Ankh Rah's Healthy Living Guide: 50 Ways You Can Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Transform Your Body and Home

We love great multi-taskers! Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is no exception. This great tonic has been used since biblical times to help with a number of different ailments including common colds and infections, kidney stones, high blood pressure, allergies, arthritis and more!
Japanese Samurai, Roman soldiers and military groups throughout history have used apple cider vinegar as an antiseptic, antibacterial and as an energizer. In 400 B.C., Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used it for its amazing natural cleansing, healing and energizing qualities.
When buying ACV, be sure it includes the “mother,” which will be listed on the label. The “mother” occurs naturally as connected strand-like chains of protein enzyme molecules and is highly regarded throughout history.
ACV packs a powerful punch in the realm of gut health too! Check out this video to learn more about the importance of gut health and how YOU can keep yours in tip top shape (which also improves your immunity!).
Despite vinegar being acidic by nature, it actually helps to balance your pH levels, which helps support a healthy body, decreasing chronic inflammation and warding off illness.
Here is just a small portion of what apple cider vinegar can do for you and your family.
#1 Dandruff– Mix equal parts water/vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on hair after shampoo, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Repeat for a few days until dandruff problem disappears. Repeat once every week or so for maintenance.
#2 Sore Throat– Combine 1 tsp ACV, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and 3 tsp raw honey in a glass of warm water. ACV and honey have antibacterial properties to help speed up recovery and the capsaicin in hot peppers will help soothe the pain.
#3 Foot Odor- Pour ACV over baby wipes, store in a plastic bag and refrigerate overnight and use as needed. Also works as an underarm deodorizer.
#4 Gas and Constipation- Dilute a tablespoon of ACV into warm tea and drink before a meal. Vinegar stimulates digestive juices (HCl – hydrochloric acid) that help your body breakdown food.
#5 Heartburn- Dilute a tablespoon or so in some water or tea anytime you feel heartburn symptoms coming on. If it is too nasty for you to swallow, add a little raw honey.
#6 Clear Skin- Soak a washcloth in ACV and apply to your face to lessen oil. This will also help with scarring from acne.
#7 Sunburn- Add a cup or two of ACV to a bath and soak for ten minutes. This helps the skin feel soothed and cool, as well as restores the skin’s pH.
#8 Whiten Teeth– Apply directly to teeth and then rinse with water. Don’t do often as it may break down tooth enamel. For a more gentle approach, dilute with water and use as a mouth rinse.
#9 All Purpose Cleaner- Mix 1 part water, 1 part ACV and 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil together in a spray bottle. ACV is double fermented and an excellent detoxifier. Making your own cleaner is a fantastic way to get rid of unnecessary chemicals in your home.
#10 Odor Remover- ACV breaks down the volatile compounds and kills bacteria that causes unpleasant odors around the house. You can mix 1 part water and 1 part ACV in a spray bottle and use in rooms where a bad odor is present.
#11 Weed Killer- There are lots of recipes for using ACV as a weed killer. You can use it on its own, mix with dish soap, water, salt and/or lemon juice.
#12 Flea Repellent (pets)- ACV makes an awesome natural flea repellent, that actually works! Simply apply topically to your dogs skin or put in a spray bottle and spray over fur and in the dogs bed.
#13 Skin Tags, Moles, Warts– Soak a cotton ball with some ACV, place over the skin tag, mole or wart and secure with medical tape (duct tape works too!). Leave on overnight and wash area once removed. Repeat nightly until wart problem is gone.
#14 Burns- Apply ACV to the burn as soon as possible to help soothe pain and stimulate healing. ACV will also help to disinfect. Note: do not apply to open wounds.
#15 Bruises- Warm up a cup of ACV and mix in 1 tsp of salt. Apply to bruise as a compress.
#16 Bad Breath- Mix 1 tablespoon ACV in a cup of water and gargle for 10 seconds.
#17 Post Shaving Treatment- Mix ACV 50/50 with water and apply to skin for a soothing aftershave.
#18 Condiment Enhancer- ACV can liven up condiments like a rockstar. Try adding a little to sauces, marinades and vinaigrettes. Mix ACV with a little olive oil and fresh herbs for a simple topping for meat or salad. Mix with lemon juice for a great veggie dressing – we use this in our Give Your Body 30 Program.
#19 Mix with Fruit Juice – Might seem a little strange pairing vinegar with fruit juice, but it is actually pretty good! Try mixing a small amount of ACV into grape or a similar type of juice. It is an easy and tasty way to get a daily dose of ACV. Please note: I am referring to fresh pressed juice, not store-bought varieties, which are loaded with sugar.
#20 Soups- Add a splash of ACV to your soup for a little extra punch.
#21 Baked Goods- Add to baked goods to add an extra lift. Don’t worry, a small amount won’t be detected by the kids or the guests.
#22 Antifungal- Apply ACV topically to affected area or soak area in 1 part ACV 5 parts water for 30 minutes a day if possible.
#23 Sore Muscles- Mix a tablespoon with water and gulp it down for pain relief or rub it directly over sore muscles.
#24 Anti-Itch -If you’ve become the unfortunate enemy of a jellyfish or even poison ivy, some ACV should do the trick to get rid of the itchiness. Simply apply directly to skin and let it work its magic.
#25 Insulin Sensitivity- Regularly taking ACV may help keep blood sugar levels balanced. Check out what Dr. Mercola has to say about apple cider vinegar.
#26 Clear Sinuses- A stuffy nose that won’t clear is the worst. Try sipping a cup of water mixed with ACV – it will act as an antibacterial in your throat and may help decrease and break-up the mucus.
#27 Lymph Circulation- Take daily for detox benefits and to help build immunity. ½ tablespoon mixed in some tea or lemon water every morning should do the trick.
#28 Energy Boost- Add a little to a fresh morning juice or smoothie (just a little, it packs a strong taste!).
#29 Facial Toner- Mix 1 tsp ACV in a little water and apply to face with a cotton ball. Yes, the smell is strong but it dissipates quickly and will improve your skin. Repeat daily for best results.
#30 Upset Stomach- ACV has antibiotic properties and pectin, which are soothing the stomach. For a stomach soothing cocktail combine: 2 tsp ACV, 1 tbsp fresh ginger water, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 8 ounces sparkling water and raw honey to taste. Take a swig in a glass of water when you start feeling unsettled or bloated.
#31 Stop Dogs/Cats From Chewing On Your Stuff- Most animals hate the smell of vinegar and will avoid chewing on cords, couches, etc. if you dab some ACV on them once a week. If your dog pees in the house, clean it up with ACV cleaner and they’ll never pee there again.
#32 Detox Bath- Add 1 cup ACV to your bath along with ⅓-1 cup of Epsom salts and 5-10 drops essential oils. Adding sea salt, ginger and baking soda are also great options for further detoxification and relaxation.
#33 Wash Fruits and Veggies- Use some ACV to wash your fruits and veggies before you eat them. This is important to remove any pesticides or chemicals that may have been sprayed on them before they were harvested.
#34 Neutralize Spices- When you’ve accidentally added one too many shakes of cayenne powder to your dinner, add 1 tsp ACV at a time until the taste returns to where you want it!
#35 Flytrap- Put some ACV and a drop of dish soap in a bowl and set on the counter to attract and kill fruits flies.
#36 Urine Smell in Clothes- Add ½ cup to a washing machine to get urine smell out of clothing.
#37 Exercise Fatigue- Take a tablespoon ACV in a cup of water after a workout to battle post-workout exhaustion. Lactic acid builds up in the body after a workout and causes fatigue. The amino acids in ACV provide a perfect antidote.
#38 Yeast Infection- Add 1 ½ cups of ACV to a bath and soak for 20 minutes.
#39 Allergies- 1 tablespoon in water and 1 Tbs. local organic raw honey daily to combat allergy season.
#40 Cramping- Rub directly on area that is cramping for relief.
#41 Hair Detangler- Mix in a spray bottle with 1 part water to 1 part ACV and spritz on hair when combing.
#42 Add to Bone Broth– Mix a few spoonfuls into your bone broth to add a kick and some extra detox power.
#43 Weight Loss- The acetic acid in ACV suppresses appetite and reduces water retention. Take ½ tablespoon in some fresh lemon water every morning or before meals for best results.
#44 Shiny Hair- Rinse your hair in 1 part ACV and 1 part water after shampooing for a great shine.
#45 Hand and Foot Massage- Rub on your hands and feet after a long day to relieve tired muscles.
#46 Alkalization- Regularly consuming ACV can help your body maintain a healthy pH level. Disease cannot thrive in an alkaline environment!
#47 Detoxify the Liver- Take 1-2 tsp in an 8 oz glass of water in the morning, followed by eating raw organic fruit and vegetables and lots of water throughout the day.
#48 Candida- ACV is rich in enzymes that help the body combat candida. Take ½ tablespoon twice daily.
#49 Dish Detergent- Can use in your dishwasher to help remove grease.
#50 Relieves Gout– Take 2-3 tablespoons, 2-3 times every day.
Talk about a great multi-tasker! I know a lot of you out there have families to take care of and I wanted to make sure you knew about this affordable tonic that can help improve the health and wellness in your home.