Apple cider vinegar is ALWAYS in my cabinet. I use it for beauty and health purposes. You have to make sure to buy the unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the “mother” in it. That cloudy goodness contains the magic. The brand I use is Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. I haven’t ever paid more than $5.99 for a bottle. (Disclaimer: I am in no way, shape, or form a health professional so I can’t tell what will or will not work for you. These are simply suggestions of what I use. Check with your health care provider before using any herbs or supplements.)

Face

I use ACV to make a facial toner. I used to use toners labeled for acne and they didn’t do anything but make my face dry and irritated. ACV toner pulls out all of the yucky stuff out of my skin and leaves it feeling moisturized and soft. It helped get rid of my acne scars and dark marks. I have super oily skin, so when I do breakout it helps a lot with that as well.

I went to a dermatologist and received an Isolaze treatment to clear up my clogged pores. The aesthetician used a pumpkin wine toner on my face and it felt AMAZING. I had to look it up after the appointment so I could see what these fancy people knew that I didn’t. That bottle was like $40…so I looked up some natural DIY toners and found this one.

Make sure that you shake the ACV bottle before hand in order to evenly distribute the “mother”. You also have to shake the jar every time before you put it on your face.

I make mine in a 12 ounce glass jar. I use 1 part ACV and two parts water.

I use 8 ounces of water, pour 4 ounces of ACV, give it a shake and that’s it. I then put some of the mixture into one of those airport travel bottles for convenience because I squirt some onto a cotton ball and apply to my face like a regular toner. The smell can be a little weird, but it dissipates after a while. If it bothers you, use a bigger jar and add more water. You can decide what ratio works for you, but it is not recommended to go less than one part vinegar to one part water because of the acidity of the vinegar.

Health

For weight loss or sickness. I developed a random allergy to oranges that made the lymph nodes in my neck swell to the size of golf balls. I went to the doctor and he told me that is what lymph nodes are supposed to do and not to worry. Sir, I look like a chipmunk storing nuts and you want me not to worry?! Of course when I got home I looked up natural remedies and good ‘ol ACV saved the day again. Imagine my excitement when I knew it was something I already had in my kitchen! It works wonders for me.  If I feel like I am getting sick I mix a tablespoon of ACV with 8 oz of water. You can also take a shot of one tablespoon of ACV and chase it with a glass of water if you don’t want to mix it. Again, always make sure you shake the bottle first to evenly to distribute that goodness.  I use other things as well if I feel a cold coming on, but I will save that for another post. 😉

Hair

If you use a lot of products in your hair *raises hand* you know how sometimes your hair can feel and look dull. Using ACV to cleanse your hair before you wash it can clarify your hair. I pour about anywhere from 1 to 2 cups of ACV depending on how grimy my hair feels. I completely wet my hair first. Then I pour the ACV all over, massage a little bit to make sure it coats my hair completely, then wash it right out. I then shampoo and deep condition as usual. My hair feels so clean and looks great after. I don’t do this every time I wash my hair, just when it feels or looks like I have too much product in it.

Meat

My mom is Jamaican, so she always washes her meat with either lemon juice or vinegar before seasoning it. She ran out of her white vinegar one day and used the ACV I had in the pantry and she loved it! She liked the subtle flavor it added to the seasonings she used.

Well there you have it. Again, I’m no health expert so I am not telling you to do anything without checking with a health professional first. Try at your own risk.

Comment below with what other uses you have heard of for ACV. I would love to try them! Also, what other natural remedies content would you all like to see from me?

Until next time,
Lacadia.