50+ Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Who knew you could use it for so much?!

Recently, I’ve been referring to apple cider vinegar as a miracle elixir! I know that’s seems like I’m over exaggerating, but really I’m just so impressed at all the many uses for apple cider vinegar. In addition to using it for your favorite pickles and salad dressings, you can also use it around the house. People use it for health and beauty regimes, and its been coveted for centuries because of its incredible healing properties. We really haven’t been so impressed with an ingredient since we introduced 101 Uses for Coconut Oil!

There are so many uses for apple cider vinegar (ACV), but we want to highlight some of our favorite uses. We hope that you’ll become inspired with the ways to use ACV daily as a safe and natural alternative to chemicals. Whether you’re using it inside or out, this little glass bottle contains an overall health boosting tonic. Now do you see why I called it a miracle elixir?

As a Beauty Treatment

You might think the main way to use ACV is in cooking, but we’ve found it to be a very effective beauty treatment. A little bit of ACV can be helpful in treating the skin, teeth and hair. It’s really easy to incorporate a little ACV into your beauty regimen, so pick up a bottle today and try one of these incredible methods. Once you start seeing results, you might ditch your expensive beauty products!

  1. Use as a hair rinse to fight dandruff and add body and shine
  2. Use as a facial cleanser to boost the pH of your skin
  3. Add to bath water to relieve the redness and pain of sunburn
  4. It can help reduce buildup on the scalp
  5. ACV helps in the removal of warts
  6. Use it as a skin toner for blemishes
  7. Spray it on to reduce cellulite
  8. It can help control bad breath
  9. ACV whitens teeth and kills mouth bacteria
  10. It can reduce swelling and fade bruising
  11. Use as an overnight soak to clean dentures

For Your Health

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most useful, affordable and versatile supplements you can take for your overall health. It fights infections and inflammation, eases pain, and helps with many digestive issues. Taken daily, ACV will provide numerous health benefits. Here are a few of the most popular apple cider vinegar health benefits:

  1. Use as a detox to cleanse the kidneys
  2. Drink or use as a supplement to prevent flu
  3. Reduces inflammation from arthritis
  4. Relieves sinus pressure and fights infection
  5. Aids weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing fat burn
  6. Relieves allergies and asthma symptoms
  7. Relieves Gout
  8. Balances the body’s pH level
  9. Lowers cholesterol
  10. Reduces blood glucose level in diabetics
  11. Removes nail fungus
  12. Soothes bug bites and other minor skin irritations
  13. Aids digestion
  14. Taken with warm water and honey before bedtime, ACV may help with sleep issues
  15. Strengthens bones
  16. Has anti-inflammatory properties
  17. Relieves pain from jellyfish stings
  18. Aids in relieving chest congestion
  19. Promotes bowel movements and eases constipation
  20. Relieves heartburn
  21. Can help stop hiccups
  22. Promotes sinus drainage
  23. Treats ear infections
  24. Soothes rashes
  25. Promotes growth of healthy flora
  26. Control sugar cravings
  27. Helps cure strep throat
  28. May help treat eczema
  29. Increases energy and boosts metabolism
  30. Relaxes sore muscles
  31. Disinfects wounds
  32. Boosts immunity
  33. Lowers blood pressure

For more information check out Apple Cider Vinegar: Folk Remedy or Weight Loss Secret?

Around the House

Get rid of the toxic chemicals around your home. Many commercial cleaning products and deodorizers have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, and other serious health problems. Create your own products easily and inexpensively using natural items like ACV.

  1. Use as a natural disinfectant cleanser
  2. Use it to wash windows and leave a streak-free shine and clean scent
  3. ACV is a natural deodorizer
  4. Use it to deter cats from having accidents they won’t go where they smell vinegar.

And then, of course, you can use ACV in cooking! Some of our favorite recipes include this Slow Cooker Cranberry Chutney or Southwestern Kale Chips.

Check out our Facebook page and follow us on Pinterest for tasty recipes, clean eating tips, and healthy lifestyle resources.

Editor’s Note: Originally published Feb 28, 2013

This post may include affiliate links.

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157 Comments

  1. Yep it's true folks , It got rid of my dandruff! Do u have any facial recipes though? Or do u just dab it on your face ?

    1. Doesn't it have to be a special kind of ACV not the kids you buy in the grocery store? How much do you take daily? Like for weight loss.

  2. I found THE thing for my naturally curly hair! Apple Cider Vinegar. It makes your hair so soft and shiny. I was using it as a conditioner before I read this. Believe me, it works! What I found out is that Apple Cider Vinegar is the most natural thing to use on your hair. Try it.

    1. I have naturally curly hair too, how are you using it as a conditioner? Are you just pouring it out of the bottle straight onto your hair or are you mixing it with something? I don't want my hair smelling like ACV all day! Gross!

      1. Elizabeth, you can make a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water and rub into your hair after shampooing. Let it sit for one minute and rinse it out. The rinse should get rid of any smell.

    1. Mervi, That really depends on what you are taking the vinegar for. I have about 1 tablespoon when eating an afternoon salad.

  3. I'm really trying to stomach this stuff. I know it's really good for you. Are the capsules just as good?

    1. I don't know if it will hurt the effectiveness but I was afraid to try it in just water as I same suggested other places. Someone recommended mixing it with orange juice for your salad so I just added 2 tsp to my glass of OJ. It -slightly- alters the taste but hardly enough to notice!!

      1. My daughter and her husband swear by ACV. I’ve been having sinus issues and have gained 10 lbs from relocating our home. I used my daughters recipe she gave me and it’s not bad: cup of hot water, honey and fresh lemon juice. It wasn’t bad. You can add cinnamon too.

    1. Diane, That’s a personal choice. I suppose for eat it would be best. However, I’ve yet to find the organic version.

      1. The organic Apple Cider Vinegar by Braggs–it is the best and it does not have the bad taste of the cheap Apple vinegar—

        1. Patience, Apple Cider Vinegar combined with an equal amount of destilled water, can be blotted on minor cuts, boils, or wounds. Note that some slight stinging may occur when applied. The solution can be applied sereral times daily. This vinegar is a good choice.

  4. My Mom wants to try it as a detox to cleanse her kidneys, how much does she need to take, is there recipe by any chance?

    1. Paula, Add 1/2 cup of water with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and daily before eating meals. Apple cider vinegar helps prevent kidney stones from forming. I do recommend she check with her doctor before beginning any new regimen.

  5. To get the benefits of all of this you really need to use a really good quality organic ACV and it must contain "The Mother" Braggs is the most popular and trusted brand.

  6. I have acid reflux problem, they said it can help cure it. Is it true and how can i use it to cure it? . I am in Italy, can Braggs brand be found here in Italy or can any brand equally work well?

    1. Lucky You…I love Italy! 🙂 Vinegar helps to neutralize the stomach. I don’t know if Bragg’s can be purchased in Italy…probably not. Try another brand. Also, one of the best solutions is: to switch to a healthy, real food diet.

    2. I would recommend any brand with atleast 5% acidity level. Also try a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water twice a day after meals. I suspect that your acid reflux like in most cases has been caused by your diet. I know it may be difficult, but reducing consumption of sugar and fried foods will help tremendously.

  7. As Jada pointed out – you want the ACV with "The Mother" – Braggs is the most common,my Wal-Mart carries a large bottle of it. Shake it good before using. I have gallstones and some time ago ran across a suggestion for when having a gallbladder attack. Mix 1- 2 tablespoons of ACV with 1 cup Organic Unfiltered Apple Juice (Trader Joe's has a nice size bottle at a decent price) and drink. Takes the gallbladder attack pain away within 20-30 minutes for me.

    1. Yes!!!! It DOES work for acid reflux! It is amazing! And GERD !!! I tried it once after having been sick for 3 days just 2 tblspoons of ACV and chased it with juice !!! Gone almost immediately!! Been doing this every single day since! Totally amazing how much better my stomach and digestion is!!!!!!!

  8. I'm in the process of using ACV diluted with equal parts H2O as a douce for 2 year long Bacterial Vaganoisos Infection. 10 rounds of antibiotics couldn't get rid of it, only made me feel like crud being on the drugs, so I figured it can't hurt to try ACV along with a few other homeopathic remedies. Praying this works.

  9. Allison, you could have systemic Candida. Google the spit test for Candida. That many antibiotics can do it!

    I also agree with Jada and SnoopyNut, the ACV with "The Mother" is the only kind that is effective!

  10. what do you mean by " the Mothere "in it it also helps with releaving leg cramps just rub on the area

  11. I've been drinking vinegar since I was a little girl. I like it, my mouth waters just thinking of it…odd huh.

    1. Ang22 I am so with you! I enjoy drinking ACV! Just the thought of it makes my mouth water. I have always used Heinz brand. I’m curious about the differences between it the one that is recommended on here. I have several of the medical conditions that are listed on here. What is recommended for an overall dose?

      1. Jane, There isn’t a specific amount as it depends on the issue. There are a lot of legit articles on the internet. Maybe goole your
        question and check out articles on repubtable sites only. 🙂

  12. Dr. John R. Christopher, Master Herbalist, recommended taking 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar (I use Bragg's) with 1 tablespoon of raw honey in a glass of water three times a day. Several people have said they lowered their blood pressure, healed hiatal hernias, cleared their skin of liver spots, and cleaned out their gall bladders of sludge in about three weeks doing this. There is an old book titled, "Arthritis and Folk Medicine" written by a medical doctor, Dr. D. C. Jarvis in the early 1900s where he describes his experience using acv to cure mastitis in cows, and bacterial infections in other animals as well. Apparently Vermonters used this drink, which they called 'swizzle', for all kinds of ailments.

  13. Apple Cider Vinegar plays a major role in treatment of yeast infections. It is commonly used to help relieve and cure candida symptoms.

  14. Well I have found using things like lemon and baking soda to work very well. At the end of the day I think just try a couple of differnet methods. What works for one person may not work for another. Nice article overall! Also don't just try something for a day or two and then give up and change to another method! You need to give it time to work

  15. Dilute 0rganic ACV onto hands face for a softer clearer skin it does work! it helps get green tint out of coloured hair. I also drink half a cup diluted with water most days. Healthy and cheap
    anti inflammatory :))

  16. i have a pretty severe case of eczema or tsoriasis both on scalp and lower back , have 3 qts of bragg apple cider vinegar but do not know how or what ways to use……need help

  17. I have several aging problems….endless & growing pain from osteoarthritis & fybomyalgia…also now have neuropathy,at times I can barely walk..none wants to give you pain meds…do you think vinegar could give some relief????????????

    1. Patricia, I'm sorry you are dealing with all of that. It won't hurt to try the vinegar and other homeopathic or natural treatments. With the seriousness of those conditions, consulting a Dr. for relief is of course your best option.

    2. Hi Patricia, my name is Rose and I am dealing with the same problems you have. I just now started on the apple cider vinegar from Braggs, I am so hoping it helps with my pains, and also loosing some weight. If you would like to keep in touch you can e-mail me at quilter1128@yahoo.com I would love to keep in touch to see if it helps either one of us. I got my information about this from a lady at church, and she says it helps her leg cramps. That is what made me decide to try it. If you e-mail me put Braggs at the top of the message because I am leary about opening mail from just anyone. Good luck in your attempt with the vinegar. I will be praying you and I both succeed.

    3. Hi Patricia, how is your pain now? We are in the same boat, I started ACV with mother a teaspoon a day later increased to a spoon in water. My pain and Muscle spasm are things of the past as I detox and have smoothie for breakfast and go organic and gluten free. I do Hijama which I am trained at and i have being pain free for 2 months now

  18. Taking internally everyday for 2 months and it has changed me. I had dry lips and acne around my chin which cleared up in 2 weeks. Misquetos who normally attach me, I have only had 2 bug bites so far this season. I'm not as swee as I used to be. I take about 2 teaspoons in 1-2 oz of water and take it like a shot every morning when I wake up.

  19. I cant get Braggs ACV in West Africa so what do I do and also how would ACV help a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes?

    1. Ochuba, You can use regular apple cider vinegar and still get the benefits. There are even recipes out there to make your own. I'm not sure about pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Good luck in your research:)!

  20. I was recently diagnosed with a rare condition called CRPS. Most symptoms are simular to fybromyalgia. The ACV has REALLY helped reduce the nerve pain. I take a 1/2 of all nutural pineapple juice mixed with 2 tbl of ACV morning and night. What a big difference it has made. I am almost pain free even during the weather change.

  21. Has anyone tried the ACV for cellulite? If so please give directions on use and comments on how it helped.

  22. I've used it as a natural cleanser for my kiddo's bathtub for years, cause I don't like her soaking in bleach or any other chemical residue right after I clean it – and it's nearly impossible to be sure you got the surface entirely rinsed with most cleansers. In addition to keeping cats from peeing where they aren't supposed to, it also removed urine odors, including soaked in cat pee, which is nearly impossible to get out usually. Not long ago I discovered the wart removing thing, so I tried it on my daughter's wart that I've been battling for 3 years with medications that practically ate her skin and still left the wart behind – 1 week with a cotton ball dipped in ACV (I add a small drop of Tea tree oil to it (another natural remedy) to make it smell better and a bit of aloe so it keeps her skin moisturized) taped to her finger over night each night and that thing is almost completely gone. So, I decided to try the other things. The facial cleanser and toner works. I've battled my skin my whole life only to find that the solution all along was vinegar… I no longer feel like I need make up to leave the house. It does help with bruising, makes hair shiny, and gets rid of fleas naturally (If you don't want your animals smelling like vinegar, peppermint oil, lavender oil and tea tree oil also repel fleas and make the mixture smell nice)… this stuff is the greatest. I've traded a ton of expensive items I used to buy for one big bottle of ACV a week at only 3 bucks a bottle for the organic stuff. It's amazing.

    1. Yes! Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent natural skin care product and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as well as age spots, scarring, and acne.

      1. My son is 16 and has terrible acne on his face, back, & chest. I know part of his problem is getting him to wash his sheets every week! His father has the oilest skin I have ever seen. My has oily skin too but not as bad as his father. Would using ACV topically and internally be his best option? He is such a handsome young man and I’d hate for him to end up with scaring.

        1. Jane, It is a good alternative for me issues, but I can’t say for sure how much it will help your son’s acne. That’s a tough one!
          Has he seen a dermatologist?

  23. I'm really trying to stomach this stuff. I know it's really good for you. Are the capsules just as good?

    1. Lauren, There are several sources that mention trying ACV or coconut oil for spider veins. We have not yet tried it.

    1. Yes, you can take it straight, but mixing a tablespoon in a glass of water will help it go down a little easier. 🙂

  24. Hi, is it good idea to give kids as young s 2 and 4 yrs old ACV, maybe once a week? Also, does it help to reduce the scar from burn mark?

    1. It is always a good idea to check with your pediatrician first when working with children, but we don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be effective.
      Yes! Apple cider vinegar does help reduce scar tissue from burns.

    1. Sure! Combine 2 tablespoons ACV with 2 tablespoons water, gently dap on face with a cotton ball to clean. Be sure to avoid eye area.
      That’s it! 🙂

    1. Billy, First, it’s important that you check with your doctor about any diet changes, especially as related to joint pain/arthritis.

      According to the Livestrong website, “The University of Florida recommends mixing 2 tsp.of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water. Drink the mixture before each meal to relieve arthritis pain. Although there may be stories of people claiming to feel real benefits of apple cider vinegar in relation to arthritis, no research has validated these claims.”

    1. To be honest, I doubt it. Freckles are permanent as far as I know. Why not embrace your freckles? Some of the most beautiful women in the world have tons of freckles on their face. 🙂

    2. Jhen, embrace the unique beauty you have been blessed with! As a child I had many freckles, now that I am older most of them are gone and I miss them. My youngest daughter is 14 and she has the most beautiful freckles on her face! They are her angel kisses! There is a gradual decline of people not only having freckles but red hair as well. At some point there won’t be anyone left with these beautiful traits. So you see now how unique your beauty truly is. One more thing; make sure you use a moisturizer with an spf of no less then a 20! Your skin type is very fair and it puts you at a greater risk of skin cancer. Remember; Embrace your unique beauty, be proud of who you are!

  25. can it be used to remove stretch marks?? I also have a problem with severe heart burn….how can I use it??

    1. Niny, There are no guarantees, but some people have reported heart burn relief by taking 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar followed by a large drink of water.

  26. Hi..i have this sciatic pain..almost a month..is it ok to take 1 tablespoon of avc to 1 glass of water 30 mins before breakfast?

    1. Nicole, I don’t think it removes acne scars. It can be used as a facial cleanser to boost the pH of your skin. It’s really good at keeping bacteria at bay and new pimples from forming. When using as a facial cleaner, dilute 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon water. Soak a cotton ball with the vinegar/water solution and gently clean the skin. I recommend checking with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any new product on your skin. 🙂

  27. I made the detox tea and had it first thing in the morning. How long after should I wait to eat breakfast?

  28. K Didn’t read your comments but was sold by what I read here and from what ppl have told me so I’ll try it and let u know how it goes

  29. I am having heel pain for the past 15 days. how will apple cidar vinegar help me to relive the pain. i tried all the exercise, ice pack,message etc. please help

    1. Try soaking your feet in a combination of apple cider vinegar, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, and warm water. Set back and relax for about 15 minutes while your feet soak. There are no guarantees that this will work but since it’s a natural remedy, it’s worth a try. Keep us posted. 🙂

      Combine 1 gallon warm water, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, a pinch of cayenne pepper.

  30. I thought it was too easy, but I dabbed some ACV on some of the larger uglier varicose veins I have on my legs. I saw results almost immediately. They actually faded. Sometimes I forget so I’m still working on them, but they faded and haven’t come back as bad as they were before.

  31. I have resently started a low sodium diet to help lower my HBP. I eat, almost exclusively, fresh foods, and do my own cooking. However, since going low sodium I suffer from gas after almost every meal. Would ACVhelp? And do you have a recipe?

    1. It certainly couldn’t hurt to give it a try. Here’s the formula, take 1 tablespoon of ACV diluted in 1/2 cup water or tea before a meal. Give a try and let us know if it worked for you. 🙂

    1. Weight loss varies by individual based on many other factors, including diet and exercise, but studies have shown that ACV can lower blood glucose levels, which blocks the digestion of starch and reduces caloric intake during mealtime.

  32. Can acv help in taking away or Lipomas a swelling under the armpit? If yes, what is the procedure and for how long should I use it?

    1. Vanessa, I prefer only in the morning and on occasion. Everyone is different but that works for me. 🙂

  33. I have been taking ACV now for a month – 1 tbsp in 1 cup warm water mixed with 1 tbsp raw honey. I have lost weight within 2 weeks, I have more energy and I don’t feel hungry all the time. I also have started to use it as a toner and hopefully it will reduce the sun spots on my face. I also have reduced my sugar levels and blood pressure without the aid of medication. I think it’s the best thing ever!

    1. Glad you’re enjoying the many uses of ACV! Isn’t it amazing how it has so many different functions?

  34. I use White House Organic ACV. If not in stores near you it can be purchased thru web site, White House Foods.

    1. Denis, There is a school of thought that ACV helps reduce belly fat, but no definitive studies that I’m aware of.

    1. Hi, Teresa. People have reported how it has helped them. You can also check with your medical professional if you have concerns about toe fungus.

    1. Kimmy, I just did a little online research. It does appear ACV helps women transition into menopause. The post I found most beneficial was in Livestrong.

  35. All the uses for ACV sounds great, but how can I get the recipes for each of it’s uses? I have diabetes, acid reflux and I’m over weight, I’d love to find something natural to help.

    1. Nancy, This post lists 50 uses but not specific recipes. I just emailed your question to one of our recipe creators.
      You will likely see some recipes popping up in the near future. 🙂

  36. This detox drink associated with this is absolutely foul. I can down pretty much anything and I couldn’t drink this…it’s absolutely disgusting. There is far too much cayenne and cinnamon making the drink gritty and it all settles to the bottom
    I’d rather mix it all without the water and try to take it that way all at once and then follow with water.

    1. Liz, Hmmmmm…I can’t say for sure. Please do a little research on google and look at legit sites, possibly livestrong.

  37. Hi,I usually drink 2 tbsp of the vinegar and follow up with 2 tbsp of water ,do you really need honey or more water?? Will ACV help detox your liver??

    1. Dianne, You do not need honey or additional water if the taste w/o it doesn’t bother you. For a Liver cleanse, I prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice in water. 🙂

  38. I saw something on the Internet about using Apple cider vinegar, breathing it in, to help reduce inflammation in your sinuses. Please tell me how to do this and what you know about this. Thank you

    1. Hi Jan, this is something we’re not sure of and wouldn’t recommend. If you’re unsure about this method please check with your personal doctor.

  39. I have terrible constipation due to a very tortuous colon. Even daily medicine (linzess) doesn’t work. Would ACV help and if so, in what combination? TY

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