A natural remedy for many common ailments, apple cider vinegar (ACV) could be the magic trick you’ve been looking for. ACV is made from combining apples and yeast. This combination allows the sugars to ferment. The next step is to add bacteria to create an acetic acid. Read on to discover some of the many ways ACV can help you.
Relieve Sore Throat
A sore throat can cause difficulty in breathing and general discomfort. You can make a cold and flu relief tonic to help ease a sore throat. To make the all-natural tonic, follow the recipe below.
Ingredients
¼ cup raw honey
¼ cup water
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1-3 thin slices of fresh vinegar
Combine all ingredients in small saucepan, and cook on low until it simmers and coconut oil has melted. Remove from heat and whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
Move the tonic to a heat-safe container (glass jar). It can be stored in the jar at room temperature. Don’t worry if the coconut oil solidifies when the tonic has cooled. You can reheat the tonic as needed to melt the oil.
The tonic can be taken 1-2 tsp at a time, or you can drink it mixed with 6 ounces of water.
Fight Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection characterized by a scaly, red rash. It can cause blisters and ulcers as well. A quick, at-home solution is to soak your feet in 2-4 cups of ACV. If needed, you can combine the vinegar with warm water, but do not add excessive amounts of water.
Soak your feet for 10-30 minutes, scrubbing your feet with a washcloth in the affected areas every few minutes.
Because ACV is a natural anti-inflammatory, it can be helpful after a long day out in the sun. You can apply it directly (or mixed with coconut oil) to a sunburn.
Toning the Face
ACV contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These AHAs can exfoliate the skin, help reduce the appearance of acne scars, and remove dead skin cells to encourage new growth.
Mix ACV (1 tbsp) with water (2 tbsp.). You can store the mixture in a plastic container or even a spray bottle. Apply a small amount of the mixture to your face with a cotton ball.
Apply the toner at night, and wash your face in the morning, as ACV can invite ultraviolet rays to do more damage to your skin.
Prevent Body Odor
ACV also contains an acid, which can help stop bacteria from growing. Use ACV applied with a cotton ball under your arms to fight bad B.O.
Teeth Whitening
Colgate recommends using ACV to get a picture-perfect smile. Gargling with ACV or mixing a teaspoon with a small amount of baking soda (2-3 tsp.) to make a paste can help whiten your teeth over time.
Clear Dandruff
A rinse with ACV can be just what your scalp needs to help balance the pH of your skin and reduce dandruff. Mix ½ cup ACV with ½ cup of water. Apply the mixture to your scalp, cover with a shower cap, and leave on for 30 minutes.
Wash the mixture out with a mild shampoo (low sulfate) and warm water. Repeat this procedure up to two times a week until dandruff clears.
Fade Bruises
ACV is a natural remedy to reduce the appearance of unsightly bruises. Soak a cotton ball in ACV, and hold the cotton ball near the affected site for one hour. After application, the bruise should appear less intense.
Remove Warts
Warts on the hands or feet can easily be removed with ACV and some patience. Apple a cotton ball soaked in ACV, and use a Band-Aid or even duct tape to hold the cotton ball in place.
Replace the cotton ball and Band-Aid as needed. The wart should eventually fall off. The time it takes may vary depending on the size of the wart.
Kill Bad Odors
Ditch the Febreze, and use all-natural ACV to help tame odors in the home. Place a bowl of ACV in areas where strong odors persist. An alternative is to simmer some ACV in a saucepan on the stove for an hour or two. Be careful when going this route, and be sure there is always plenty of liquid in the pan.
While ACV has many benefits as a natural remedy, experts say to check your research before pursuing any long-term treatments or using ACV to treat severe maladies. For example, ACV can help get rid of a pesky wart on your finger, but when used on genital warts, it has been shown to be of great harm. Be cautious when using ACV if you have sensitive skin and purchase a name brand.
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Sources: [Authority Nutrition, CNN, Colgate, Daily Health Post, Earthclinic, Home Remedy Central, Kidspot, New Health Advisor, One Green Planet, PBS, Prevention, 1800Remedies]
