19 amazing benefits and uses of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar really is a cure-all, plus it’s amazing around the house. The use of apple cider vinegar has been recorded by some of the greatest civilisations on Earth.

Still using it solely for cooking? Here are a few ways you can make the most out of this liquid gold.

1. As a non-toxic cleaner

Apple cider vinegar can be used to clean a whole range of household items without using nasty chemicals. Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar will do a much better job of your floors than your standard mix and you can make your own solution at home by combining equal parts water and vinegar. Don’t worry about the smell either, as it will disappear as the solution dries.

2. Remove dandruff

Weird as it might sound, by spraying a solution of ¼ cup of water and ¼ apple cider vinegar onto your scalp, you can rid yourself of dandruff. The acidity in the vinegar helps to prevent the increased growth of a fungus on the scalp that causes dandruff. Just leave the solution on for 15 minutes and then rinse. Use the spray twice a week and you can say goodbye to those expensive salon products!

3. Ease a sunburn 

Not a quick cure for sunburnt skin, but a simple way to ease any discomfort is to add 1 – 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a bath and soak for 10 minutes. Like it does when fighting body odours, the vinegar will help to restore your PH levels and leave your skin feeling fresh and soothed.

5. Calm itchy skin

Utilising its PH altering gifts, apple cider vinegar will calm an itchy skin if applied directly to the problem spot.

6. Whiten your teeth

If your pearly whites aren’t so pearly anymore, add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and swish around your mouth. The solution will help to fight stains and return your teeth to their former glory.

7. Clear sinuses

The antibacterial qualities of apple cider vinegar make this liquid a mucous-fighting machine. Mix some water and vinegar and sip to clear your cold and prevent further infection.

8. Soothe a sore throat

Use any left over solution from your sinus clearing drink to soothe your sore throat as well. Simply gargle the mixture at the first sign of discomfort and repeat every hour (or as needed).

9. Keep pets flea-free

Using our favourite mixture – equal parts water and vinegar, you can stop your animals from harbouring fleas. After consulting with your vet (every animal is unique) rub the solution into their skin to repel an infestation.

10. Fade bruises

Bruises are a unsightly but unavoidable part of life. Utilise the anti-inflammatory effects of the liquid by dabbing it to the bruised skin to ease discolouration and swelling.

12. Eliminate bad breath

If you’re using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, to clear sinuses, sooth a sore throat, or ease digestion, you’re going to notice an excellent side effect – the anti-bacterial properties mean you can say goodbye to bad breath as well. That’s what we call a win-win situation.

13. Get rid of age spots

The power of the citrus in the orange helps to light dark spots. Mix one teaspoon of orange juice with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and then use a clean cotton ball to put this mixture on your age spots before you go to bed.

14. Treat body odour

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful bacteria-fighting ingredient. It also helps eliminate body odour by balancing the pH level of your skin.

Simple soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and rub it on your underarms. Wait two to three minutes and rinse in the shower. Do this twice daily, once in the morning and again before going to bed, until you notice improvement.

15. Heal warts

ACV’s high acidity attacks the “flesh” that makes up the wart, kills the physical wart itself, and allows it to peel naturally from the skin. This should take the virus with it, and it shouldn’t return anytime soon. Apply with a cotton cloth daily and pumice stone remove any dried skin so it can penetrate.

16. Relieve a headache with a compress

Apple cider vinegar has a multitude of health applications but is particularly useful when it comes to treating headaches. Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into a large bowl, and then fill the bowl halfway with boiling water. Place a towel over your head so that it drapes over the bowl, trapping the steam, and hold your face over it. Do this for 5-10 minutes.

17. Acid reflux

Not many people realise by acid reflux typically results from having too little acid in your stomach. You can easily improve the acid content of your stomach by drinking one tablespoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water every day.

18. Curb flatulence

ACV is one of the best natural remedies for digestion. You will get almost instant relief from indigestion and gas by mixing up a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of warm to hot water. Sip slowly.

19. Get rid of skin tags

Another acidic remedy but this one is with ACV. Soak a cotton ball with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and apply it to the skin tag. To avoid stinging and itching, dilute the vinegar with some water.

What do you use apple cider vinegar for? Have you tried out any of the ideas on our list?