How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar Daily

For some strange reason, I have always loved the taste of apple cider vinegar. It’s super sour, and although I still make a face when I drink it, it’s a daily staple! I also happen to absolutely love the health benefits associated with this little natural wonder-in-a-bottle. My go-to favorite brand, if I had to choose one would definitely be Bragg’s.They are one of the most reputable brands, are fully organic, and in my opinion the best tasting! 

What is it?

First thing’s first. Let’s talk about what apple cider vinegar (ACV) actually is. And how can something as sweet as an apple be associated with something as tart as vinegar!? The vinegar is, as its name fully implies, apple cider that has been fermented which is when yeast digests the sugars and converts them into alcohol. This process produces acetic acid which gives the liquid its infamous sour taste. While ACV is fermenting, the combination of bacteria and yeast creates the strands of “mother” typically found in the bottom of the bottle. 

How To Drink It

A standard dosage of apple cider vinegar is 1-2 tablespoons, and whether you want to drink it straight or by diluting it in water is completely up to you. You can drink it first thing in the morning or before/after your meals. Try not to make a face!

Benefits of ACV

Fighting Off Colds

Now this dates back to the 1800’s when vinegar was used to treat coughs. Initially passed down from my grandmother, now every single time I start to feel like I am coming down with a cold or “something” I run to my bottle of apple cider vinegar. Since I am one of those people who truly loves the sour taste of apple cider vinegar, I drink it like a shot of tequila. I swear by this! The potent smell of the liquid alone, can help loosen any congestion you may have, and you can create several other cold-fighting remedies with ACV as the main ingredient. 

A simple homemade cough syrup for example, can be made with ingredients you probably already have at home in your pantries. Mix the vinegar with honey, cayenne pepper, and ground ginger. Control the thickness and amount of spice with the amount of ingredients you add into the mix and there you have it!

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux and no you’re not reading that wrong! Apple cider vinegar can help with acid reflux because it adds acid to the stomach and digestive tract. It’s a common belief for people who believe in this alternative medicine option that the vinegar balances the stomach’s PH by neutralizing the acid levels disrupting the stomach. Dilute the ACV in a small amount of water, and if the taste is too strong for you, add a couple drops of honey to sweeten it up. This method alongside focusing on eating a more plant-based diet and enjoying smaller meal sizes has greatly contributed to preventing the uncomfortable feeling of acid reflux. 

Improve Skin Health

People suffering from skin issues brought on from dryness such as eczema can potentially find relief through apple cider vinegar. Because the skin naturally has a level of acidity, the acid in ACV can help balance the skin’s PH. Try mixing some into your facial toner before applying it onto your face to improve this sensitive region of skin. Another remedy I’ve tried when experiencing dry or unwanted skin blemishes, is to mix 1 part ACV to 2 parts water and use this mixture as a natural facial toner. Almost instantly I noticed a newfound brightness in my cheeks!

Another benefit of apple cider vinegar is its sheer versatility in how to use it. You can use this liquid for almost everything from minor health-related discomforts to household cleaning and more! Once you keep a bottle in your home, you’ll discover endless ways to make your life simpler by avoiding having to run to the store to pick up another specialized product. If you prefer to go the natural route, ACV is probably a strong candidate for helping to minimize what’s on your cleaning shelves. 

Additional Uses

Washing Produce

The journey from the farm to your table can often be a messy one! While I recommend choosing organic foods when you can to ensure your food is as clean as possible, it’s common that dirt traces and small amounts of pesticides still remain by the time it reaches your home. For an easy, trust-worthy grocery quality experience, I’d also encourage you to have your produce delivered to your door. At FarmboxRx, we are a fruit and vegetable delivery service that brings farm-fresh groceries to your doorstep through a convenient weekly (or biweekly) delivery to make sure you always have tasty, in-season produce in your home. Once your fresh produce arrives, you always want to make sure to give everything a quick clean before consuming. And that’s where apple cider vinegar comes in!

Add your fruits and veggies into an empty sink and add just enough warm water to cover the produce. Pour in about 1 cup of ACV and let everything soak for a few minutes. If you have a vegetable brush, you can then go in and gently scrub the fruits and vegetables to add an extra layer of squeaky cleanliness! Finish by running them over cool, clean water and there you go! Produce free of any remaining dirt or pesticides. 

As A Deodorizer 

Both apple cider and standard white vinegar work wonders on eliminating bad smells. Mix an equal part with water and apply to a spray bottle. You can use this spray over any area where the smells are not preferred. Give a quick spritz over shoes, clothes, and even as a natural deodorant for your underarms! 

Trapping Fruit Flies

We have all had produce lying around that was maybe just one or two-days too ripe, which then resulted in the attraction of tiny, little fruit flies. An easy remedy to remove these from your home involves adding ACV into a jar, plus 2-3 drops of your favorite dish soap. Mix it up really well and set the glass in any areas where you see the flies roaming. 

In conclusion, whether you are wanting to treat your general levels of wellness, or you are opting for more natural remedies to use on yourself and around the home, apple cider vinegar can work for you! It is inexpensive, readily available at most, if not all grocery stores and pharmacies, and offers several unique methods of usage.