7 Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Sore Throat

There are several reasons why one can get a sore throat. While most sore throats go away on their own, you can try natural ingredients such as apple cider vinegar for your sore throat. Made from fermented apples, apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a household item. Be it as a dressing for salads or as an ingredient in baking, apple cider vinegar adds a unique flavor to everything. High in antimicrobial properties, you can use apple cider vinegar together with medicines to soothe your sore throat. In this article, we explore how apple cider vinegar treats sore throat in detail

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Cure Sore Throat?

Apple cider vinegar is nothing but fermented apple juice. The addition of yeast to apple juice converts the fruit sugar into alcohol, which is then converted into acetic acid by bacteria. This is when we get the vinegar from apple juice. It is this acetic acid content that makes ACV an effective remedy for treating various medical conditions, including sore throat.

The properties of apple cider vinegar that are beneficial and helpful in combating a sore throat are as follows:

• The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can balance the pH of the tissues of your body. This inhibits the growth and spread of bacteria in your throat.
• It has antibacterial properties that are quite effective in fighting against infectious germs and bacteria.
• ACV contains a prebiotic called inulin that boosts your immunity by increasing the number of white blood cells and T cells in your body.
• Apple cider vinegar has been long used as an expectorant that can loosen and thin the phlegmⁱ  Thick mucus secreted in the respiratory passages expelled through the mouth that occurs in the throat and lungs passages during a cold. in your body and ease breathing (1).

Quick Tip

People who experience frequent heartburn or have stomach ulcers should avoid using apple cider vinegar for curing their sore throat.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Cure Sore Throat Naturally

Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Sore Throat

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Add apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and mix well.
2. Use this solution to gargle.

How Often You Should Do This

Gargle with apple cider vinegar several times a day.

Why This Works

The acidic and antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar, along with its expectorantⁱ  It refers to a substance that facilitates the release or ejection of mucus from the respiratory system. properties, can be of great help in eliminating sore throat and the infection causing it (2).

2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Cayenne Pepper

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 3 teaspoons of honey
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, and honey in a glass of warm water.
2. Use this solution to gargle while also taking small sips in between.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

While apple cider vinegar breaks down the phlegm and decongests your nasal passage with its expectorant properties, the capsaicin in cayenne pepper offers relief from the pain and inflammation that accompany throat irritation (3), (4).

3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Cinnamon

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 cup of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar, cinnamon powder, honey, and lemon juice with a cup of warm water.
2. Drink this solution slowly.
3. Alternatively, you can also gargle with this solution.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon and apple cider vinegar can help you combat a sore throat and its symptoms naturally.

Additionally, the healing properties of honey and lemon juice help speed up your recovery (5), (6).

4. Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of warm water.
2. Drink this solution.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this solution once daily.

Why This Works

The expectorant properties of both apple cider vinegar and honey, in combination with the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory nature of honey, can provide immediate relief from a sore throat (7), (8), (9).

Martha, a blogger, shares her experience of using apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy. She writes, “I proceeded and used it as a cough medicine in lieu of chemical cough syrups. I only opted for a natural remedy for my cough, cold and flu to somehow minimize the chemicals I take in every day. I have used it for 4 days, and I’m quite happy with the results (i).”

Robyn, a blogger, reveals her aversion to the taste of apple cider vinegar as well as her relief at discovering a recipe to make it more palatable. On her blog, she advocates the addition of honey to apple cider vinegar to enhance the taste and reveals her own experience: “You do not taste the vinegar; it tastes much more like a slightly spiced warm honey drink (ii).”

5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Add apple cider vinegar and baking soda to a glass of warm water.
2. Mix well and use this solution to gargle.

How Often You Should Do This

Gargle with this solution several times a day.

Why This Works

The antimicrobial properties of ACV and baking soda help kill the bacteria causing the sore throat (10).

6. Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 glass of warm water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix apple cider vinegar and lemon juice with one glass of warm water.
2. Sip this solution at a slow pace.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this solution 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of lemon juice can aid ACV in treating a sore throat (11), (12), (13).

7. Apple Cider Vinegar And Saltwater

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the salt in a glass of warm water and stir well.
2. To this, add about one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
3. Use this solution to gargle.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this several times a day for a speedy recovery.

Why This Works

General salt water gargling benefits are widely recognized and using salt water is a common folk remedy for cold and throat irritation. Scientifically, the antimicrobial nature of salt (sodium chloride) aids ACV in eliminating sore throat (14).

Quick Tip

Apple cider vinegar may cause throat burns and enamel erosion if taken in a concentrated form or in excess.

Precautions

• As ACV is highly acidic, it should be used in the diluted form.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose of apple cider vinegar as it may have harmful side effects.
• In case you experience any side effects from overdosage, see your doctor immediately.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should steer clear of apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar should be used with caution as it may cause potential side effects. Learn about them in the next section.

Side Effects Of Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Sore Throat

• May Cause Irritation And Burns

Its acidic nature may cause irritation and a burning sensation when taken in concentrated form (15).

• May Cause Enamel Erosion

Frequent ingestion of vinegar may damage the enamel (16).

• May Result In Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may be allergic to apple cider vinegar, leading to allergic symptoms such as itching, swelling, or hives.

• May Cause Digestive Discomfort

Anecdotal evidence suggests the acidic nature of ACv may cause stomach indigestion and nausea and may aggravate symptoms of acid reflux in some individuals (17).

Consult a healthcare specialist for the recommended dose of apple cider vinegar to avoid these side effects.

Infographic: 4 Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Sore Throat

Apple Cider Vinegar is liquid gold that has several health benefits. Its high antimicrobial properties, combined with other ingredients, make for extremely effective natural remedies for sore throat. For more information, check the infographic below.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can apple cider vinegar make a sore throat worse?

Apple cider vinegar is popularly used as a sore throat remedy. However, taking it in the wrong dosage, or not diluting it properly may increase the risk of acid refluxⁱ  It is a chronic condition caused by stomach acid or bile entering the food pipe and irritating the lining. and worsen a sore throat.

Is apple cider vinegar good for strep throat?

Yes, apple cider vinegar may help improve strep throat due to its antimicrobial properties.

Does apple cider vinegar help fight viruses?

According to one study, apple cider vinegar possesses antiviral properties, however, further research is required to study its efficacy and mechanism of action (18).

Can I drink apple cider vinegar everyday?

Yes, you can drink apple cider vinegar everyday but you need to be mindful about the dosage and dilution to prevent side effects. It is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before introducing apple cider vinegar in your diet.

What kills a sore throat fast overnight?

Other than drinking apple cider vinegar, gargling with salt water, drinking warm fluids, and consuming a spoonful of honey can help to quickly get rid of a sore throat overnight.

Illustration: Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Sore Throat

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Soothe sore throats and other symptoms of cold with an easy-to-make ACV drink. Watch this video for a simple comforting and immune-boosting beverage recipe.

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Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist

 

Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

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Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

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