You’d think that the products you use to keep your home clean and healthy for your family would do just that. However, many product commonly used in North American homes actually slowly poisons the family it’s meant to protect (1).
These products linger in the home, where they are often reapplied and continuously inhaled by the occupants. Thankfully, there are many great natural products that work just as well as their chemical counterparts.
Apple cider vinegar is without a doubt one of the most powerful germ-fighting natural solutions. It also doubles up as a natural remedy to everyday health problems.
15 Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Make sure to use raw unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar for best results.
1. Soothe A Sore Throat
Apple Cider vinegar has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that work hard to fight the underlying cause of your sore throat, which is great for cold and flu season (2).
If you feel pain in your throat, add 1 tbsp of ACV to hot water and drink every hour or so.
2. Relieve Heartburn
Many people turn to apple cider vinegar – instead of baking soda or antacids – to relieve symptoms of heartburn. Heartburn is actually cause by too little acid and the acid leaving the stomach.
Apple cider vinegar actually helps digestion by breaking down food, just like stomach acid does. It can also kill help Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes reflux and inflammation (3). Try taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with water to soothe stomach troubles!
3. Clear A Stuffy Nose
Apple cider vinegar can be used to effectively treat a sinus infection. It’s high acidity also thins mucus, helping clear your sinuses. Simply combine a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of hot water next time your nose is stuffy.
4. Heals Dandruff
Vinegar kills the yeast and bacteria that commonly cause dandruff. It also make a great conditioner that your can use of your split ends.
Mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water in a spray bottle and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week. (4)
5. Relieve Leg Cramps
Low levels of manganese can cause headaches, leg cramps, muscle rigidity and tremors (5). Apple cider vinegar contains high levels of mineral, as well as potassium and calcium (6), which can also relieve muscle cramps (7).
Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey and one glass of warm water to make this home remedy.
6. Soothe Itchy Skin
Apple cider vinegar is a highly effective antiseptic with great antifungal properties (8). It can be incredibly soothing for itchy, burning skin.
Adding vinegar to your bath water may even provide some relief from eczema and other skin conditions (9). To use, mix one cup to one pint of ACV to a warm, but not hot, bath. You can also saturate cotton balls in ACV and apply directly to problem areas.
7. Remove Warts And Moles
The acidity of ACV dissolves and shrivels up moles and warts, which will fall off eventually after regular treatments. Just apply a cotton ball soaked in equal parts vinegar and water unto the surface every night until you see a change.
It may sting a bit at first, so make sure to test your solution on the back of your hand before applying elsewhere. If you have sensitive skin, you may have to dilute it more.
8. Get Rid Of Stinky Feet
Apple cider vinegar can effectively fight off the bacteria that is causing unpleasant odors on your feet by neutralizing the pH levels on your skin.
Vinegar will also will any fungi or bacteria causing foul smell. It can even relieve arthritis pain. To use, mix 1 cup ACV into 6 cups warm water and soak your feet for 30 minutes. You can also add a few drops of peppermint essential oil if you have particularly smelly feet.
