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 Adambur (Kansas City, Missouri) on 08/24/2012
★★★★☆
Similar to others I hate antibiotics and the negative side effects associated with them. Came to this site for a sinus infection that I suffered with for over a week. Tried saline sinus rinse which would clear me up enough to sleep through the night along with breathe right strips. After continuing to be miserable I tried 8oz warm distilled water, 2tbsp organic unfiltered apple vinegar with mother, and 1 tbsp honey. Maybe I am a baby but this tasted awful. I had major troubles drinking it without gagging. I hated it. Being desperate, I forced it down. A few minutes later I noticed pressure relief in my forehead but nostrils weren't as clear as I had hoped. I could definitely tell a difference in my facial pressure so will use this again (with more honey and maybe a green tea bag) along with the sinus sinse. Made me a believer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marian (Littleton, Co) on 12/04/2011
★★★★☆
I have just spent a good portion of the evening reading posts from my fellow sinusitis suffers. I just came down with a cold, which is morphing into sinusitis. Not only did I just use ACV and local honey drink, I rinsed my mouth afterward with baking soda and water to neutralize the vinegar acid's negative effect in my tooth enamel. Also, I just mixed 2tbsp of _____s ACV in 12oz of water, warmed it slightly in the micro, and then used the solution in my Neti pot. It stung like the devil but afterward, my sinuses don't hurt quite so bad. Stay tuned!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mich123 (Batavia, Illinois) on 12/04/2008
★★★★★
I have had a sinus infection on and off for the last month and on Monday I was so upset because both nostrils were glued shot with thick mucus, I couldnt breath and even Afrin (I try not to use) wouldnt work for more than a few hours. I came on line and read about the ACV and had 2 Tbl in a glass of warm water and some honey and within a half an hour my throat was cleared of the mucus and one side of my nose opened. I was able to sleep for the first time in weeks! I have drank this tonic twice a day for the last 3 days and my sinus feel about 95% back to normal. I am soooo happy I found this site and learned about ACV. I cant wait to check out the rest of the helpful advice. Thanks to all!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jeff (Hamburg,Pa) on 02/04/2006
★★★★★
Since taking _______S raw apple cider vinegar in Dec 2005, been feeling better,no head colds, no longer take the little purple pill for acid reflux. Thanks to this web site!!!!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kaveh (Iran) on 12/18/2016
What about your sense of smell? I just tried ACV and water saline, I must say I added almost 50% Apple Cider Vinegar and 50%water. And now, I can't smell anything.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Wisconsin) on 12/22/2016
My sense of my smell smelled weird during these treatments. It smelled like vinegar most of the time. I am not a medical doctor, so you may want to consult with your doctor on this one.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pamela S (Washington State, Usa) on 07/24/2017
I have also lost my sense of smell (and taste) after using a more dilute version of apple cider vinegar and distilled water. Please share...Did you ever recover your sense of smell? I'm very concerned about this side effect.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brazjion (The World) on 10/13/2017
I think maybe steaming a good dilution is better due to the fact you can stop if it becomes irritating.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kelly (Seattle) on 04/30/2023
Vinegar is astringent, hence it could possibly constrict blood vessels (which is one of the reasons it helps diarrhea). That may have accounted for your dizziness, but it's just a guess.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jihane (Florida) on 11/19/2016
Would the vinegar rinse help if I have a maxillary sinus retention cyst?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrea (Oregon) on 02/20/2017
I added 1 tsp per 1 cup of water and it was so strong that I had to stop, it hurt so bad. The pain didnt completely go away for a few hours. It was awful!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kimberly D. (San Diego) on 02/04/2016
Yes Nancy, It will help you even though you have had the infection for a few days.
I do hope that you feel better.
Kimberly D.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Raynaldo (Bahamas) on 03/19/2015
You need to try using the vinegar as a nose rinse. You have to mix it with warm water and put it in your nose. This is the most effective way of doing it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Teresa (Nc) on 03/07/2016
Sometimes what feels like sinus drainage is actually acid reflux coming up in to your throat. Check some remedies for reflux. If that solved the problem, then you are having reflux, not sinus drainage. Or you could be having both. Lionel Richie, the singer with the Commodores, started having drainage. He went to numerous doctors who were treating him for sinus and ear infections, one surgeon even did sinus surgery on him. He still was not getting better. Finally he was put in the hospital for something gastrointestinal related, he was having some kind of problems that made him really sick, and found out what had been making him sick all along was reflux. After hearing that, I no longer trust doctors to come to the right conclusion any more.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nina (Sweden) on 05/14/2015
★★★★☆
Mmsg, I've been having a dairy free diet since almost a year back, still got that constant feeling of something in my throat (mucus). I suspect it's my allergies (first diagnosed 17 years ago) since it worsens some months.
Anne, I've found ACV being really helpful with this problem! It helps instantly. I've been drinking it (2 tsp ACV in 2,5 dl/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day since yesterday. Hopefully you'll do with just 1 time a day, I need to repeat it still. I've read some ppl gargle it and then swallow, trying that out at the moment so no tips/own experience there yet.
Hopefully, in time, my allergies (am bothered by it 10 months a year) will get better. At the moment (now in my worst allergy period) I still need antihistamine along with the ACV though. So, I'm better but not cured!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by R P Sharma (Meerut) on 07/05/2015
★☆☆☆☆
My all sinuse I.e. both maxillery, frontal sinuses are infected at caused polyps inside the nose It also causes throath infection with caugh. I taken allopathic treatment severaly but the medicine effect terminate after some time. Doctors suggest me to have operation. I am trying yoga jal neti with apple cinder vinegar. since six months last . but still no so much relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/06/2015
Dear R P Sharma,
Regarding your long term sinus infection:
Try garlic with some honey. Crush one clove of garlic and mix it with honey and take it on a spoon. We have used this three to four times a day for a week for a serious infection and it worked well.
You might try putting a drop or two of castor oil into each nostril (Lay on your back and let the oil get deep into your sinuses) once or twice a day. (If you have polyps, I would do this for at least a month.)
Avoid all dairy products until you are better.
You could try Earth Clinic's wonderful cure for sinus infections. It has helped my son and me greatly in the past.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Sinus Infections
Try gargling salt water a few times a day as well - 1/4 teaspoon salt in 1 ounce very warm water.
I hope you feel better soon!
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Barry (Canton, Ga) on 03/09/2013
★★★★★
WOW, just wow. Apple cider vinegar cleared my sinus infection OVERNIGHT. Unbelievable. Wish I'd known this years ago.
Here's what I did:
Two tablespoons ACV, followed by forced liquids till bedtime. And, I mean FORCED. I drank about two gallons of water in a four hour period. This morning, I can breathe through both sides of nose, fever gone, no more pressure.
This is a truly amazing and simple cure that actually WORKS OVERNIGHT. And it only cost me .98. ACV and forced liquids... you got to try this.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caroline (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) on 01/01/2013
the pain in your neck may be a result from strain while sneezing or blowing your nose or possibly coughing. I pulled a muscle in my neck from coughing too hard recently, and kept aggravating it with more coughing. a simple long cotton bag (i used a new sock) 2/3 filled with uncooked rice, microwaved it for 1 min helped that. it can be used on any pained muscle.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sj Mcgrath (New Zealand) on 11/13/2017
Just used ACV for nasal irrigation. Extreme discomfort however excellent sinus drainage, finally able to clear nose by blowing. To be honest not sure I'd try again but desperate times call for desperate measures. Had chronic sinusitis over 12months. repeated GP visits. Take care all, ongoing sinus issues can have a negative impact on mood/mental wellbeing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jay (Vidalia, Ga) on 04/04/2012
★★★★★
I am a total skeptic by nature, but the numerous responses here to ACV for a sinus infection made me say Hmmmm....
Well, it did away with my obvious sinus infection...
For 2-3 days, twice a day, I did stove-hot water with ACV & local honey, sipping the cup for 15 minutes or so.... I also added cayenne & garlic.
No more green gunk from my nose, no more sinus pain & pressure, etc. Yeah this really works.... sign me up for the commercial.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by The Survival Mama (Herriman, Utah) on 10/11/2010
★★★★★
Apple cider vinegar is such a great remedy! When I use this after a yoga shoulderstand my headache/sinus pain goes away within an hour. To be fair, I like vinegar - a LOT - I could see where this might be challenging to someone who doesn't care for vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Neil (Blackfoot, Id) on 05/10/2011
★★★★★
I hate vinegar, but I was in so much pain I drank it with a smile. It got things flowing right away.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by George (Philadelphia, Pa) on 09/25/2010
★★★★★
UNBELIEVABLE......... 4 month sinus infection(only over the counter sudafed used(hate doctors)). Apple Cider Vinegar in 24 hours cures the affliction. What else can I say-fabulous-please keep up the good work!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Karen W (Charlotte, North Carolina ) on 09/06/2010
★★★★★
I have been using Apple Cider Vinegar for 3 years and it has cured all of my sinus infections. I usually have sinus issues twice each year. I take the apple cider vinegar capsules from the health food store. Also, when I have been exposed to strep throat, I gargle with ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sheila (New York, Ny, Usa) on 06/23/2010
★★★★☆
I am 46 and have suffered from sinus infections for 25 years. I do find using a neti pot with saline solution helps as a preventive measure and, if I have an infection, it temporarily relieves congestion. Avoiding dairy, with the exception of soured products is very helpful. Sudafed and steroidal sprays sometimes keep an infection at bay if I start using them soon enough. But over the last 2 years, the presenting symptoms have changed so I often don't realize I'm on the verge of getting an infection. Instead, I feeel fine and and then, seemingly out of nowhere, my teeth and jaws aches, the pressure begins, and so does the bad taste in my mouth. Very quickly, The pain becomes so unbearable that I wish someone would lop off my head. Then there's the nausea, from swallowing the nasty drip. And the lightheadness or dizziness. All in all, it's horrendous.
Unlike a lot of posters, I did use antibiotics several times/year and had much success. But I worry more & more about the bacteria morphing and becoming resistant. And who wouldn't rather refrain from using prescription drugs if natural remedies work?
All this to say that I mixed up 2 TBSP of organic, undiluted ACV in 10 oz. warm water & a good TSP of raw honey and drank it down thru a straw a little over an hour ago. The congestion & pressure has eased. My ears popped and no longer feel clogged at all. My teeth and jaw are not throbbing and my eyes somehow feel less swollen. I'm thrilled! It's bedtime now, so I'll be curious to see how I sleep and how I feel in the morning after a 2nd dose. Maybe I diluted the ACV more than most and I'm sure the honey helped too. But I didn't find the taste as horrifying or burning as a lot of other posters.
At any rate, I'm really encouraged by how much better I feel & how quickly! A million thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elvishscorpio (Wilkesboro, Nc) on 03/30/2010
★★★★★
I had a really really bad sinus infection. With no health insurance I could not afford to go to the doctor, and grew really worried because my friend let a sinus infection go once, and the doctor told her that they can be really dangerous if left untreated- can cause brain aneurysms and blindness... I woke up one morning and my whole head hurt and I could not even focus my eyes... after taking a pain killer I looked you guys up and within 3 days of mixing honey, Organic apple cider vinegar, and hot tea 3 times daily I am better! People really need to know this so they are not giving the doctors and pharmaceutical companies even more money... Thank you so much. Works better than prescription antibiotics.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Toinette (Long Island, N.Y. USA) on 05/04/2009
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar has changed my life, seriously. I've seen 4 different doctors this past year and been given different antibiotics by each one for my blocked sinus. I haven't felt well or had much energy for a couple of years due to the ongoing sinus problem that never has gotten cured. I quit drinking wine and all alcohol cause I read that can cause a lot of yeast. The last guy I saw was an ENT who put me on a z-pack for 1 week, to be followed by 1 month of Prednisone and another z-pack at the end of the treatment. I took the 1st dose of antibiotics and filled the prescription for the Prednisone but before taking it looked it up on the internet only to read a lot of really scary stuff about it. I decided not to take it and that night I found this site which I absolutely love! I started immediately with the AVC ( 2 Tbsp.) mixed with a tiny amount of juice and 1/4 tsp. baking soda and the rest of the glass (8 oz) filled with water. Within maybe half an hour I could breathe out of my right nostril which was impossible before. The CTscan showed total blockage on that side. So I've been doing this for about a month now, in the AM, sipping during the day, and again in the PM and my breathing is so much better and I don't wake up in the middle of the night anymore having to spray or put on a nose bandaid thing. I'm not cured yet but I believe I will be. I also started oil pulling last week and that also helps. I can actually blow my nose and stuff is coming out of the right side finally. It's dark yellow so I know it's an infection but I think with time it will be cured. I don't expect things to work overnight, though the avc did start having an effect pretty fast. I cured myself of cervical cancer years ago with macrobiotics. It took 3 months. So I'll be patient with this and also try to cut out things like sugar, flour, dairy which I know would help. I also tried the avc as a rinse after washing my face and it leaves your skin looking like glass! It's amazing. I'm 58 and so sick of trying new stuff for my skin that never seems to make a difference but this seems to work nicely. I'm so happy to have found this site with like minded people. I really do believe the body can heal itself with the right natural things.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vitalia (Boulder, CO) on 07/15/2008
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Well, after reading about ACV on your website along with all the positive feedback I decided to give it a shot. I have been suffering from a sinus infection that just won't go away. I've tried everything from colloidal silver to nettie pots, garlic soups, eucalyptus inhalation steam baths, you name it, I did it. And so here comes ACV. I drank 1/4 cup of it with hot water the first night and yes it worked, my head ache felt better, my face was relived of some pain and my nose cleared up, not all the way though. Well this is day three and I have to come to a conclusion that it is no longer working for me. My throat hurts again, my head is pounding and so is my face, and my nose is completely clogged. I've been drinking two cups a day for the last two days and I am drinking it right now and nothing!!! I really hoped this would be my cure. I am breastfeeding and refuse to take meds of any kind. So, at this point not sure what my next step should be. Wishing you all luck with your bodily ailments!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cindi (Anchorage, United States) on 07/13/2008
★★★★★
I have suffered from sinus infections for more than 20 years. About 1 1/2 years ago, after battling a 2 year infection, I had surgery. The surgery helped for about 4 months, then the pressure and congestion came back. Since the surgery, I use a saline rinse daily to flush out my sinuses and also installed air purifiers in the house. I was doing everything right and I was still having problems. I had constant pain and pressure under my eyes that sinus rinses were not helping. I had a sinus infection last fall and my doc said if I continued to have problems, it was time for another cat scan and more meds (noooooo!!!)
For the past couple of weeks, I could feel an infection starting up. Because of all of infections I have had, my body is now immune to three antibiotics. Not wanting to start down that road again, I searched the internet for natural cures and found this website. I have to admit I was skeptical that ACV could cure my infection, but I was desperate. I figured if it didn't work, I could use it to make salad dressing. Yesterday, I took 3 tablespoons ACV in an 8 oz. glass of warm water at noon. It wasn't the most pleasant tasting stuff, but I chugged it down. Around 8 pm, I put 1/2 teaspoon ACV into 8 oz water and used it as a sinus rinse. Owwww! The right side of my face where the infection is, burned so bad! After I recovered from the rinse, I drank a second dose (and added a little honey for taste) around 8 pm. About an hour later, I was shocked. The pain under my eyes was gone and I could breathe thru my nose!
This morning I drank another dose, and didn't notice any change in the pain in my cheekbones. As a matter of fact, it got worse as the day went on (probably the infection from under my eyes was pooling in my cheekbone area). At 5 pm, I repeated the sinus rinse only using 1/4 teaspoon ACV to 8 oz water. Much more tolerable and it seemed to only burn in the areas I could feel the infection. I pinched my nose and held the solution in as long as I could stand it. I then drank another dose. It is now 2 hours later and I can only feel a slight tenderness in my cheekbones. I am absolutely stunned how fast the ACV worked. At this rate, I should have this infection kicked in another day or two. I haven't felt this good in years. I plan on continuing using the ACV every day as a preventative measure. I can't thank you enough. Everyone's experiences here with ACV is what convinced me to try it. Thanks again.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caitlin (Covington, GA) on 12/22/2007
★★★★★
I have a bi-annual habit of getting sinus infections...and for the past 2 or 3 days i've had my worst one yet. was skeptical to try drinking cayenne pepper. I read many posts about the ACV remedy...and I boiled a coffee cup full of water and stirred in 2 tablespoons of ACV...and I felt a slight, instant relief. I'm determined to be rid of this by Christmas...so we'll see what happens in the morning! Thanks Everyone!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sherry (Huntsville, Alabama) on 05/03/2007
★★★★★
I had an ongoing battle with sinus infections. I hate taking medicine but finally gave in and went to the doctor. It took two different kinds of medicine but after 2 weeks I was cured... Two days later a friend brought over a milkshake and the next day I had the sinus infection back. Out of desperation I googled and discovered earth clinic and the apple cider vinegar remedy.My husband had a gallon of apple cider vinegar with the "mother". That day I took the correct dosage three times and that night I slept great. I have since been pushing it to all of my friends. Oh, and as an added benefit I am seeing a change in my body too!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Terri (Eustis, FL) on 11/09/2006
★★★★★
ACV worked on my sinus infection although I do not find it palatable in the least. I diluted it in water and still found it to be repulsive : ) but for curing a sinus infection, five stars! However, BEWARE, my 17 year old daughter had been suffering from a sinus infection also and she took it, she ended up in the doctors office much sicker than she already was, she has asthma and apparently ACV is very harmful for asthma sufferers. Hope this article helps!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh) on 02/21/2017
You may have used a bit too much of the ACV. I find it easier, and less painful, to put just the tiniest amount in a glass of warm filtered water and sea-salt, and snort it. I cured my sinus infection in 3 days. I also gargled with the same solution, and did both 4-5 times each day.
