20 Ways To Get The Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Food, Lists, Other, Science, SocialThere are always new health fads coming and going – whether its something you’re supposed to eat, drink, or smear on your skin, there seems to be no end to parade of health remedies in the world. While not everything out there is actually reliable, there are some that have been around forever. Apple Cider Vinegar might seem like something new but it actually has been around as a health remedy for centuries – even Hippocrates, father of Modern Medicine, prescribed it during the 400’s BC. Nowadays, it has an application for almost everything – just make sure that if you decide to become a practitioner of ACV, don’t ever drink it straight and only use unfiltered organic.
Easy Detox
The liver is a very important organ for all of the ways it helps rid the body of harmful toxins, so it makes sense that you would want to keep it healthy with a good detoxifier. Mix 1 TB of Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 TB of fresh lemon juice, 1 TB of raw honey, 1/4 tsp of ginger, and a dash of cayenne pepper; add about an ounce of warm water and drink before your morning meal.
Canine Care
If you don’t like prescription flea/tick repellent isn’t best for your dog because of the chemicals or because of the cost, then try a homemade remedy. Combine 1/2 c. of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 c. of distilled water, 1/4 c. of aloe vera,1/8 c. of Castille soap, and 10-20 drops of essential oil (peppermint and lemongrass work well) and put in a spray bottle. Spray onto fur until damp and comb through.
Bloat No More
Bloating is a blight experienced by men and women alike, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be suffered through. Juice one apple (1/4 c. of juice) and a knob of fresh ginger (1 tsp) into a glass; add 1-2 tsp of apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp of raw honey, 1/8 tsp of cinnamon, and 1 cup water. Stir together and enjoy.
Odor Eaters
Have a pesky odor somewhere in your home that you want to get rid of, but you also hate using air fresheners? Pour apple cider vinegar into an open container that won’t easily spill and place it near the odor and wait – the stink will be absorbed before you know it.
Banish Acne
Apple cider vinegar has always functioned as a great antiseptic and is therefore well utilized as an acne remedy. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and apply to affected areas with a cotton ball to kill bacteria and cleanse away oil and dirt.
Sunburn Soother
Sunburns plague us all, but not everyone likes the smell or feel of aloe vera gel on their skin. Instead mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and apply gently with a cotton ball to soothe new burns and reduce redness.
Instant Energizer
Need to add some pep to your step in the mornings but hate drinking tea and coffee? The potassium and healthy enzymes in apple cider vinegar can certainly help with that. Combine 1 TB of apple cider vinegar with about a cup of lemon club soda and add fresh lemon juice to taste.
Pearly Whites
The acid in apple cider vinegar is one of the best and most natural ways to help keep your teeth nice and white. Add 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and use it as a rinse between or after brushes.
Clear Those Sinuses
Blocked sinuses is one of the worst parts of getting a cold, but it can easily be taken care of. Boil 1/4 c. of water then add 1/4 c. of apple cider vinegar, 1 TB of raw honey, 1 tsp of cayenne pepper, and a fresh lemon wedge. Drink slowly, especially if you’re not used to spicy foods.
Homemade Deodorant
While the pungent scent of apple cider vinegar probably seems like the last thing you’d want to use as a deodorant, you’d be very wrong. Just use a cotton ball to apply the apple cider vinegar to the armpit area and let dry to let it kill odor causing bacteria – don’t worry, the smell will fade quickly.
Perfect Toner
Lots of people skip toner in their skin care regimen because of the drying nature of the alcohol in it. Brew 1 c. of your favorite herbal tea (regular water works too) and add 1/4 c. of apple cider vinegar (for sensitive skin; 1/2 c. tea/water for regular skin; 1/4 c. tea/water for oily skin). Apply with a cotton ball or a spray bottle to use as a refreshing sprite throughout the day – store in the refrigerator.
Hiccup Stopper
There are tons of remedies and wives-tales about how to get rid of hiccups – try this more practical one for better results. Add 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water and drink up.
Good Digestion
Having trouble staying regular but hate eating yogurt? Try adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a warm glass of lemon water and make it a daily morning drink and your digestive tract will run like clockwork.
Decrease Blood Sugar
Starches can cause blood sugar levels to spike, but apple cider vinegar can help to slow down the digestion of starches. Regularly using any of the remedies in this list could be very helpful to people with diabetes.
Luscious Locks
If you’re worried about how much product and chemicals you put in your hair, try this instead of conditioner to keep your hair smooth. Mix together 1/2 c. of water, 1/2 c. of apple cider vinegar, and a few drops of your favorite essential oils (about six total) and put in a spray bottle. Shampoo, spray in mixture, and massage hair; let stand for about 2 minutes and then rinse quickly.
Scrumptious Salad Dressing
One of the easiest and tastiest ways to get apple cider vinegar into your diet to make a salad dressing out of it. Mix 1 1/4 c. of extra virgin olive oil, 1 c. of apple cider vinegar, 1 TB each of onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian herb, 1 tsp each of dijon mustard and dried basil, and slat and pepper to taste – shake vigorously and add to salad.
Immunity Booster
With its ability to balance pH levels and its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is great for the immune system. Make a cup of green tea and add in 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar, raw honey to taste, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a dash each of cinnamon and ginger.
Cure A Sore Throat
Whether you’re sick or spent too much time screaming at that awesome metal concert last night, apple cider vinegar can be very helpful in getting rid of a sore throat. Mix 1/4 c. of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 c. of warm water and gargle as needed.
Chemical Free Cleaner
The anti-bacterial properties of apple cider vinegar are applicable to things other than physical health. Combine water and apple cider vinegar at a 1/1 ratio and use to clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces as well as flooring.
No More Dandruff
Normal methods of fighting off flakes not working? In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Spray generously onto scalp; wrap head in a towel and wait 30-60 minutes; rinse hair. Repeat this twice a week until dandruff has cleared up.