This month we're talking beach vacations. Who's heading out to the beach this summer? If you are, don't forget to take a jug (or bottle) of vinegar. Why? Keep reading.
4 Reasons Why Vinegar is Summer's
MUST-HAVE Accessory!
1. Swimmer's Ear
No one wants to spend their summer vacation up all night with a crying baby or toddler. But that's just what you might be looking at if your kiddo ends up with swimmer's ear from too many dunks in the oceanside swimming pool. Moisture gets trapped in the ear canal, along with bacteria, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. Make sure you have an eyedropper in your cosmetic bag, just in case. Here's where you'll need some apple cider vinegar. The acidity in the ACV will work at preventing growth of the bacteria and will relieve some of the pain. Just apply it, undiluted. If you forgot the eyedropper, simply soak a cotton ball in the ACV and put a small piece directly into the ear.
Better yet -- prevent the problem altogether by gently dabbing a mixture of distilled white vinegar and rubbing alcohol (1:1 ratio) into the ears before the family hits the water.
2. Jellyfish sting
Okay, we all hope this doesn't happen. But the truth is, it does. And when it does, it's painful. Whether it happens to you or to someone else in your family, you'll be grateful you followed my advice to have a jug of DWV on hand. And I do mean on hand, not back at the room. Why? Because timing is everything here and you don't want to waste any.
When those nasty jellyfish tentacles slap or brush into an unsuspecting leg or torso, you want to work quickly to stop the venom from releasing anymore toxins under the skin. Grab the jug of vinegar and POUR it over the affected area. This will not only stop the spread of toxins, but will also relieve some of the itching, burning, and throbbing caused by the sting.
3. Skin irritants
Let's face it. Sand and sand bugs can cause some serious skin irritations. Ease the itch with diluted vinegar (DWV or ACV). The acidic liquid neutralizes the irritant and calms the itch. Ahhh.
4. Sunburn
Sure. We all like to think we're too smart to get a sunburn. But despite our best efforts, it still happens at times. If, as the sunsets and the sky darkens, you find out a family member's skin is darkening too (or should I say "brightening" as in bright red?!), everyone will be happy you remembered to bring the vinegar. Fill the tub with cool-to-lukewarm water and add 2 cups of either ACV or DWV and settle in for a soak, covering as much of the sunburned skin as possible for 15 minutes or so.
You can also soak some washcloths (or towels, depending on how much skin you have to cover!) with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water) and apply them to the watermelon red skin.
According to Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer, author of Irresistible You, when a sunburn occurs, "blood vessels in the skin dilate, triggering an inflammatory reaction. That damage causes pain and blistering." Vinegar's antiseptic properties address both the pain and the inflammation, soothing and healing the burn.
Again, prevention is the best course of action. But make sure the sunscreen you use is safe and effective. Click here for a list of the Environmental Working Groups' 19 best sunscreens for babies and kids.
There you have it. Four reasons why vinegar is your best summer accessory for the beach. Of course, you can read more of my vinegar tips in my book, Vinegar Fridays, now on sale for just $6.99. Click here to order.
Keeping it green with vinegar,
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