We use this for EVERYTHING! There are so many healthful uses that I wouldn’t even know where to begin. If you do an internet search on it you will find literally 1000s of home remedies with apple cider vinegar (ACV) that claim to heal all kinds of ailments. I’m not here to say ya or nay to any of those, but only mention a few of which have actually been studied.

First off ACV is proven to lower blood sugar especially in pre-diabetics, almost up to 50%! For diabetics it is still helpful, but only up to 25% reduction in their sugar levels. Some say it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and help fight cancer. There are a few minor studies on this, but nothing astoundingly definitive. My husband has found relief for his gout with it and many tout it’s aid in fighting off the winter flu season.

However, whether these claims are true or not, there are some certainties. It is very acidic and should always be diluted when drunk so that it doesn’t break down the enamel on your teeth or the soft tissues of your mouth and throat. Also,because it’s an acid it can be used in baking as the acid where lemon juice or regular vinegar is called for. I also use it instead of lemon juice when making our homemade mayonnaise.

Other fantastic uses include using it as a cleaning agent. It leaves a strong smell when a bathroom is cleaned, but I grew up with the smell and I associate it with being clean! It is very effective at killing germs as a natural replacement for a disinfectant and deodorizer. I often used this for little boys who recently learned how to pee standing up, but hadn’t perfected their aim! My bathroom never had a stale pee smell thankfully!

Also as a cleaner it is very effective at removing pesticide residue off of fresh fruits and veggies if you are unable to afford organic.

For a while I was using the no-poo option of shampoo and ACV works well as a conditioner, leaving hair shiny and soft, but also with a little smell! It was only obvious when my hair was wet… didn’t bother me or hubby once it was dry.

So for all these uses, what is the best type to use, you may ask? Well… I’ll happily tell you, but I’m sure it won’t come as a great surprise… organic kinda goes without saying… but there is more to it than that. Just as kombucha as a ‘mother’ so does ACV and keeping the mother in it is important. There is an easy way to make it yourself (I will post on that next week) and you can watch your own mother grow. After it’s brew is complete storing it in the fridge unpasturized retains the most benefits.

I’m sure there is much more to learn and more to be said about ACV….

Do you have any super fantastic uses for vinegar? Or any health benefits you know of or have personally benefited from? I’d love to hear!