Apple Cider Vinegar Uses

Recently I've become attuned to the wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar.  In the late 1950's Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health by D. C. Jarvis included health remedies of ACV, which included being able to cure diabetes, cancer and other major health concerns with just adding a little bit to your daily regimen. Although I'm not sure if it is that powerful, it definitely is useful for many daily ailments.

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-Use it to clear up a rash on baby's bottom.  At my midwife's suggestion, when Penelope had the beginings of a diaper rash, we mixed 1part ACV to 2 parts water and added it to her wipe solution. You can use this on store bought wipes or cloth wipes. It took only a day or so to clear it up. I also sometimes add a tiny bit of it to her bath (less than 1:5), but be very careful to keep the water out of baby's eyes as it will sting.

-In a two step process, clear up itchiness and sores on our elder dog's skin. Romeo has been tearing off his fur and biting at his skin terribly for the last month or so, normally it means he has dry skin or fleas.  But after giving him a bath with medicated soothing soap and an all-natural flea solution, poor bubba was not getting any better. For the last 4 days I've been wiping a 1:2 solution of ACV on his sore spots and he's definitely not itching as bad anymore. Now I'm adding in a paste of oatmeal and honey.  The reason why I didn't go straight with the oatmeal is because if he has a fungal infection on his skin, using oatmeal first would only fuel the fungus (as there are sugars in the oatmeal, and honey of course). So killing the fungus and keeping the area disinfected is key before adding any sugars.  Adding a little bit to their water is also supposedly a great flea repellant, but I haven't tried that yet.

-A foot soak for softening what I call (and suffer from) "flip flop feet." A summer of wearing flip flops and sandals exposes your feet to becoming rough, calloused and dry. Although pedicures are simply a must for relaxation, I don't see myself spending too much time in the salon this summer with an infant in tow. So, again with the magic 1:2 ratio, soak your feet in warm water and ACV (add essential oils if you wish!) and watch as your feet soften and feel rejuvinated. Use a pumice stone to slough off the dead skin.

-Many swear by a ACV tonic, which returns the body's ph levels to normal.  This can help clear up BO, bad breath, acne, and bring your digestive system in line. I will be trying this out this week to see if I can feel any of the benefits. Add 1-2 tablespoons to a glass of water and drink 3 times a day. One thing to note is that ACV is corosive and may wear away the enamel on your teeth, so always be sure to 1) dilute it 2) drink the glass at one time, don't space it out 3) rinse your mouth or brush your teeth shortly afterwards.

-Using it as a general cleaning product: I'm not sure if ACV is any different than regular vinegar in this regard, but you can use it to clean pet stains, add it to the dishwasher, clothes washer (for softener), remove soap scum.. the possibilities are endless!

Although D.C. Jarvis' book has sold millions of copies in the last 60 years, there are many who don't buy the supposed magical effects of the solution. I personally would say that ACV does have it's benefits - but it's not the "cure all" that it has been marketed as. In small doses, spread apart for different uses, it can be a powerful tool for more natural care of yourself and your home.

*please note: I am not a health professional, nor do I pretend to be! If you have any concerns, please check with your doctor first. I only provide this information as a springboard for further research or interest.

Do you use apple cider vinegar for personal care or around the home?