Medicinal Uses For Vinegar

The Vinegar Institute estimates that people have been using vinegar for more than 10,000 years. Varieties of vinegar include white distilled, wine, cider, rice, raspberry, balsamic and pineapple. In order to avoid the high cost and harsh side effects of some medical treatments, people often turn to vinegar as a home remedy for several medical conditions.

Jellyfish Stings

Jellyfish tentacles contain stinging cells that pierce the skin as they brush against you. This releases poison that causes pain and other symptoms. Dr. Herbert Luscombe, a senior dermatologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, recommends splashing a jellyfish sting with vinegar immediately after the injury. The New York Times reports that the vinegar deactivates the poisonous cells and prevents the release of more venom into the body.

Swimmer's Ear

The skin that lines the ear canal normally has a waxy protective coating that resists water. Bacteria usually live on this surface without causing infections or other adverse effects. Swimmer's ear occurs when moisture breaks the protective skin barrier and causes the skin inside the ear to soften. This makes it easy for bacteria to enter the skin. Dr. Alan Greene, a pediatrician and owner of DrGreene.com, indicates that vinegar helps treat mild cases of swimmer's ear. Put several drops of white vinegar in each ear, and leave it in for five minutes. Drain the vinegar by turning the ear down and letting it drain on a towel.

Nosebleed

The nose contains tiny blood vessels that bleed when irritation affects the lining of the nasal cavity. Causes of nosebleeds include nose picking, repeated sneezing, upper respiratory infections, very dry air, blowing the nose too hard and overuse of nasal sprays that contain decongestants. Nosebleeds usually affect only one nostril, so it helps to plug the nostril with wet cotton. Because decongestant nasal sprays may lead to addiction, otolaryngologist Jerold Principato, in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," recommends wetting the cotton with vinegar to cauterize the bleeding vessel.

Sunburn

Sunburn that affects large areas of the skin causes pain and irritation. A cool bath helps ease irritation, itching and inflammation. Dr. Carl Korn, in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," recommends adding 1 cup of white vinegar to a bath of cool water. Continue adding cool water to the bath to keep it at the proper temperature.