In today’s world, there are prescription and over-the-counter medicines for anything that ails you, from asthma to yeast infections. However, as everyone knows, these usually come with warnings and numerous side effects. What did people do before the miracle drugs?
Natural remedies were the only choices and many modern experts confirm some work as well as, or better than, prescriptions. Unfortunately, since they can’t be patented, few research studies are funded and major drug companies neither sell nor publicize them. Studies done have usually been small and did not involve humans, according to WebMD.
There is controversy over whether raw organic apple cider vinegar is necessary or if the grocery-store variety would work as well. Since the grocery-store version is cheaper, it is a good idea to try it first.
Apple Cider Vinegar’s Specific Health Remedies
Apple cider vinegar’s benefits are legend, passed down by word-of-mouth through generations. It may have been the first antibiotic. Kevin Trudeau in his book, Natural Cures They don’t Want You to Know About (2004, Alliance Publishing), had a chart of 51 diseases with their natural cures. Raw organic apple cider vinegar was listed as a cure in 12 of them. Below are a few uses people may have taken advantage of centuries ago and are worth a try today.
- Arthritis even struck many of the pioneers as they aged, although not usually to the extent seen today. A favorite relief for the pain was water mixed with vinegar and molasses, according to Seniors’ Guide to Pain-Free Living by Doug Dollemore and editors of Prevention Health Books for Seniors (Rodale, 2000). See article on more details regarding vinegar and arthritis.
- Sore throat has been relieved with a classic drink of 8 oz. of water with 1 tbsp. each of honey and apple cider vinegar. The theory is the acid could thin the mucus which causes the sore throat. However, this could also irritate the throat in some people so beware.
- A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water also relieves heartburn in some people. This would seem to be a paradox, but many cases are due to inadequate acid rather than too much. The food just sits in the stomach rather than being digested. The acid in the vinegar solves this type of heartburn. In either case, the acid tends to restore the body’s proper pH.
Experiment with Caution
While it is not a cure-all magic potion, apple cider vinegar appears to be effective in some illnesses. As with any home or self-remedy, it cannot, and should not, take the place of a physician who should always be kept informed of anything added to diet plans.
It is also important to remember apple cider vinegar is an acid and can cause irritation to tissues.
Here’s to a long and healthy life.
Peggy Williams - After 20 years in the workplace, I returned to school recently and graduated in May '08 with a Bachelors degree in Dietetics and ...
