It cleans. It cures. Some might even call it a miracle worker.
Apple cider vinegar ― commonly called ACV ― has long been used to treat a wide range of health ailments, but has gained more traction recently in modern culture as a staple for your medicine cabinet.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to boost your immune system, have radiant skin, and feel energized, here are five common health conditions that can be treated with apple cider vinegar:
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1. High cholesterol. A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming just one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per day can lower cholesterol levels. As an alternative to expensive ― and sometimes dangerous ― prescription drugs, incorporating apple cider vinegar into your health routine could be a daily habit that lowers your risk for heart attack or stroke.
2. Dry skin. While you may think that vinegar would be drying to the skin, it can actually have the opposite effect when used sparingly, according to Dr. Frank Lipman. The acids in apple cider vinegar eat away at dead skin cells and work to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. The result? A fresh and more youthful appearance, as well as the disappearance of flaky, dry skin. You can use apple cider vinegar as a toner, diluted with water, as part of your daily skincare routine.
3. Sore throat. Apple cider vinegar also alleviates a sore throat, no cough syrup required. As a soothing drink, Dr. Oz suggests mixing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with some honey and cayenne pepper in a glass of warm water. In addition to calming a scratchy and inflamed throat, apple cider vinegar can break up sinus congestion that tends to come with a cold or allergies.
4. Dandruff. Is apple cider vinegar a panacea for scalp and hair health? Some might say yes. According to Healthline, dandruff or an itchy scalp can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar. It can also help to lower the pH level of your hair and scalp, which can balance oil production and give your hair a healthier sheen.
5. Yeast overgrowth. If you suffer from candida issues or, for women, chronic yeast infections, apple cider vinegar may need a place in your medicine cabinet. As the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine reports, ACV helps to rid the body of excess yeast, which may also improve your mood and energy. Since it’s good for your gut health, treating yeast overgrowth with ACV can help all body systems eliminate the “bad” bugs that cause illness, fatigue, and other health problems.
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Apple cider vinegar can help treat a wide range of health conditions, and it’s cheap, to boot. Stock up on this versatile home remedy the next time you’re at the supermarket.