Argan oil was super-popular a few years back, then coconut oil had its day in the sun. But another natural product, one that your mother, grandmother, or great-grandmother may have used, is probably residing in your kitchen right now! With the amazing benefits of organic raw apple cider vinegar (ACV), it’s sure to become a staple in your bathroom medicine cabinet, too.
Check out all the unique ways apple cider vinegar can improve your health and beauty routine!
1. Improve skin tone
Gently wiping a soft cloth soaked in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water over your face serves as not only a natural astringent, but also serves to smooth the skin, absorb oil, and even reduce fine lines. Dabbing diluted ACV on age spots, pimples, and scars and leaving it on overnight may even diminish their appearance.
2. Whiten teeth
By rubbing apple cider vinegar right onto them, you can eliminate stained and yellowed teeth. However, doing so can break down tooth enamel over time! A safer option is to make a mouthwash of one teaspoon ACV mixed with one cup of water. Swish and spit, just like regular mouthwash, for sparkling, naturally white chompers!
3. Treat sunburned skin
Apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-inflammatory. So, when you apply it to a sunburn, it can soothe skin and even relieve pain. The vitamins and minerals in the vinegar can help replenish the sunburned skin’s lost nutrients, helping it recover more quickly.
4. Settle an upset stomach
Because apple cider vinegar has antibiotic properties, drinking one or two tablespoons diluted in a cup of water can help an upset stomach caused by bacteria.
5. Lower blood sugar
Multiple studies prove that apple cider vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity and significantly lower blood sugar levels during meals, which is crucial for those with type 2 diabetes.
6. Assist with weight loss
Some studies suggest that ingesting a small amount of apple cider vinegar (1 to 2 tablespoons daily) can even aid with your weight loss efforts. It is believed that taking it with a carb-heavy meal can increase a feeling of fullness, leading people to eat nearly 300 calories less than they might have otherwise. Don’t rely on a few tablespoons of ACV as a weight-loss miracle, however. If it’s part of a diet and exercise program, it certainly doesn’t hurt!
7. Soothe a sore throat
As soon as you feel a tickle in your throat, tackle it naturally with apple cider vinegar. Gargle with a combination of 1/4 cup ACV with 1/4 cup warm water or one of these other ACV home remedies. The antibacterial properties of the vinegar may help sore throats caused by bacterial infections.
More clever ways to use vinegar
Did you know you can also use vinegar, baking soda, and lemon as all-natural cleaners in your home? The following infographic from Fix.com Blog shows more ways you can use vinegar outside of the kitchen.
Source: Fix.com Blog
Feature image courtesy of Rafal. Originally published on May 6, 2016, this article was updated in July 2021.