7 Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Let’s talk about that sweet sour smell of vinegar for a second. What says clean, more than the tangy sweet, potent smell of vinegar whether it be white or apple cider. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, your missing out homie. We have been using vinegar as a cleaner, hair conditioner, antacid, cold buster, odor remover, you name we’ve used vinegar for it. The journey into the world of vinegar has been amazing. I encourage you to dip your little baby toe in and join us, it’s going to be life changing. That’s right, I said life changing.

What is vinegar you ask:

White vinegar is usually made from fermented grains. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made from, you guessed it, fermented apples. However, it can be made from almost any carbohydrate. Vinegar is made once the sugar in the carbohydrate is broken down into an alcohol and then that alcohol is broken down into a vinegar. I am sure you are familiar with this process when it comes to beer or wine, which are both fermented.

White distilled vinegar is usually used for cleaning, pickling, cooking, laundry, I mean the list can go on and on. It is very high in acetic acid. And really should be a staple in your pantry. Apple cider vinegar is high in not just acetic acid but also, citric, formic, malic, succinic and lactic acid. It contains potassium. Is an anti inflammatory. Is an anti fungal and antibacteria. It is used the same way distilled vinegar is used, however, it contains a little more nutrients then distilled. Apple cider vinegar can help relieve mucus, heartburn, colds, stomach aches fatigue, again the list can go on and on. I’m going to share a handful of ways that you can start incorporating vinegar into your life. It’s going to be so much fun!

Heartburn or acid reflux

Acid reflux is caused by having too little acid in your stomach. So when you feel it coming or even in the midst of total heartburn, mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 8oz of water and down that sucker. Seriously within a minute, if not less, it’s gone. Same thing if you have a stomach ache. Apples have a high content of pectin, a natural substance found in a lot of fruit, which has been known to help relieve intestinal spasms. A little side note, pectin, which is a main ingredient in canning jam because of its ability to thicken, also helps relieve diarrhea. It has the same effect in the intestinal tract, it will help thicken. Sounds kinda gross. But hey, next time you have the runs, you got your BFF apple cider vinegar. Don’t forget to dilute it with water though, you don’t want to burn that little baby throat of yours.

Hair conditioner

This one may need sometime to get used to. You pretty much smell like a salad dressing for the rest of the day. But your hair will be nice, soft and shiny. It’s the price you pay right! Here your going to mix a tablespoon of ACV in a cup of water, shake it up a little and bam hair conditioner use it as you would regular conditioner. When transitioning to natural shampoo and conditioner you may experience greasy hair for about two weeks. This happens because you are stripping your hair from chemicals and toxins. You are pretty much detoxing your hair. So hang in there with your greasy self, it will pass.

Facial toner

Dab some ACV on a cotton swab and gently rub, use a circular motion, over your entire face and neck. The lactic acids found in this beautiful bottle of goodness helps soften skin, reduce redness and helps control acne. Just like it balances out the ph in your scalp when you use it as hair conditioner, it balances out the ph in your face.

Helps fight a sore throat

Mix one tablespoon to one 8 oz glass of water and gargle for as long as you can when you have a sore throat. The acid in the ACV kills the bacteria in the throat.

Cold buster

Mix 1-2 tablespoons ACV, 1 teaspoon honey, a squirt of lemon, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Down that sucker and man oh man, you’ll be singing in no time. Well after repeating at least once a day until symptoms reduce.

Energy booster

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with 8oz of water and drink morning, noon and night. Not only to gain the health benefits. It also to increase your natural energy. ACV contains potassium, which helps the body fight fatigue. Much healthier then downing a Monster for energy.

Reduce sinus mucus

This one sounds kinda gross but if you are anything like me, full of snot no matter what time of year it is, you’ll appreciate this one. Again, here you are going to mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with 8oz of water. Drink up yo. The potassium in ACV helps thin out the mucus in your sinuses and the acetic acid helps prevent growth of bacteria that causes nasal congestion.

This stuff is amazing. I love the way it taste but some may need some time to get used to it. Either way figure out a way to incorporate into your life, you won’t regret it. If it’s not to boost your energy mid day then at least add it to your laundry to help remove odor. One way or another enjoy the vinegar life.

Happy vinegaring!