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.

306 User Reviews

5 star (259) 
  85%
4 star (19) 
  6%
3 star (2) 
  1%
1 star (16) 
  5%
(10) 
  3%

Posted by Mashley (Jackson, Mississippi, Usa ) on 12/18/2011
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar for sinus infections works like a charm. I was a complete non-believer but found myself a bit desprate as I am flying in 2 days and had a pretty good sinus infection going. Major symptoms included: running nose, clogged ears and tremendous pressure in my face. I filled a mug half way full of water and microwaved until hot. I then filled the rest of the cup with several tablespoons of Organic ACV. I added a bag of ginger/lemon tea, local honey and a strong pinch of ground ginger. After the first mug, the pressure in my face began to reduce. About an hour later, I had another mug and the pressure continued to subside. The tonic increased my runny nose and reduced some of the ear pressure. It was by no means a great but was improved. The next morning, I was shocked at how much better I felt. Again, I made the tonic 3 times that day seeing some improvement after each glass. The next day (today) I am feeling about 85% better. Only symptoms being tiredness and slight pressure in one ear. Overall, this is a wonderful way to get rid of a sinus infection quickly. I will add that I am taking a Z Pack but historically, they take 5 or 6 days to work (if it works at all... ). I feel very confident that the ACV is what pushed me back to health so quickly.

Replied by Mcdanielak
(Rochester, Washington)
01/02/2012
★★★★★

I was an unbelieveable skeptic and I never believe things like this work, but I was desperate and I cannot believe it, but THIS WORKED. The taste is not the greatest, but if you are as desperate as I was, you won't care. After about 10-12 minutes my nose started running everywhere and then I blew my nose and loads of ICK came out, but I can breathe and the pressure and pain are gone. Who would have thought that 2 little tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a coffee mug of hot water would make such an immediate difference. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This cure is amazing and IT WORKS!!!!

Replied by Andrew K
(Seattle, Wa)
01/06/2012

It's a Miracle. I've been having the worst headaches for the last two days, where two Motrin IB pills do almost nothing to help, due to a cold and sinus infections. Out of desperation, I went to this web site and read about the ACV cure. I did not have ACV, but only some balsamic vinegar, which I mixed with a glass of water. My nose stopped running almost instantly and the temple crunching headache was gone in 10 minutes. I can't believe this, amazing. Thank you.

Replied by Deborah
(Coeur D Alene, Id)
02/04/2012
★★★★★

Whenever I get sick I make a hot ginger lemonade. This time I added the ACV and I couldn't even taste it! Too soo to report any relief, but here is my lemonade recipe: 3 to 4 slices of fresh ginger, 1/4 of a large lemon and honey to taste. Simmer the ginger in water to taste (the more golden the infusion, the stronger the taste). Pour into a mug and add the lemon and honey to taste. Of course, I also added the ACV this time.

Replied by Dawn
(Phoenix, Az, Usa)
02/24/2012
★★★★★

I made a mug of Chai Spiced tea with 2Tbsp ACV and Honey to taste. I can breathe AND smell for the first time in 3days!! I will definitely be using this concoction until this sinus infection is GONE! If anybody is like me, I lose my sense of taste and smell when I get these infections, so the ACV doesn't bother me at all.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amy (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) on 12/05/2011
★★★★★

I am suffering from my second sinus infection. the first one I had was last year around this time (December) and got so bad that my face turned red and swollen and I had terrible head aches. I went on antibiotics and a saline spray the doctor recommended, and within a few weeks, it was gone, but the antibiotics killed all beneficial bacteria in my body as well, and a yeast infection followed. I woke up today with the beginnings of what feels like a second sinus infection.

I read about ACV and just tried it. I put 1 tbsp in an 8 oz glass of water. Although the taste wasn't pleasant, it's only been about 10 min and my sinuses already feel clearer, definitely something I would recommend for some instant relief. Thanks for all the suggestions!

Replied by Kevin
(Conyers, Georgia, Usa)
02/21/2012

Try adding in LOCAL HONEY. It has to be LOCAL or say LOCAL on it. Here is my recipe. 8 oz of hot water in a cup. 2 tbsp of ACV. 1 tbsp of local honey. - Usually completely cured in 2-3 days max. We have lots of trees out here with lots of pollen. It's not uncommon for us to get sinus infections and/or allergies.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lori (Westport, Ct) on 12/04/2011
★★★★★

I am a firm believer in the healing properties of Apple Cider Vinegar. I came down w/ a horrible sinus infection/laryngitis yesterday and today have been sipping on 2 Tb ACV and 16 oz water.... A miracle... What a relief! ~!!!!

Replied by Marian
(Littleton, Co)
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 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 Sean (Bastrop, Texas ) on 11/23/2011
★★★★★

I had been struggling with a very mild but disgusting sinus infection for 8 weeks. It came from a secondary infection after a viral cold. I'm lucky in that it barely bothered me (sticky yellow blob 2-3 times a day, breathe fine), but I couldn't get rid of it. I even took 10 days of antibiotics (thinking it would help) to no avail. I was skeptical (like always) when I saw this, but I went ahead and tried 1 teaspoon in some water. ONLY ONE TEASPOON ANNIHILATED MY INFECTION. It is the day after and I no longer have any discharge at all.

FOR ALL YOU SKEPTICS OUT THERE: You can rule out placebo, this really works, I took both this and anitbiotics truly believing each would work and this did!

Replied by Donna
(Pinnacle, North Carolina)
11/24/2011

Do I drink this or snort this? I'm a lil confused.

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tennessee)
01/06/2012
490 posts

Donna, I have put ACV in boiling water & inhaled it, but these folks are talking about a tea, so it's a pretty sure bet that they are drinking it, not snorting it!

Replied by Roly
(Miami, Fl)
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 Karen (Barrington, Rhode Island) on 11/11/2011
★★★★★

Okay, wow..... I tried the ACV cure and within 20 minutes, I feel better... I put 2 tbsp. of ACV and a few tsps. of honey in some hot water..... Doesn't taste so good, but 5 minutes of drinking that is soooo worth getting rid of the pressure in my head... This was my second sinus infection ever, and I have a feeling I am prone to them now as my mom said she gets them often..... Didn't want to go get the usual antibiotics, they throw my whole system off for weeks after I take them.

I definitely recommend the ACV cure... It thins the mucous AND kills the fungus that has caused the infection, great stuff..... I LOVE the internet... Thanx everyone..... TRY IT!

Replied by Dawn
(Edmonton, Alberta)
11/16/2011

I have tried everything. I am suffering from sinus pain, watery eyes and a running nose. Nothing works. I am going to try this.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nicola (Dublin, Ireland) on 11/09/2011
★★★★★

I've just ended my ever-lasting cold- it was on and off for over 3 weeks now, and I've had to take yesterday and today off work because my sinus had gotten so bad with a sinus infection that my eyes even hurt and I couldn't even think! I dread to take antibiotics as I was only on them 2 months ago for a bladder infection, so I found this website.

I drank a glass with the ACV and after 20 minutes my sinus started to clear! I was so excited because it's been blocked for the last 3 weeks! Then I added a teaspoon of ACV in with the salt in my sinus rinser water and did a rinse at lunch time and it scalded a little but it cleared me up completely!! I can't believe my nose is dry now after 3 weeks of utter misery!! I had spent so much money on over the counter things that worked for a while but wouldn't get rid of this anything like the 2.50 bottle of apple cider vinegar!!

I'm not completely better, but will continue with this treatment as it is working so well! Thank you!

Replied by Nicola
(Wexford, Ireland)
11/23/2011
★★★★★

I used this exact advice. I drank a tbsp in a glass of water and then I put a drop into my nasal irrigation bottle with the saline solution. And YES it did scald a little!! But it worked and it is worth a little scalding!! I'm amazed at the speed the ACV works, you can feel it working straight away, there's just no doubt about it that ACV cured my sinus!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bill (Merida, Mexico) on 11/07/2011
★★★★★

I had a sins infection 2 weeks ago, got the usual anti-biotics and was fine for a week and now it's back. I tried the neti pot and it worked great, just feels funny. So I surfed the net looking for something else. I came across this site and thought I'd give ACV a shot. Just made myself a cup before this post. I added the lemon and honey as suggested and it taste pretty good. I don't feel any effects yet but I'm only halfway through the cup. The neti pot cleared out my sinus cavity I just need to get the gook off the back of my throat........ Well my cup is done...... Still no effect.... Oh no wait... There it is, it's breaking it up a little. I will see what it does over the next couple of minutes... Thanks for your help.

Replied by Tiffany
(Seattle, Washington)
04/16/2012

I have had sinus congestion on 1 side for YEARS now - I could not get rid of it. Here's what finally worked for me - adding honey to the apple cider vinegar drink!!!! I use a raw, organic honey that has a thick consistency. I take 1 tablespoon ACV & 1 tablespoon honey in 8 ounces filtered water 3 times a day. I was just drinking the ACV (the kind w/the "Mother" in it! ) and my sinuses were definetely better, but I could tell I still needed more help. I had been avoiding adding honey bc I feared that my sinus congestion could be fungal and I didn't want to "feed" the fungus w/sugar. About a week ago I added the honey - and bam! - my sinus congestion is GONE!! Crazy, but there really is something miraculous about this drink - adding these 2 ingredients together!! I also feel more energy, am losing weight, and I don't even notice my mild asthma anymore!! You have to try this combo - truely incredible!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Yayamom3 (Kansas City, Mo) on 11/02/2011
★★★★★

Several years ago, I had probably my third or fourth sinus infection of the year on New Year's Eve. I researched homeopathic treatments online, and found the apple cider vinegar treatment. I did it, and it worked! After mentioning this to my doctor, she told me about apple cider vinegar tablets (drinking the stuff is disgusting! ). In addition to curing sinus infections, she said they would also prevent them and were just good for overall health. I have been taking one tablet a day ever since. I haven't had a sinus infection in five years!

Replied by Laura
(Harrisburg, Pa)
11/25/2011

Where did you purchase the apple cidar vinegar tablets?


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ron (New York) on 10/26/2011
★★★★★

OK... I have to be honest about my results on ACV.

I am a 51 year young man, I am in very good health and stay very fit (not obsessed) I just enjoy it. Since I was about 5 years old I suffered from constant sinus infections. Now I know it is not the worst thing , it can be very painful and debilitating, and can worsen and if it happens at the same time you get a cold or the flu.... You feel like you are on your way to the cemetary. Right before I went to Aruba last month I picked up a sinus infection and I was MISERABLE. Snorkeling and diving was awful due to the water pressure... Vacation ruined?

As I sat on the beach holding my head and looking pretty miserable, one of the housekeepers asked me what was wrong and I explained. She said go to the market and get Apple Cider Vinegar and put it into a coffee cup 2-3 tablespoons.... She said breathe it in through your nose then take a sip until you finish. At this point in my life I was tired of the antibiotics and their wonderful side effects.

So I did what she advised and I said to myself "this is silly" But within 8-10 minutes my nose ran like crazy for a few minutes, I sneezed a few times... But that awful throbbing pain, itchiness and stuffiness was gone

It was kind of creepy... But I was giddy with my new found success... I could not thank this woman enough. I gave her a Amex Gift card...

She also recommended fresh ginger, but warned me that too much can cause indigestion. I will stick to Apple Cider Vinegar.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jvanderwerken (Bellevue, Ne) on 10/04/2011
★★★★★

All I can say is wow! I really didn't think this would work. I had a really bad sinus infection and after 2 weeks of it, went to the doctor. I got an injection of antihistimines and 10 days of antibiotics. I felt better after the 10 days, but it came back the next week. I didn't want to go back to the doctor and do more antibiotics, so I searched for a natural remedy.

Found apple cider vinegar on this site. After the first glass of ACV and honey, I felt really tired and went to bed. When I got up, I could breathe much better. The green stuff I was coughing up was much lighter. I had another glass after lunch. Within a few minutes I was feeling even better and the mucus had turned almost clear. By that evening, I was even better and could breathe just fine and was not coughing, no headache. This stuff has worked a miracle in me. I am hooked! If you have a sinus infection, it is definitely worth a try!

Replied by Jay
(Vidalia, Ga)
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 Bcb (Traverse City, Mi) on 09/24/2011

I have struggled with sinus infections for the past 7 winters. The winter of 2010 I was sick with colds-turned into sinus infections from January to April 25, when I began having unbearably awful back pain. After 13 days of extremely intense and excrutiating pain, I went to emergency and discovered I had shingles, due to a totally wiped out immune system from being on antibiotics for the sinus infections for the past 6 years. Last winter (2011) I had two sinus infections, with accompaning antibiotics and in May I was diagnosed with Candida.... An entire body yeast infection, with itchy pustule eruptions all over my body, again due to the antibiotics destroying my immune system. I have discovered that sugar suppresses the immune system, so I cut out all overt sugar from my diet, but not when it is in foods like cottage cheese, yogurt, bread, etc. Just the coffee cream, the candy and dessert type foods. I also bought a 3 month supply of Threelac, a probiotic with a punch, and Candex to break down the yeast wall so it can be killed. I haven't had any eruptions in three months, even when I have had some cake and ice cream for birthdays. However, I ended up getting another sinus infection because of a birthday yesterday, and not wanting to compromise my immune system any further, I decided to look for a natural remedy for it, and therefore found this site.

I should have read the testimonials first, because I put 2 TBS of ACV in 8 oz. of water and swallowed it, not liking the burn in my throat and thinking I won't do this again. But I see that honey and lemon or stevia can be added to it without diminishing the results, and since I can't do honey because it causes yeast to grow, I will use Stevia next time. As I have been writing this, I have noticed that I have no drainage down the back of my throat. I never got any sinus pain with any of my infections and therefore was hard to diagnose at first. I just get a stuffy nose and bucket loads of drainage and feel like I've been run over by a Mac truck... No energy, no joy, no anything. I just want to sit at home and hibernate. I'm am hopeful that this will work and I will never have to take another antibiotic.

I see that Oregano Oil and Grapeseed Extract can also be taken to help fight these infections. Can anyone tell me how much should be taken and how often?

As I'm sitting here, I'm feeling a slight pain in my neck and something funny in my forehead area, so I believe that the AVC is working. Hallelujah!! I am forever grateful to whoever discovered this remedy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Replied by Jdecarlo
(Miami, Fl, Usa)
10/03/2011

Hallelujah! This remedy works. I prefer not to put it in coffee, though. Warm water or ice water with two tablespoons of ACV and stevia clearned up my sinus infection, the pain is gone and I'm going back to work. Thanks to everyone on this site. =)


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Twin-mummy (Miami, Florida) on 09/15/2011
★☆☆☆☆

Hey, meanwhile I am desperate. Since more then 4 weeks I have a sinus infection. I have tried prescription medicine, the recommended tomato juice, oregano oil and acv. The pressure in my head (sinus area) is not getting less and on top, since I have been taken Apple Cider Vinegar (2 ts on 16oz over the day) for about a week I have a "crawling" headache up the back of my head. Any recommendations?

Replied by Gavin
(Manganui, Northland, New Zealand)
09/15/2011
★★★★★

I hope you are taking the honey with the ACV as they work together.

Replied by Suziq
(Haslett, Mi Usa)
10/28/2011

Does the honey work together with ACV the same way the stevia would? Since it's a sugar substitute I hope so.

Replied by Alpen Mom
(South, Usa)
11/15/2011

Honey is naturally antibiotic, antifungal, antimicrobial. No, Stevia doesn't have any of these properties. Even for those avoiding sugar, one spoon of honey has many benefits and less affect on blood sugar than a spoon of sugar. Unless type 1 diabetic or poorly controlled type 2, small amounts of RAW honey are very good for you.

Replied by Deborah
(Coeur D Alene, Id)
02/04/2012
★★★★★

Raw honey is a natural antibiotic, so it is important to use it in conjunction with the ACV.


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!!!

Replied by Delila
(Tel Aviv, Israel)
03/22/2012

After using all the treatments for sinuses, including Apple Cider Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar with steam and nothing seems to help consider reading up on systematic candida, with tons and tons of symptoms including foggy head and headaches!!! And by the way sugar and antibiotics aggravate the condition makes it ten times worse!!!!


Replied by Lena
(Texas)
11/19/2018

Sounds just like my daughter........ I suspect Lyme and confections as well as EBV but most doctors don't really treat this. ENT also saw nothing wrong with her, so I'd be interested in what your CT scan shows.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shawna (Wakeman, Ohio, Usa) on 08/13/2011
★★★★★

I have spent the past hour reading through testimonials and directions on your site. I started having terrible sinus pain yesterday, so much that the pain was waking me up throughout the night. I used my sinus rinse but to no avail. So I thought I may as well try the ACV. Holy moly! I heated a coffee cup full of water, added 2 TBSP of ACV and a bit of honey. Halfway through the cup (sipping... Not a bit fan of the taste of vinegar! ) I could literally FEEL the gunk in my sinuses loosening up. I cannot believe how fast this works. I read many of the testimonials on ACV/sinuses but thought it really could not work that quickly.... I admit, I was wrong! I am absolutely and undoubtedly a believer.... Off to finish the rest of my cup :)
Shawna

Replied by Fit Chica
(Redondo Beach, Ca)
09/07/2011

Just finished reading the post that ACV w/hot water, lemon & honey works to clear up a sinus infection. So, since I have one and I feel like crap, I decided to try it. It's 5:40pm 2 mins after my first sips... I love the taste of ACV. I must admit, I feel a little less congested. I took 8 oz water and put in the microwave mixed it with 2 TBSP ACV, 1 pkt stevia & a few squeezes of fresh lemon. I'm wondering if 1 tsp of cayenne pepper would speed the process up... ? Will definitely have to try with the pepper and let you all know.



NEXT