You might remember the distinct smell of apple cider vinegar from your grandmother’s house. She might have given it to you for an upset stomach or used it on mosquito bites or sunburns. Well, apple cider vinegar is making a comeback. Grandma was right—it’s a versatile remedy for many conditions. Keeping a jar of organic raw apple cider vinegar in your kitchen and bathroom is a wise choice.

The secret to its power lies in “The Mother,” a substance that looks like a spider web floating at the bottom of the bottle. This contains active ingredients that boost your health and wellbeing. It’s full of beneficial bacteria and nutrients.

How Is Apple Cider Vinegar Made?

Raw apple cider vinegar is made from organic apples and goes through a double fermentation process, preserving enzymes and nutrients that give it therapeutic properties. Here are some nutritional benefits:

– Potassium: Keeps teeth strong, prevents hair loss, and remedies a runny nose.
– Pectin: Regulates blood pressure and reduces bad cholesterol.
– Malic Acid: Fights viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
– Calcium: Strengthens teeth and bones.
– Ash: Normalizes body pH and maintains a healthy alkaline state.
– Acetic Acid: Slows the rate at which sugar enters the blood after a meal.
– Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and E.

How is Apple Cider Vinegar Different From White Vinegar?

Unlike white or brown vinegar, which has been distilled and processed, apple cider vinegar retains its nutrients. If you don’t see the cobweb-like substance in the bottle, it won’t provide therapeutic value. Always look for “The Mother.”

Using Apple Cider Vinegar on Your Face & Skin

Apple cider vinegar is effective both when taken internally and applied externally. Many people use it in their daily beauty routines because it’s a natural, cost-effective way to keep skin fresh and supple.

5 Reasons to Wash Your Face with Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Reduces Age Spots: Contains alpha hydroxy acids that remove dead skin and reveal new skin. Apply diluted vinegar (50% water, 50% vinegar) directly to age spots twice daily for six weeks.
2. Fights Acne and Blemishes: Malic acid makes it antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, keeping pimples at bay.
3. Balances Skin: Removes oil and balances pH, preventing skin from becoming too oily or too dry.
4. Fights Wrinkles: A diluted face wash can minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Removes Toxins: Regular use helps draw out toxins, leaving your skin with a healthy glow.

Common Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

– Salad Dressing: Mix ½ cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons raw honey, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
– Fluffy Rice: Add a touch of vinegar when cooking rice.
– All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part water, and 3 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.
– Fruit Fly Trap: Put vinegar in a cup with a drop of dish soap.
– Steak Marinade: Marinate beef in vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking.
– Clean Fruits and Veggies: Use a diluted wash.
– Ease Leg Cramps: Rub vinegar on the affected area.
– Remove Warts: Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and bandage it overnight.
– Fight Yeast Infections: Add ½ cup vinegar to bathwater and soak for 20 minutes.
– Healthy Hair Rinse: Rinse hair with a mix of ½ cup vinegar and ½ cup water.
– Flea Bath: Rinse dogs with vinegar to keep fleas away.
– Clear Stuffy Nose: Drink a mix of 1 tablespoon vinegar in warm water.
– Remedy Heartburn: Drink a mix of 2 tablespoons vinegar in 8 ounces of filtered water before eating.

Apple Cider Vinegar Recipes for Skin, Hair, and Health

Skin Clarifying Mask
– Ingredients: 1 tsp arrowroot powder, 1 tsp rose water, ¼ tsp apple cider vinegar, ¼ tsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp ginger kombucha.
– Instructions: Mix and apply to face, rinse with warm water.

Hair Mask
– Ingredients: ¼ cup organic raw honey, 10 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
– Instructions: Mix and apply to damp hair, leave for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Energy Drink
– Ingredients: 2 cups water, 1 tbsp raw honey, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, ¼ tsp grated ginger root.
– Instructions: Mix and drink immediately.

Relaxing Detox Bath
– Ingredients: 2 cups apple cider vinegar, 2 cups Epsom salt, 15 drops lavender essential oil.
– Instructions: Add to bathwater and soak.

Weight Loss Booster
– Ingredients: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 cups water, juice from ½ lemon, 1 tsp raw honey, 1 dash red pepper, ice.
– Instructions: Mix and enjoy. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Immune Booster
– Ingredients: 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 cup green tea, lemon juice, raw honey, ginger slice, Ceylon cinnamon.
– Instructions: Steep tea, add remaining ingredients, and enjoy.

How to Make Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar

Ingredients:
– Apple peelings or cores
– 1 tbsp sugar per cup of water
– Water
– Glass jar

Instructions:
1. Fill the jar ¾ full with peels and cores.
2. Dissolve sugar in water and pour over apple scraps, leaving a few inches at the top.
3. Cover with a coffee filter and rubber band.
4. Let sit in a warm, dark place for two weeks, stirring three times a week.
5. Skim off any scum and strain after two weeks.
6. Let set for another 2-4 weeks until desired taste.
7. Store in a jar with a lid in the cupboard.