Beauty on a Budget: Apple Cider Vinegar

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Beauty is both internal and external, and a natural result of vibrant health. A healthy body has a healthy glow that can be seen in sparkling eyes, smooth skin, healthy hair, and a nice complexion.

Apple cider vinegar is one food that is great for you both inside and out. It promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin and regulates its PH balance. The high concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids helps to dissolve fat and give the skin a nice smooth surface. It is also antiseptic in nature, and combats yeast, viruses and bacteria that can cause infection.

Here are some frugal, practical trips for you to try at home.

Are your teeth unattractive from tea, coffee or tobacco stains? Whiten them with apple cider vinegar! Simply rub a little directly on the teeth, wait a minute and rinse.

Do you have blemishes and a sallow complexion? Dab apple cider vinegar on your face at bedtime, and wash your face normally in the morning. You will see an overall improvement of your skin and not be bothered with pesky acne.

Sunburned? Apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area to take out the sting and pain, and prevent blistering and peeling.

Is your hair lacking luster from the build up and residue of hair care products? Restore its natural shine by rinsing after shampooing with ½ cup apple cider vinegar mixed in 1 quart of warm water. Not only will your hair shine, but over time your it will grow more quickly and be stronger from the power packed nutrients it contains.

Do you have dandruff? Apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the scalp and let it soak in. Then shampoo your hair as normal.

You can also lighten age spots with apple cider vinegar. Simply dab the affected areas at bedtime and let it soak in while you sleep at night.

To soothe a sore throat, put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, then swallow.

To treat sinus infections and chest colds, add 1/4 cup or more apple cider vinegar to the vaporizer. You can also make a soothing mixture of ¼ cup apple cider vinegar and ¼ cup of honey, and eat 1 tablespoon 6-8 times a day. If you prefer to make your own cough syrup, mix ½ cup water, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 4 tablespoons of honey. Take 1 tablespoon each time your cough acts up, and a tablespoon at bedtime for a more restful sleep.

Drinking one cup of water mixed with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar can tame an upset tummy.

As part of a weight loss program, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to your daily diet. You can add it to 16 ounces of water and sip it throughout the day, or add it to a big mug of black tea sweetened with honey. Better yet, eat a big healthy salad and use it for dressing along with a little olive oil. Apple cider vinegar revs the metabolism helping you to burn fat and lose excess pounds.

To detox your body, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 1-2 quarts of water and sip on it during the day. It helps stimulate the kidneys and remove impurities from the body. If you don't like the taste, stir in some honey for an extra energy boost.


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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