Apple cider vinegar is a vinegar from fermented apples that has so many health benefits, one would venture to call it Mother Nature’s gift to mankind. It has anti-inflammatory properties that heal, soothe and protect us from the inside out. This quality makes it an excellent tonic for overall health; and given that our skin is the largest organ of the human body, it can benefit us tremendously!
Apple cider vinegar or ACV as it is known, works as an antiseptic to prevent infections, soothe rashes and heal skin wounds. One of the most important of all benefits of apple cider vinegar is for skin tag removal and as a facial toner for overnight use. Let us consider some easy ways to use apple cider vinegar or ACV for skin problems and also discuss a toner recipe that was created by the Queen of Hungary herself.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar is an excellent tonic for bruises and wounds. You can use it as a compress to dab on wounds and prevent discoloration and pain. Vinegar protects the skin and speeds up healing. To use: take a few drops of organic ACV on a clean cloth or cotton ball and press it gently over the bruised area. Repeat several times throughout the day to fade the bruise.
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. It is particularly useful for people suffering from recurrent fungal infections such as tinea or ringworm. Ringworm causes circular, itchy, scaly rashes on different parts of the body. Applying apple cider vinegar directly onto these areas helps stop itchiness and eliminates fungal spores quickly. People who suffer regularly from ringworm can also benefit from internal use of apple cider vinegar. Take a few teaspoons of ACV in warm water and add some juice/honey to make it palatable. Drink it every day or several times a day on an empty stomach. This helps enhance immunity to prevent fungal skin infections.
As we age, our skin is the first to get impacted. We start noticing signs like blemishes, age spots, skin hyper-pigmentation, etc. The sulfur in ACV can help fight these signs of aging to an extent. However, one needs to be diligent and apply ACV regularly onto the spots and blemishes, in order to fade them.
A day out in the sun can be fun but it can also harm our skin by causing sunburn and UV damage. Apple cider vinegar can reverse these effects. It contains antibacterial and soothing properties that relieve the pain, burning and itchiness that accompany sunburns. To use: add a generous amount of organic, unfiltered ACV to a tub bath filled with warm water. Soak in the bath for 20 minutes to prevent blistering, itching, burning and inflammation.
Acne can harm one’s self confidence as it leads to unsightly marks and blemishes that take years to fade. Many teenagers suffer from hormonal acne that leads to cysts, nodules and painful lesions on the chin and cheeks. Adult women in their perimenopausal years can also suffer from acne. Apple cider vinegar is a natural antiseptic and astringent that helps soothe redness while healing lesions quickly. To use: dab organic ACV onto the lesions. For people with sensitive skin, it is best to dilute the vinegar a bit with water or Aloe Vera gel before use. One can also take Apple cider vinegar internally.
Many factors can cause allergies and itchy skin. These include stress, dust mites, insect bites, environmental pollutants, detergents, harsh soaps, etc. Underlying health issues like poor liver health can also cause allergies. To reduce itching, dab organic apple cider vinegar onto the itchy areas. You can also soak in bath water treated with generous amounts of ACV. Drinking ACV mixed with water or juice can remove toxins from the body, make the body alkaline and also fight skin irritation and inflammation.
To soothe the bite or sting caused by a wasp or bee, use apple cider vinegar. The acid in the vinegar quickly converts the toxins in the sting to less toxic compounds. Dousing your skin with apple cider vinegar is also a great remedy to stop burning, pain and inflammation caused by jellyfish stings, etc.. To use: place a few drops of apple cider vinegar onto cotton, wool or a soft flannel cloth and dab it gently onto the stung area.
One of the most important uses of apple cider vinegar is in skin tag removal. Similarly, you can use it to remove warts, corns and calluses formed by hardened skin on the feet, hands, etc. To use: dab a generous amount of undiluted ACV onto the wart, skin tag or corn. Cover with a bandage and leave it on overnight. Use this daily for 2 to 3 weeks until the tag falls off. In some cases, this remedy could take months to show results.
We will now discuss a great recipe for a Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Toner.
This is a great way to use apple cider vinegar on your face overnight. It will reduce age spots, acne marks, blemishes, etc., and also prevent acne, wrinkles and other skin problems:
• 6 parts lemon balm
• 4 parts each chamomile and roses
• 3 parts each calendula and comfrey leaves
• 1 part each rosemary and sage
• Apple cider vinegar to cover
• Rose water or witch hazel
• Essential oils of rose or lavender (optional)
Method
• In a wide-mouthed jar, add the herbs. Fill the jar with enough organic ACV so that it rises 1-2 inches above the herbs.
• Cover tightly and let sit in a warm spot for at least 2 weeks.
• Strain the mixture and discard the herbs.
• Add 1 cup of witch hazel extract or rose water and 2-3 drops of essential oils if desired.
• Rebottle.
You need not refrigerate this mixture as it can last for years without spoiling.
Medical Disclaimer
The content found on this website is for informational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information and statements regarding health related benefits of certain ingredients are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your personal physician or other medical professional. Do not use the information found within this website to self-diagnose any medical conditions or treat any health problems or diseases. The information provided is not intended to prescribe or be taken as medical advice.
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