apple cider vinegar Archives

Is apple cider vinegar good for shingles? Easily one of the most debatable and underestimated questions related to shingles – probably, among the appalling skin conditions.

To be honest, shingles are more about management than the treatment, as there is still no cure for this annoying infection. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of antiviral medication to reduce the severity of symptoms. And several home remedies can also reduce discomfort and pain.

ACV is also “assumed” as a very effective treatment for shingles, more by netizens than medical experts or researchers. Apple cider vinegar for shingles is a topic of debate, and the internet is flooded with a lot of content backing ACV as an effective home remedy for shingles. But what is reality?

In this article, we will try to know in detail about shingles and apple cider vinegar. Also, we will find out whether ACV is good for the skin condition or not.

What is Shingles?

Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is a common viral infection characterized by painful red rashes. It is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, which is also responsible for causing chickenpox. If you developed chickenpox in childhood, the shingles virus remains dormant in your body. It can get reactive anytime to cause red, painful, itchy rashes at any part of the body, typically small and covered parts.

Although it is not a life-threatening infection, it can surely make you feel very uncomfortable, as the rashes are very painful, and at times, itching as well. Postherpetic neuralgia is one of the most common shingles complications and may develop if shingles are ignored or not treated properly.

How are Shingles Developed?

When the virus varicella-zoster invades your body, more often than not, you suffer from chickenpox. It is usually a childhood condition, but the chances of adults suffering from it can’t be discounted.

Once the chickenpox course is completed, the virus changes its place, travels to the nerve tissues around your spinal cord and brain, and remains dormant.

We are still not sure about this, but, in some people, the virus becomes active again and starts moving from nerve fibers to skin. And that’s how you suffer from the second and more painful punch and develop herpes zoster. And we can say that “reactivity of dormant varicella-zoster is the sole cause of shingles.”

Also Read: Glycerin for Lips – Benefits and DIY Recipes

Image source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommons.wikimedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFile%3AShingles_rash%2C_thigh._Caused_by_the_herpes_zoster_virus.jpg&psig=AOvVaw0OT-l9niDeDaQ8xE7hqDQb&ust=1603030149827000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCMDjhevmu-wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

Risk Factors

Not everyone with a history of chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles. However, you are more likely to get it if you are

50 years old or more
Suffering from stress quite often
Having immune-disturbing health conditions like cancer, chronic diabetes, gonorrhea and HIV infection, etc.
Suffering from chronic, serious physical injury.
Habitual of taking steroids or other immune-disturbing medications.

Possible Complications

You may suffer from various shingles complications even after rashes are gone, including:

Inflammation of brain cells
Paralysis, especially if ignored for a few weeks
Loss of vision in case of rashes around the eyes
Postherpetic neuralgia pain in one out of five people with shingles

Is Shingles Contagious?

Yes, the spread of shingles is possible from one infected person to other healthy people, even people who never had chickenpox or shingles. And patients remain contagious until all the sores are crusted. Until then, patients should maintain distance, especially from pregnant women with no history of chickenpox.

Vaccine for Shingles

Two common vaccines for shingles, approved by the Food and Drug Administration are Shingrix and Zostavax. Doctors recommend that over 50 people get this vaccine even if they didn’t have chickenpox or shingles.

How Shingles is Diagnosed

Diagnosing shingles can be a bit tricky, as similar symptoms are noticed in other skin problems. Your doctor may take a detailed medical history with symptoms and do a physical exam to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor may also send a small number of fluids for laboratory examination.

Treatment for Shingles

There is still no proven treatment for shingles, but some antiviral drugs are very effective in reducing the complications and favoring the healing process. But patients should get these drugs within a couple of days of a shingles outbreak. So, visiting a doctor very early becomes really important.

Medications for shingles may include:

Acyclovir
Famciclovir
Valacyclovir
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Medicated locations
Prescription painkillers
Numbing medications etc.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Surely an effective treatment for various skin conditions

Apple cider vinegar is no short of a miracle. It can be very useful for a lot of health and skin-related conditions. From managing your body weight to improving your skin’s health, ACV can do many things until it is used “correctly.”

Apple cider vinegar for skin is surely a nice idea, as ACV is packed with antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties and can deal with numerous skin conditions. However, caution is very important while applying it to your skin or drinking. Only diluted ACV is recommended to use for any purpose. Even the diluted ACV can cause severe irritation on your skin, especially if you have an allergy. And undiluted ACV can cause severe problems like burns and blisters!

Why is ACV used for skin?

ACV is being used for the skin for so many years now. And that’s due to its numerous skin benefits.

ACV maintains your skin’s pH level and removes dead cells
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and acetic acid and alpha hydroxy acid contents, ACV can be very effective against acne.
Its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties are effective against bad foot odor.
If you have bug bites, ACV can be the answer to it as well.
ACV can treat various skin infections, including paronychia.

Is ACV Effective against Shingles as Well?

If you think, “is apple cider vinegar good for shingles,” keep reading to find your answer.

As we have stated earlier, ACV for shingles is more of an “online concept” than anything. Yes, it has numerous antiviral properties, but we are nowhere close to having scientific or medical evidence to suggest that ACV can relieve shingles symptoms.

Why Should You NOT Use ACV for Shingles?

You can find many tips and tricks on using ACV directly on shingles rashes or combining it with other home ingredients like honey. People also recommend taking a bath with a small amount of ACV in water.

Some reports are suggesting that ACV can give some relief from painful itching and stinging of the rashes. But one thing is pretty sure that it can’t completely cure the condition.

Additionally, there is no medical evidence of ACV being effective in improving itching or pain, and you can’t use something topically or internally until doctors approve it. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use ACV for your skin at all.

Possible Risks of using ACV

Apple cider vinegar for shingles is associated with several risks, especially if used undiluted. ACV is highly acidic and can cause excessive burning and itching on shingles rashes. You may even suffer from a bacterial skin infection, along with an increase in rashes!

Whether you use ACV for shingles (if you want to use) or for any other skin problem, apply it only after diluting it heavily. A dilution of 1 tbsp (15 mL) ACV and 1 cup (237 mL) water is considered safe to add to your bathwater.

What about safe alternatives?

Working closely with a qualified doctor is one of the most important aspects of alternative treatment for shingles. Medicated creams for topical use are at least safe, if not effective against shingles. They won’t cause blisters or burning in already uncomfortable conditions.

You can try some other, safer treatments like cold compress and lukewarm oatmeal bath to reduce the severity of complications. Some over the counter medications like calamine lotion is also proved handy to induce a calming effect.

The Conclusion

There is no scientific or medical evidence of using apple cider vinegar for shingles. ACV is certainly recommended for shingles by “technical doctors” online, but you can’t make a mistake of believing them. Yes, ACV does have some antimicrobial and antiviral properties; you can’t use it to treat serious skin conditions like shingles.

What do we suggest?

Getting proper treatment for shingles is the only effective option to relieve the severity. There is no home remedy effective enough against shingles, and we strongly recommend you not to use them. A cold compress or oatmeal bath are some of the effective ways to relieve pain and burning. Everything other “home treatment for shingles” is nothing more than a “myth.”

Hopefully, we were successful enough to bust the myth about apple cider vinegar for shingles. Hopefully, you have no doubt whatsoever now. Bless us with your good words if we helped you even a bit. Take care of your health and skin, stay happy, stay healthy, and stay safe.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/shingles-skin#2

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054

https://www.menshealth.com/health/a25846878/apple-cider-vinegar-skin-benefits/#:~:text=%22Acetic%20acid%20has%20keratolytic%20effects,balance%20your%20skin’s%20pH%20levels.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/shingles-pain-relief-apple-cider-vinegar#bottom-line

Skin Care

I Used Apple Cider Vinegar On My Face For 7 Days And Here’s What Happened

Byaqilrl

Are you looking for a product that works perfect on your skin to prevent all the skin issues within days? You might have tried many expensive skin products such as creams, cleansers, toners etc that resulted in dissatisfying you after every use!

If am I right and you are facing skin problems same like me, then you are in the right place to treat your skin in a better way.

Have you ever tried apple cider vinegar on your face? Probably not, but this wonderful ingredient is not only effective in treating all type of health issues but also in treating all types of skin issues too like pimples, marks, redness etc.

Even I have used this product on my face for 7 days which gave me great relief from all the skin issues I have been facing for longer time. I suggest you to give a try and enjoy its benefits.

Every day, I took a cotton pad dipped in little amount of vinegar mixed with water and rubbed it gently over my skin. And allow it to sink in and dry then follow with moisturizer.

Let me explain you in detail, what has happened with apple cider vinegar after 7 days on my skin.

First Day

In the morning of first day, I found the smell of it a little stronger but I have been used to it. Once it is soaked in my skin I felt very soft and then followed up with moisturizer and makeup. Then in the evening, I used by cleanser to remove the makeup and again used vinegar.

Second Day

I have seen all the pimples were gone on my face and redness had subsided a little bit. So, I continued the same routine, while in the night I felt like my skin was little dry so without using any products I just continued using vinegar as usual.

Third Day

Well, this morning I have not seen any pimple or redness all over my face. My skin was literally very soft and smooth, so I followed using vinegar like every day.

Fourth Day To Sixth Day

From all these days I have not seen any pimple or redness on my skin, even some stretch marks on my forehead begin to disappear for a while. So I washed my face with a cleanser and applied apple cider vinegar as usual before stepping out from the home and before going to bed.

Seventh Day

Finally, on the last day of treatment I saw my face clear with no scars, pimples, marks and the best part is it is not irritating as before. This makes it so much easier to apply makeup on my face.

Apple cider vinegar worked decently well at preventing breakouts and I think with longer use of apple cider vinegar could help you to get rid of scarring altogether. Make sure to try this on your face and make it glow than before.

Note

Before applying it on your face, make sure to do patch test on your hand so that it cannot cause any allergic reactions on your face. This ingredient work perfect for combination skin.

Health Care

Kill Sinus Infection Within Minutes With The Help Of Apple Cider Vinegar

Byaqilrl

Sinus infection is nothing but inflammation of your membrane and tissue. This infection is also accompanied by fevers, headaches and thick mucus that can block the face area causing extreme pain.

People having chronic sinusitis may experience symptoms more than 3 months, especially those people who don’t treat it properly.

Mostly viruses and bacteria are the one that triggers and develops this infection in the area between your eyes and forehead and the air space between your cheeks. Often, doctors prescribe you medications to treat this condition which sometimes can take long time to heal and may even come with certain side effects.

But you need not worry, because this condition can also be treated by using natural ingredients which destroys all microbes and cleanse your sinuses.

One of such ingredient is Apple Cider Vinegar, as it contains huge amount of malic acid, vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants that binds the pathogens in the body and easily eliminate them. Using it orally will clear the air ways by breaking up mucus.

Also Read: Home Remedies To Cure Sinus Fast

Benefits Of Ingredients

Apple Cider Vinegar

(Image Source: www.CNN.com)

There is no doubt in saying that apple cider vinegar is one of the best ingredients to treat many types of health issues and skin issues on this planet. It is extremely rich in electrolytes that help to balance the PH level of the body. It will also alkalize your body.

Apple cider vinegar also contains anti bacterial properties that helps in killing bacteria that causes inflammation and infection.

Consuming 2 table spoons of apple cider vinegar on regular basis will prevent the attack of microbes. It is important to buy raw, organic and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar when you are using it as a natural remedy.

Cayenne Pepper

(Image Source: www.Healthline.com)

Cayenne pepper is another natural remedy that helps to clear nasal passageway easily. This wonderful ingredient is rich in a compound called capsaicin, which acts as natural pain killer and for reducing nasal congestion.

Capsaicin also helps to dilate blood capillaries and break down mucus for drainage and reduces inflammation.

Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Tonic Recipe

Ingredients Required

Two table spoons of apple cider vinegar
One table spoon of lemon juice
One teaspoon of raw honey
Pinch of cayenne pepper
A glass of luke warm water

How To Prepare

Take one glass of Luke warm water and add all the ingredients and stir it well.
Try to drink this mixture immediately, when it is still warm.
You can also use this mixture for gargling to boosts the process of recovering.
This drink should be consumed two times in a day for effective results.
You’ll notice the effects almost immediately after the first use, but using it regularly will completely cure you from the sinus infection within days.

Also Read: Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Before Bedtime Will Change Your Life for Good

Weight loss

Turmeric Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Shot Recipe

Byaqilrl

If you are looking for heavy duty detox drink that kick start your day as you wish, then here we go with that powerful drink loaded with many health benefits.

Turmeric and apple cider vinegar detox shot is often developed by professor sting Benmark, a former chief surgeon and stomach bacteria research scientist.

Benefits Of Ingredients Used

Turmeric

(Image Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com)

Turmeric is known for its anti inflammatory properties and one of the best herbs to treat any type of skin and health issues. This is just because of powerful yellowish compound called curcumin which holds anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties.

However, curcumin needs some help of other compounds to absorb in to body. This is the reason we also use black pepper in this detox shot.

Black Pepper

(Image Source: www.naturalfoodseries.com)

Pipperine is the key active ingredient in black pepper which helps curcumin in turmeric more bioavailable. Black pepper is also loaded with many powerful properties and it is also capable of preventing cold, flu and other types of respiratory issues.

Apple Cider Vinegar

(Image Source: www.hct.tv.com)

Apple cider vinegar is also considered as one of the best ingredient to treat many types of health issues including removing toxins from your body.

It even helps in boosting immune system, prevents digestive disorders, regulates blood sugar levels, reduces cholesterol levels, prevents the risk of heart diseases, benefits the skin, prevents cancer and even aids weight loss.

This is because of its powerful anti inflammatory, antibacterial, anti microbial and antiviral properties of apple cider vinegar.

Turmeric And Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Shot

Each of ingredients used in this recipe is the powerhouse of its own, so, when we combine all ingredients together their magic happens!

Ingredients Required

One glass of fruit juice of your choice or a glass of plain water.
1 table spoon of apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon of black pepper
1 table spoon of lemon juice
1 table spoon of olive oil
1 pinch of ground cloves

Directions To Use

Mix all ingredients in glass of water thoroughly and then drink it immediately.
Take this mixture 2 times in a day, one glass in the morning on an empty stomach and one cup before going to your bed.

This mixture easily heals your body and prevents certain types of health issues, if you consume it on regular basis.

Health Care

10 Reasons To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Byaqilrl

Probably you might not have heard about surprising benefits of this wonderful regular kitchen ingredient that is being used from centuries for many things. It’s nothing but apple cider vinegar; many people didn’t like the taste of this vinegar and may avoid it without enjoying its benefits.

But, once if you see these reasons given below I am damn sure you will never avoid this wonderful ingredient in your regular routine.

Keep on reading to know amazing 10 reasons to drink apple cider vinegar regularly.

10 Reasons to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Boosts Your Energy

The acidic nature in vinegar and compounds called amino acid and potassium will help to boost your energy all day long. So whenever you feel a little sluggish, then immediately reach out to apple cider vinegar bottle.

2. Prevent Allergies

Believe it or not, several studies have concluded that apple cider vinegar is capable of preventing all types of allergies especially sinus congestion and mucus. Weakening immune system is the general sign of thickening mucus in your body. Apple cider vinegar will reduce the buildup and congestion and thereby reduces the susceptibility of allergies.

3. Detoxifies The Body

According to a research, apple cider vinegar can stimulate cardiovascular circulation and detoxify the liver. This wonderful ingredient also helps to breakup mucus throughout the body and helps to cleanse the lymph nodes too.

4. Weight Loss

If you are tired of following a perfect diet and regular exercises, then you must try this ingredient regularly. Consumption of acetic acid on regular basis will definitely help you losing your weight.

Even according to a study, it was found that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks on regular basis experience significant declined in body weight and reduction in abdominal fat too.

5. Balances Your Inner Ecosystem

Human body always strive to achieve the state of equilibrium, it happens just by balancing your PH level in your body. Regular consumption of apple cider vinegar will help to regulate and balances the PH level of your body.

6. Lowers Blood Pressure And Controls Cholesterol

One of the amazing healing properties of apple cider vinegar is its ability to lower blood pressure by removing bad cholesterol in your body and supports good cholesterol. Even a study has concluded that consumption of apple cider vinegar on regular basis will also help to have healthy heart.

Mix one table spoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and then drink this mixture regularly to maintain healthy levels of blood pressure and cholesterol.

7. It Regulate Your Digestion And Stomach Acid

Apple cider vinegar will regulate stomach acid levels and helps to get rid any type of digestive problems. There is a research suggesting that apple cider vinegar works even to treat low acid and reduces heart burning. If you are one of them who often experience heart burn and digestive problems, consume apple cider vinegar for constant relief.

8. Kills Fungus

Apple cider vinegar is rich in natural enzymes that fight against various fungus and bacteria in your body and helps you to get rid of yeast infections. It also prevents sugar cravings, poor memory and fatigue.

9. Clears Acne, Dermatitis And Other Skin Problems

Topical application of apple cider vinegar also helps in reducing certain skin problems without any side effects. Because of its anti inflammatory, anti bacterial properties, it will reduce pimples, acne and inflammation on your body. Don’t forget to mix one part of apple cider vinegar with 3 parts of water before applying it on the skin.

10. Eases Arthritis, Stiff Joints And Gout

Due to its anti inflammatory properties regular use of apple cider vinegar reduces inflammation and pain linked with arthritis and all types of joints pain. The malic acids in vinegar dissolves in uric acid of crystals within the joints and assist them to flushing out from the body.