Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is basically a miracle elixir, helping aid weight loss to managing Diabetes and soothing a throat and supporting skin and hair health. It really seems like there is nothing ACV can’t do.
ACV With Mother is a fermented juice made from crushed apples. It gives the vinegar a cloudy appearance, but that’s good – filtered, refined versions of ACV that don’t contain the mother are not as beneficial.
‘The mother’ simply means strands of protein (which contain enzymes and beneficial bacteria) in organic apple cider vinegar which consists of cellulose and acetic acid.
ACV is a popular ingredient in many detoxifying and cleansing recipes because it contains so many vitamins, minerals, such as potassium, iron and magnesium and antioxidants, a natural complex of friendly bacteria, acetic and folic acids, proteins, enzymes and fibre. When used correctly, it also can do wonders for your skin.
In general, ACV may have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. However, ACV must be used with caution on the skin, as it may cause major irritation when applied topically without being diluted, leading to burns or blisters.
The best way to maximize the health benefits of ACV is to drink it on an empty stomach. Dilute it with a bit of water and drink it about 20 minutes before you eat your regular meal, otherwise the foods you eat can actually make the ACV less potent. ACV can help when you know you’re going to be eating foods that usually don’t agree with you.
Tip: mix ACV with honey to soothe your stomach.
Below are some other things it will treat:
1) Acne: ACV can be used as a toner to treat a breakout.
2) Foot Odour: If the odour is from athlete’s foot, ACV’s antifungal properties can help treat the fungus to help diminish odour. If your feet smell because of excess sweating, ACV’s antibacterial properties can help fight off odour causing bacteria.
3) Bug Bites: ACV is a great home remedy in the use of bug bites (such as mosquito bites) due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help alleviate the sensation to itch and soothe the skin,
4) Paronychia: is the medical term for super infected skin around your nails. It is an infection that occurs under the cuticle which can be attributed to bacteria and/or a yeast infection. ACV (when diluted in water) can help as a soak for the nail, not only with its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, but it can also help with the swelling and pain through its anti-inflammatory properties.
There are literally 100’s of ways to use ACV:
Treating dandruff
Wart treatment
Toner
Sunburn
Digestion
Make fluffy rice
Removing rust and mineral stains
Liver detox
Remove built up residue of hair products
One bit of warning though, undiluted vinegar or large quantities consumed for a long time may damage tooth enamel and can cause throat burns or stomach upset. It needs to be cautiously used in patients on potassium-lowering medicines and Diabetics as it alters the level of Insulin and potassium.
Always do your own research and/or speak to your local GP if you are unsure about using ACV.