The Wonder Remedy: Mind Blowing Facts and Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Researchers claim Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been utilized by all ancient civilizations. It is the rock star of all vinegars.

The Wonder Remedy: Mind Blowing Facts and Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV has been found in Egyptian urns dating as far back as 3000 BC. Hippocrates (the father of Medicine) reportedly used ACV as a healing elixir. The Babylonians are said to have used it as a condiment and a preservative while Greeks and Romans benefited from its healing purposes. Parisians during the middle ages celebrated its health and beauty powers in healing tonics, deodorants and skin treatments.

Columbus had barrels of it on his sailing vessels to prevent scurvy. Japanese Samurai warriors supposedly drank ACV for strength and power. It was used as a disinfectant and to heal wounds during the American civil war.

It was not until the 1950s when this folk remedy truly found stardom.  Author D.C. Jarvis sang its praises in the best-selling book, “Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health.” Today it is highly glorified as a holistic health tonic wit powers. to heal and restore

What Is ACV?

Vinegar is a product of fermentation. This is a process in which sugars in a food are broken down by bacteria and yeast. In the first stage of fermentation, the sugars are turned into alcohol. Then, if the alcohol ferments further, you get vinegar. The word comes from the French, meaning “sour wine.” Apple cider vinegar specifically is made from the fermentation of cider or apple must.

In order to get the benefits of ACV it is recommended you use raw organic ACV. This contains “mother of vinegar” which has the raw enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria needed to promote healing.

ACV Health Guide:

Upset Stomach

The pectin content in ACV helps treat diarrhea by forming bulk fibrous matter. The pectin also forms a protective coat for soothing the colon lining and intestinal spasms.

Indigestion.

Sip before eating, especially if you know you’re going to indulge in foods that cause indigestion. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes before you dine.

Congestion

To help sinus drainage mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink.

Hiccups

The shocking taste may have something to do with it or maybe it’s because it restores the acid balance in the stomach, either way it eases those irritating spasms.

Cancer

A few laboratory studies have found that vinegar may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Observational studies of people have been confusing. One found that eating vinegar was associated with a decreased risk of esophageal cancer yet another study associated it with an increased risk of bladder cancer.

Sore throat

Most germs cannot survive the acidic environment of vinegar so as soon as you feel the prickle of a sore throat, take some ACV to help combat the infection.  Mix ¼ cup apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup warm water and gargle every hour or so.

Exhaustion

Exercise and sometimes extreme stress can cause lactic acid to build up in the body, causing fatigue. Apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that may relieve that tired feeling. Next time you’re feeling drained, add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or to a glass of water.

Night time leg cramps AKA Charlie Horses

ACV taken diluted in water twice daily  will dissolve acid crystals in the blood and provide potassium, calcium and other essential minerals to the body needed to ease those pesky leg cramps.

Bad breath/Teeth Whitner

Due to its acidic properties, Apple Cider Vinegar makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath. Add 1/2 tablespoon of ACV into a cup of water and gargle the mixture in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time until the cup is empty. Gargling with apple cider vinegar also helps remove stains, whiten teeth, and kill bacteria in your mouth and gums.

Diabetes

The anti-glycemic effects of apple cider vinegar help to improve insulin sensitivity, which is essential to maintain the sugar levels of blood. If you are diabetic, consult your physician.

Blood cholesterol

Research has indicated that apple cider vinegar improves the lipid profile of blood by decreasing the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or bad cholesterol, as also by increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or good cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, consult your physician.

Dandruff

On his website, Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment. The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle, and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual.

Skin toner

Psoriasis sufferers praise ACV for reducing inflammation. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and rub on your T-zone or other dry spots to prevent breakouts and minimize blemishes.

Bath soak

Add one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your usual warm bath to draw out toxins leaving the body toned and moisturized skin. Also relieves minor swelling especially that related to pregnancy.

Age spots

Apple Cider Vinegar contains sulfur that fights the effects of aging, including age spots. Dab age spots, or liver spots, with ACV every night before you go to sleep. Do not wash off the vinegar until morning.

Acne

ACV kills bacteria and balances skin’s pH level. It also absorbs excessive oil from our skin, which is a leading cause of acne. Mix one part vinegar to 3-4 parts water. Apply solution directly to your skin with clean cotton pad, and leave it there for about ten minutes. After ten minutes, rinse off the vinegar. Repeat this three times a day.

Risks Associated with ACV:

Anything taken to the extreme poses a potential risk.  Take advantage of the benefits of ACV in moderation. While  ingesting the occasional small amount of ACV has little to no risk, using apple cider vinegar long term, or in larger amounts, could be harmful to parts of the body. Keep in mind these risks that have been provided by WebMD.

• Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic. The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. As the name suggests, it’s quite harsh. Apple cider vinegar should always be diluted with water or juice before swallowed. Pure apple cider vinegar could damage the tooth enamel and the tissues in your throat and mouth. One study found a woman who got an apple cider vinegar supplement stuck in her throat suffered lasting damage to her esophagus. In addition, vinegar has been known to cause contact burns to the skin.
• Long-term use of apple cider vinegar could cause low potassium levels and lower bone density. If you already have low potassium or osteoporosis, talk to your health care provider before using apple cider vinegar.
• Apple cider vinegar could theoretically interact with diuretics, laxatives, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease.
• If you have diabetes, check with your health care provider before using apple cider vinegar. Vinegar contains chromium, which can alter your insulin levels.

How To Take ACV:

Since apple cider vinegar is an unproven treatment, there are no official recommendations on how to use it.

For daily maintenance, weight loss and pH balancing:
2 teaspoons in 8 oz of water 3x a day (taken before your meals)

For treating an acute condition like acid Reflux, cough, bronchitis, or sore throat:
2 Tablespoons in 8 oz of water 3x a day (taken before your meals) .

The initial bite is shockingly harsh, create a healthy cocktail by adding honey or your favorite sweetener for a more bearable taste.

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The Wonder Remedy: Mind Blowing Facts and Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar