Seeking a more natural approach, many people turn to home remedies to treat what ails them. Vinegar and honey are cited in many home remedies for everything from indigestion and constipation to asthma and allergies. While vinegar and honey aren't cure-alls, they do show some promise in offering real health benefits.
Vinegar and Heart Health
Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, may improve heart health. A study published in the journal, "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry," in December 2001 showed that vinegar caused a reduction in systolic blood pressure in rats with high blood pressure. More research must be done to verify this effect on humans, but the study shows promise.
Vinegar for Weight Loss
Vinegar is often cited as a weight-loss miracle, but that's not really the case. According to MayoClinic.com, there is no scientific evidence linking vinegar with weight loss, and drinking vinegar on a daily basis could cause stomach irritation, tooth enamel erosion and heartburn. Plus, if you currently take diuretics or insulin, drinking vinegar could cause low potassium levels in the blood.
Honey for Cough
Honey is often used in herbal teas as a pleasant, throat-soothing additive. However, there is actual medical evidence behind this effect. According to MayoClinic.com, honey serves as a cough suppressant and works just as well as over-the-counter cough suppressant medications.
Honey and Wound Care
Honey has antibiotic properties and can be used in the treatment of some wounds. According to a review published in "The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds," honey can clear infections in wounds and provide a damp environment for healing that encourages the growth of skin tissue. There is even medical-grade honey available for this very purpose.
References
- "Medscape General Medicine"; Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., R.D., et al.; May 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; April 2010
- "The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds"; The Evidence Supporting the Use of Honey as a Wound Dressing; P.C. Molan; May 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Honey: An Effective Cough Remedy?; James M. Steckelberg, M.D; March 2010
- "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry"; Antihypertensive Effects of Acetic Acid and Vinegar on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; S. Kondo, et. al.; December 2001
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