also only use coconut oil for moisturizing and a small amount in my hair for dryness.

I started reading about baking soda and gave that a try too...I put a small box of baking soda with the vinegar in the bath. Amazing, all my aches and pains were gone! the skin on my knee caps looked like they were 12 years old, No ashiness,or dryness... now about the sinus infection, I was really sick, for a month in November and Dec.07 i had a crusty sore on the tip of my nose and I had laryngitis from working in year round air conditioning and the dry winds that plague California, and it was like the 5th time in a year that I had come down with it. Being a singer,with a weekly show this has been so depressing for me... so i took one tablespoon ACV and warm water in a Netti pot...you tip your head from side to side not backward. It burned I have to admit.... so I rinsed again with plain water to get the sting out. My eyes started to water and my throat hurt and I blew stones out of my nose! I am not kidding. the mucous changed from greenish yellow to clear almost immediately, The sore on the tip of my nose went away over night, i blew my nose after that for a week, as wads and wads of mucous came out..I could actually sing the next night! It was a Miracle for me...

Then I found your site on Oil Pulling I had never heard of it before and I mistakingly thought it I read safflower oil in stead of sunflower oil. I got the courage up to try it and could do no more than a couple of minutes. Now I doubt if I will ever go to the Doctor ever again! After one try with the Safflower oil my VOICE was better than when i was kid! As if the oil had lubricated all that was rough and scratchy! I am so amazed at the oil pulling, I wonder why no one ever talks about it publicaly as the best thing ever for well being, as one of your writers on this site put it "The virus was made in nature can be healed by nature too!" I am a true Believer and will do these remedy's for life.I could go on and on about the benefits of these homade remedy's that REALLY WORK!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Adrienne (Phoenix, Arizona) on 01/11/2008
★★★★★

I had the beginning of a sinus infection - i used to smoke so i would get them a lot, so i know just how it starts - i called out of work and was dreading the onset of a possible progression to an upper respiratory infection and was equally unhappy about possibly hitting the Urgent Care for $50 and getting antibiotics, which my body does not really enjoy at all. So a friend told me that he heard someone he knew used Oregano spray or something in his nose to clear an infection. I had never heard of it - so i researched it and found earthclinic.com. From there i used some apple cider vinegar that my husband had left (from his failed weight loss attempt) in the fridge and my friend drove me to the store and i bought good quality Oregano Oil. Using the Apple Cider Vinegar, 16oz. water with 4 tbsp of vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and sipping it all day ensured i was only partly stuff for maybe 2 or 3 days, and the only time my mucous was off color was first thing in the morning - the Oregano Oil helped me breathe and i took that at 4 drops in 4 oz of water every 2 hours for the 1st 5 or 6 days, then less frequently. It never progressed to my chest and i have basically gotten over a sinus infection in record time! Now i drink the ACV (8oz water, 2 tbsp ACV, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda) every day because i have hopes that it will help heal my skin (random adult acne that has worsened considerably since moving to the desert), and i still take the oregano oil once per day as well as dropping one drop on my toothbrush before brushing in order to super sterilize my mouth and possibly fight gum disease and all that stuff. I wanted to try oil pulling but haven't been able to find unrefined sesame oil, which is the sort i intend to use once i can find it! this site rocks. I will keep you updated on any skin miracles.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by hema (Jakarta, Indonesia) on 11/05/2007
★★★★★

Hi all, I came across this website after getting really tired of doctor's medication which have not made me better and have in fact made my stomach sensitive. I was searching for a remedy for sore throat and tried cloves. After sucking/chewing 4-5 cloves in a day, my throat felt MUCH better and the next day it was totally gone!! I was so GRATEFUL dat I didnt need antibiotics 4 it!

I also have a sinus infection and share similar symptoms as many here. Ive been trying ACV for the past few days and have gotten up each morning with yellowish-green phlem coming outof my nose. Its making me feel like ACV is cleansing my sinuses. The great part is my face and head feels very light d whole day after dat!! From now, this website is on my 'favourites' list and is my best friend! thank you.



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