Since first discovered over 10,000 years ago, people throughout the world have been using apple cider vinegar to remedy health and beauty issues. Historical accounts prove that Hippocrates used this vinegar to treat his patients in 400 BC and Christopher Columbus carried barrels of apple cider vinegar on his travels to avoid scurvy and sterilize wounds.
Today, most people consider apple cider vinegar to be little more than an ingredient in salad dressing, despite its history as a medical cure-all. Yet, the natural, organic type of this vinegar is packed full of enzymes, potassium and antioxidants that are known to boost your immune system and relieve a variety of symptoms.
It is important to use raw, organic and unfiltered apple cider vinegar for health and beauty maintenance. Find this type of vinegar in most health food stores. If you are unable to purchase raw vinegar, do not fret. It is simple to make your own at home.
Make Your Own Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar
- 4 to 6 apples
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Water
Slice, core and peel the apples. Place all of the apple pieces into a quart-sized jar.
Add sugar and then fill the remaining space in the jar with water.
Cover the jar with a piece of fabric. Secure the fabric with a rubber band. Store the mixture in a dark cabinet or closet for 4 to 6 weeks.
Strain the vinegar into a clean jar and discard the scraps.
Use your homemade apple cider vinegar to remedy any of the following hair and skin problems:
Astringent
Dip a cotton ball into raw, organic apple cider vinegar and blot on your face to reduce pores and minimize acne.
Athlete’s Foot
Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 1 part warm water in a large tub. Soak feet daily until fungus is gone.
Dandruff
Combine 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water in a large spray bottle. Spray mixture on hair daily to reduce and minimize dandruff.
Deodorant
Rub a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar under your armpits daily instead of using store-bought deodorant.
Eczema
Dip a cotton ball into the vinegar and blot onto eczema flare-ups.
Combine 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water into a large spray bottle. Spray mixture onto hair daily before combing or brushing.
Nail Fungus
Soak nails in full strength vinegar twice a day, for at least 30 minutes each time.
Psoriasis
Dip a cotton ball into apple cider vinegar and blot on the inflamed areas of psoriasis.
Shampoo/Conditioner
Combine 1 part vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle. Rinse hair with water, then spray with apple cider vinegar mixture and massage into hair. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes, then rinse clean. There is no need to use added conditioner.
Pour 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water into a jar and shake to combine. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and smooth over your face.
Feel free to add your favorite essential oils to these mixtures to provide scent as well as promote hair and skin health.
The proper use of apple cider vinegar can help to reduce a large number of hair and skin issues without rushing to the dermatologist. However, for serious ailments or skin conditions that do not go away within a few days, it is always best to seek help from you medical care provider.
