(NaturalNews) Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been touted as great all-around remedy that boosts overall health and appearance, making it an ideal household staple. It helps balance the body's system so that optimal health is reflected both by internal and outward improvements; everything from sunburn relief to a healthier scalp can be achieved with apple cider vinegar.

So effective is ACV that even back in 5000 B.C. the Babylonians used it as a tonic.⁽¹⁾ Likewise, it was used by Samurai warriors in Japan and in ancient Egypt, proving that people have enjoyed its healing abilities through time.

A Dr. Oz episode recently highlighted three homemade uses for ACV that viewers personally use and say is very effective.

Top uses for apple cider vinegar

Healthy scalp

One viewer explained that she uses a homemade ACV concoction to cleanse her scalp, saying that it's a natural alternative that helps her fight dandruff. Dr. Oz says that the acidity of apple cider vinegar kills off fungi that can lead to dandruff, and that it's not surprising that many people turn to such a remedy to keep their scalp in good condition.⁽²⁾

To make, simply mix 1/4 cup of water with 1/4 cup of ACV, put in a spray bottle and spray in parted sections of hair on the scalp. Do this twice weekly and leave in for about 15 minutes each time, then rinse.⁽²⁾

Furthermore, it'll make hair shine; a mix of about 1 cup of water and 1/2 tablespoon of ACV used as a rinse after shampooing can liven up dull hair.⁽³⁾

Soothes sore throats

Another viewer says that she drinks a mixture of 1 teaspoon of ACV, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 3 tablespoons of honey with warm water to soothe a sore throat. This "triple threat" works wonders for sore throats according to Dr. Oz, who says that both the vinegar and the honey have antibacterial properties, while a chemical in cayenne pepper called capsaicin helps eliminate pain.⁽²⁾

Reduces foot odor

ACV is also helpful when it comes to banishing foot odor. The acids in ACV alter the pH levels in skin, making it more difficult for odor-causing bacteria to flourish. Some recommend dabbing the offensive-smelling area (feet, armpits) with a cotton ball soaked in ACV or adding 1 cup of it to a wipe, then freezing it; the next day, it's absorbed the ACV and can be rubbed as a cooling cloth.^{(2, 3)}

Provides sunburn relief

Additionally, ACV can help soothe a sunburn. One woman by the name of Kaitlyn explains that after a bad sunburn, she simply put vinegar on a towel and rubbed her body with it, then went to bed. She says that when she woke up the next morning, there wasn't any tingling, peeling or redness.⁽⁴⁾

Sources:

(1) http://www.naturalnews.com

(2) https://www.youtube.com

(3) http://www.mindbodygreen.com

(4) http://www.naturalnews.com

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About the author:
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. >>> Click here to see more by Antonia