This article was originally published on Kueez
If you're wondering what's up with the sudden hype around apple cider vinegar, first of all, you should know this isn't sudden at all. People have been raving about ACV since ancient times, and the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, is said to have prescribed a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey for a variety of ills. From cooking to cleaning, to preserving, to beautifying, it seems like there's nothing ACV can't do. Read on for some literally life-changing uses for this kitchen staple!
Finally, an Efficient and Affordable Skin Toner
In need of a good facial toning product? If you ever look up something like "apple cider vinegar skin" online, you'll find hundreds of thousands of results from people raving about ACV's benefits in the beauty department. A popular DIY that keeps popping up was a skin toner that's said to be efficient and affordable, and it couldn't be easier to make - it's just ACV and distilled or filtered water, mixed in a small bottle.
People claim it is beneficial because it kills bacteria and balances the pH level of the skin, leaving the face clear and soft, and with less bumps and blackheads. They recommend applying it in the morning and in the evening.
It's Great for Treating Eczema, Especially on Babies
People who live with eczema know how annoying it can be to deal with constantly red, itchy skin, and how frustrating it is to search for something that alleviates those uncomfortable symptoms. They tend to try many products until they find one that works for them, and as it turns out, apple cider vinegar has been pointed out by many as an efficient ingredient to add to warm baths, as it supposedly helps restore the skin's natural acidity.
Some people claim it is especially great for treating eczema in babies, but the general recommendation is to always speak to a doctor first before trying out any treatments that could affect one's health.
When You've Got Bad Sunburn and Need Relief
We've all been guilty of having a little too much fun in the sun. We're not proud of it, but sometimes, yes, we have sunbathed between 11am and 3pm, and no, we didn't reapply our sunscreen every two hours. The result is inevitable - a painful sunburn that immediately makes us regret our life choices. There are many recipes online that claim to be the ultimate solution for sunburns, and one of them is, you guessed it, apple cider vinegar.
People who swear by ACV say the acid works as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, providing relief with a cooling effect. Spraying a mixture of vinegar and water on the sunburned skin and taking a bath in diluted vinegar are two popular DIY methods for treating sunburns.
Fruit Fly Problem? Apple Cider Vinegar to the Rescue
Fruit flies are pesky and annoying, but at least they are easy to deal with - that is, if you have enough apple cider vinegar in your home. Apparently, ACV makes for the most efficient fruit fly trap out there, and it is very easy to put together Just pour around a cup of apple cider vinegar into a small bowl, add a couple of drops of dish soap (no need to mix), and place the cup in the area where you've seen the infestation of fruit flies.
The little flies will be attracted by the cider vinegar and attempt to land on its surface, but the dish soap will make them sink. In no time, the cup will be filled with drowned fruit flies, in which case you can rinse and repeat as needed.
No More Makeup Remover Wipes
Anyone who's into skincare knows that removing their makeup at the end of the day is one of the most important things they can do for their skin, after all, there's no point in investing in expensive serums and creams if your pores are clogged up from accumulated foundation mixed with city gunk. Some people who are into natural beauty swear by apple cider vinegar as the ultimate makeup remover, and it is so easy to make, too.
The recipe couldn't be simpler - just one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water. This mixture is said to get rid of even the toughest makeup, while still being gentle on the skin.
Keep Ants at Bay With This Easy Trick
This tip is especially useful for people who live in houses and have to deal with insects coming in from outside. If you hate ants and don't want them anywhere near your home, apple cider vinegar may come in handy. Some folks say that although ACV is not an effective way to completely eliminate those insects, it works as a short term deterrent, which honestly, sounds good enough for us.
The idea is to mix ACV and water in a 50/50 ratio and spray that along the areas where you think the ants are coming into your home. That should mess up their scent trail and keep them from coming in, and as long as you spray those doors, baseboards, and windows regularly, the ants should stay away from you and your family.
Make Your Jewelry Shine Like Brand New
According to experts, jewelry should be cleaned regularly, especially if we're talking about a piece that is worn every day. Exposure to sweat, makeup, oils, and dirt can cause it to discolor and appear dingy over time, and we don't want that, right? Fine jewelry is best off being cleaned professionally, but there are plenty of recipes online for people who want to clean their own non-pearl, non-gemstone jewelry at home.
They usually involve soaking the jewelry in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and baking soda, and letting it rest from a few minutes to a couple of hours. After a cold water rinse, the items should be shining like new.
It Works Great as a Humidifier Cleaner
Humidifiers are a lifesaver for people who live in dry areas, especially in winter, when the humidity levels decrease and even breathing becomes uncomfortable. However, humidifiers are also the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria, and all that nastiness can be transferred into the mist it releases into the air. It's important to keep your humidifier clean, and one way to do so is with a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water.
According to people online, by regularly soaking the removable components of the humidifier and then rinsing them thoroughly, you can keep your appliance in tip top condition.
Replace Those Harsh Cleaning Sprays With Something Healthier
There's nothing more satisfying than sitting back and enjoying a freshly-cleaned home, but as people become more conscious about the products that they use around the house, many have switched from store-bought disinfectants to DIY alternatives made with apple cider vinegar. ACV is the base for many eco-friendly multi-purpose cleaners out there, and they are so easy to put together! More often than not, they're just a mixture of ACV and water.
The mixture is said to work on countertops, stovetop, microwaves, refrigerators, and even mirrors, for a streak-free shine - the secret there, apparently, is to use it with a coffee filter.
If You Have a Clogged Drain, Apple Cider Vinegar Is Your Best Friend
Clogged drains are one of those annoying facts of life, but they can be less annoying if we tackle them before they become a huge issue - that is, according to the internet. People say that by regularly cleaning the drains with hot water, followed by baking soda, followed by apple cider vinegar, followed by more hot water, you can keep on top of a slow-moving drain before it turns into a clog monster.
This doesn't work for drains that are completely clogged, but if you are looking for a gentle and eco-friendly way of dealing with those drains, this may be a good option.
Drinking It Slows the Breakdown of Carbs
This story is probably fake, but it is said that once, when questioned about the secret to her good looks, legendary Italian actress Sophia Loren replied with, "Everything you see I owe to spaghetti." Well, we don't know how she feels about apple cider vinegar then, because people believe it can decrease the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood and/or slow the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugars. If that's true, spaghetti will never be the same again.
People say this can be achieved by drinking diluted ACV before eating, but as with anything health-related, one should talk to a doctor before trying any home remedies and solutions.
Use It to Relieve the Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of joints that cause stiffness and pain, often restricting mobility and affecting a person's ability to carry out even simple daily tasks. It's no wonder people are constantly looking for ways to relieve its symptoms, and a popular method involves the ingestion of diluted apple cider vinegar. ACV is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, so the logic is that it would reduce the inflammation of the joints.
Some people swear by it, but since there is no scientific evidence backing up this claim, it's safer to consult a doctor before trying out any home remedies, especially if you are on prescribed treatments.
A Quick Solution for Fleas on Your Pet
Fleas are annoying little pests that can affect dogs, cats, and humans, so if you notice them in your house or on your pet, you should take care of them as fast as possible. They multiply fast, after all, and a handful of them can quickly turn into a serious infestation. People say that apple cider vinegar makes for a good flea spray for pets, because although it doesn't kill the fleas, it repels them.
The insects don't like the taste and smell of ACV, so as long as the pets have it on their fur, they should be safe. The idea is to dilute it in water and apply it with a spray bottle, but you might want to consult a veterinarian first.
Cottage-Cheese Skin and Cellulite No More
Orange-peel skin, cottage-cheese skin, hail damage, or simply cellulite. No matter what you call it, that skin dimpling is super annoying for men and women everywhere, and it is notoriously difficult to treat. Some say that you can't really get rid of it, but simply make it less noticeable with a combined effort of brisk exercise and a healthy diet. But then, there are those who say that all it takes is a bit of apple cider vinegar.
Those who believe in the magical powers of ACV say that drinking a cup of water with a little ACV can break up cellulite from the inside, but unsurprisingly, there's no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Keep Your Hair Color From Fading With This Easy Recipe
Apple cider vinegar is used by many people who regularly dye their hair, as they believe it closes the hair cuticles, reducing color fading, and maintaining its vibrancy. Because ACV is slightly acidic, it should be mixed with a few parts water - it depends on everyone's hair type. If you look up "apple cider vinegar color-treated hair" online, you'll surely find plenty of relevant recipes.
According to one popular recipe, one part vinegar should be mixed with five parts water, and then sprayed into the scalp, worked into the hair with your finger for a few minutes, and then rinsed with cool water.
Getting Rid of Candida Doesn't Have to Be Hard
Candida is a type of yeast that normally lives in small amounts in different parts of the body without causing any problems, but it is opportunistic, and when the environment is right, it can multiply and grow out of control, causing all sorts of problems. Not cool, candida. Some say that candida infections can be treated with apple cider vinegar thanks to its antifungal properties, and they use the ingredient in a variety of ways.
Depending on the type of infection, they may gargle it, drink it, or even apply it directly on the skin, by itself or mixed with coconut oil, which is another item believed to have antifungal properties.
It Prevents Parasitic Infections in Dogs
It's always a good idea to consult your vet before trying DIY recipes that might affect a dog's health. The subject here is parasitic infections, which is something that most dog owners have to deal with at some point. There are those who say that conventional worming tablets are not the only way to treat parasites in dogs, and they believe that apple cider vinegar is a safe, efficient, and cheap alternative.
They claim that adding up to one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a dog's water every day is beneficial because it increases the alkaline levels in their intestines, keeping parasites and worms at bay.
Kill Toenail Fungus With Apple Cider Vinegar as Your Accomplice
Feet are such hard workers, and a lot of times, we don't show them the appreciation they deserve. They carry us around all day, and what do we do for them? Hardly wash them in the shower, don't think about properly drying them, and then stick them in uncomfortable shoes. No wonder so many people suffer with issues such as toenail fungus. In those cases, an apple cider vinegar soak is recommended by many.
They say that mild forms of fungus can be treated with a 10 to 15 minutes daily soak in a vinegar solution, until you start to see improvement. If the symptoms don't improve, a doctor should be consulted.
Treat Your Sore Throat in a Natural Way
The scratchy sensation, the difficulty swallowing, the pain when talking - getting a sore throat is super annoying and uncomfortable, and when we get one, we just want it to be gone as fast as possible. Some people prefer to let them resolve on their own, some run to the pharmacy, and some prefer their homemade remedies. A popular one involves, you guessed it, our favorite combination of apples with yeast, apple cider vinegar.
Some people claim that to get rid of a sore throat fast, you need to add one to two teaspoons of ACV and salt to warm water, and gargle for 30 seconds, three times a day. Sounds easy enough.
Those Nasty Fever Blisters Will Heal Faster With ACV
Fever blisters, or cold sores, are tiny, fluid-filled blisters that usually form on the lips, but can also appear around and inside the mouth, and in the nose. They can be quite painful, which is why people would want to find ways to make them heal as fast as possible, and that leads us to apple cider vinegar. ACV can't cure fever blisters as they are caused by a virus, but since it is effective at removing dead skin cells, it may make them go away faster once they've reached the scabbing stage.
There's no scientific evidence backing up these treatments, but people claim that diluted ACV, ACV with tea tree essential oil, and ACV with honey are efficient in making fever blisters heal faster.
Try This for Your Dandruff, and Thank Us Later
Dandruff is not considered a serious condition and it is not contagious, but it can be quite embarrassing and lead to self-esteem issues. Apple cider vinegar to the rescue! Even though there's no scientific proof that ACV is an effective treatment for dandruff, those who recommend it say it works by stimulating the shedding of dead skin cells, balancing the pH, and reducing fungal growth on the scalp - plus, it's much cheaper than some of those store-bought shampoos.
A common way of using ACV for dandruff is to shampoo and rinse as normal, and then do a final rinse with diluted ACV (1/2 cup ACV to 1 1/2 cup of water).
Pregnant Women Swear by This for Morning Sickness
Pregnancy is a magical time, but you know what's not really magical? Regular nausea and vomiting that's not even necessarily triggered by anything in particular - it's just there. Some people report that drinking a tall glass of water mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar may help with the symptoms, however, caution is warranted. Too much ACV may worsen the nausea, and unpasteurized ingredients are usually not recommended for pregnant women.
There's no research proving that apple cider vinegar is either safe or unsafe for pregnancy, so you know the drill - for any health-related matters, a doctor should be consulted.
If Your Baby Gets Cradle Cap, Try This
Babies have notoriously soft, smooth skin, so new parents may be surprised when they come across a cradle cap for the very first time, but this skin condition is quite common, harmless, and not contagious. The causes for those rough patches on a baby's scalp aren't exactly known, but doctors think they're related to oil glands making more oil than it's needed, which causes dead skin cells to stick to the scalp.
The issue tends to go away on its own with time, but some parents like to make a solution of apple cider vinegar and water that they leave on the baby's hair for 10 minutes before rinsing off with clean water.
Drinking It Lowers Your Blood Sugar
Some believe that apple cider vinegar is the solution for chronic diseases such as diabetes, claiming that drinking one tablespoon of ACV diluted in a glass of water will lower blood sugar after meals. There have been a few studies looking at the link between ACV and blood sugar management, and while the results of some of them did show a connection, it's still early to make any definitive claims - but that doesn't stop people from making very confident declarations.
Apple cider vinegar is usually considered safe, though, so it may be worth trying after asking a doctor about it to make sure it won't lead to more harm than good.
It's the Best Way to Clean Fruits and Vegetables
This pandemic that changed the way we live our lives made us extra careful about hygiene in general. If you feel the same way, this popular way of using apple cider vinegar might be for you. People claim that ACV is the best way to clean fruits and vegetables, which is important not only to get rid of any chemicals and pesticides, but also because fresh produce is handled by a ton of people before it reaches your table.
They say you should start by placing your fruit and veggies in a large bowl, filling it with water, adding two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and letting it sit for 15 minutes. Then gently scrub, rinse, and enjoy your clean produce.
A Solution for Both Acne And Acne Scars
Acne is most common among teenagers, but it can affect anyone really, and dang it, it is annoying. This skin condition can make people feel extremely unattractive and seriously affect their self-esteem, which is why those who suffer from it are willing to try almost anything to get rid of it. Some say that apple cider vinegar can dry up breakouts, and may even help treat those pesky acne scars.
There are many DIY recipes involving ACV, and some of them call for it to be mixed with other pantry ingredients, such as coconut oil. Patch testing is recommended before using any homemade mixtures.
Making Buttermilk From Apple Cider Vinegar Is Easy
Tangy and rich but not overly fat, buttermilk is a must in several dishes from savory to sweet, and it's one of those ingredients that are difficult to replace. How many times have people started to prepare a batch of pancakes or biscuits, only to realize they were out of buttermilk, forcing them to run to the store in the middle of the recipe, or switch to a simple breakfast of cereal and milk?
They didn't know that people can quickly make their own buttermilk at home by adding one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to one cup of milk. After stirring well and letting the mixture sit for five minutes, the improvised buttermilk is ready to be used.
An Easy Trick for Preserving Foods
Pickling vegetables is the best way to hang on to the tasty abundance of summer for longer. Who wouldn't want to have the best, crispest, firmest, freshest vegetables of summer available to them all year long? That's why people love pickling veggies, and one of their favorites of doing so is with plenty of apple cider vinegar, which is excellent for preserving foods, and has a delicate, almost fruity taste to it.
Pickling vegetables may sound complicated, but there are plenty of recipes out there that allow you to put a jar together in mere 15 minutes. All you need is fresh vegetables, ACV, salt, and sugar.
Experts Say It Can Help You Lose Dangerous Belly Fat
Apple cider vinegar sure sounds like the solution to all of our problems, if we believe everything that's said about it online. Many people are certain that drinking ACV, or even consuming ACV-based pills, can help them lose belly fat and eventually lose weight, too. The thing is that there have been studies suggesting that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may promote weight loss by burning fat, reducing fat storage, and suppressing appetite, but those studies were done on mice and rats.
As of now, there aren't any conclusive studies showing whether apple cider vinegar has the same effect on humans, but that doesn't stop people from believing in the powers of ACV.
How to Get Those Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are often the first thing people learn how to make in the kitchen, since it's theoretically the easiest dish one can prepare, but mastering the art of the boiled egg is not that easy, is it? There is a trick to it, however. The secret to perfect hard boiled eggs every time, according to some people, is adding a little bit of apple cider vinegar to the cooking water.
People claim that one tablespoon of vinegar is enough to soften the shells slightly, making them way easier to peel, and the good thing is that you can't actually taste the ACV in the eggs.
Try Making Delicious Vinaigrette With Apple Cider Vinegar
Store-bought salad dressing sure is convenient, but people claim that once you start making your own salad dressings at home, you can never go back. Making your own dressing at home is cheaper, often healthier, and it actually doesn't take as long as one might think. In fact, once you get the hang of it, you can put together a delicious fresh vinaigrette in just a couple of minutes - it's worth a try!
A good vinaigrette depends on the balance of several flavors, apple cider vinegar being a central one. The secret is how to properly combine it with an oil, such as olive oil, an allium, such as onions, and an emulsifier, such as mustard.
Make a Great Marinade for Meat
When we think about apple cider vinegar in the context of food, we usually picture it as a base for salad dressings, but apparently ACV works great as a marinade for meat, too! People who swear by it say that ACV is great not only because it gives the meat a delicious tangy flavor, but it also tenderizes it before cooking. The secret is to balance the flavors - since ACV can be quite strong, you should mix it with another liquid, and also with some type of fat.
For instance, apple cider vinegar with soy sauce and vegetable oil. You can also add stuff like onions and garlic, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary for extra flavor.
At Last, A Way to Clean Your Toothbrush Without Chemicals
You wouldn't wipe a counter with a filthy cloth, so why would you brush your teeth with a filthy toothbrush? People say that toothbrushes need to be cleaned regularly, and we're not gonna argue with that logic. It doesn't take much to keep the instrument clean, apparently - all it takes is a cup of water, a couple spoons of apple cider vinegar, a couple spoons of baking soda. Then, the head of the toothbrush should rest in the mix for 30 minutes, according to the popular recipes online.
The important thing to remember is to rinse the brush very well after those 30 minutes, because any leftover vinegar in the toothbrush could be damaging to the teeth.
You Can Use It as a Natural Denture Cleaner
There are plenty of commercial denture cleaners out there, but people who like to find a natural solution for everything in their life will say that apple cider vinegar is the best option for keeping their dentures disinfected and stain-free. As you may know, dentures should be cleaned every night, and using a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water is probably much more affordable than using store-bought cleaners, so that's another point for the homemade alternative.
However, since there's a chance that the vinegar could affect the material, it's recommended that one talks to their dentist first, before soaking their denture in an ACV / water solution.
They Say It Lowers the Risk of Heart Problems
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, so it only makes sense that people would look for ways to keep their heart healthy. Many believe that apple cider vinegar is the way to do so. There have been some animal studies suggesting that ACV can reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol, both of which are risk factors for heart disease, leading many to believe that the same must apply to humans.
There is no conclusive scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar is good for heart health in humans, but people are still willing to give ACV a shot.
A Surprisingly Helpful Solution for Unwanted Plants in the Garden
People caring for a garden know how annoying it is to deal with weeds - they seem to multiply much faster than the plants you actually want to grow, and if not handled in time, they can take over all the space, light, and soil nutrients. Some gardeners swear by apple cider vinegar as the solution for those unwanted plants. They say that pouring ACV on the weeds can get rid of them quickly and easily.
The important thing to remember is that ACV can affect any plant, not just the unwanted weeds, so you should be careful when you are spraying it around the garden.
Lower the Risk of Serious Illnesses by Drinking ACV
From cooking to cleaning, to preserving, to beautifying, apple cider vinegar has a lot of uses, and that's great. Some of the claims about the uses of ACV, however, are bolder than others. There are those who believe that apple cider vinegar can lower the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer, saying that the product alkalinizes the body (alkalinizes = makes it less acidic), which would supposedly help in the elimination of cancer cells.
Most of the research surrounding ACV as a cancer treatment involves animals or tissue samples rather than living humans, so scientifically, there's no backing to those claims.
The Most Natural Way to Get Pearly White Teeth
It is natural for teeth to become slightly yellow as a person ages, but yellow teeth are seen as unattractive, and people are willing to try all sorts of home treatments to make them look white again. Some swear by the powers of apple cider vinegar, saying that two teaspoons of ACV in a cup of water, swished for 30 seconds, work great as a natural way to whiten teeth.
The issue is that this method could potentially weaken the tooth enamel, so people say it is important to rinse the mouth thoroughly with clear water after swishing the apple cider vinegar solution.
Athletes Use It to Prevent Muscle Cramps
Scientists still haven't reached a consensus on what causes muscle cramps, but we can all probably agree that those sudden, involuntary, intense muscle pains are extremely annoying. We've always heard that bananas help because they're rich in potassium, but apparently, many athletes - aka people who get a lot of cramps - tout the benefits of pickle juice. Some say that the reason why pickle juice works is because, you guessed it, of the apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar supposedly works because it is rich in potassium, and according to some people, its protein, enzymes, and friendly bacteria also provide plenty of health benefits.
A Healthy and Affordable Way to Make Sure Your Breath Is Always Fresh
It seems like there's nothing apple cider vinegar can't do. Some people say that the fermented apple juice is also the best natural way to fight bad breath, so you can add that to its already extensive list of alleged benefits. Those who believe in "nature's Listerine" say they trust ACV's antibacterial properties, as well as its pH-balancing properties, and they are happy with their homemade, natural, and affordable solution.
What they do is to mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a tall glass of water. Some people like to gargle, and some prefer to simply drink it before meals.