The Life-Saving Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

30. Lower your blood pressure by adding apple cider vinegar into your routine. One of the top risk factors for heart disease is high blood pressure.… Trista - July 25, 2019
Your blood pressure needs to be maintained within healthy parameters. Medical News Today


One of the top risk factors for heart disease is high blood pressure. This condition forces the heart to work extremely hard, which leads to weakened heart muscle and deterioration. Approximately one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure, and about half of them don’t have it under control. Lowering your blood pressure can help prevent heart disease and lead to a healthier heart. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid levels can help contribute to lower blood pressure. ACV also aids in reducing blood sugar and weight, which both can assist in lowering blood pressure. Besides exercise and a healthy diet, consuming apple cider vinegar may lead to your blood pressure regulation.

Skin health is essential for your confidence, and overall health. Shuttestock

29. Improve your skin with apple cider vinegar. 

The antibacterial properties in apple cider vinegar make it great for your skin. ACV works to heal the skin by killing off unwanted bacteria. It can help fight acne, reduce wrinkles, and soothe sunburn. If you don’t like using commercial cleaners, ACV is great for making your own skincare at home! Apple cider vinegar can be used in all steps of your skincare routine! Start by making a cleanser using a ¼ cup of liquid castile soap and one tablespoon of ACV. The gentle soap mixes with the vinegar to wash and tone your face without harsh chemicals. After washing your face, combine one part ACV with two parts water to make a toner. Apply the toner to your face with a cotton pad or a spray bottle. Finish up with a gentle moisturizer, and your skin will be looking good in no time!

Dandruff is common in the winter and dry months. Image via Shutterstock

28. Treat dandruff by using apple cider vinegar. 

Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is caused by fungus on the scalp that leads to itching, dry skin, and flakes. Dandruff can be triggered by the weather, stress, and even your genes. Flakey skin can also be caused by sensitivity to shampoo, psoriasis, and not washing your hair enough. If you’re looking for a natural remedy for unsightly scalp issues, consider using apple cider vinegar! The level of acidity in apple cider vinegar decreases itching and flaking. It also reduces the reaction your scalp has to Malassezia yeast, the main trigger for seborrheic dermatitis. To refresh your head and hair using apple cider vinegar, mix equal parts ACV and water. Please apply to your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. Finish by shampooing and conditioning your hair like usual. Your locks will smell a little bit like vinegar while wet, but once it’s dry, it will resemble your ordinary hair products.

Poor circulation in your body can be combated by adding apple cider vinegar into your routine. Shutterstock

27. Apple cider vinegar can enhance circulation.

A variety of health factors can contribute to poor blood circulation in the body. Poor circulation can ultimately lead to several unpleasant health issues. Properties found in apple cider vinegar can help prevent platelets build up in the blood vessels, which contributes to poor circulation. High levels of potassium found in apple cider vinegar work to reduce excess sodium in the body. Additionally, ACV’s powerful enzymes break down bad cholesterol and prevent it from clogging your arteries. You should drink two or three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with an eight-ounce glass of water before each meal to reap the maximum benefits of ACV. In addition to ingesting it, you can apply apple cider vinegar topically! If you have varicose veins, applying ACV to your skin can help to reduce symptoms. Mix apple cider vinegar with witch hazel and scrub it into your skin using a circular motion to improve your legs’ circulation.

Fungus can occur on your feet and between your toes. Shutterstock

26. Fight fungus with apple cider vinegar. 

Let’s be real; nobody likes fungus! It’s embarrassing, unsightly, and hard to get rid of. Whether you have athlete’s foot, jock itch, toenail fungus, or another condition, dealing with the fungus can get annoying. Apple cider vinegar works to balance your body’s pH levels, effectively killing the fungus. Nutrients found in all-natural apple cider vinegar are great for restoring skin to a healthy state. The acidic nature of vinegar prevents the fungus from spreading on the skin as well as kills fungi and bacteria. ACV also kills unwanted yeast on skin and nails. For those with foot fungus, soak your feet in water mixed with apple cider vinegar. You can also apply ACV directly to the infected area. If you’ve got fungus or yeast on the skin, rub a combination of one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water. It may burn at first, but it can clear up even the most stubborn cases of fungus.

Hiccups can last for what seems like forever. Image via Shutterstock

25. Stop your hiccups by sipping on some apple cider vinegar. 

Hiccups are annoying and can be a pain to stop. The diaphragm’s involuntary contractions result in hiccups, which occur when the opening between your vocal cords shuts down, causing a hiccup sound. They can be caused by eating too fast, smoking, anxiety, chewing gum, or drinking too many carbonated drinks. To cure your hiccups in no time, mix a teaspoon of sugar with a few drops of ACV. The coarse sugar mixed with sour apple cider vinegar will help to ease hiccups. This mixture triggers the set of nerves responsible for causing hiccups. If your hiccups keep persisting after taking the apple cider vinegar and sugar mixture, you may want to see a doctor.

There are many ways to detox your body. Image via Freepik

24. Apple cider vinegar can aid in detoxification.

For thousands of years, apple cider vinegar has been used for detoxification. Experts claim that Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was a fan of apple cider vinegar and frequently promoted its medicinal qualities dating back to 400 BC. Raw apple cider vinegar is ideal for detoxing because it contains good bacteria, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. While the body naturally detoxes itself, a detox diet can help refresh your system and help you begin a healthier lifestyle. Detoxing with apple cider vinegar can help increase your potassium levels, boost your immune system, aid in digestion, and help control your weight. Also, ACV has been known to aid in fat burning and appetite reduction. For an easy detox recipe, mix one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into eight ounces of water and add a few tablespoons of sweetener like agave or organic honey. Most people tend to consume this drink a few times a day over several days to a month.

Banana bread is a delicious snack. Image via Freepik

23. Incorporate apple cider vinegar in your baked goods. 

While most people wouldn’t think of using ACV in a cake or cookie recipe, it works well in baked goods. The sharp, sour flavor of apple cider vinegar blends well with ingredients and bakes out, so you will get just a hint of sweet apple taste when you take a bite. Because apple cider vinegar is made from apples, it’s the best type of vinegar to use in baked goods because of its sweetness. Apple cider vinegar is a significant ingredient in vegan baking. Many recipes call for it to be used as a leavening tool and enhance a dish’s flavor. Acids found in ACV mix well with baking soda and baking powder to help vegan pastries rise better and create a better crumb. It’s an excellent substitute for eggs in your favorite baked goods.

It’s important to properly wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them. Image via Shutterstock

22. Wash fruits and vegetables with apple cider vinegar to cleanse them. 

With the number of pesticides used on our crops these days, it’s essential to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables when you bring them home from the store. To completely clean produce and make it safe to eat, use apple cider vinegar! ACV will kill off any bacteria on your fruits and veggies as well as prevent foodborne illness. It can also help get rid of chemical residue and reduce your exposure to pesticides. Dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water and add your produce. Let it soak for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry. Make sure to stir the mixture around to get the dirt off. Not only does this method clean your fruits and vegetables, but it can also help them last longer in your fridge.

Sunburns can be extremely painful. Image via Shutterstock

21. Soothe your painful sunburn with apple cider vinegar. 

While it may seem crazy to put an acidic substance like apple cider vinegar on a blistering sunburn, it works wonders! After spending too much time in the sun, a painful sunburn can appear on your skin. Typically sunburn will show its full effect within 24 hours of sun exposure. They tend to heal within three to five days. To speed up the healing process and find relief, grab some apple cider vinegar. The natural healing properties in ACV help to soothe skin and tame redness. The most common method for using apple cider vinegar to cure sunburn is to fill a spray bottle with water and a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, then spray it on the affected area. You can also soak in a bath with one cup of ACV, a ¼ cup of coconut oil, and a few drops of lavender essential oil to find relief.

Heartburn is a common burning pain in the upper and mid chest. Shutterstock

20. Reduce heartburn and acid reflux will apple cider vinegar. 

Treating heartburn with acid may seem counterintuitive, but many people have used it to find relief. In many cases, acid reflux is caused by low levels of stomach acid. When the stomach acid backflows into your esophagus, it forces you to have heartburn. Apple cider vinegar works to increase levels of acid in the stomach. It also helps to balance gut bacteria and pH levels in the body. By drinking apple cider vinegar before meals, you can prevent a flare-up of stomach acid. Mix eight ounces of water with one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and drink the mixture to fight acid reflux. This method is best suited for those not taking certain medications.

A natural way to remove bugs is to use apple cider vinegar. Image via Shutterstock

19. Remove bugs and fleas by using apple cider vinegar. 

No one wants bugs in the house, but using commercial bug sprays can bring many chemicals around your family. There are several natural methods of getting rid of insects, but apple cider vinegar is one of the best! It can be used to not only remove bugs and fleas from your pet’s fur, but it can be used to trap and kill pesky critters around the house. To free your dog from itchy fleas:

  1. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray your dog’s coat once a day with the concoction until the insects disappear. If fruit flies are terrorizing your kitchen, pour some ACV into an empty bowl and add a few drops of dish detergent.
  3. Set it near a fruit bowl or trashcan, and within a day or two, your fruit fly problem will be gone.

The strong sweet odor attracts the flies, and the dish soap creates a layer in the bowl that helps to sink the flies to the bottom.

Baths can be a time for relaxation. Shutterstock

18. Add apple cider vinegar into your bath. 

Apple cider vinegar is ideal for keeping the skin healthy and clear. If you love taking baths, consider using ACV in a detox bath to improve your health. Powerful antimicrobial properties found in apple cider vinegar can soothe skin irritation and ease skin infections. To naturally enhance hair and skin health as well as circulation, create a relaxing bubble bath with apple cider vinegar. Just add one or two cups of ACV into your warm bath water and soak for twenty to thirty minutes. You can also add green tea bags if you have an excess of skin irritation. After your soak, turn on the shower and rinse with mild soap to remove the vinegar smell.

Apple cider vinegar can be used to strengthen your hair health. Image via Shutterstock

17. Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar. 

We’ve already talked about how apple cider vinegar can cure dandruff, but it also works wonders for your hair. It can help treat scalp issues, promote hair growth, and fix dullness. The acetic acid found in ACV works to restore the pH levels in your hair. In addition, its antimicrobial status controls bacteria and fungi on the scalp. An apple cider vinegar rinse is perfect for turning flat, dry hair beautiful again. Brittle, frizzy, dull hair is more alkaline and ranks higher on the pH scale. The acid in ACV helps to balance out your hair’s pH, making it healthy again. Create a rinse by combining a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water. Shampoo and condition your hair, then add the ACV mixture, working it thoroughly into your scalp. Let it sit for several minutes, then rinse. Once your hair dries, the vinegar smell will dissipate.

Many people wash their dishes by hand. Shutterstock

16. Wash your dishes with apple cider vinegar to kill off bacteria. 

You are looking for a better way to fight grease and make your dishes sparkle. Try apple cider vinegar! It’s a great way to kill off bacteria and keep dishes clean. Using ACV in the kitchen is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and reduces the number of chemicals in your home. If you use dish soap, add a few ACV teaspoons into the bottle to make the soap more effective at fighting grease. Take a dirty pan and boil a few cups of vinegar in it to remove residue. Scrub coffee cups with a mixture of salt and vinegar to remove coffee stains. Take one part vinegar to three parts water and wash glassware with it. The apple cider vinegar will help prevent water spots. You can also use apple cider vinegar in your dishwasher. A few minutes after starting it up, you can add some vinegar to the water to boost its bacteria-busting effects. Once a month, pour one cup of ACV in the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a cycle to help remove calcium buildup.

Acne can be an embarrassing condition. Image via Freepik

15. Treat acne with apple cider vinegar. 

Apple cider vinegar is terrific for the skin because its healing and antibacterial properties kill off strains of bacteria that create breakouts. The bacteria P. acnes cause acne, and many features in apple cider vinegar, including acetic, lactic, citric, and succinic acid, have been shown to kill it off. Not only can ACV kill acne, but it can also reduce scarring and skin discoloration. Using a toner that contains apple cider vinegar is a great way to reduce acne and strengthen your skin. You can purchase toners with ACV or make your own. Combine apple cider vinegar, lemon essential oil, witch hazel extract, and aloe vera juice to make a refreshing toner. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing the skin. Be advised that using too much vinegar can cause skin irritation and damage. Start with applying your toner once every other day and gradually work up to using it daily.

Weeds in your plants or garden can be an incredible nuisance. Image via Shutterstock

14. Kill those pesky weeds with apple cider vinegar. 

Weeds are unsightly and can be hard to remove from your yard. Additionally, pesticides and store-bought weed killers are full of chemicals. Making your own weed killer using apple cider vinegar is a great way to naturally get rid of pesky weeds without exposing yourself and your family to harmful chemicals. ACV is also safe for pets! The acid found in vinegar works to kill weeds naturally. It’s best to use it as a spot treatment. Vinegar is not selective when used as a weed killer and will destroy any plant it touches. ACV works great on weeds that pop up in sidewalk cracks and among brick patios. Apply vinegar to weeds in the hottest part of the day to bake them. The apple cider vinegar kills the plants on the surface, leaving the dead parts to disintegrate eventually.

Seasonal allergies impact a large majority of individuals. Image via Freepik

13. Apple cider vinegar helps to ward off seasonal allergies. 

If you tend to get allergies, especially during spring and summer, some natural remedies may help alleviate symptoms. Allergies are caused when your immune system overreacts to a substance like dust, pollen, or animal dander. The body releases histamines to fight off allergens, leading to a runny nose, sore throat, and watery eyes. As we mentioned before, apple cider vinegar has been known to boost the immune system. Thanks to enzymes and good bacteria found in ACV, it can help reduce mucus. Also, apple cider vinegar can fight inflammation, making allergy attacks easier to manage. To combat allergies, drink an eight-ounce glass of water with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed in.

Warts can occur in a variety of places and some can be extremely painful. Image via Shutterstock

12. Remove warts with apple cider vinegar. 

Skin warts are quite common and seem to affect the hands and feet mostly. Caused by the human papillomavirus, warts are mostly harmless and painless. HPV has no cure, but there are ways to remove the bumps. Modern treatments include topical creams, laser therapy, freezing, and surgical removal. For those who don’t want to go through costly chemical wart removal, apple cider vinegar is a great option. The acetic acid in ACV kills bacteria and viruses on contact. Typically, it slowly burns and destroys infected skin, leading to the wart falling off. The irritation from apple cider vinegar works to stimulate the immune system to fight the wart-causing virus. You can mix two parts apple cider vinegar with one part water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply directly to the wart. Wrap a bandage around the cotton ball and soak overnight. Repeat this method every night until the wart falls off.

It is important to maintain a normal pH level. Image via Shutterstock

11. Balance your pH levels with apple cider vinegar. 

Optimize your health by regulating the pH levels in your body. The human body performs best when it’s balanced internally. Even a small change in your pH can profoundly impact your system. The best way to get your pH balanced is to make the body more alkaline. What’s a great way to create an alkaline environment in your body? Acid! Ingesting acid can have an alkalizing effect on your immune system. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which contributes to an alkaline environment — having a system that is more acidic than alkaline makes you more susceptible to developing diseases and other health issues. Nourish and hydrate your body by drinking one to two tablespoons of vinegar diluted in an eight-ounce glass of water.

High cholesterol levels can be hazardous to your health. Shutterstock

10. Apple cider vinegar can help lower cholesterol levels. 

Consuming apple cider vinegar can reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol. Apple cider vinegar contains many antioxidant benefits that can aid in lowering overall cholesterol levels. It is critical to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Failure to do so can result in limited blood flow and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. If high enough, it may need to be treated by a health provider and prescribed medication. However, you may be able to control or maintain healthy cholesterol levels by incorporating apple cider vinegar into your daily routine. 

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. Image via Shutterstock

9. Did you know that apple cider vinegar can help with ulcerative colitis? 

Ulcerative colitis is usually in the innermost lining of the large intestine. Cases can range from mild to severe. Incorporating diluted apple cider vinegar can help improve digestion. By improving digestion, the diluted apple cider vinegar also helps lower inflammation in the colon and increases the number of good bacteria in the gut. Healthy bacteria in the gut helps prevent the colon from becoming inflamed and contributes to healthy digestion. For those with ulcerative colitis, this could mean fewer ulcers and a reduction in symptoms such as abdominal pain and loss of appetite. 

Bone broth has many nutritional benefits. Shutterstock

8. Try incorporating some apple cider vinegar into your bone broth. 

Bone broth is rich with many benefits, including being a great source of protein and nutrients. When you add apple cider vinegar to your bone broth, it is not really about the flavor. Instead, it ensures the soup bone releases all of the essential nutrients you want when you add apple cider vinegar. Bone broth is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. All of these nutrients are excellent for improving overall health. Apple cider vinegar has the power to draw nutrients out of the bones you are using, making sure you can take full advantage of these nutrients. 

Proper digestion is essential for your overall health. Shutterstock

7. Apple cider vinegar helps with digestion. 

Consuming apple cider vinegar for digestion has a variety of impacts. Some of these include getting rid of heartburn, reducing bloating, and improving your overall digestion. Proper digestion means there are adequate acid levels in the stomach, so our food nutrients can be absorbed. When there is not enough acid, food is not adequately broken down, and the nutrients are not assimilated, which can lead to digestion, as mentioned earlier issues. By drinking apple cider vinegar, you are increasing your acid production and, in turn, strengthening proper digestion.

Bacteria can be harmful to you and your body. Shutterstock

6. Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria. 

Apple cider vinegar is not only helpful in fighting fungus, but it is also used for disinfecting wounds and killing bacteria. It is a great resource to treat and prevent infection because apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria efficiently. It also inhibits bacteria, like E-coli, from spoiling food. Therefore it has been used often in the past as a food preservative. Apple cider vinegar is also natural and better than artificial preservatives. It can be used to kill bacteria in the body and even on the foods that we consume. If you are struggling to keep your food from spoiling, try using some apple cider vinegar. 

Boiled eggs are cooked with their shells unbroken. Shutterstock

5. This type of vinegar helps to boil better eggs. 

Boiled eggs are a popular item and have much nutritional value. If you struggle to produce good eggs, try incorporating some apple cider vinegar into the water you use to boil or poach eggs. Doing so can help make consistent, good eggs. That occurs because the protein in egg whites firm up more quickly when exposed to a more acidic liquid—using apple cider vinegar when boiling eggs can also speed up the coagulation or clotting of the egg whites. It can also be useful if the shell cracks while the egg is being cooked. 

Marinades are popular when cooking meat. Borges

4. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a marinade. 

There are many ways to use apple cider vinegar. Some of them have positive health impacts, and others are hacks for the household. Another way to use apple cider vinegar is while cooking as a marinade. Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient in many steak marinades. Using apple cider vinegar as a steak marinade gives the meat a nice sweet and sour flavor. If you seek a little more taste, try combining it with wine, garlic, soy sauce, onion, and cayenne pepper to give your steak a delicious flavor. 

Many individuals use mouthwash daily. Shutterstock

3. Try using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash. 

Many people utilize mouthwash daily in their dental routines. While it may not be as familiar, you can try using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash. It is often said to be a useful alternative to commercial mouthwashes. Apple cider vinegar contains a multitude of antibacterial properties that can help with bad breath. However, if you are going to try adding this into your dental routine, make sure you dilute it with water. The recommendation is for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar; you will want to mix it with one cup of water. Failure to do so can cause the acidity of the vinegar to damage your teeth. 

It is vital that you clean your toothbrush regularly. Image via Freepik

2. Apple cider vinegar can be used to clean your toothbrush. 

To have clean teeth, it is worth considering how clean your toothbrush is. Given that apple cider vinegar has many antibacterial properties that can be used as a homemade cleaner for your toothbrush. To make your own toothbrush cleaner, try mixing a half cup of water, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and two teaspoons of baking soda together well. Once mixed, leave the head of your toothbrush in the mix for 30 minutes. Before you use your toothbrush, be sure to rinse the brush exceptionally well to prevent the acidity of undiluted vinegar from damaging your teeth. 

Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for you, especially in your digestive system. Shutterstock

1. Apple cider vinegar is a probiotic. 

Probiotics are microorganisms and are often referred to as good bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract. They have a variety of potential benefits for overall health and specific health concerns. Apple cider vinegar is a probiotic; however, not all are the same. Fermented foods are one source of these helpful bacteria. During fermentation, bacteria feed on sugars and starches in foods, such as apples, in the case of apple cider vinegar. It causes bacteria to grow and multiply. If you are looking to get the most out of apple cider vinegar and its health benefits, be sure to look for unpasteurized and unfiltered apple cider vinegar.