Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Benefits

Apple cider vinegar is a very popular regularly-used home remedy for many ailments, and it has been used in folk and Ayurvedic medicine for many years. While the proponents of apple cider vinegar claim that it has numerous health benefits, these claims are not supported by the FDA, so you should consult your doctor before beginning any self-treatment plan.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

According to Paul C. Bragg, author of "The Miracles of Apple Cider Vinegar Health System," bathing in apple cider vinegar can help to rid the scalp of dandruff. To use apple cider vinegar to treat dandruff, fill a bathtub halfway full with lukewarm water and add one cup of natural apple cider vinegar. Get in the tub and submerge the hair and scalp in the bathtub for approximately five minutes. Get out of the bathtub and rinse your hair, scalp and skin with cool water in the shower for two to three minutes. Let your hair dry naturally, avoiding blow drying or heavy towel use. According to Bragg, this treatment can be done two times per week as needed unless irritation occurs. Note that Bragg recommends using all-natural apple cider vinegar with at least 5% acidity for maximum benefit.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema

According to Alan C. Logan and Valori Treloar, authors of "The Clear Skin Diet," bathing in and consuming a small amount of apple cider vinegar can help relieve the symptoms of eczema. To use apple cider vinegar in the bath for eczema, add one-half cup of apple cider vinegar to the bathtub and fill it with cool water. Get in the tub and soak for 30 minutes before getting out and patting the skin dry with a clean towel. There is no need to wash the skin with soap or any cleanser after using this treatment, according to Logan and Treloar. The authors also recommend consuming three tbsp. of natural apple cider vinegar in three eight-oz. glasses of water every day to treat the body internally. These treatments can be repeated daily as long as needed unless irritation occurs.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Arthritis

According to Vasant Lad, author of "The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies," bathing in apple cider vinegar can help reduce the symptoms and pain of arthritis. To use apple cider vinegar for arthritis, put one-half cup apple cider vinegar in a bathtub full of lukewarm water and get in the tub. Soak for 45 to 60 minutes, and pat the skin dry with a clean towel. There is no need to wash the skin with a cleanser as long as the apple cider vinegar does not irritate your skin. According to Lad, this treatment can be used daily as long as it does not irritate your skin. Note that this treatment should not replace conventional treatment for arthritis, and it is only recommended as a natural additional measure to help relieve the symptoms and pain caused by arthritis.