Long ago, people recognized the healing properties of vinegar. Although vinegar is not a cure all, it does have many beneficial properties. Vinegar can be taken internally or used topically. Vinegar is used to improve overall health and to treat a variety of specific ailments.
Types
White distilled vinegar has no health benefits. It is apple cider vinegar that is credited with healing properties rather than white distilled vinegar, which is most often used for cleaning. Use organic apple cider vinegar to reap the most health rewards. Organic apple cider vinegar can be found in most health food stores.
Acne
Vinegar has antibacterial properties. It is also a natural antiseptic. Vinegar is good for the skin and can be used to treat acne. OrganicPassion.info recommends both internal and external use of apple cider vinegar for best results in clearing up acne. Mix a solution of vinegar and water and apply with a cotton ball two to three times daily. Use this solution as an astringent for oily skin. Apple cider vinegar is even used to reduce the appearance of age spots and cellulite. Add two to three cups of vinegar to a tub of water.
Sore Throat
Innvista.com recommends gargling with apple cider vinegar to soothe and help heal a sore throat. Use a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to gargle. Repeat several times a day. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after gargling.
Vinegar can also eliminate bad breath. Apple cider vinegar fights infection and the bacteria that cause infection and bad breath.
Apple cider vinegar also helps strengthen the immune system and aids in clearing up sinus infections.
Digestive Disorders
Apple cider vinegar is aids in the process of breaking down and absorption of food. The acidic composition of vinegar discourages the growth of bacteria, fungus and viruses in the intestinal tract and restores the pH balance, therefore preventing many digestive disorders. Mix 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar in 8 oz. of water two to three times daily to aid digestion. According to information at Innvista.com drinking apple cider vinegar and water before meals can improve digestion.
Arthritis
Apple cider vinegar can help relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Soak the affected joints in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water or apply a cloth soaked in the mixture to the area. Internal consumption of apple cider vinegar can also be beneficial to arthritis sufferers. The usual dosage is 2 tsp. of vinegar in an 8 oz. glass of water two to three times per day. Rosabay.com states that a component of apple cider vinegar called malic acid can break up the uric acid deposits in joints that cause arthritis pain.
Weight Loss
People who have difficulty losing weight may turn to apple cider vinegar. It is unclear how apple cider vinegar aids weight loss, but drinking a solution of vinegar and water before meals seems to do the trick. Apple cider vinegar can also be taken undiluted. According to Rosabay.com, apple cider vinegar increases metabolism and improves the metabolic process causing the body to use more energy and store less fat.
Considerations
For those who cannot tolerate the taste even when mixed in a glass of water, add a spoonful of honey to sweeten the taste. Honey has several beneficial properties of its own so by adding honey you reap the health benefits of both products.
Tags: cider vinegar, vinegar water, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, apple cider
