Home Remedies On A Budget: The Vinegar "Mother"

In my last post I mentioned putting apple cider vinegar (ACV) on my face as a natural beauty treatment. Today I want to talk more about ACV and why everyone should keep this essential item well-stocked in their home. 

Over the centuries, ACV has been used for a wide variety of purposes, from pickling to polishing, from acne to allergies. ACV is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. Basically, it can be used for just about everything that is natural home/body/garden/pet care! That being said, I encourage you to hop on over to your local grocer, pick up a bottle of raw, organic, unpasteurized and unfiltered ACV (most effective in this natural state, only raw organic ACV has the "mother" of vinegar that makes it so beneficial, unlike clear or "white" vinegar. The "mother", made of living nutrients and good bacteria, can usually be seen settled in the bottom of the bottle; a dark brown, cobweb-like sediment.), do a little research and discover all of the amazing ways to use ACV. To start you off, here's a list of my personal favorite uses:

• Balance outer ecosystem: Mix equal parts ACV and water or use undiluted, depending on sensitivity of skin. Spray, soak, or apply appropriately to affected area to:

• Treat acne and other minor skin problems such as warts, athlete's foot, and any other fungal, viral, or bacterial rashes (apply 2x a day with clean cotton ball)
• Condition, revitalize, and bring shine to the hair, remove scalp buildup (rinse with ACV/Water solution after shampooing)
• Remove stains from teeth (apply directly, undiluted, then rinse with water)
• Eliminate discomfort from sunburn (add 1 cup to bath and soak for 10 minutes)
• Replace your store-bought after shave and toner (try adding a few drops of lavender or other skin-soothing essential oil to cut down on the vinegar smell)
• Bring massage-like benefits to hands and feet (soak for 10 minutes in equal parts solution)

• Balance inner ecosystem: Mix 2 Tbsp ACV, 2 Tbsp honey, 1 cup of water. Drink 3-4x a week to:

• Detoxify, regulate pH balance. Disease and illness thrive only in acidic environments. ACV is highly alkaline and will bring boosted immunity to the body
• Relieve allergies, sinus pressure and infection by breaking down mucus and cleansing the lymph nodes
• Reduce inflammation, relieve arthritis pain
• Prevent flu and stomach illness
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• Help relieve migraines

• Balance the home: Use equal parts ACV and water to:

• Clean and disinfect almost any hard surface in the kitchen or bathroom including microwaves, floors, toilets and tubs, windows and mirrors
• Repel fleas on your pets and in your house
• Clean coffee makers, remove hard stains
• Replace your dishwasher soap
• Kill weeds

And that's not even mentioning all of the amazing recipes and ways that ACV can be used in cooking, preserving, and more! A must-have item for every household, go get yourself some apple cider vinegar today! 

Do you have a favorite way or recipe for using apple cider vinegar? Be sure to leave a comment and let us know!