Vinegar has been used throughout history as a medical aid for treating various conditions. According to the Vinegar Institute, the United States Food and Drug Administration requires that a product referred to as "vinegar" have at least 4% acidity. Vinegar has antibacterial, antifungal and antiglycemic properties. As a result it can have significant effects on pain from burns and stings, fungus on toenails and fingernails as well as helping to control high blood sugar levels.
Pain from Stings and Burns
One of the most widely used health uses for vinegar is for relief from jelly fish stings. According to Carol S. Johnston, PhD, RD, and Cindy A. Gaas with the University of Washington, vinegar is widely used by coastal communities all over the world to treat these stings. Vinegar helps to deactivate the stingers or nematocysts that are causing the pain. In addition, vinegar can also help to relieve the pain caused by insect stings such as bees and wasps. When poured on the skin where the stings have occurred, the stinging instantly ceases. In addition, using vinegar on sunburn or cooking burns helps to instantly relieve the pain. Vinegar has a soothing effect on burns and helps to release the heat that is causing the pain. This remedy can be reapplied as often as needed for relief.
Fungus
Due to vinegar's acidity it is a natural antifungal agent. Therefore, it is very useful in treating toenail of fingernail fungus. According to the Vinegar Institute, soaking your toes or fingers in a solution of vinegar and water containing one part vinegar and two parts water for 15 minutes a day is enough to treat a fungal infection. However, it may take several weeks before the fungus is completely eradicated.
Diabetes
According to the Vinegar Institute, research done by Dr. Carol Johnston of Arizona State University has shown that vinegar has a positive effect on the health of people with diabetes by helping to reduce postprandial glycemia (PPG). Vinegar has antiglycemic properties and helps to reduce blood sugar levels. This can help diabetics with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar in a more natural way. According to the Vinegar Institute, this can be achieved by ingesting small amounts of vinegar during a meal that also has complex carbohydrates. The Vinegar Institute also reports that lowering PPG helps to reduce the risk of complications from diabetes.
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