Apple cider vinegar has been around for ages; since about 400 B.C., to be exact. The bottle of apple cider vinegar in your pantry can be used for much more than cooking. Organic apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal which makes for a great all natural medication and cleaner for your home. Here are my top 10 uses for apple cider vinegar that I hope inspire to you reach for that bottle instead of something toxic that could harm your family.
10 USES FOR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
WEED KILLER: I’ve been using this recipe for years in my garden. At times, I’ve made a double batch of this solution and placed it in a large spray container to make it easier to keep the mixture on the weeds and not on the plants or flowers, because it will kill everything in sight. Mix 1/2 gallon apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup salt and 1 teaspoon dish soap.
GNAT KILLER: I keep a little glass container in my kitchen behind my bread box and fruit bowl filled with apple cider vinegar. I add a few drops of dish soap to it and time after time it has attracted those little buggers so I don’t see them around my fruit. This little recipe also has a double duty because it can neutralize odors which is great when you cook bacon or curry.
DIGESTIVE HELP: I am constantly gassy and one way that I keep that in check is by putting a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water or tea. I drink it before meals or when I feel extra bloated. Apple cider vinegar can also help with constipation since the vinegar stimulates digestive juices that help your body breakdown food. Pregnant? Got Heartburn? The tea will work for that too. Can’t stand the taste, just add a teaspoon of honey.
SOOTHE A SORE THROAT: Because apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal it’s perfect for killing bacteria that cause a sore throat. Gargle with equal parts of warm water and apple cider vinegar when your sore throat starts and repeat frequently until signs of relief.
RELIEVES DRY SCALP: My scalp has been so dry within the last year or so. So much so that I would wake up and itch, crazy right? Once I started using apple cider vinegar, it stopped. I put equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar into a squeeze bottle and put it on my scalp a few times a week before I shampoo. If you have dandruff, this mixture will work for that too.
BLEMISH FIGHTER: Take one of those empty face toner bottles and put some apple cider vinegar in it and dilute with a little water. Using a cotton ball dab some of the mixture on your face to fight off acne and help reduce the appearance of age spots. For me, it’s a lifesaver during “that time of the month.”
SUNBURN & ITCH RELIEVE: I never go camping without my apple cider vinegar. Using a cotton ball I dab it on bug bites, or poison ivy. If you’ve been out in the sun too long take a cool bath and add a few capfuls in the water which will help restore your skin’s PH levels and reduce the pain.
DETOX HELPER: After the new year and at the end of the summer I like to do a detox. Clean eating, no caffeine or alcohol for a few weeks to get my body back on track. Apple cider vinegar helps with circulation and to detoxify the liver. The potassium content helps break up mucus in the body and clears the lymph nodes which aids in the removal of toxins. I add it to my juices, make apple cider tea or just take a teaspoon of it every day that I detox.
CLEARS SINUSES: I’ve suffered from seasonal allergies and sinus issues for years and I recently started drinking an apple cider tea at night when my sinuses are going crazy. It can help prevent an infection and will help you breathe better at night.
FADE BRUISES: I have two boys who pretty much have permanent bruises at this point but when they stop long enough for me to catch them after a bruise appears I dab some apple cider vinegar on it. It acts as a anti-inflammatory and will help ease discoloration.
So go out and stock up on apple cider vinegar to help your home and family naturally. Just make sure that you purchase organic apple cider vinegar to make sure it’s truly non-toxic.
Trina O’Boyle is a Drexel Hill mom of two, a contributor to MK’s MomSpeak blogroll and an organic cooking expert. Check out her meal plans, recipes and ruminations at O’Boy Organic.
