The many uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

There are approximately 8 bajillion uses for apple cider vinegar. Although, to be perfectly honest I really hated the stuff for a long time. My first experience with apple cider vinegar (or ACV as the cool kids call it) was during my college days when I was attempting to get rid of a little wart on my toe. I kept gagging at the smell. It was around that time that I remember reading about people drinking the stuff to help with skin issues (something I struggled with a lot), and I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

My how things change.

Now I gag on the smell of fake perfumes, toxic cleaners, and baby diapers. But not ACV. Nope. Not only can I easily tolerate the smell… but I find that I use this stuff all the time. And that’s because apple cider vinegar is amazing- for enhancing your wellbeing naturally, and so much more!

What is Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from cider or apple must and has a pale to medium amber color. Unpasteurized or organic ACV contains mother of vinegar, which has a cobweb-like appearance and can make the vinegar look slightly congealed. But this raw, organic version packs a nutritional punch that makes ACV the mother of all vinegar. (This is my favorite kind of apple cider vinegar.)

Most people are familiar with ACV as an ingredient to be used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives, chutneys, etc. But let me tell you, this stuff has way more potential beyond being an awesome real food ingredient. Here are just some of the many uses for apple cider vinegar.

Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Internal Health

Let’s talk internal health, first. As a nourishing food, ACV provides a lot of health benefits when taken internally.

Apple cider vinegar has been said to help with weight loss, lower glucose levels (which may be good news for diabetics), detox the body, promote a healthy digestive system, boost energy, and regulate candida issues.

To take orally, simply mix 1 – 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a cup of filtered water (or you could mix it with herbal tea). You can also add a tablespoon or two of raw honey. Then bottoms up. (Find ACV here.)

Of course, you can add ACV into salad dressings. I personally love making this homemade garlic vinaigrette using ACV as a yummy way to get some of this super food into my diet.

Some of the benefits of adding apple cider vinegar to your diet:

• ACV can reduce gas and bloating
• Help relieve heartburn
• Balance your entire inner body system by maintaining a healthy alkaline pH level.
• Helps stimulate cardiovascular circulation and helps detoxify the liver
• Cleanses the lymph nodes
• Can help with allergies by reducing mucous and sinus congestion
• Helps rid the body of candida through the natural enzymes found in raw apple cider vinegar
• Has been said to dissolve kidney stones, prevent flu and stomach illnesses, relieve nausea, and help with migraines

And when diet alone isn’t enough, dietary supplements can enhance your wellbeing.

Beauty

Some of the many uses for apple cider vinegar fall in the realm of beauty. I’m amazed how often I reach for my jar of ACV. Here are some of my favorite uses:

Toner: Since apple cider vinegar helps regulate the pH of your skin, it’s a perfect non-toxic toner. Mix one part ACV with two parts water. Dab a cotton ball into your mixture and then gently rub onto your face. This will help fade age spots and acne scars.

Hair care: ACV works as a wonderful hair rinse after shampooing. It will balance your scalp and hair’s pH and leaves hair smooth and clean. It’s also been known to help treat dry and itchy scalp. Just mix one tablespoon of AVC into a cup of water. Slowly pour mixture over hair and then rinse with water. It can even help with hair loss!

Wart Removal: Apple cider vinegar has been used to help with warts for a long time. Simple soak a cotton ball in ACV and then place directly on top of the wart. Cover with a bandage overnight. Repeat daily until the wart falls off and then continue for a couple more days.

Sunburn Relief: Among some of my other favorite natural remedies for sunburn, ACV can be used to help neutralize the burn. Simply, dilute it in water and pat on the sore skin, or add a cupful to your bath.

Teeth Stain Remover: Rub teeth directly with apple cider vinegar, and rinse out with water. Notice the sparkle and shine.

Natural Aftershave: Fill a bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and shake before applying to the face. Super simple.

Home

You know I love my toxic-free cleaners. Since most cleaning products contain unregulated and harsh chemicals, switching them out for something as simple as apple cider vinegar is awesome. ACV can absorb odors and has some nifty antibacterial properties.

AP Cleaner: Mix together one part of apple cider vinegar to one part water, and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on hard surfaces such as hardwood floors, bathroom tiles, cabinets and counter tops, then wipe it off with a damp washcloth

Toilet Cleaner: Pour some ACV into your toilet and allow it to sit overnight. Scrub and flush.

Pet Care: Many people have been using ACV to help repel fleas on their pets. Mix one part of vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on your pets fur and rub it in the skin thoroughly. Be sure to saturate the entire coat. Repeat daily (up to a week) to get rid of fleas.

So, have you used apple cider vinegar in your home? What your favorite use?

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