Apple Cider Vinegar

Definition - What is Apple Cider Vinegar Used for in Medicine?

Vinegar has been used in medicine since ancient times. Apple cider vinegar has made a name for itself in recent years and is nowadays used most often in naturopathy. In the past, it was used to clean wounds or treat milder symptoms such as dizziness or low blood pressure, among other things. Nowadays, in addition to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar is valued above all for its high nutritional content, which is why it is also popular in cosmetics or skin treatment. It also has a positive effect on the blood cholesterol level and stimulates digestion. In general, apple cider vinegar is well tolerated and inexpensive, which is why it is a good alternative or supplement to conventional medicine for milder diseases.

Use for apple cider vinegar in medicine

Apple cider vinegar is used in medicine for various therapies. However, its uses are largely limited to skin care and nutrition.

  • Due to its high levels of B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and a few others, as well as some minerals such as calcium and magnesium, apple cider vinegar can also be applied to skin problems such as acne and alleviate the symptoms.
  • Those who pay attention to their diet will also get very good results with vinegar, as it can also help with weight loss. Due to its ingredients, it is not only healthy, but also has a positive effect on weight over a longer period and reduces it.
  • Apple cider vinegar can also be used to treat wounds or relieve sore throats if you have a cold.

Apple cider vinegar for weight loss

If apple cider vinegar is consumed correctly on a daily basis, it can play an important role in weight loss. To do this, you shouldn't drink more than 50 ml apple cider vinegar a day. It is important that apple cider vinegar is never drunk straight. You mix it with water beforehand and drink it in small sips so that the gastrointestinal tract is not irritated too much. Before each meal, you should drink enough apple cider vinegar to make up 50 ml in the course of a day. Depending on the number and size of meals, you should therefore adjust the amount. Ideally, apple cider vinegar is taken about 15 minutes before a meal to reduce hunger. As a result, less food is consumed and it should be easier to lose weight. However, since apple cider vinegar contains a lot of minerals, vitamins, trace elements and other important nutritional components, the risk of malnutrition is rather low with a balanced and healthy diet. At the same time, apple cider vinegar also stimulates digestion, which makes it easier to consume food and prevents digestive problems.

To find out everything else about the so-called "apple cider vinegar diet", it is best to read the relevant article The Apple Cider Vinegar Diet

For more information on losing weight, please also read: Diets

For digestive problems

If you have digestive problems, apple cider vinegar can help and alleviate the symptoms. In addition to being used as part of a diet, apple cider vinegar can also help with gas or constipation. The mild acidity also has a positive effect on intestinal mobility, which means that the intestinal passage is faster and flatulence occurs less frequently. Blockages can also be resolved in this way.

For more home remedies, read here: Home Remedies For Flatulence And Home Remedies For Constipation

Use for colds

Apple cider vinegar is also a popular home remedy for colds. Since most colds are viral, but only the antibacterial effect of apple cider vinegar has been clearly proven, its effectiveness is controversial here. Nevertheless, it can provide relief for mild to moderate infections, especially if a sore throat occurs. For this, for example, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can be mixed with a little honey and water and then drunk.

Apple cider vinegar can also be used as an accompanying therapy for bacterial tonsillitis, but here you should always consult a doctor.

For more information, see: Home remedies for a cold such as Naturopathy for colds

application on the skin

Caring for the skin is an important and common use of apple cider vinegar in medicine. In addition to the anti-inflammatory component, the antibacterial effect also plays a central role. In addition, its high levels of vitamins (including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E) and some minerals such as calcium and magnesium have a positive effect on the skin.

For example, apple cider vinegar can help with acne. To do this, mix it with water and apply it with the help of a cloth, which you then leave on the affected area for a while so that the vinegar can take effect. The bacteria responsible for acne are partly killed or their growth is slowed down. At the same time, the ingredients have a nourishing effect on the skin.

Further information can also be found at Home remedies for acne

Apple cider vinegar can also be used to speed healing of inflamed wounds that are difficult to heal. The antibacterial and skin care properties are also used here.

Apple cider vinegar also helps the skin to remove excess skin particles, which makes the skin look clearer, healthier and fresher.

Against pimples

With regular use, apple cider vinegar is a good remedy for pimples. The pimples are usually caused by blockage of glands, which also causes bacteria to accumulate.Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar can be used for pimples by diluting it with water and applying it to the affected areas of the skin. Care should be taken that the mixture does not get into the eyes. To achieve a good result, the process should be repeated at least twice a day and the vinegar should sit for some time.

This is another way to get rid of pimples

Apple cider vinegar as a facial toner

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects already described, as well as the nourishing effect, apple cider vinegar can also be used as a facial toner. There are positive effects on pimples or acne and the quality of the skin. Depending on the variety, apple cider vinegar can also exude a pleasant scent when diluted with water.

As a home remedy for nail fungus

In addition to the antibacterial effect, apple cider vinegar sometimes also has an antifungal (fungicidal) effect, which is why it is well suited for the treatment of nail fungus. In addition, the use of vinegar has a good effect on the surrounding skin and nails due to its ingredients. For this, the apple cider vinegar is diluted with water and applied to the affected nail. So that the mixture can develop its effect, it is recommended to apply it to a gauze bandage or a cloth and fix it on the nail. The whole thing should be repeated as many times a day as possible until the nail fungus has disappeared.

Read on about treating Nail fungus with vinegar

For the hair

Apple cider vinegar also has a positive effect on the appearance and quality of the hair. To do this, you should regularly massage the apple cider vinegar into your shower and leave it on for a few minutes. It is best to do this about once a week so as not to strain the hair too much. Due to the short exposure time, the hair can absorb the ingredients of the apple cider vinegar and thus improve the growth and health of the cells. For this reason, apple cider vinegar is a good, inexpensive alternative to conventional cosmetics.

Against warts

Apple cider vinegar can also be used if warts appear. To do this, you should apply it to the affected area several times a day and leave it on for a few minutes. The best way to do this is to use a cloth with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Alternatively, you can make a damp wrap with a cloth and the vinegar-water mixture.

How does apple cider vinegar work?

The ingredients in apple cider vinegar have an effect on the skin, gastrointestinal tract or hair, for example. It sometimes achieves the best results in naturopathy and is therefore very popular. However, when buying, make sure that the ingredients have not been damaged during processing. For this reason, the apple cider vinegar must not have been heated, it should be naturally cloudy and, if possible, be of organic quality. Especially when used on injuries or for the hair, nutrients such as vitamins or minerals are an important factor. If you give them enough time to act, they can be used by the cells and contribute to their health.

The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effect is due to the relatively high proportion of acids that prevent the respective harmful organisms from multiplying. For this reason, vinegar is also suitable as a home remedy for gargling with colds.

Other modes of action, some of which occur when using apple cider vinegar, such as the positive influence on lowering blood sugar or cholesterol and lowering blood pressure, have not been conclusively clarified or are still partly unclear.

Read more on the topic vinegar

possible side effects

If the apple cider vinegar is used correctly, hardly any side effects are usually to be expected. However, if it is taken excessively when used against digestive problems, it can irritate the mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract. The slightly acidic properties of the skin can also lead to impaired barrier function, which creates open, painful areas. Another possible side effect is toothache.

However, these side effects are extremely rare.

In the area of ​​wound treatment, however, it must be ensured that after the end of the therapy there may be a renewed colonization with harmful bacteria or fungi.

When should apple cider vinegar not be taken?

When used correctly, apple cider vinegar is generally not harmful. However, you should avoid taking it, especially if you have stomach pain or illnesses such as a stomach ulcer, as the vinegar can have a negative effect here. During pregnancy, with toothache or with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes mellitus, the attending physician must always be consulted before using apple cider vinegar.

How often can you use apple cider vinegar?

In principle, there is no limit to the frequency with which apple cider vinegar can be used. However, to ensure that no side effects occur, the amount of apple cider vinegar should be limited to 50 ml per day. However, these 50 ml should not be taken all at once, but rather diluted with water to be drunk either during the day or at least over the course of a few minutes. When using the apple cider vinegar on the skin, care should be taken to ensure that the dosage is adequate so that it is not excessively irritated.

Are there differences in the quality of the apple cider vinegar types?

Depending on the production method, the different types of apple cider vinegar have a different quality, which has a decisive effect on its effectiveness. As a rule, the more expensive products are of higher quality. We therefore recommend varieties that have not been heated and are naturally cloudy.