by Alysse Robin  

Apple cider vinegar is known to have a variety of health benefits, from external uses such as soothing

The word “vinegar” is derived from the Old French vin aigre, meaning “sour wine.” In the case of apple cider vinegar, this is achieved by the fermentation of apple juice to hard apple cider followed by a second fermentation to apple cider vinegar. This is a great time of year to start your fermentation process.

When the vinegar is mature, it contains a dark, cloudy bacterial foam called mother. It's the sum of the goodness of the apples with the extra acids and enzymes that give apple cider vinegar its amazing health benefits. Natural vinegars that contain the mother have enzymes and minerals that other commercial vinegars may not have due to over-processing, over-heating, and filtration.

Apple cider vinegar has a hot bite that grasps the throat immediately; it should be taken with water so as not to burn too much. For coughs, that either come with the season or that have endured for several seasons now, dilute the apple cider vinegar with half water and stir in some honey. You’ll enjoy a sensory experience that results in a strong medicinal feeling in the throat, as if the vinegar is in attack mode, burning and firing away at any unhealthy germs. One teaspoon will work wonders, helping you sleep through the night. Apple cider vinegar is another gift from earth that proves man and nature were intended to coexist.

Keep unfiltered, unpasteurized, organic apple cider vinegar with no chemicals or preservatives in your cupboard for the best health results. Most local health food stores carry a variety.