What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Perhaps obvious but apple cider vinegar is a vinegar made by fermenting apples. The juice of apples is combined with yeast which then converts the sugar from the juice into alcohol. During a second fermentation, natural bacteria then convert that alcohol into acetic acid, which is the primary active compound of all vinegar! It is super easy and rewarding to make your own, give it a try!

There are two types of ACV you'll find on the market. One that contains the “mother” and one that does not. The bacteria and yeast form the “mother” during the fermentation process. In short, one filters it out while one leaves it in. As far as which is better it is believed that the one with the mother retains more good bacteria and because of this having that one is ideal, especially for digestive health. When purchasing ACV always look for one that is raw, organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized.

Medicinal Benefits

Apple cider vinegar has been a stable in folk medicine for decades. As I write this I'm looking at my old collection of books one being from 1958 all about the medicinal secrets of honey and apple cider vinegar. This book Folk Medicine by Dr. D.C. Jarvis is said to have given rise to much of apple cider vinegar's popularity. Later followed by Paul C. Bragg in the 1970s. Perhaps not much of a secret anymore but for great reasons. Before even infusing herbs into apple cider vinegar it has numerous benefits all on its own. To start all vinegar is naturally antiseptic and cooling making it a great topical remedy. It can be used for sunburns, itching, skin inflammation, sweat odor, and to tone and cleanse the skin. Vinegar is also a common remedy for fevers helping to settle restlessness and heat in the body. Thanks to the acetic acid in vinegar it can help reduce glucose spikes. It slows the process of starches being broken down into glucose which prevents it from rapidly hitting our system and causing a spike. Additionally acetic acid helps our muscles uptake glucose more efficiently. Take 1 oz of ACV before a meal to prevent glucose spikes.

Apple cider vinegar's combination of acetic acid, probiotics, enzymes, and nutrients gives it a bit of a health boost compared to other kinds of vinegar. Due to these probiotics found in apple cider vinegar, it's great for digestive health. As it feeds the good gut bacteria this can aid in nutrient absorption and relieve bloating. Like most fruit vinegars, apple cider vinegar has high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are an antioxidant that helps the body fight free radicals aiding numerous processes of the body. Apple cider vinegar also contains vitamins C & B, potassium, folic acid, magnesium, and more making it my favorite for nutrient-rich herbal-infused vinegar!

Herbal-Infused ACV Benefits

Using vinegar as a solvent to extract the medicinal benefits from plants is an excellent choice as it can be an alcohol-free option for kids and individuals who can’t tolerate alcohol, it has a high mineral content, and it is the best solvent to extract alkaloid-containing plants such as goldenseal. The first category of herbs I like using in ACV infusions is nutritive ones! Herbs like nettles, oatstraw, alfalfa, dandelion leaf, and horsetail paired with acv make a great nutritive rich daily tonic!

The second way I like to utilize both the power of ACV and herbs is for sunburns! Infusing herbs like rose, calendula, and lavender in ACV makes a great remedy to cool and heal sunburnt skin. Dilute the infusion with some water and apply it as a compress to the skin. Third is an alcohol-free bitter for digestive health. Herbs like artichoke leaf, mugwort, orange peel, and dandelion paired with the already occurring digestive benefits of ACV make a lovely digestive aid that can be taken before or after meals. Lastly is the traditional and loved remedy among herbalists known as fire cider. Fire cider combines herbs such as ginger, horseradish, turmeric, and cayenne to boost immunity and aid circulation. You will find a recipe below! Just take a tablespoon a day as a tonic or when you start feeling the presence of a cold!

How To Make Herbal-Infused ACV

Fill your vessel (glass jar is best) up about ¼ way with dried material and halfway with fresh plant material.

Pour your undiluted apple cider vinegar on top of the plant material leaving a few inches from the top and make sure the vinegar always rises above the plant material by at least an inch.

Place unbleached parchment paper on top and secure with a rubber band to ensure your vinegar and lid don't touch. Cover and seal.

Label & allow it to infuse for 4-6 weeks or a lunar cycle, shaking it frequently.

Strain your vinegar through a mesh strainer.

Squeeze out any last liquid from the plant material, seal, and label!

Store in a dark, dry, and cool place.

Rosemary Gladstars Fire Cider Recipe:

Using a ½ gal mason jar add the ingredients below and use the above directions.

½ cup grated fresh horseradish root
½ cup or more fresh chopped onions
¼ cup or more chopped garlic
¼ cup or more grated ginger or/and chopped fresh or dried cayenne pepper, can be whole or powdered.
Warm Honey to taste is added after it is strained.

Optional Ingredients: Turmeric, sage, rosemary, cinnamon, thyme, etc.