Apple cider vinegar is basically the nectar of the gods. As one of the most consistently reinforced home remedies out there, apple cider vinegar can stabilize your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, treat acid reflux, and even work as a facial toner. ACV is the ultimate cure-all, but with flu season upon us, you have to wonder: Does apple cider vinegar treat colds, too?
Psh, of course it does. I did say it was the nectar of the gods, after all. ACV can relieve you of your cold symptoms almost immediately upon ingestion. It works in two ways: First, apple cider vinegar helps to thin the mucus in your body, which builds into an overly thick substance when you're sick (hello, inability to breathe out of my nose). Secondly, even though it tastes extremely acidic (read: gross), ACV actually works to keep your body's pH levels balanced, which gives your immune system the best capabilities to fight off bacteria and sickness. As Organic Authority succinctly puts it, "an alkalized body is unappealing to germs."
ACV is an excellent weapon to keep in your flu-fighting toolkit, but sometimes it can seem daunting to incorporate it directly into your diet. After all, drinking straight vinegar can be a little overwhelming for people when they're healthy, let alone when they're not feeling on top of their game.
Luckily, there are plenty of options for how you can reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar, regardless of whether you love it or you can't stand it. Here are five ACV remedies to try the next time you're feeling sick as a dog.
Adding ACV to your vaporizer can help relieve you from cold, flu, sinus, and chest infections, according to Home Remedies For Life.
Just add one-eighth of a cup of apple cider vinegar to your vaporizer, in addition to water. Leave it on overnight, and continue to add more ACV nightly. This is a great option for people who gag if they actually taste ACV, but still want to reap the benefits.
For anyone who wants the quick and nasty approach, you can always get your ACV fix by taking a big ol' gulp of it daily.
The best way to drink apple cider vinegar is to take a spoonful of it as soon as you start to feel the symptoms, and then to continue to take daily spoonfuls until you feel better.
If you can't stand the taste of apple cider vinegar and you don't want to buy a vaporizer, you can always fool your senses with an easy apple cider vinegar salad dressing recipe, like this one from Organic Authority:
Mix three parts olive oil to one part vinegar. Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet taste if you like. Mix well and drizzle atop your salad.
If your chest is congested, consider soaking a piece of cloth in apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle black pepper on one side of the cloth, then lay the cloth across your chest for a half hour. Repeat this one to two times a day, and it should relieve you of some chest congestion.
There are tons of concoctions you can drink that include apple cider vinegar as a cold remedy. Home Remedies For Life has several great recipe ideas, including these two:
If you like honey, consider this one: Combine a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar and a quarter cup of honey, and slurp down a tablespoon of the mixture every few hours.
Another option is adding two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of honey to a large mug of mint tea. Adding ACV to hot water or tea is an excellent way to consume it without being overwhelmed by the flavor.
