Earth Cures of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has many uses and is often touted as an eco-friendly remedy for everything from dandruff to acid reflux. Many also drink a mixture of water and vinegar daily to help prevent heartburn, cancer and bone loss. Apple cider vinegar contains several minerals and antioxidants that can help fight disease.

Topical uses

Apple cider vinegar is good for the scalp. It can eliminate dandruff, unclog pores and sooth an itchy scalp when, combined with an equal part water, used as a hair rinse. Unlike most hair products on the market, apple cider vinegar is eco-friendly because it doesn't rely on any chemicals. You can also use it as an alternative to pesticide-filled lice shampoos. Also, if you have oily hair or acne on your scalp, vinegar can help clear oily buildup and reduce hairline acne.

Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with an 8-ounce glass of water and apply it to your face with a cotton ball every day to reduce inflammation and infection in the skin. Vinegar is also used to fight brown spots caused by sun exposure and age. Mix a couple of teaspoons of vinegar with a teaspoon of onion juice and apply it daily to the skin. Brown spots should start to fade in a couple of weeks.

Internal uses

Apple cider vinegar mixed with honey can help lower blood pressure. Mix a tablespoon of each in a glass of water and drink twice a day. The vinegar and honey contain potassium that can help balance sodium levels and reduce blood pressure. The vinegar also has magnesium, which relaxes blood vessel walls and helps lower pressure.

Vinegar can also be used to help with the common cold. At the first sign of illness, mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a half-cup of water and drink several times a day. Because the body's alkaline levels increase during colds, vinegar will help balance your acid levels.

Apple cider vinegar is also used to get rid of the heartburn of acid reflux. Although no scientific studies have been performed, dozens of testimonials insist on the effectiveness of this home remedy. You can try drinking a glass of water with 2 or 3 teaspoons of vinegar in it before meals to prevent heartburn. If you already have heartburn, drink a teaspoon or two of vinegar---you will feel relief in just a few minutes.

Preventive uses

Vinegar is also used to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and cancer. Vinegar contains manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and silicon, which help prevent bone loss. Put 2 or 3 teaspoons in a glass of water and drink daily to reap the benefits of these minerals. Apples and the vinegar made with them contain the antioxidant beta-carotene, and flavonoids and polyphenols that can help prevent cancer formation. They also contain pectin, a fiber that binds some cancer-causing compounds in the colon and flush them from the body.