Apple cider vinegar is a frequent ingredient in a diverse list of home remedy recipes, from jelly fish stings and indigestion to weight loss and skin health. While proponents of the murky, amber liquid claim a variety of health benefits, the Mayo Clinic warns that few health benefits have been rigorously tested in peer-reviewed scientific tests.
Anti-Microbial Benefits
Apple cider vinegar is a traditional remedy that may include a considerable amount of anti-microbial compounds and properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While high dosages could negatively impact with some diuretic and insulin medications, UMMC suggests that a mixture of 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar diluted in 1 cup of warm water drunk throughout the day is safe for most individuals. Generally attributed to the reduction of bodily bacteria, fungi and potozoans, anti-microbial compounds such as those found in apple cider vinegar are microbicidal and can provide a disinfectant effect by effectively eliminating microbes in the body.
Alkalinity
While generally considered an acidic beverage because of its strong taste and fiery consistency, apple cider vinegar is frequently prescribed as an alkaline treatment by naturopaths and alternative doctors. The beneficial alkaline properties of apple cider vinegar were first documented in 400 B.C. by the Greek doctor and "father" of modern medicine Hippocrates. The recipe generally administered to his patients involved an undiluted beverage of 1 cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with 1/2 cup of honey drunk over a period of days. While no scientific studies have since been performed on the benefits of this concoction, it may offer benefits of increased alkalinity and a balanced internal pH when sipped over a period of days.
Skin and Scalp Cleanse
In addition to the benefits of internally cleansing with apple cider vinegar, topical applications can also help certain skin and scalp conditions. According to the Vinegar Institute, undiluted apple cider vinegar lightly rubbed on the skin can help relieve the damage caused by sunburn. In their book "The Herbal Drugstore," Linda B. White and Steven Foster prescribe an anti-fungal scalp rinse involving 2 cups of apple cider vinegar with select herbs to help relieve the effects of dandruff as caused by the Pityrosporum ovale yeast or bacteria. Aside from its benefits as an internal cleansing agent, apple cider vinegar offers a natural fungicide and germ killer for any external areas of the body that may require the aid of a topical cleanse.
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