Apple cider vinegar has been a staple in so many of our homes growing up and it can be used for so many things. And it's cheap when you are on a travel assignment in your new home to pick some up and use it for so many purposes. I will list a few here for your convenience.

Well, one of the most important uses I know of, is for my natural tonic, which I have been taking every day for more than three years now. You mix one cup of apple cider vinegar (organic, with the mother), one cup of local honey and 8 cloves of garlic in the blender for 60 seconds. Then store in a glass jar in your refrigerator. It will ferment in about five days, just keep shaking it up and then you take two tablespoons full every morning first thing. This remedy, which I call my "witches brew", was given to me by a cancer survivor who was still alive and well five years later without conventional treatments.

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent digestive aid and can help you if you are thinking about indulging in foods that normally upset your stomach. Take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes or so before you eat. It's another old folk remedy that holds true.

For a sore throat mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with a ¼ cup of warm water and use this mixture to gargle once an hour. The terms causing the sore throat can't survive in the acidic environment created by this mixture.

Studies have shown that drinking half an ounce of apple cider vinegar every day actually lowered cholesterol levels.

I have recently discovered a great use for apple cider vinegar and it is for bug bites. I live in beautiful Florida, but we have lots of biting insects too. Just dab apple cider vinegar on a bug bite and it takes the sting and itch out instantly.

Apple cider vinegar can help you loosen up a stuffy nose as well because it contains potassium which thins mucus and helps prevent germ growth. Drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in.

It has been found in numerous studies that apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss because the acetic acid decreases your appetite, reduces retention of water and increases your metabolism. It also interferes with the way your body digests starches and therefore allows fewer calories to enter the blood.

Apple cider vinegar is also used a treatment for common dandruff. It changes the pH of your scalp and makes it harder for yeast to grow. Mix ¼ cup water with a ¼ cup apple cider vinegar and put in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on your head and wrap your head in a towel for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash as your normally would. You can do this up to two times a week if necessary.

It is a natural home remedy for acne and a natural toner for your skin as well. The antibacterial properties help keep acne under control and it will also soften the skin and reduce red spots. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and shake well. Apply to your skin with a cotton ball or pad.

If you need a quick natural energy boost, add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water or some vegetable juice. The amino acids in the apple cider vinegar can act as an antidote to the build up of lactic acid in your body after exercise which causes fatigue.

Gargling with apple cider vinegar in the morning and help whiten your teeth, remove stains and it will kill bacteria in your mouth and gums as well. Just brush as normal after you gargle.

There have been many studies showing that apple cider vinegar can significantly lower blood sugar and insulin response. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar after meals.

It can be used as a pickling agent to preserve food. It makes the food more acidic and deactivates the enzymes as well as killing any bacteria in the food which can cause spoiling.

Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with water to make a deodorizing spray that will neutralize odors in the household. It is also a great household cleaner because of its antibacterial properties if you don't like using the chemicals so readily available today. It's also a great way to wash fruits and vegetables before consuming to get rid of any residual pesticides and/or bacteria.

As you can see, the uses for apple cider vinegar are many and you may know of even more. Always great to have such an affordable handy household tool that can be used in so many versatile ways. 

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network