So far we've been focusing on distilled white vinegar and all the wondrous ways it is used to replace chemically-laden household products. But today we're going to shift the focus to apple cider vinegar, one of my newest best friends! In order to reap the health benefits, it is essential to use raw organic unfiltered ACV, however. The Bragg brand is usually available in most grocery stores.
I have discovered the healing properties of ACV and want to share some of them with you, starting with what to do when you have a nasty sore throat and/or are losing your voice. As a voice-over talent, I've found this trick to be a lifesaver when deadlines were looming and my voice was not cooperating.
Sore Throat
Gargle with a 50/50 mix of ACV and warm water. I've suggested this to other people who have let me know how well it's worked for them, despite the less-than-pleasant flavor. Actually, I've grown used to the taste and find that I can now take tablespoons of undiluted apple cider vinegar. Why would I do that? To help with this next ailment.
Acid Reflux Disease
Wait a minute! I hear you protesting. Why would you take something acidy like apple cider vinegar when your stomach is already burning up? The fact of the matter is hydrocholoric acid backs up into the esophagus from the stomach and the traditional approach to dealing with this painful condition is to take acid reducing drugs.
Of course, pregnant women should not take any of the heartburn meds, so taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar straight up or diluted in a glass of water is a safe alternative that will sometimes work. Notice I said sometimes. I've heard from people who swear by this remedy and from others who say it doesn't work. My best advice for any of you suffering from an inflammation of the esophagus is try it. The acid in the ACV does something to neutralize the acid in your stomach. It's worth a shot.
Another common occurrence in pregnancy and in non-pregnant people that can be addressed with ACV is....
Constipation
In order to 'get going' in the morning, so to speak, grab your bottle of ACV as soon as you get up. Add 2 tablespoons to 8 ounces of warm water and drink it. The energy boost you'll experience from being 'regular' will be worth every last drop. Try making this part of your every day routine and see what happens.
Of course, as with most ailments, you want to make sure to drink plenty of water.
And then there are the ever so pleasant...
Hemorrhoids
To your usual 8 glasses of water a day routine (you are doing that, right?), spice up 3 of the glasses with a tablespoon of ACV in each one. This will help regulate you, making it possible to move your bowels without straining. Thus, the hemorrhoids will have a chance to heal and be no more!
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
A tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water 3 times a day....oh wait -- that was the remedy for hemorrhoids as well. What do you know? Look at it this way, you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone! Of course, you'll also need to add at least 25 - 35 grams of dietary fiber to your diet daily and find some anti-stress exercises to work into your routine.
Colds
My daughter had a nasty cold during the early months of her pregnancy. I wish I'd known this remedy when she was suffering through it without any relief.
The formula that can lead to relief when you have a runny nose, cough, sore throat and general aches and pains is this:
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey
Mix and take 1 tablespoon every 4 hours.
Congestion
Congested? Boil a pot of water with a fair dose of ACV mixed in and breath in the fragrant steam. Won't it feel good to breath again?
Cough
Since coughs often accompany colds and congestion, I didn't want to leave you hanging without a remedy for that as well. Here's the recipe:
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 teaspoons honey
Take a tablespoon of this concoction whenever your cough starts up, as well as right before you lie down at night.
Earache
Whether it's from the atmospheric pressure, too much swimming or cutting new teeth, earaches are downright painful. ACV will help fight off an infection. Just grab a cotton swab and apply some on the areas surrounding the outer ear canals.
Flu
If your cold has escalated into a full-blown flu, the first thing you want to do is drink as much non-caffeinated liquid as possible to flush the toxins out of your body. Then add this soothing cocktail to your menu:
1 teaspoon of ground root of goldenseal
1 cup boiling water
After a few minutes of steeping, strain and add the following:
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of honey or lemon
Drink this 3 times every day.
I find the easiest way to make this is to use a tea strainer, place it in your tea cup, add the ground root of goldenseal and pour the water over it. After steeping, just remove the tea strainer and add the other ingredients.
So, that's it for today. We tackled some gastrointestinal issues, as well as some ear, nose and throat ailments. Isn't vinegar wonderful?
I do have a warning for you, however. With all this ingesting of apple cider vinegar, expect a newfound craving -- for salad. I'm constantly in search of lettuce to wash the vinegar down with : )
Keeping it healthy,
Hana
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, 32 oz, Bragg - $4.29
Retail Price: $14.29
You Save: $10.00
from: VitaSprings.com
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