10 Reasons Apple Cider Vinegar is Basically Magic
This stuff is pure, liquid gold.
Fun fact: a special mixture of vinegar and herbs was used to protect against the bubonic plague in the 14th century. The plague. It's also been used as a general medicine since the time of Hippocrates. So basically, there isn't a whole lot that this fermented alcohol (yes, that's what it is) can do. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar (or ACV as we like to call it), is especially beneficial as it contains what's commonly known as "the mother," a murky substance left over from fermentation that's packed with good-for-you bacteria and strands of proteins and enzymes.
While we don't recommend swapping out your medication for ACV (unless your doctor recommends it), there are a host of reasons why we're obsessed with this cost-efficient, benefit-packed pantry staple.
It's an All-Natural Produce Wash
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Give veggies a deep clean with a natural produce wash that not only helps disinfect but can even extend the life of some fruits and veggies. Mix a half cup of ACV, half cup fresh lemon juice and half cup water in a spray bottle. Shake to combine. Spray directly onto produce, let sit for 5 minutes and rinse off. Alternatively, pour 1/4 cup of the mixture into a bowl of cold water and soak fruit/veggies for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. Store mixture in the refrigerator for up to a month and use as needed.
It's a Great Alternative to Harsh Cleaners
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Say buh-bye once and for all to chemical-filled disinfectants. Mix equal parts water and ACV in a spray bottle, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and voila! You've got an all-natural cleaner that busts through grime without leaving behind harmful residue.
It Kills Pesky Weeds
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Looking for a natural alternative to synthetic herbicides? Mix one gallon ACV, one cup coarse sea salt and one tablespoon dish soap. Pour in a large spray bottle and spray directly on weeds.
You'll Never Run Out of Buttermilk
Tara Donne
We've all been there. You have everything you need to whip up a batch of melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk pancakes — except the buttermilk. Instead of running to the store at 7 a.m. on a Saturday, mix one cup whole milk with one tablespoon apple cider vinegar and let sit at room temp for a few minutes. Once the mixture thickens slightly, it's ready to use in your favorite biscuit or pancake recipe.
It Takes Salads to a Whole New Level of Yum
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Skip the store-bought stuff and whip up a healthy-meets-delicious salad dressing you'll want to drink through a straw. Mix 1/4 cup ACV, one teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup and five tablespoons olive oil in a jar. Shake or stir until combined, then drench your salad in sweet, crisp goodness.
It Helps Clear Up Skin
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Shrink pores and even-out troublesome skin with items pulled straight from your pantry. Mix equal parts filtered water and ACV, add 5-10 drops lavender oil and shake well. Use a cotton pad to smooth toner onto face, avoiding the eye area, and revel in your baby-soft skin.
It's a Fruit Fly Death Trap
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Give pesky bugs the boot with an inexpensive (and ultra-easy) fruit fly solution. Trace the rim of a small canning jar onto a paper bag and cut out. Punch holes in the paper circle using a hole punch and set aside. Fill the jar 3/4 full with ACV, then squirt a few drops of blue liquid dish soap on top — don't stir or shake. Place the paper circle on the jar and secure with the metal lid band. Sit the trap on a windowsill or wherever fruit flies frequent.
Fleas Hate the Stuff
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Give your pup some all-natural itch relief with a DIY flea flee spray. You'll need eight ounces ACV, four ounces warm water and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Mix water and vinegar together in a spray bottle then pour in the salt. Shake gently, then spray directly onto your dog's fur, avoiding the eyes, nose and mouth. This mixture won't kill fleas, but it will encourage them to leave and/or steer clear of your pup, so it's best used before your doggo heads outside. Check with your vet before using.
It Freshens Funky Foot Odors
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Stinky feet bringing you down? Mix equal parts ACV and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, add 4 drops tea tree oil and shake well. Spray on your feet as needed or lightly spray in smelly shoes at the end of the day, allowing them to dry overnight.
It Stops Hiccups in Their Tracks
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Holding your breath, drinking water upside down, scaring yourself — you've tried it all and nothing works. Your hiccups just won't go away. Try this: fill a shot glass with apple cider vinegar, toss it back and say hello to sweet, sweet relief.
