Vinegar in medicine

introduction

Vinegar has been used in medicine since ancient times. However, it has been forgotten in Europe in recent decades and was rediscovered some time ago in the course of natural products in medicine. In the past, it was used, among other things, to clean wounds or treat milder symptoms such as dizziness and low blood pressure or poor circulation.

Nowadays, vinegar is valued for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it has a positive effect on the level of cholesterol in the blood and stimulates digestion. In general, the vinegar is well tolerated and inexpensive, which is why it is a good alternative to conventional medicine in the case of minor ailments and low symptoms.

The indications for vinegar

The indications for the use of vinegar are very diverse. As in ancient times, it can be used to treat wounds. It not only has a cooling effect, but also promotes the healing process through anti-inflammatory ingredients. In addition, it makes itself useful through an antibacterial and antifungal (inhibits the growth of fungi) and thus prevents colonization with harmful bacteria and fungi. Sore throats, which arise from a simple cold, can also be alleviated and healing is promoted.

In addition, the level of sugar in the blood can be reduced in the long term through regular consumption of vinegar, which is particularly useful for diabetics or people with little physical activity. In addition, blood pressure can be lowered, which can be an alternative to medication for people with blood pressure values ​​slightly above the limit value.

Thanks to its high levels of vitamins and some minerals, the vinegar can also be applied to skin problems such as acne and alleviate the symptoms.

Those who pay attention to their diet will also get very good results from vinegar. Due to its ingredients, it is not only healthy, but also has a positive effect on weight over a longer period and leads to a reduction. Incidentally, heartburn or poor digestion is an indication, as both of these improve quickly through the consumption of vinegar. In some cases, vinegar is even said to have an antiallergenic effect. This means that allergic reactions occur less often and can be alleviated in acute cases.

Also read the article: The healthy diet.

Vinegar against nail fungus

Thanks to its antimycotic properties, vinegar can be used to treat nail fungus. In addition, the use of vinegar has a good effect on the surrounding skin and nails due to its ingredients. To do this, the vinegar is diluted with water and applied to the affected nail. To prevent the mixture from disappearing immediately, it is advisable to apply this to a gauze bandage or a cloth and fix it on the nail. Depending on the possibilities, this should be repeated several times a day until the nail fungus has disappeared.

How to Treat Nail Fungus Effectively? Read more here.

The effect

The effect of vinegar is based on its ingredients and their specific effects. Nutrient-rich vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar, are particularly popular for treatment because they produce particularly good results. So that the ingredients can work well, they must not be damaged or lost in the process of formation. You should therefore make sure that the vinegar has not been heated, that it is naturally cloudy and that it is of organic quality.

If you look at the positive effects on wound healing, the vinegar works by providing the skin with essential nutrients such as vitamins or minerals for the formation of new tissue or scar tissue. For this reason, vinegar can also be used to improve the quality of the skin or hair.

The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects can be explained by an increased proportion of acid, which prevents the growth of harmful organisms. This is also the type of effect when vinegar is used and gargled as a home remedy for colds. If the vinegar is mixed with water and applied to the skin or wounds to cool it, this works by removing heat from the body as it evaporates.

Other modes of action such as the positive influence on lowering blood sugar or cholesterol as well as lowering blood pressure have not been fully clarified or are in some cases still unclear.

This article might also interest you: The diet in diabetes mellitus.

The side effects

If vinegar is used correctly, side effects are usually not to be expected. The vinegar itself generally has hardly any side effects, the severity of which is also limited.

However, some side effects can have unpleasant consequences. If the vinegar is consumed to a large extent, increased consumption of alcohol, for example, can have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. The slightly acidic properties of vinegar can also lead to a disrupted barrier function on the skin, which creates open, painful areas.

If the vinegar is also consumed too much, it can lead to an excessive reduction in blood sugar with its typical consequences. However, this side effect rarely occurs. If the vinegar is applied to the skin, it can lead to a colonization with harmful bacteria or fungi in the affected area even after the end of use. However, this also occurs very rarely.

The application forms

The vinegar can be used in different forms. These forms are not very numerous, however, and are usually restricted to mixing with a neutral liquid such as water. If it is to be used for cooling or for treating wounds, a solution is prepared beforehand and applied to the body or wound with the help of a cloth. Alternatively, a moist wrap can be made and left on the skin for some time.

It is also usually not consumed pure for other uses such as lowering blood pressure or blood sugar levels. However, this is already possible. With a cold as a home remedy for a sore throat, it is also possible to use the vinegar pure. However, you should see whether it is still comfortable or causes other problems.

The dosage

Generally speaking, if vinegar is used correctly, it is not harmful. To ensure this, you should limit the amount of vinegar to 50ml per day, otherwise side effects may occur. These 50 ml should not be consumed all at once, but rather diluted with water, either over the course of a day or at least over the course of a few minutes.

If the vinegar is applied to the skin, care should be taken to avoid irritation and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly.

The price

Since vinegar can be obtained almost everywhere in Germany and is often used in everyday life, the price is not too high. Some of the cheapest varieties are available for less than one euro. However, if care is taken to ensure that the quality of the vinegar is high, that it is organic and has not been heated, the price can rise to four to five euros per bottle.

When should vinegar not be given?

Generally speaking, if vinegar is used correctly, it is not harmful. However, excessive use or too high a dose can cause side effects. These can be symptoms such as stomach pain or toothache. If this is the case, the (pure) use of vinegar should be avoided.

If you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, this should be discussed with your doctor before using vinegar.

The alternatives to vinegar

As an alternative to vinegar, in contrast to the natural product, conventional medicine can be used. There are various options such as bandages and wound dressings that have been specially developed for inflamed wounds. These can contain silver, for example, and also support wound healing.

Anti-inflammatory mouthwashes can also be used as part of a cold. In order to lower blood pressure or blood sugar, there are still various active ingredients that work reliably and easily.