Apple cider vinegar is made from the fermented, unstrained juice of crushed apples. It’s acidic and gives off a potent smell, similar to aged wine. Show
It’s often used as a home remedy for colds. Researchers are still figuring out why it may help you feel better, and if there are some people it won’t benefit. Some people also use apple cider vinegar as an expectorant to break up the congestion that comes with a cold, while others use it to help boost their immunity. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar often contains the “mother,” a mix of yeast and bacteria that work as probiotics. In 2018, researchers found that probiotics have an immune-boosting quality that effectively fights influenza-like respiratory infections and the common cold (1). Furthermore, vinegar contains polyphenols — compounds found in plant-based foods containing antioxidants — which can help reduce symptoms of a cold (2, 3, 4). Using a vinegar remedy to treat persistent coughs dates back to the late 1800s. Today, there are iterations of the remedy that combine apple cider vinegar with honey (5). Homemade cough medicineAnecdotal reports suggest that homemade cough medicine containing apple cider vinegar and the following ingredients can help relieve symptoms:
View recipe Apple cider vinegar throat rubYou may want to consider rubbing apple cider vinegar on your throat and around your sinuses. The powerful smell of apple cider vinegar may help loosen your congestion and help you breathe easier while your body fights off a bacterial or viral infection. Apple cider vinegar pillsWhile you can easily purchase apple cider vinegar supplements online or over the counter, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements. There could be ingredients that aren’t listed on their labels. A 2005 study evaluated eight different apple cider vinegar supplements. Researchers found that labeling information was inaccurate, inconsistent, and listed unproven claims. There was also doubt about whether apple cider vinegar was even an ingredient in the pills (6). Like other kinds of vinegar, apple cider vinegar is acidic. Its acid content can irritate your stomach lining and contribute to acid reflux. It should be diluted with water before you drink it. People with existing stomach ulcers or GERD may consider avoiding apple cider vinegar for this reason (7). Additionally, apple cider vinegar has been associated with esophageal injury and dental erosion. After drinking any apple cider vinegar solution, make sure to rinse your teeth with water afterward to help avoid damaging your tooth enamel (7). The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t have an official stance on apple cider vinegar, according to a report published by CNN (8). If you’re considering using apple cider vinegar to treat your child’s sore throat or congestion or for any other reason, speak with their pediatrician or another healthcare provider before doing so. Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy that many people swear by. But there isn’t extensive research showing that it’s an effective way to treat a cold. For most people, giving apple cider vinegar a try is a low cost, low risk way to reduce cold symptoms. If your cold symptoms are severe or if you experience any of the following, don’t try to treat yourself at home:
Instead, contact your healthcare provider for treatment options. You should also speak with your provider if your cold doesn’t go away or gets worse. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms. Dealing with a cold can be downright unbearable. The sniffles, the congestion, the runny nose—it’s all pretty sucky. But the internet claims to have found your saving grace: apple cider vinegar for a cold. Already touted as a daily digestion and overall health booster by celebs like Hilary Duff, Kourtney Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston, now the drink is getting a reputation as a cold remedy. But what do the experts say? Before you stock up on this acidic sip, read this to find out whether or not it can really get the job done. Tell me: Can apple cider vinegar really help cure a cold?First, here’s what people are claiming: Drinking a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar will supposedly change the body’s pH levels to create an alkaline environment (one that’s neutral in acidity) where bacteria and viruses cannot live. Hang on, tho. There's no scientific evidence to back up this claim, according to Nicholas Rowan, MD, a sinus surgeon at Johns Hopkins University. Though studies have looked the effects of ACV on bacteria outside of the body (did you know it has antibacterial properties that could prevent pimples?), Dr. Rowan says its effects on bad bacteria inside your body aren't well known. Besides, upwards of 90 percent of colds are viral infections—not bacterial—which means nothing can really cure you, according to the CDC. You have to let colds run their course.  So are there *any* benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar for colds?Drinking a warm and diluted solution of ACV may help with symptoms, says Dr. Rowan. “[The warmth] will make them feel better, it’ll loosen some of the mucus, like in their nose, their throat, and their mouth,” he explains. But again, ACV isn't going to kill off your cold virus and magically make you healthy again. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Are there are side effects or risks of ingesting apple cider vinegar?Unfortunately, yes. Side effects of overdoing it on the ACV can range from stomach upset, worsened acid reflux, lowered potassium levels, and throat burning. Another common biggie worth noting is uncomfortable bloating. "Drinking apple cider vinegar delays stomach emptying," says Amesh Adalja, MD, infectious disease specialist and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. And this can lead to some serious bloating, gas, and nausea. So, should I try apple cider vinegar the next time I have a cold?Dr. Adalja wouldn't recommend it. While it may ease some of your cold symptoms, there's simply not enough evidence that apple cider vinegar has any impact on the common cold itself, he says. And the viral infection will go away on its own. As mentioned, though, drinking ACV might be worth it to someone who simply has the goal of soothing their symptoms. Again, since a warm solution of ACV can help loosen mucus or soothe the throat, it's fine to sip on it when you have a cold (mucus clogs your nose and can worsen congestion or a sore throat, so the thinner it is, the less awful you'll feel)—but don't expect any miracles, adds Dr. Rowan. You can try mixing a little bit of ACV with some warm water, or add it to tea. Dr. Rowan is also a fan of using a Neti Pot for sinus irrigation. Rinsing out the nose two to three times per day with a saline or saltwater solution will also help clear the mucus. He warns that it’s messy, but totally safe. As for the pharmaceutical goods, Dr. Rowan suggests turning to over-the-counter nasal steroid sprays. “Recently these prescription medications have been made into over-the-counter medications because they’ve demonstrated such an excellent safety profile.” He says, however, oral decongestants are pretty handy too, but only for a limited time. Overdoing it with these “can really adversely affect your heart and cause high blood pressure,” Dr. Rowan says. If your symptoms hang around for more than a week, go see your doctor. Aryelle Siclait is the editor at Women's Health where she writes and edits articles about relationships, sexual health, pop culture, and fashion for verticals across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She's a Boston College graduate and lives in New York. Alexis Jones is an assistant editor at Women's Health where she writes across several verticals on WomensHealthmag.com, including life, health, sex and love, relationships and fitness, while also contributing to the print magazine. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University, lives in Brooklyn, and proudly detests avocados. What infections can apple cider vinegar cure?Antibacterial properties
One test tube study found that apple cider vinegar was effective at killing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which is the bacteria responsible for staph infections.
What helps getting over a virus?Here are 12 tips to help you recover more quickly.. Stay home. Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner. ... . Hydrate. ... . Sleep as much as possible. ... . Ease your breathing. ... . Eat healthy foods. ... . Add moisture to the air. ... . Take OTC medications. ... . Try elderberry.. Is apple cider vinegar an antibiotic?Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV. With antibiotic and antiseptic properties, ACV can help in weight management and lowering cholesterol and cancer risk. ACV can also be used as a chemical-free astringent if you need to topically disinfect or sterilize a wound.
How does apple cider vinegar get rid of a cold?Like ACV, raw honey supports the immune system5 and can coat a sore and scratchy throat6 , alleviating pain and discomfort. To make the drink, combine 2 tablespoons of ACV with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of raw honey, and 16 ounces of warm water. Stir until the honey dissolves, then sip twice a day.
Does apple cider vinegar get rid of mucus?Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Drinks
Apple cider vinegar prevents bacteria growth and contains potassium, which helps thin mucus. Mixing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water or hot tea will help drain your sinuses and get rid of phlegm.
Does apple cider vinegar destroy bacteria?Fighting Germs
Apple cider vinegar -- any vinegar, really -- will kill some germs because of the acetic acid in it. It works best in your food -- to clean up bacteria lingering on your salad leaves, for example. It's not very good at disinfecting a cut or wound.
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Can apple cider vinegar help fight viruses?
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