Do you have Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) sitting on a shelf at home? This powerful ingredient is packed full of potential! We recommend using a naturally fermented, unfiltered variety, such as Bragg’s.
1. Cleaning
ACV combined with 2 parts water makes an effective natural disinfectant solution. You could add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil and have a great antibacterial spray for countertops, bathroom, kitchen and carpet deodorizer.
2. Hair rinse
Instead of spending loads on junk free shampoos and conditioners, this “no poo” (short for shampoo, not the other stuff) method of hair care works really well and makes your hair super soft.
Thanks to the pH balancing effects that ACV has, anecdotal reports claim it can add shine, softness and break down build up from other hair products.
3. Skin Toner
Many commercial skincare products are alkaline and can also harm the acid mantle, a protective layer on our skin.
ACV is great because it’s acidity is closer to the natural pH of our skin, which keeps the acid mantle intact to do its job, protecting against germs and foreign bacteria which can be perpetuating the skin problem.
If you want to try ACV as a toner, combine one part ACV with two to three parts water (add more water for very sensitive skin).
Apply this mixture to your face after cleansing and allow it to absorb into your skin.
4. Potassium
ACV contains a good amount of potassium – an essential mineral in maintaining the soft tissues of the body, keeping everything flexible and resilient. Deficiencies in potassium can cause an array of health problems.
5. Improves Digestion
Apple Cider Vinegar in its raw form is an excellent digestive tonic, it’s rich in living enzymes that help to break food down to its bare components, making it far easier to assimilate. The acetic acid present in ACV has also been shown to help with mineral absorption, enabling us to get the most out of the foods we eat.
6. Prevents Muscle Fatigue After Exercise
Muscle fatigue can often be a symptom of mineral and electrolyte depletion. To make sure the body has ample electrolyte stores take a Tbs of ACV with water before a workout. The natural pH of our bodies when it’s in balance create an environment where elimination of excess lactic acid in the muscles easily occurs, this stasis also plays a crucial role in oxygenating our bodies during exercise.
7. Body Odor
ACV helps control excessive body odor by regulating the pH of the skin, something most commercial deodorants and perfumes can’t claim.
For foot odor as well as fungal problems, even just a 10 minute soak once a week can keep bad smells in check.
To use ACV as a deodorant simply wipe each armpit with a soaked cotton ball daily.
8. Preserving Food
Vinegars allow food to store for longer periods, allowing us to eat organic, local food all year long. Instead of making pickles with white vinegar, try using ACV, it gives them a great flavor as well as the added health benefits.
9. Balanced pH
Even though ACV is an acidic food, its structure changes to alkaline through the digestive processes. The idea of eating a diet high in alkaline foods is that disease thrives in an acidic environment.
Foods like refined sugar, carbohydrates and meat create an acidic environment in our bodies, it’s interesting to note that the pH of a food in its pre-digested state is very different from the chemical processes it will undergo in our bodies.
10. Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
ACV can soothe the irritation caused by these poisonous plants. Combine 50:50 with water in a spray bottle and add a few ice cubes.
This cooling spray helps to draw the toxins out of the skin and provide relief from the sting.
Article adapted from realfarmacy.com.
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