Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a fermented product made from crushed and aged apples. The healthiest versions contain “the mother” which is a colony of beneficial bacteria with many health benefits.
ACV is naturally high in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium and others. It has been rumored to help with weight loss and digestive uses. It was even used in the time of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, as a remedy for many ailments.
If you are going to use ACV for a health remedy, look for organic, unpasteurized vinegars with “the Mother,” which are available at most grocery stores. Bragg’s is one popular brand (I get mine here).
Apple Cider Vinegar Uses & Benefits
There are many health related uses for apple cider vinegar. It has been used as a natural remedy for many things, and while science is yet to prove many of the health claims associated with ACV, it is generally considered harmless to try. If you suffer from any of the health concerns below, consider trying ACV as an inexpensive natural remedy. Of course, with any medical condition, consult your doctor before changing any part of your lifestyle.
1. Reduce Acid Reflux and Heartburn
ACV mimics the acidic environment of the stomach and helps food to break down. Many people report reduced symptoms of reflux or heartburn after using Apple Cider Vinegar, which is logical, since many times these conditions are caused by too little stomach acid, rather than too much. Whenever I’ve had heartburn or reflux, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water takes care of it!
2. Fight Candida (yeast) in the Body
If you suffer from yeast overgrowth in the body, and many people do, ACV might help. Some research shows that the acid and enzymes in Apple Cider Vinegar help kill excess yeast in the body. For those with severe yeast problems, the symptoms may get worse initially when they begin taking ACV. This is caused by the die off of the yeast, called a Herxheimer reaction, when the body can’t remove the toxins from the yeast fast enough. It is actually a good sign, though an uncomfortable one. If you suspect you have yeast overgrowth, consider taking 1 tsp- 1 TBSP of ACV in water before each meal or twice a day, preferably on an empty stomach.
3. Relieve Sunburns and Bug Bites
I can vouch for this one personally! If you suffer from a sunburn or insect bite, Apple Cider Vinegar can help alleviate the pain. For sunburns, apply ACV and water (25/75 mix) with a cotton cloth or washcloth directly to the skin to cool and relieve pain. You can also soak in a bath of warm water with 1 cup ACV. For bug bites, apply a 50/50 mixture directly to the bite, or soak the area in vinegar water.
4. Lower Blood Pressure
Some studies suggest that the acetic acid in Apple Cider Vinegar may help power blood pressure. ACV may help increase production of the blood vessel relaxing compound nitric oxide. It may also help inhibit enzymes that cause blood vessels to constrict. One person I know who used this with success took 2-6 TBSP a day in water for several months.
5. Kill Foot or Skin Fungus
Just as ACV can help kill Candida in the body, it is often useful against yeast and fungus on the skin and nails. If you have foot or toe fungus, soak the feet in 1 cup of ACV in water or apply directly to the affected area. For skin fungus or yeast, apply a 25/75 mixture of ACV and water. It will burn but will help clear up even the worst cases of fungus. Especially in children or those with sensitive skin, it is best to dilute the ACV with water before applying to the skin.
6. Natural Skin Toner
When mixed with equal parts of water (and a few drops of essential oil for fragrance) ACV makes an excellent firming toner for the skin. It has also been shown to be effective against acne without drying the skin. To use as a toner, keep the mixture in the fridge, and apply with a cotton ball after showering. The vinegar smell disappears completely when dry. Some people do better with a 24% vinegar/75% water mixture.
If you’d like to take your apple cider toner up a notch, try this DIY recipe.
7. Treat Dandruff
Apple Cider Vinegar can be very effective against dandruff. Mix with equal parts water and apply to scalp with spray bottle or cloth. Leave on for 1-2 hours with a shower cap and rinse. This can be done 1-2 times a week for best results.
Note: Apple Cider Vinegar should not be swallowed undiluted or applied to the skin undiluted, especially in children or those with sensitive skin. Be careful not to get ACV in the eyes. Plain white vinegar and other types of vinegar should not be used for these purposes.
Have you ever used Apple Cider Vinegar as a natural remedy? Tell me about it!
Does ACV work on fungus on the scalp? I am trying to find natural remedies before I have to resort to medicines for my son. Its definitely not ringworm (confirmed by the doctor) and we have been using T/gel Shampoo and Conditioner, as well as applying Tea Tree Oil every morning and every night. It is working b/c his hair is starting to grow back in in the spot, however now it is itching really bad, which it wasn’t before and someone recommended ACV for it.
I would recommend at least trying the ACV “dandruff” method she mentioned in the article.
I use it for my dandruff and itchy scalp and it works GREAT vs nothing else ever did. Although for me I just use it in the shower as a prerinse or final rinse.Once the hair dries the smell goes away.
Also it works great for really any kind of “itchy” irritation.
Either way, it can’t hurt to try.
It may sting just a bit (NOT BAD) for the first few seconds though so do be prepared for that but its well worth it! This should only happen if the scalp has any “open swore” areas though.
Let us know how it works!
You mentioned his hair is growing back…did it fall out in a circle? Could be Alopecia not a fungus. There are times when if that is the case, I get bad itching before a new patch falls out. ACV feels nice nice on the scalp but so far the medical world is still looking for a cure for Alopecia. All other helps here would be nice too = ) thanks!
We use baking soda (1 TBSP per cup of water) to wash our hair and use vinegar (1 TBSP per cup of water) to rinse our hair. Does not smell like vinegar. Really great.
I have just used the bi-carb with peppermint drops to shampoo my hair with, for the first time today. I also used the apple cider vinegar with chamomile drops, thought I didn’t need to re-read the instructions I printed off & therefore had forgotten that the apple cider vinegar needed to be diluted. It wasn’t until I was about to dry & style my hair that I looked at the instructions again. Will it do any damage to my hair to have not diluted it, I did rinse my hair very well, as I have always done with other conditioners. My hair certainly doesn’t stink of vinegar 🙂
I have poured straight ACV on my head from a gallon jug. It made my hair feel greasy and stringy all day until I used my shampoo bar to remove the build up. Now I use 0.5oz of AVC to 4oz of filtered water in a spray bottle as a detangler.
My apple trees are all sweet varieties. I make ACV but after several weeks fermentation it is still sweet. The bought one is very bitter so I wonder if my apples are the wrong kind?
please get him off of t gel . t-gel is a petroleum product not good at all we found out the hard way please get your son off of this product.
I add ACV in the water for my dogs, goats, and chickens. It is an antibacterial and also keeps the algae and scale (we are on a well) from forming in their drinking bowls. My male goat is neutered and it keeps him from having urinary tract infections which “wethered” males are prone to. I’ve started using it as well…if it’s good for my animals, it must be good for me!
Brilliant!! How does it benefit dogs and chickens though? Maybe I didn’t read it thoroughly if you answered this.
ACV can help prevent mites, ticks and fleas when ingested by animals. I use it in my pets water dish and have not seen any fleas in a very long time.
i have a 20lb dog and would love to put some in her water…should it be diluted in certain amounts for her??
It helps fight off bacteria and parasites in chickens as well
It’s also a remedy for fleas and ticks.
I used ACV for my skin fungus I contracted in a jacuzzi. I just dabbed a little on the area every morning and night with a cottonball, and it’s cured! It took three weeks of treatment though. I also bathed in it, about one cup in the tub. It really softened my skin, and calmed the itching. Before this I saw two different doctors, we tried a ton of different medications, nothing worked. My legs were covered in it, and it traveled up to my groin area, where it thrived with the warmer temperature. This went on for almost a year. So just use the Apple cider vinegar and skip the dr. Bills!
i have a question. when u put the apple cider vinegar on, do u let it sit for 10-15mins and then rince it off?
Did you also drink it? I have a fungal infection on my stomach and back and despite creams and shampoo it doesn’t seem to be getting any better – in fact it’s spreading. I’ve just ordered some ACV and was thinking of drinking it too but perhaps that’s overkill?
We’ve had a bottle of it in the house and I usually use it in cooking, sometimes in drinking water. I’ve started drinking it more often and, I didn’t realize it until now, but my heart used to POUND pretty hard even when I was resting and it hasn’t been since I started using ACV daily.
This happens when I take it right before bed. I cannot sleep and my heart starts pounding. It’s weird, I know, same thing if I take a vitamin too late in the day. Take it earlier in the day.
I noticed you mention not taking ACV undiluted. Why is that?
I’ve been taking it for reflux and it seems like it’s making it worse – could this be why?
Undiluted is really concentrated on your throat tissue… diluted will still work without the pain!
I have had horrible acid reflux and I am trying apple cider vinegar today… will see if it helps. Thanks!!
any improvements?
Any suggestion on a dilution thay may work for my 16 month old son, he suffers from Acid Reflux and is currently on medication. I am looking for an alternative and have seen ACV come up a few times.
Can I use ACV to treat fungal nail infection?
Yes! I had nail fungus on my big toe. Doctors tried all sorts of remedies without success. They wanted to simply remove the nail. I told them I wanted to try one more thing: My home made ACV. It took 3 months of continuous foot baths and ACV applications, done 3 X daily, without fail. But it cured my nail fungus and my toenail isn’t ugly anymore because it grew out healthy. Now, a monthly foot soak using 4 Tbsp ACV to a 5 quart tub of very warm water and a nail scrub brush does the trick in keeping any fungus away.
I poured out a little today and noticed that there were little things moving in the vinegar :S they were tiny white organisms thinner than hair with a length of about 2mm. They moved with their flagella much like sperm. Is that the ‘mother’ or is it contaminated?
Doesn’t sound good. Hopefully someone will respond. I would simply purchase Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar rather than make it from scratch.
i think they are called vinegar eels. google it
Is Apple Cider unique among vinegars in these ways? Can another vinegar be substituted for ACV?
Also, how important is it for the mother to be present, or for the ACV to be unrefined/unfiltered?
Thanks!!
Natural Apple Cider Vinegar with “the mother” still has living organisms and beneficial bacteria. It is also high in b-vitamins. Other vinegars don’t offer this advantage. From that stand point, it is very important for it to be unfiltered/refined and to have “the mother”
Most grocery stores should carry Bragg’s which is one good brand
Should I shake it up to mix all the sediment at the bottom of the bottle?
Yes, gently.
Hi Katie! I have done some reading on coconut vinegar. Some people are saying it is more beneficial than and can work in substitution of acv. Do you use it for anything? Or have an opinion on it?
Thanks!
Carrie ann
It is great too and I use them interchangeably.
is the unpasturized version safe to give to kids daily. I mix a tbsp in juice for my son. I have not been using the unpasturized. To get the maximum benefit, it looks like I should be.
Please advise if this form is safe for kids. He is 7.
What does “the mother” mean? I use Trader Joe’s organic pasteurized unfiltered ACV.
The mother is the stuff that makes the vinegar vinegar.
Does the apple cider vinegar skin toner need to stay in the fridge to stay fresh?
i had my first yeast infection last week. i recently have decided to buck most ‘traditional’ medicine, so after looking up some home remedies i actually used it as a diluted douche. (tmi?) and it was miraculous. i would really only mention something so personal, because it worked so well!
I’ve heard that too… glad to hear it actually works!
It works miraculously on yeast infections
How does it….I’m pregnant and it hasn’t helped me yet…should I apply it externally??
In reading some of the comments and replies, i assume Raw ACV is the one which offers the most benefits (vs pasteurized), is that correct? I am a breastfeeding mom with Thrush on my nipples and have been applying pasteurized ACV directly to my nipples (undiluted). I don’t even know if this is helpful. I am hesitant to drink Raw ACV (diluted in water) as any harmful organisms could transfer through my milk to my baby. Any suggestions? thank you!
It is totally safe to use durring pregnancy and breastfeeding. I am currently 24 weeks and have been so aiming since 17 to ward off cold and flu season. It says in the BRAGGS website that it is safe to consume while pregnant. Also, it is effective at killing ecoli.
i know it works i have diabetis and prone to vaginal yeast inf. i wash my self with it diluted in water and sometimes wipe it off with cotton ball with acv and water,i use braggs vinegar dont forget to shake the bottle the mother are the brown sediments at the bottom, i also scrub it on my scalp when it itches,and wipe parts of my body esp my foot have yeast infection takes out the brown spots and take the itch out i think it is tinea versicular
I’ve used Apple Cider vinegar in cranberry juice to get rid of bladder infections for the past several years. I add 3 TBSPs to a half cup of cranberry juice and drink it 3 times a day until the irritation and burning is gone. For me it usually only takes 1-3 days and it works like a charm.
It saves on the trip to the doctor’s office to get an antibiotic that usually causes a yeast infection. Then, I used to use an over the counter vaginal cream to get rid of the yeast infection.
May I ask where the location of your pain and burning was relating to your bladder? I have been back and forth to my doctor for 3 months trying to find out why I have pain under my rib cage. Ultra sound and xrays tests showed normal. But herbalist I had gone to as last resort was very sure its my gallbladder but my doctor disagree and would not prescribe me anything but pain killers. I did not take her advice. So i googled gallbladder infection and came across your post. I tried your acv with cranberry juice and it lessened my 3 months pain…so that is why I would like to know the location of your pain and burning when you had bladder issues. It will be a great help if you reply to me so I know if its definitely my bladder or something else. My doctor based everything on test results “normal”…so she pretty much gave up eventhough I still have the pai and discomfort. Please reply. Thank you. In the meantime I will continue your acv and cranberry drink.
You are describing the location of the gallbladder, not the bladder. I understand it is confusing with such similar names, but they are unrelated. Your bladder holds your urine. When there is an infection present, you will feel pain upon urinating. You may also experience urgency, increased frequency or feeling the need to urinate constantly, and hesitancy. Gallbladder symptoms are entirely different.
I’ve used ACV effectively to remove my children’s warts:)
Great to know!
Wish I’d known this years ago! I drink ACV daily and believe it contributes to my good health in many ways.
Definitely I enjoyed using Apple acv since last 3 months…
did you simply use a diluted amount on a cotton ball or how did you do this?
I did the same thing. I just put non-diluted apple cider vinegar on a piece of cotton from a cotton ball, placed it on the wart and wrapped it with a bandaid (this was so the bandaid pad didn’t get soaked with avc and really let loose the stink). I left mine over night and redid it the next day. Afterwards, I let it dry out and put what my herb store calls Burn Salve to heal the skin. Mine had been around for almost a year and was so stubborn that conventional methods wouldn’t work. I wasn’t about to go to the doctor and tell his the scrape it out.
I took drastic measures with my treatment. If this were to happen again, I’d would do the same thing but maybe once a day for 30 minutes to an hour.
I used coconut vinegar for a wart and it worked as well. 🙂
What is cocunut vinegar
We use this for warts also. Put it on a cotton ball and hold it in place with a bandaid. Leave it on all night and do it until the wart turns dark and goes away. You can leave it on during the day, and night, but it can be painful. It works really well, even for plantar warts.
Me too!
YES!! This does work!! I just soaked some in a cotton ball and ‘taped’ it to my wart with a band aide…I had a very large one and took around 2 weeks but it is now completely gone! And has never come back… That was a year or more ago 🙂
Pls how did u use it.
Any chance the molluscum kind
Hi! My 6 year old had molluscum warts all over her legs where her eczema was the chemist said nothing can be done due to her sever eczema but they were wrong! We got lemon myrtle oil mixed 5drops with 20mls of olive oil and put it EVERY Single bump with a Cotten tip every night cover with a dressing. Within a month they were ALL gone!!!! Her eczema did flar up BUT we controlled that after we cleared the molluscum warts. They look worse before they get better but please continue it does work!