Apple Cider Vinegar- a must have for natural living | Product Spotlight Sunday |
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of those ingredients that doesn’t need flashy marketing. It’s been used for generations because it works — gently, consistently, and in many different ways. When used correctly and always diluted, it can support the hair, skin, joints, and even digestion.
Vinegar is known to be used in for culinary purposes, cleaning purposes, health, and even beauty purposes. I love to use vinegar in my hair care products. Specifically my scalp scrub and my apple cider vinegar shampoo. This offers a gentle clarifying while balancing the pH of the scalp. If you struggle with itchy scalp and flakey skin- this is a great option!
Let’s talk about why.
🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair & Scalp Health
Our scalp has a natural pH that sits slightly acidic. Many modern hair products, hard water, and even stress can disrupt that balance, leading to:
- Dandruff
- Itching
- Flaking
- Psoriasis-like buildup
- Dull, heavy hair
Apple cider vinegar helps restore the scalp’s natural pH, which in turn supports a healthier scalp environment.
Benefits for hair & scalp:
- Helps loosen buildup from products and hard water
- Can reduce dandruff and flaking
- Supports scalp comfort for psoriasis-prone skin
- Leaves hair shinier and smoother by helping close the hair cuticle
✨ Simple Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Use this after shampooing, 1–2 times per week.
You’ll need:
- 1–2 tablespoons raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 tablespoons of herbs (plantain, hibiscus, rose hips, marshmallow, slippery elm)
How to use:
Pour over the scalp and hair, gently massage in, and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Rinse well with cool water.
The vinegar smell disappears once hair dries.
🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar for the Skin (and What a Toner Really Is)
A toner isn’t meant to strip the skin — its role is to rebalance pH, refine pores, and prep the skin for oils or moisturizers.
Apple cider vinegar, when properly diluted, can act as a simple, effective toner for many skin types.
Skin benefits:
- Helps balance skin pH
- Can reduce breakouts caused by bacteria imbalance
- Supports clearer pores
- Gentle exfoliating effect from natural acids
✨ Simple ACV Facial Toner
Always patch test first.
You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
Apply with a cotton round after cleansing, avoiding eyes. Follow with a nourishing oil or moisturizer.
Less is more — this should feel refreshing, not sting.
🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar for Bursitis & Joint Pain
Apple cider vinegar has traditionally been used externally for joint discomfort, stiffness, and inflammation. Some people like to do baths with ACV as well.
✨ ACV Joint Wrap
This can be especially helpful for bursitis, sore knees, elbows, or wrists.
You’ll need:
- Apple cider vinegar (undiluted or lightly diluted if sensitive)
- A clean towel or cloth
How to use:
Soak the towel in vinegar, wring it out slightly, and wrap it around the affected joint. Cover with a dry towel and leave on for 20–30 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Many people find this soothing when used consistently.
🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar in the Bath
Adding apple cider vinegar to a bath can help:
- Soothe itchy or irritated skin
- Support skin pH
- Leave skin feeling soft and refreshed
✨ ACV Bath Soak
Add 1–2 cups of apple cider vinegar to warm bathwater and soak for 20 minutes. Rinse off afterward if desired.
🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar & Yoni Care (Diluted Only)
The vulva (external intimate skin) also prefers a slightly acidic environment. When diluted properly, apple cider vinegar may help support comfort if there is mild irritation or odor caused by pH imbalance.
⚠️ Important: This is for external use only. Never douche or insert vinegar internally.
✨ Diluted ACV Rinse
- 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 quart warm water
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
Use as a gentle external rinse in the shower, then rinse with plain water. If there is burning or discomfort, discontinue use.
🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion & Internal Support
Taken internally, apple cider vinegar has long been used to support:
- Indigestion
- Burping
- Bloating
- Mild reflux related to low stomach acid
✨ Simple ACV Digestive Drink
- 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
- Optional: raw honey
Sip before or after meals. Start small and listen to your body.
This is not recommended for those with ulcers, sensitive enamel, or certain medical conditions — always use discretion.
🍎 How to Make Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar
Making apple cider vinegar at home is simple and satisfying.
✨ Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar
You’ll need:
- Apple scraps (peels & cores, organic if possible)
- Sugar or honey
- Water
- Glass jar
Instructions:
- Fill jar halfway with apple scraps
- Add 1 tablespoon sugar per cup of water
- Cover scraps completely with water
- Cover jar with cloth (not a lid)
- Stir daily for the first week
After 2–3 weeks, strain out solids and allow liquid to ferment another 3–4 weeks until it smells and tastes like vinegar.
🌿 A Gentle Reminder
Apple cider vinegar is powerful — but gentle use is key. Always dilute, patch test, and listen to your body. It’s not a cure-all, but it is a time-tested tool that deserves a place in many natural care routines.
Having this around the home is wonderful and definitely something I would always have at least a gallon of in my pantry. This can be used for cooking (think bone broth), nausea, indigestion, for skincare, for hair care, for cleaning, and more! Even if your pets have issues with itchy skin and yeast- ACV has been known to help! Alternatively, if you want to make tinctures you can do so with ACV instead of alcohol.
Sometimes the simplest remedies are the ones that stick around the longest.