Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar Part 1: HEALTH

 

Apple cider vinegar makes a really yummy salad dressing, but did you know it can be helpful in preventing colds, can be used as a beauty product and aids in digestion? ACV and its healing properties have really been hitting the mainstream lately. I love the stuff (minus it’s dirty feet-like smell) and use it almost daily as an effective preventive. Yes, I take a couple tablespoons of PURE ACV a couple times a week. It’s harsh, but it does the job.

Taking it orally isn’t the only form of healing this tonic does though; it is an effective beauty product and a wonderful alternative to medication, as long as you are using the correct type of ACV.

Just like every other product out there, ACV also has an over-produced, harmful brother. In order to get the benefits of ACV you need to use raw organic ACV, with “mother”. The Mother of the vinegar has powerful enzymes and friendly bacteria that your gut loves, and that promote healing.

Let’ start with it’s health benefits…

Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, but actually helps the body to keep pH levels balanced. This is important because creating a body that is alkalized can help prevent germs from making themselves at home.

The Problem: Someone close to you is sick, or you feel yourself coming down with something.

The Cure: Drink a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar. Drink it straight up, like a shot, or mix it in with water and some maple syrup.

The Problem: Sore Throat

The Cure: As soon as you feel the prickle of a sore throat, mix ¼ cup apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup warm water and gargle every hour or so. The ACV will create an acidic environment on your throat, and those pesky germs won’t be able to survive.

The Problem: Flu, or Cold

The Cure: Drink 1-2 tbsp ACV straight or mixed with water or juice. It will help your body fight off the yucky germs, creates sinus drainage, and hopefully give you some energy.

The Problem: Sinus or chest infection

The Cure: Simply add 1/8 of a cup of ACV to the water in a vaporizer over night.

The Problem: Hiccups

The Cure: Hiccups are often caused by either low stomach or over-eating. Taking 1-2 tbsp of ACV will help to restore the acid balance in the stomach and will ease spasms.

The Problem: Indigestion

The Cure: We all them, those nights we know we will be indulging and battling an upset stomach and acid reflux after a glutinous meal. You can prevent this from happening by taking a glass of warm water mixed with 1 tsp of maple syrup and 1 tsp ACV 30 minutes before dining.

 

The Problem: Tummy Troubles

The Cure: The pectin found in ACV forms a protective coat that helps soothe the colon lining, effective diarrhea relief and calms any intestinal spasms. Take 1-2 tbsp as a shot or mix with water or apple juice.

The Problem: Slow metabolism

The Cure: Mix 2 teaspoons of ACV into a glass of water and sip throughout the day, or drink before every meal.

The Problem: Bad Breath

The Cure: Apple Cider Vinegar makes a great remedy for bad breath because of the acidic properties I mentioned earlier. Simply add 1/2 tbsp of ACV with a cup of water and gargle for 10-15 seconds and spit. Repeat until the cup is empty. Make this part of your morning routine!

The Problem: Foot fungus

The Cure: For foot or toe fungus, apply ACV directly to the area or create a soak soak of 1 cup of ACV in warm water.

The Problem: Yeast infections

The Cure: Forget Canesten and those other drug-store treatments. One of the best home remedies to treat your lady parts is adding a cup and a half of ACV into your bath. Soak in the bath for 20 minutes or longer, once a day for the first 3 days of the infection.