For centuries, vinegar has been used for various household and cooking purposes. It is also an ancient home remedy, claimed to help with all sorts of health problems as well as beauty benefits.
The most popular vinegar in the natural health community is Apple Cider Vinegar / ACV. It is claimed to lead to all sorts of benefits, some of which are supported by science.
ACV is rich in acetic, citric and malic acids as well as vitamins, enzymes, mineral salts and amino acids. As an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agent, it helps to treat the common cold, muscle pain, arthritis pain, diabetes, high cholesterol and weight issues. There are several key attributes to ACV that help maintain beautiful skin and hair.
However, to enjoy its health and beauty benefits, use only the raw and unfiltered version. This type of ACV is unpasteurized and contains the original enzymes.
How ACV is made?
Vinegar is made in a two-step process :
The first step exposes crushed apples (or apple cider) to yeast, which ferment the sugars and turn them into alcohol.
In the second step, bacteria are added to the alcohol solution, which further ferment the alcohol and turn it into acetic acid – the main active compound in vinegar.
In French, the word “vinegar” actually means “sour wine.” Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (like Bragg’s) also contains “mother,” strands of proteins , enzymes and friendly bacteria.
Here are some of the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:
1 . Apple Cider Vinegar as an All-Purpose Cleaner
Like all vinegar, apple cider vinegar has great antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent way to clean your home.
- 1 part water
- 1 part ACV
- 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil such as Lavender or tea tree.
- Mix in a spray bottle and use it for all purpose cleaning .
2. Apple Cider Vinegar For Upset Stomach
Diluted apple cider vinegar can be used as an effective remedy for upset stomach, acid reflux and heartburn.
- Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey to a glass of lukewarm water.
- Stir well so that all the ingredients get incorporated.
- Drink this concoction with each meal until you get complete relief from stomach upset.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar helps in preventing Acne and Pimples
If you struggle with acne or pimples, keep a bottle of apple cider vinegar handy. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that prevent acne or pimples by keeping the skin pores free from bacteria, oil and other dust particles. In addition, it helps restore and balance your skin’s pH, which is essential to prevent skin breakouts.
- Mix 1 part raw, unfiltered ACV and 2 parts filtered water in a bowl.
- Soak a cotton ball in this solution and apply it on the affected skin.
- Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
- Reapply a few times daily for a few days.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar works as a Skin Toner
Apple cider vinegar is good for people who have oily skin, because of its astringent properties. In addition, it is a rich source of alpha hydroxy acids that increase blood flow to the skin and minimize pores. ACV also regulates the pH level of your skin.
- Mix 1/2 part of ACV to 1/2 part of distilled or filtered water. You may also add a few drops of any essential oil such as lavender oil.
- Apply this solution on your skin using a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for a couple of minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
- You can use it once or twice a day. Shake well before each use.
If you have normal skin:
- Add 1 part ACV and 2 parts water to make your skin toner.
If you have extremely sensitive skin, try adding more water to the mixture. (1 part ACV and 4 parts water) and use the toner less frequently. Make sure you do a patch test before using it.
Note: When you apply this skin toner, the unappealing ACV smell may linger for a while but it tends to subside as the solution dries.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar helps in relieving from Smelly Feet
Foot odor, or smelly feet, is a common problem that can be embarrassing and unpleasant . ACV’s antimicrobial properties help disinfect your feet by eliminating odor-causing bacteria .
- Prepare a foot soak with 1 cup of ACV and 4 to 5 cups of warm water.
- Soak your feet in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Finally, wash your feet thoroughly with an antibacterial soap and water.
- Use this home treatment once daily for a few weeks.
Tips for Using Apple Cider Vinegar:
Tip #1: Use the Right Kind of Apple Cider Vinegar
For the most effective medicinal uses of ACV , make sure you use the right product – organic, raw and unfiltered version. This type of ACV is unpasteurized and contains the original enzymes.
The mother refers to the “blob” that naturally occurs in vinegars during the fermentation process and includes an amino acid based substance and yeast. The beneficial enzymes and yeast is what generally is thought to help in most medicinal uses for the vinegar. When you’re buying apple cider vinegar, look for “organic” and make sure the solution isn’t clear, but cloudy.
Tip #2: Remember the 1:2 Rule
ACV is very acidic, and because of this it should always be diluted. The rule of the thumb is to stick to 1 part ACV to 2 parts water.
If you’re just starting to use apple cider vinegar, start with 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts water so it isn’t too hard on your system.
Tip #3: Know Your Body
Many use apple cider vinegar to treat acne and skin toner. Make sure you do a patch test before using it.
If you have sensitive skin, make sure you dilute your ACV enough so it doesn’t harm your skin. When you start a new remedy like ACV make sure to note any changes.
Tip #4: Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Properly
If you are drinking ACV to help with digestion and other bodily functions, make sure you do so properly. Don’t drink more than 2 tablespoons at a time and always dilute it in a glass of water.
It is also suggested to drink an additional full glass of water after you’ve drank the ACV water to hydrate your system. Start by only drinking the apple cider vinegar in the morning, and if you have positive effects after 10 days or so, you can (but don’t have to) do the same before bed.
shared by Chandra Arun
