***Check out Part 1 HERE on internal uses of why you should be drinking apple cider vinegar every day***
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a superfood liquid health elixir that has been around for 2,000-5,000 years. It is a fermented food made by taking crushed apples or apple cider and exposing them to yeast, fermenting the sugar and turning them into alcohol. Next, bacteria is added which continues to ferment the alcohol resulting in acetic acid. The unfiltered, unpasteurized, organic version will contain “the mother” (which are good and beneficial probiotics, enzymes and proteins), as well as amino acids and antioxidants.
ACV is a natural remedy that is safe and effective for everyday internal and external use for skin issues, hair and scalp concerns, teeth and mouth care, pet care and even in your home.
Here are five benefits of using ACV as a natural remedy daily.
1. Skin
Blemishes: Because of its natural antifungal properties, acidity and ability to kill bacteria, ACV is great for skin remedies. Dab a couple drops of ACV on skin blemishes to help cleanse and also to calm irritation. It can also help to regulate your skin’s pH levels, making it a great product to use in lieu of a traditional toner.
Sunburn: ACV properties can help aide in the healing of sunburn, by diluting it with water and applying it to the burn directly, or taking an ACV bath.
Poison Ivy: ACV can help reduce swelling and inflammation (as with sunburn) which can drastically promote healing from poison ivy. It also is a natural detoxifier, which will help to pull the toxins and poison from the skin.
Psoriasis: “I recommend psoriasis sufferers use apple cider vinegar as a toner and apply it directly to dry spots on the skin, using a cotton pad or sponge," says Michael Shapiro, MD, medical director and founder of Vanguard Dermatology in New York City.
Warts: Due to its antifungal properties ACV, is also a great natural remedy to help heal warts. Simply soak a cotton ball in ACV and place it on the wart, then hold it in place with a bandage.
Toe Fungus: ACV can aide in killing off toe and skin fungus by applying it directly to the problem area. “Since apple cider vinegar is acidic, it works to create an unfriendly environment for the fungus without being so strong as to damage the surrounding area of skin and nails,” says Shapiro.
Natural Deodorant: ACV helps to kill yeast and bad bacteria, helping to neutralize odors in the under arm area.
2. Hair
Shampoo/Conditioner: Ever heard of the “no poo” method? Well, those using ACV for their hair may be onto something. ACV can act as a natural cleanser and conditioner because it acts as a clarifying shampoo, helping to remove any excess buildup and residue. This will help to condition and add shine back to your hair.
Scalp Itch: ACV helps to regulate even your scalp’s skin pH levels, and helps to exfoliate the flaky, dead skin that comes with dandruff and itching. This helps to remove the dead excess and promote new, healthy, growth.
3. Teeth
ACV can be used as a natural teeth whitener, helping to remove stains due to the ACV’s pH levels. Due to its acidity and minerals, it can actually improve your breath acting a natural bacteria fighting agent, according to Marc Lowenberg, DDS, a cosmetic dentist with Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in New York City.
4. Pets
ACV can be used as a more natural flea repellent. Dilute the ACV 50/50 in a spray bottle and saturate entire coat daily, repeating for up to a week to completely get rid of fleas if your pet is already occupied by them.
5. Home
With all harmful chemicals in traditional household cleaners, why not try to find a more natural option, utilizing ACV? According to Dr. Josh Axe, “ACV was first used as a natural disinfectant (and still is today).Vinegar is known to have anti-fungal abilities and to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, so traditionally people used it to clean their homes….” Mix ACV and distilled water 50/50 in a spray bottle. You can even use ACV in your toilet as a brightening, disinfecting, toilet cleaner.
Looking at all the natural and alternative options for Apple Cider Vinegar, it’s no wonder this alternative is becoming so popular. Have you ever used apple cider vinegar for alternative uses? If so, what are some ways you have used it?
***Check out Part 1if you missed it HERE on internal uses of why you should be drinking apple cider vinegar every day***
