Hello Lovely!

I need to tell you something…

I really, really LOVE apple cider vinegar (ACV).

I use it to make homemade clay washes, in most of my hair teas, and as a quick scalp cleanser when wearing protective styles.

What you may not know, is how much I use it in homemade facial masks and for my raw, plant-based meals and marinades.

It’s also perfect for use as an all natural, non-toxic cleansing agent in the home (which is a must have around the kiddies).

I have some goodies to share about this Lavishly Natural SuperFood/Hair Wonder, but first — A BIG Shout Out!

Thank You Melissa R! 

She wrote and researched most of this article in the midst of her own active life, and helped me tremendously this week.

Thank You Goddess!

In addition to her Hair Benefits, there are also 2 recipes and 3 extra recipe links to get you headed towards apple cider vinegar bliss!

At the end of this post, I share some throwback pictures (all the way from last month) of what it looks like when you cleanse your extensions with this powerful ingredient.

You don’t want to miss these…

Do you have your own recipe with acv?

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits

We use all kinds of products on our hair every day.

We probably spend thousands of dollars each year on hair care products alone. Well there is one household product that can be used to aid and benefit hair in a number ways. 

 Hair Benefits

1. Works As A Hair Conditioner
2. Helps Hair Retain Moisture
3. Removes Product Build Up Without Stripping The Hair Of Its Natural Oils
4. Balances Your PH Levels
5. A Natural Hair Cleanser
6. Makes Hair Look Shiny and Reduces Frizz
7. Reduces Tangles
8. Helps Prevent Hair Loss
9. Itchy Dry Scalp Treatment
10. Removes Hair Lice

These are just some of the benefits Apple Cider Vinegar provides to maintain nice luxurious locs.

Your next thought is probably how to use ACV so your hair can take advantage of all these benefits. Below is a recipe of your own apple cider vinegar rinse using essential oils.

Ingredients:

•      3 Tbsps Apple Cider Vinegar

•      Any Of The Following Essential Oils: Lemon, Lavender, Rose, Rosemary or Sage

•      2 Cups Warm Water

Instructions:

1. Place 4 or 5 drops of any of the essential oils listed above and drop into 2 cups of warm water.

2. Pour 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into the water and stir. 

3. Apply to hair after shampooing, co-washing,or conditioning, then rinse. I’ve also used this rinse as a pre-wash when my hair is really dirty or if it has a lot of product buildup.

4. If you would like extra conditioning you can leave it in for 3 or 4 minutes.

Note: dried herbs can be substituted in place of the essential oils. 

It’s as simple as that and most people have apple cider vinegar right in their cupboards. It’s a quick, easy and inexpensive route to make hair look salon beautiful without the salon price.

 

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

The scientist in me is ALWAYS searching for evidence-based health uses for everything.

It’s a habit!

Apple cider vinegar is no different. Like most of the natural ingredients that are good for our hair, this one is also best when eaten.

Make a nice vinaigrette with this tasty superfood, or go hardcore with a couple of teaspoons in water when you wake up, or just before bed.

Drinking ACV has a cleansing and detoxifying effect on the body.

In a study for type 2 diabetes, participants drank two tablespoons of ACV before bed and lowered their blood sugar levels up to 6% by morning.

Here Are 11 Other Benefits You May Not Know…

1. lowers blood glucose levels 
2. lowers cholesterol 
3. kills & slows the growth of cancer
4. clears acne
5. relieves stiffness
6. can be used as a natural deodorant
7. keeps bugs off your countertops
8. helps you feel full
9. works as a fruit and veggie cleanser 
10. gets rid of dandruff
11. lowers blood pressure 

I’ve used all types of apple cider vinegar, but to get many of the health benefits described in this post - raw, unfiltered (still contains the mother) apple cider vinegar is the best.

There are several versions, BRAGG is a popular one, but I often buy the organic, generic version at my local health food store.

Look around, comparison shop, and see which one work best for you.

For all my veggie lovers (and juicers), here’s a quick and easy veggie wash that works. This recipe will save you $4 to $8 on the brands you find in the store (and cleanses better IMHO).

 

All Natural Fruit & Veggie Wash

3 cups of water (or fill a sink with water)

2 tbsps apple cider vinegar

2 tbsps lemon juice

1 tbsp baking soda

Instructions

Add the vinegar, lemon juice and soda to water. I like to use the sink.

Soak as many fruits and vegetables that will fit. If you need to turn them or move them around go ahead. I like to press my green leafys down a few times, as they will usually rise to the top of the water.

Once you add your produce, let them sit in the wash for at least 30 minutes.

That’s it - rinse your fruit and veggies individually, and don’t be afraid to use a veggie brush to get off any lingering dirt.  You’ll be surprised at what you find left in the sink. 

**Even and especially if you buy organic, make sure to wash anything you eat or juice.** 

**You can substitute white vinegar in this recipe

After 30 minutes…

Now they’re ready!

 

Safety First 

If you plan on drinking apple cider vinegar, keep in mind it is very acidic and should always be diluted before consumed. Many sites report that it can damage tooth enamel and damage the tissues of your throat and skin. 

Other things to watch for:

• May also cause burns on sensitive skin
• It can interact with laxatives, diuretics, and medicines for heart disease and diabetes

Be careful Naturalistas, and check with your medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant, before consuming this in large amounts. 

PS…

I used the same ingredients in the fruit and veggie wash to cleanse my havana hair extensions.

Check out my results!