Apple Cider Vinegar for Colds
The common cold is a condition that affects the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms may include a sore throat, sneezing, fever, runny nose and headache, and ‘getting a cold’ is considered a common occurrence, especially during a cold and/or rainy season.
However, you don’t have to reach for prescription medications. One natural remedy, proven to be effective at treating colds, is apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar Has Antimicrobial Properties
The active compounds present in apple juice, apple cider and apple cider vinegar have been shown to have antiviral properties. They may not be able to completely destroy all cold viruses, but they can significantly reduce the severity of the attack, and thereby reduce subsequent symptoms and infections.
Although a virus is what causes the initial infection, the symptoms from the infection will usually last for approximately two days only. However, as you would no doubt know, most colds last for several days or more.
This is because the cells in the airways, damaged by the virus infection, become highly susceptible to a secondary infection. This secondary infection is now caused by the bacteria present.
The pre-existing bacteria in the airway cells normally don’t cause any problems. However, once these cells are killed by a virus and the tissues become inflamed, there is an increase in the numbers of disease-causing pathogens.
The acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar is capable of passing into the cell membranes of the micro-organisms. This leads to bacterial cell death. In simple terms, the antimicrobial properties found in apple cider vinegar is what makes it helpful in fighting against the common cold. It helps provide relief from cold symptoms by killing the bacteria that cause them.
ACV Has Alkalizing Properties
Cold viruses have the potential to put the body into a very acidic state, which makes the body more conducive to the continued reproduction of the virus, as well as the secondary bacterial infections. As a result, the immune system has a hard time fighting against the ‘infection invasion’.
Apple cider vinegar is a powerful alkalizing substance that can defeat the cold symptom-causing micro-organisms, providing relief from the symptoms. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar inhibits bacterial growth and this prevents the infection from spreading and becoming worse.
Other Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar If You Have a Cold
ACV contains several nutrients and enzymes that aid in strengthening the immune system. This of course helps a person to be better able to fight against virus infections, including the common cold.
Apple cider vinegar has also been found effective in breaking up thick mucus, caused by colds, as well as helping relieve sinusitis and cough.
How to Use ACV for Treating Colds Fast
There are plenty of ways that apple cider vinegar can be used when treating colds. Here are a few ways you can use ACV to provide rapid and effective relief.
ACV with Lemon and Honey
Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of warm water. Add in lemon and honey and drink this solution as often as needed.
Add ACV to Steam (Or In Your Vaporizer)
Another way to treat colds using ACV is to add a few drops into a vaporizer. This can greatly relieve the symptoms of colds, flu and other infections.
You may also use ACV in a bowl of steaming water. Just add a few teaspoons of ACV into a bowl of boiling water before inhaling the steam.
ACV with Garlic
Put one cup of ACV, eight cloves of garlic and a cup of honey into a blender. Pour the mixture into a glass and drink as required. If you want to drink it cold, refrigerate first before drinking.
ACV Brew
Drinking an apple cider vinegar brew is one great way to get rid of common cold symptoms. To make an ACV brew, mix ¼ cup of ACV in a glass of hot water. Add one tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix well. Then add a few drops of lemon before drinking.
Apple cider vinegar is a great remedy to keep on hand to boost your immune system and to keep colds away!
