Take a peek into the pantry of any health junkie (or supermodel) and there’s one thing you’re almost guaranteed to find: apple cider vinegar. The tonic has long been lauded as a health elixir, thanks to its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits, and its ability to aid weight loss and prevent UTIs.
But it turns out, apple cider vinegar’s many benefits go beyond just boosting your health. From cleaning your home to treating sunburn, here are 7 surprising uses for ACV you may not have heard of.
It makes a great natural cleaner
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, which makes it an excellent all-purpose cleaner. Simply mix 1/2 a cup of ACV with 1/2 a cup of water and bam, you’ve got yourself a natural alternative to commercial cleaners.
It’s great for mosquito bites
It’s almost summer here in Australia, which means mozzie bite season is nearly upon us. If you have the unfortunate luck of getting eaten alive, try soaking in some apple cider vinegar (a cup or two mixed with the warm water should do) in the bathtub. It’s said to be a seriously underrated home remedy for taking away some of the itch.
It can help alleviate sunburn
Speaking of summer, it turns out apple cider vinegar is also great for when you’ve spent a little too long basking in the sun. While it won’t heal your sunburn overnight, soaking in ACV can help neutralise your skin’s pH levels and take some of the sting and redness out.
It can help you feel full
Feel like your stomach is a bottomless pit sometimes? Try having a teaspoon or two before your meals. Some studies suggest it can help you lose weight by increasing feelings of satiety.
It eliminates dandruff
Apple cider vinegar is said to make an excellent dandruff treatment, thanks to its anti-fungal properties and the fact that it helps shed the dead skin cells.
It can soothe a sore throat
Dealing with a nasty winter cold? Drinking some apple cider vinegar mixed with honey may alleviate your scratchy throat. The antibacterial properties are said to help kill the infection, while the honey soothes the throat and dilutes the acidic effect of the vinegar.
You can use it as a mouthwash
Apple cider vinegar makes an awesome natural mouthwash, thanks to its antibacterial properties and the fact that it neutralises odour. Simply mix two teaspoons with 1/4 cup of water, swish it around in your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds and then spit it out. Just make sure you clean your teeth straight away, as if left behind, the acidity can erode your teeth enamel over time.
