Apple cider vinegar or ACV is a health tonic for strength and power. It is prepared by adding yeast and bacteria to apple juice which renders a sour taste and a strong smell to it.
ACV is useful in weight loss and helps with proper digestion. Diabetics can take ACV by diluting it with water as it helps lower blood sugar levels. ACV may also be used to manage high cholesterol and symptoms of heart diseases due to its antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering properties.
ACV is useful for skin and hair problems due to its antibacterial property. It can be diluted with water and applied on the skin and scalp to manage acne and dandruff.
It should be kept in mind that Apple cider vinegar can irritate the throat, mouth and skin if used without dilution[1-3][18][19].

What are the synonyms of Apple cider vinegar?

Malus sylvestris, Saib ka sirka, Cider Vinegar, Araththikkaadi

What is the source of Apple cider vinegar?

Plant Based

Benefits of Apple cider vinegar

What are the benefits of Apple cider vinegar for Acne?

Modern Science View

Apple cider vinegar might help manage acne because of its acidic property. Apple cider vinegar balances the normal pH of the skin and creates a barrier to acne-causing bacteria.

Ayurvedic View

A Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha leads to an increased sebum production and clogging of pores which results in the formation of both white and blackheads. Another factor, an aggravation of Pitta, is marked by the appearance of some red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Apple cider vinegar balances both Kapha and helps fight against acne-causing bacteria as well as restore the pH level of the skin.due to its Amla (sour) property.
Tip:
1. Add 1 teaspoon of Apple cider vinegar to 3 teaspoons of fresh water.
2. Dip a clean cotton pad in the mixture and apply on to the affected area.
3. Keep it for 3-5 minutes.
4. Rinse it with cool plain water and pat dry.
5. Repeat this daily for 1 month for better results.
6. Always remember to use Apple cider vinegar by diluting it with equal amounts of water to prevent discoloration and scarring of the skin[2].

What are the benefits of Apple cider vinegar for Dandruff?

Modern Science View

Apple cider vinegar might help manage dandruff to some extent. This is due to its acidic property which helps balance the pH of the hair.

Ayurvedic View

As per Ayurveda, dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp which may be attributed to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Apple cider vinegar helps control dandruff due to its Amla (sour) property. It also helps to maintain the pH balance of hair, thus making it smoother, stronger, and shinier.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4th cup of Apple cider vinegar in 1 mug of plain water.
2. Pour this mixture evenly on the hair and scalp.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Rinse it with plain water.

How effective is Apple cider vinegar?

Insufficient evidence

Acne, Dandruff

Precautions when using Apple cider vinegar

Advice from Experts

Modern Science View

1. Be very careful before using Apple cider vinegar topically as it is highly acidic in nature. It may burn your skin if applied without diluting with water[1][18].

Allergy

Modern Science View

1. It is advisable to do a small patch test on the skin before using ACV[15].
2. Avoid its use if you are allergic or hypersensitive to any products having similar constituents of ACV[15].

Recommended Dosage of Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar Liquid - 1 teaspoon diluted in 3-4 teaspoons of cool water.

How to use Apple cider vinegar

1. Face-Toner
a. Add 1 teaspoon of Apple cider vinegar to 2-3 teaspoons water.
b. Dip the cotton pad in the mixture and apply on to the face, neck and hands.
c. Keep it for 3-5 minutes.
d. Rinse your face with cool plain water and pat dry.
e. Repeat it for 2-3 times a day for a clear and glowing skin[2].

2. Body Scrub
a. Take ½ cup of granulated sugar.
b. Add 1 tablespoon of Apple cider vinegar to it.
c. Now add 1 teaspoon of honey to the mixture.
d. Rub this mixture on your whole body in circular motion for 5 minutes.
e. Rinse it off with fresh water[2].

3. Hair Conditioner
a. Shampoo and condition your hair properly.
b. Add 1/4th cup of Apple cider vinegar in 1 mug of plain water.
c. Pour this mixture evenly on the hair and scalp.
d. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
e. Rinse it with plain water for healthy and shiny hair.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is Bragg’s Apple cider vinegar?

Modern Science View

Bragg’s organic Apple cider vinegar is considered one of the best brands as it is made from organically grown apples. It is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and contains the “Mother” of vinegar (a combination of probiotic bacteria, enzymes and proteins).

Q. What are the storage conditions of Apple cider vinegar?

Modern Science View

You need not store Apple cider vinegar in the refrigerator. However, to retain the flavor and the quality of vinegar, it is best if you keep the opened bottle tightly capped and in a cool, dry, dark place. This prevents the growth of bacteria and helps in maintaining its quality.

References

1
WebMD.Apple cider vinegar: Uses, Side effects, Interactions, Dosage [Internet] Atlanta [Updated in 2016].
2
Vinegar: A Complete Guide to Nature's Most Remarkable Remedy.3rd edition.Kensington Publishing Corp.2009.",www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-816-APPLE+CIDER+VINEGAR,"Johnston CS, Steplewska I, Long CA, et al.Examination of the antiglycemic properties of vinegar in healthy adults.Ann Nutr Metab.2010;56(1):74-9.
3
Johnston CS, Kim CM, Buller AJ.Vinegar improves insulin sensitivity to a high-carbohydrate meal in subjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care.2004;(1):281-282.
4
Kondo T, Kishi M, Fushimi T, et al.Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subjects.Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.2009;73(8):1837-1843.
5
Hill LL, Woodruff LH, Foote JC, et al.Esophageal injury by Apple cider vinegar tablets and subsequent evaluation of products.J Am Diet Assoc.2005;105(7):1141-4.
6
Gambon DL, Brand HS, Veerman EC.Unhealthy weight loss. Erosion by Apple cider vinegar.Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd.2012;119(12):589-591.
7
Willershausen I, Weyer V, Schulte D, et al.In vitro study on dental erosion caused by different vinegar varieties using an electron microprobe.Clin Lab.2014;60(5):783-90.
8
González M, Rivas C, Caride B, et al.Effects of orange and apple pectin on cholesterol concentration in serum, liver and faeces.J Physiol Biochem. 1998;54(2):99-104.
9
Johnston CS, Kim CM, Buller AJ.Vinegar improves insulin sensitivity to a high-carbohydrate meal in subjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care 2004;27(1): 281-282.
10
Beheshti Z, Chan YH, Nia HS, et al. Influence of Apple cider vinegar on blood lipids. Life Sci J. 2012;9(4):2431-2440.
11
Budak NH, Kumbul Doguc D, Savas CM, et al. Effects of Apple cider vinegars produced with different techniques on blood lipids in high-cholesterol-fed rats. J Agric Food Chem 2011;59:6638-44.
12
Frost G, Sleeth ML, Sahuri-Arisoylu M, et al.The short-chain fatty acid acetate reduces appetite via a central homeostatic mechanism.Nat Commun.2014.29;5:3611.
13
White AM, Johnston CS.Vinegar ingestion at bedtime moderates waking glucose concentrations in adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care.2007;30(11):2814-5.
14
Sakakibara S1, Yamauchi T, Oshima Y, et al.Acetic acid activates hepatic AMPK and reduces hyperglycemia in diabetic KK-A(y) mice.Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006;344(2):597-604.
15
Laranjinha, João AN, Almeida LM et al.Reactivity of dietary phenolic acids with peroxyl radicals: Antioxidant activity upon low density lipoprotein peroxidation.Biochemical pharmacology.1994;48(3): 487–494.
16
Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
17
Boyer J, Liu RH. Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits.Nutr J. 2004;3:5.
18
Bunick CG, Lott JP, Warren CB, et al.Chemical burn from topical Apple cider vinegar.JAAD.2012;67(4):143-144.
19
Feldstein S, Afshar M, Krakowski AC.Chemical Bum from Vinegar Following an Internet-based Protocol for Self-removal of Nevi.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2015;8(6):50.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.