The Apple Cider Vinegar Flu Remedy: Bitter, then Better

Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat various illnesses for centuries. If one can get past its bitter taste, one can find relief in its healing attributes. It has been known to aid in the treatment of arthritis, gout, acne, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, and acid reflux.

One of its more common purposes is to stave off a cold or flu. It is said to help cure a sore throat, soothe a stubborn cough, and treat a sinus infection, the usual symptoms that accompany a cold or flu. Using an apple cider vinegar flu remedy is easy, natural, and safe for most individuals.

How it works
When you contract a cold, your body’s pH factor becomes slightly more alkaline. Apple cider vinegar, which is acidic, helps to rebalance the body’s acid level.

Sinus Infection
In the case of a sinus infection, the apple cider vinegar remedy slows down mucus production and most often eliminates watery eyes because it contains high amounts of potassium. It will rapidly thin the mucous, turning it from thick green or white to clear and runny. Apple cider vinegar contains many vitamins, nutrients and trace elements of copper, iron, silicon, magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium.

How to take it
There are several ways to integrate apple cider vinegar into your diet in order to benefit from its remedial effects. The degree of effectiveness of an apple cider vinegar flu remedy is not solely based on how you take it, but also on when you take it. Some use it as a daily tonic, while others ingest it at the very first sign of a cold or sinus infection.

• Since the taste is bitter, it is often mixed with other liquids. You can dilute 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into 8 ounces of water or juice, having up to 3 cups a day.
• If your flu symptoms are more intense you might require a stronger concoction in which case you would dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your water or juice, 3 times a day.
• When added to apple juice, it tastes like cider and is much more pleasant to drink.
• It can also be stirred into a cup of tea.
• If drinking apple cider vinegar is out of the question, add it to various sauces, marinades, and/or dressings.

The recommended dosage for apple cider vinegar is up to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water 3 times a day. It is also available in capsule form at many health food and vitamin stores. Taking a capsule every day keeps your body’s pH level stable, rendering your immune system strong to fight off a cold or flu.

Other Remedial Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar Flu

• To help relieve chest congestion due to a cold or flu, soak a piece of brown paper in apple cider vinegar and cover one side with black pepper. Strap the paper (pepper-side down) to the chest area and leave on for approximately 30 minutes.
• To calm a stubborn cough due to a cold or flu, sprinkle some apple cider vinegar onto the pillow before you sleep.
• To soothe a sore throat due to a cold or flu, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and gargle every hour, making sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards in order to prevent the acid from eroding the enamel on your teeth.
• To relieve a sinus headache and stuffy nose, add 1/8 of a cup of apple cider vinegar to the water solution in the vaporizer.

Disclaimer: The use of an apple cider vinegar flu remedy is known to be quite effective and safe; however, it is imperative to consult a doctor regarding any medical issues you may have. Although the use of natural flu remedies and other alternative medicines is becoming increasingly popular, they are meant to complement traditional medicines; they are not a replacement for prescription drugs.

Written by:
Lukas Van Der Burg is a personal trainer and nutrition specialist. He provides articles for a number of places including this site Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.