Mar 23 2008
Apple cider vinegar to the rescue!
Apple cider vinegar has amazing health and healing properties. The best type is organic, naturally brewed, unfiltered and unpasteurized versions of apple cider. Filtered, pasteurized vinegar does not have healing properties. The most recognized brand is Bragg’s, which is available in most health food stores. Natural apple cider vinegar should be a rich, brownish color and if held to the light you might see a tiny formation of “cobweb-like” substances, called the “mother,” which are strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules.
The use of apple cider vinegar for healing is not new, in fact it was used by Hippocrates (the father of medicine) in 400 B.C. and as far back as the Egyptians in 3000 BC. It contains naturally occurring antibiotic and antiseptic properties which fight germs and bacteria.
Natural apple cider vinegar is full of vitamins and minerals including: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon, fluorine, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, provitamin beta-carotene, and vitamin P.
So, just what does natural apple cider vinegar do?
It assists in creating a proper functioning metabolism, aids in weight loss, boosts the immune system, reduces joint stiffness, reduces muscle pain from exercise, reduces cholesterol, regulates water within the body and reduces water retention, reduces excess sodium, reduces excess mucus, helps to regulate blood pressure, assists in blood circulation, cleanses the blood, inhibits unfriendly bacteria, increases concentration and memory, regulates body temperature, and increases vitality and energy. Natural apple cider vinegar aids the liver in detoxifying the body and helps to digest rich, fatty, greasy foods (which you shouldn’t be eating anyway!), and promotes the proper metabolizing of proteins, fats and minerals.
Add natural apple cider vinegar to your daily routine (the taste isn’t all that bad) and quickly notice all the changes in your body. It really does boost metabolism, vitality and a sense of well being within a couple of days. Being healthy on the inside shows on the outside as well.
And as an added bonus, according to Chinese medicine, “vinegar is warming, it creates a temporary warming circulation of energy (qi) in the body and removes stagnant blood. It can quickly alter emotional stagnation as well — bad moods will usually disappear a few moments after taking vinegar.” (from Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition)
Typically 2 - 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz. of water is taken 3 times per day, before meals. A little honey can be added to sweeten the taste if needed.
For more information, Patricia Bragg has written a book which has sold over 7 million copies: Apple Cider Vinegar: Miracle Health System
…goes to store to buy apple cider vinegar…
Great article to bookmark and share…working in health food stores, I would often see people with several bottles of vinegar and wonder what they were doing with it all.
How difficult is it to make your own?
We have also used it for bruises and sprains, as well. We typically use 3 parts water to 1 part apple cider vinegar to make a compress or a soak. Don’t know how or why it worked, but I suppose the proof is in the pudding. Mmmmm. Vinegar pudding.
Thank you! Yeah, I should have covered the external uses as well. It’s also great as a hair rinse w/ water - makes hair very soft. Takes the sting out of insect bites, clears up athlete’s foot (by soaking in it & water), veggies & greens can be soaked in diluted vinegar to remove any bacteria or parasites…
And, it’s also great for cleaning!
That’s why I was so healthy when I was picking apples.