Apple cider vinegar is more than just a component of your salad dressing. Its antibacterial, pH restoring properties can smooth out your skin and help you lose weight! There are many uses for apple cider vinegar that it can be an all natural substitute to many products that you have in your home.

Here are a few cultures that have used ACV throughout history:

1. Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians were among the first to use apple cider vinegar for its health benefits. They valued it as a natural remedy and a component in their daily life, both for food preservation and as a treatment for wounds and illnesses. The famous Egyptian physician Imhotep is believed to have used vinegar in his healing practices.

2. Ancient Greece & Roman Empire

The Greeks, especially Hippocrates (often called the “Father of Medicine”), are known to have used vinegar as a treatment for various ailments. Hippocrates used apple cider vinegar combined with honey to treat wounds, and he also recommended it as a tonic for overall health. The Greeks valued it for its antibacterial properties and used it in their diet as a condiment and preservative. The Romans used vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, in a similar way to the Greeks. Roman soldiers reportedly drank a diluted mixture of vinegar and water, known as “posca,” which was believed to be a refreshing and health-boosting drink. They also used vinegar for culinary purposes and as a disinfectant for wounds.

3. China

In traditional Chinese medicine, vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, has been used for thousands of years. It’s believed to balance the body’s internal environment, improve digestion, and support overall health. Chinese medicine values ACV as an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying agent, often incorporating it in remedies to treat colds, sore throats, and other ailments.

5. Europe in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, became a popular remedy for a variety of conditions. People used it for wound care, to purify water, and as a preservative for food, especially in the absence of refrigeration. Some even believed that vinegar could ward off diseases like the plague, and it was used in “vinegar of the four thieves,” a concoction believed to protect against the plague.

6. North America (Native American Use)

Native American cultures have also used vinegar, though not necessarily apple cider vinegar specifically, for centuries. They utilized vinegar in various medicinal applications, particularly in the treatment of wounds and infections. Apple cider vinegar became popular in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially after being promoted as a health tonic.

Modern Western Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

In the 20th and 21st centuries, apple cider vinegar has become widely recognized in Western culture for its supposed health benefits. It gained popularity as a natural remedy for everything from digestive problems to weight loss. Many health enthusiasts continue to use it in various forms, including as an ingredient in tonics, salad dressings, and smoothies.

Drinking a mix of apple cider vinegar and water throughout the day help people maintain their figures and burn abdominal fat over the course of twelve weeks. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps reduce triglycerides (bad cholesterol) and helps maintain blood sugar levels.

A recommended ratio is two tablespoons of apple cider to sixteen ounces of water. A high concentration of apple cider vinegar can be corrosive to the body. Drinking apple cider vinegar isn’t a magic elixir for weight loss but can help prevent weight gain and over the course of three to four months result in noticeable weight loss.

Yes, it is true that apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be used in your hair, and it’s a popular natural remedy for various hair-related issues. ACV is believed to offer several benefits for hair health, including:

Apple Cider Vineger for Beauty & Hair

While ACV can offer numerous benefits for your hair, results may vary depending on your hair type and individual sensitivities. It’s always a good idea to start with a small amount and see how your hair responds.

1. Balancing pH Levels

The natural acidity of apple cider vinegar helps to balance the pH of the scalp and hair. This is especially beneficial for people who have oily or dry scalp conditions, as ACV can help restore the scalp’s natural balance.

2. Cleansing and Removing Product Build-Up

ACV acts as a gentle cleanser, helping to remove product buildup, excess oil, and impurities from the scalp and hair. Over time, hair products can leave residue that can make hair appear dull or weighed down. ACV helps clarify and refresh the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

3. Soothing the Scalp

ACV has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help soothe an irritated scalp and alleviate conditions like dandruff or itchiness. It can also help with scalp inflammation, promoting overall scalp health.

 How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Hair

• ACV Hair Rinse: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water (adjust the ratio depending on your hair length and sensitivity). After shampooing your hair, pour the ACV mixture over your hair and scalp, then rinse thoroughly. This helps to balance pH, remove buildup, and enhance shine.

• ACV Scalp Treatment: If you have a particularly itchy or dry scalp, you can apply a diluted ACV solution (mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water) directly to your scalp and gently massage it in. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
• ACV and Hair Mask: Combine apple cider vinegar with other ingredients like honey, coconut oil, or avocado to create a nourishing hair mask. The ACV adds shine while other ingredients moisturize and strengthen the hair.

 Precautions:

– Dilution is Key: ACV is quite acidic, so it’s important to dilute it with water before applying it to your hair or scalp. Undiluted ACV can irritate the skin or scalp.

– Patch Test: Always do a patch test before using ACV on your hair to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

How to Make Apple Cider Vineger

To make apple cider vinegar, start by chopping organic apples (or using apple scraps) and placing them in a large jar. Cover the apples with water and add sugar (about 1 cup per quart of water). Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or towel and let it sit in a warm, dark place for 3-4 weeks, stirring daily. As the apples ferment, they will turn into alcohol. After about a month, strain the liquid to remove the solids. Leave the liquid to ferment further for another 3-4 weeks, allowing it to develop into vinegar. The result will be a tangy, homemade apple cider vinegar. Or, you can purchase an affordable bottle of our favorite apple cider vinegar here.