Vinegar, commonly used as a food preservative, condiment and cleaning solution, offers therapeutic benefits when ingested or applied topically, explains Dr. Carol Johnston in the May 2006 volume of "Medscape General Medicine." Used since antiquity for its medicinal properties, vinegar is recognized in modern times as well to help manage or treat certain health conditions. However, consult your health care practitioner before using vinegar as a home remedy for any disease or disorder.
Blood Sugar Control
Maintaining proper levels of blood glucose is important in managing diabetes. In the November 2007 issue of "Diabetes Care," Dr. Andrea White documents that diabetic patients who ingested a small amount of apple cider vinegar at bedtime showed improved blood glucose levels upon waking the next morning. Another study, described by Dr. Carol Johnston in the January 2004 issue of "Diabetes Care," shows that subjects who consumed apple cider vinegar prior to eating a high-carbohydrate meal demonstrated an improvement in post-meal blood glucose levels compared with those who drank water prior to the meal. The researchers caution that more and larger studies need to be done to understand both the efficacy and the mechanism of action of vinegar on blood sugar control.
Ear Infection
Ear infection may affect your middle ear or your outer ear. Both conditions may cause pain, irritation and ear drainage. A solution of vinegar diluted in water may help provide relief for otitis media, or middle ear infection, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, if you suspect a perforated eardrum as a result of otitis media, contact your health care provider. Outer ear infection or inflammation, also known as swimmer's ear, often occurs when your ear canals stay in contact with moisture for prolonged periods. To dry out your ear canals and help kill infectious organisms, mix together equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Apply a medicine-dropper full to your affected ear several times a day.
Jellyfish Sting
When jellyfish sting, they release their venom through structures called nematocysts. Nematocysts function both to adhere the jellyfish tentacle to its prey and to inject venom at its point of attachment. According to Dr. Carol Johnston in the May 2006 volume of "Medscape General Medicine," vinegar deactivates the nematocysts of jellyfish and is a common first-line treatment used worldwide against jellyfish stings. Although hot water deactivates jellyfish venom, it is more practical to carry a container of vinegar when swimming in areas where jellyfish may be present. If you are stung by any type of jellyfish, liberally apply vinegar to the affected area as quickly as possible, and seek medical attention for follow-up care.
References
- "Medscape General Medicine": Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D.: May 2006
- "Diabetes Care": Vinegar Ingestion at Bedtime Moderates Waking Glucose Concentrations in Adults With Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes; Andrea M. White, Ph.D.; November 2007
- "Diabetes Care": Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes; Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D.; January 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ear Infection
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ear Discharge
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