Apple Cider Vinegar Tea

Apple cider vinegar tea or ACV tea is an herbal drink prepared from infused apple cider vinegar, which is a versatile, well-known household staple. While there are numerous ways to include ACV into your everyday routine, it is often mixed with honey, lemon, ginger, and green tea, which when consumed provides a range of health benefits.

History and origin

In ancient Greece, Hippocrates prescribed it for various illnesses. The Roman soldiers as well as the Japanese samurai took the refreshing drink for its strengthening and energizing effects. Owing to its antiseptic properties, it was commonly used for disinfecting soldiers’ wounds during the Civil War as well as World War I.

Apple cider vinegar tea benefits: what is it good for

Detoxification

The presence of natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in apple cider vinegar helps detoxify the liver, thereby eliminate toxic materials out of the body. It also acts as a detox drink by cleansing lymph nodes, allowing for a better circulation of lymph while boosting the immune response.

Weight loss

It facilitates in stimulating organic acids and digestive enzymes, increasing your body’s metabolism, and enabling it to burn fat. Its appetite-suppressing and blood-sugar-controlling properties help in losing weight. Moreover, it discourages water retention and helps you get rid of excess water weight.

Cough and cold

Drinking apple cider vinegar tea mixed with honey and lemon is useful for suppressing common cold or flu symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Since ACV has high levels of pH, its consumption assists in breaking up mucus and provides relief from sinus, allergies, as well as other viral infections.

Diabetes

Studies have shown that having cider vinegar improves insulin sensitivity in people with type-2 diabetes. Because of its anti-glycemic property, taking this infusion is also beneficial for lowering blood glucose responses during meals, and thus helps fight diabetes.

Digestion

Having unfiltered apple cider vinegar (one with the blob, called the mother) in tea is good for digestion since it is rich in probiotics as well as beneficial bacteria that support healthy functioning of stomach. Its intake helps in relieving chest pain, nausea, regurgitation, and other symptoms associated with heartburn or acid reflux.

Cardiovascular disease

Animal studies have highlighted that consumption of cider vinegar tea improves several risk factors for cardiovascular disease by lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels. It has chlorogenic acid, which prevents oxidization of LDL cholesterol particles. Moreover, research has also shown that its intake lowers high blood pressure, thereby reducing the risks of strokes and coronary heart disease.

Other uses

• Gargling a mix of apple cider vinegar and slightly warm water is good for relieving inflammation and pain associated with a sore throat.
• If used as a hair rinse every month, it helps in removing dandruff as well as strengthening hair follicles.
• A few drops of tea tree oil and ACV can be added to your bath water and used for washing the skin. Because of its antimicrobial properties, the mix provides relief from various skin conditions including yeast infections, psoriasis, acne, and eczema.

How to make apple cider vinegar tea

• Boil about 10-12 ounces of water
• Take 1-2 tablespoons of ACV and honey in a mug
• Pour the hot water over the mug
• Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for taste (optional)
• Stir well
• Serve it hot

Safety and precautions

Side effects

Having this tea in moderate amounts is safe, but when consumed in excess for a long period it might lower the levels of potassium in the body resulting in weak bones.

During pregnancy

Those who are pregnant and nursing should refrain from having this drink.

Where to buy

You can purchase organic apple cider vinegar either online or from local stores.