Benefits of ACV

I'm pretty sure my seasonal allergies were passed down from my mummy--albeit I have a much milder version. My level of sufferation, as I like to call it, truly varies from year to year, (and season to season) is for the most part confined to spring and the early parts of summer, and triggered by the usual suspects-- grass, pollen, dust.

This year, well before Spring 2014 officially sprung, my allergies started to gear up for a level of sufferation I haven't experience in years! I'm talking itchy throat and eyes, round the clock sinus draining, and eczema flare ups--at the same damn time. Zyrtec usually offers me great relief but it's never been something that I've taken daily (nor do I have any desire to). ***I try to avoid taking medication unless its absolutely necessary.

With that said, I began to search for some natural remedies and came across apple cider vinegar or ACV as it is affectionately known. I started by adding 2 teaspoons to 32oz of water (which was WAY too much for me, ACV is strong and doesn't taste or smell good at all the greatest). Okay, honestly it definitely doesn't taste good but it works well. It would probably be too good to be true if it had all these great benefits AND tasted great. But all in all, avoiding medication everyday is more than worth it to me.

I know many naturalistas are familiar with apple cider vinegar for clarifying the scalp, adding shine, and detangling, but there are so many other great uses and benefits so I thought I'd share a few!

1. Regulates the pH of your skin: Dilute ACV with two parts water and apply to face with a cotton ball to replace current toner. Can be left overnight to fade acne scars.
2.  Sunburn Remedy: Add a cup to bath water and soak for 10 minutes.
3.  Aid in weight loss: Speeds up metabolism and curves appetite. Add to water and drink throughout the day. The acetic acid supports weight loss and helps break down fat.
4. Allergy Relief (Aids Lymphatic System): Helps break up/reduce mucous and sinus congestion and cleanse the lymph nodes.
5. Rid the system of yeast (candida): Candida is known to cause fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections.
6. Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
7. Reduces Inflammation
8. Soothes Bug Bites: A dab applied to the skin with a cotton ball
9. Stops hiccups:  One teaspoon---straight up! (You may actually want a chaser lol)
10. Painful Menstrual Cramps: Its potassium and calcium can reduce cramping by easing the muscles in the uterus. Add a teaspoon of raw unfiltered ACV to a cup of warm water 3x daily.

And just because I (and so many others) find both the smell and taste of ACV so unpleasant, I found this neat little guide for how to get it down a little easier from here:

How do you use Apple Cider Vinegar as a part of your health and beauty regimen? How has it worked for you?