Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has gained popularity in cleansing diets and regimens, and its supporters claim it can aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, and eliminate toxins.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, vinegar is not commonly used in India. Still, the Charaka Samhita (a classical Ayurvedic text) states, "There is nothing in the world which does not have therapeutic utility in inappropriate conditions and situations." No food or herb is assumed to benefit everyone constantly, but in some cases, apple cider vinegar (with a sour taste) can help specific individuals and conditions.

Ayurveda believes, "The effectiveness of your digestion depends on the strength of digestive fire, Agni." Food can sit in the stomach if the digestive fire is low, resulting in symptoms such as burping, belching, and gas. You might experience burning, sharpness, and pain if the digestive fire is too high.

Ayurveda recognizes and utilizes the six primary tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent) found in foods, spices, and herbs to balance the digestion, assimilation, and elimination processes.

Vinegar is sour, hot, heavy, and wet, and can benefit the cold, dry, and light qualities of Vata, but can create an imbalance for Pitta and Kapha. The climate you live in influences many decisions regarding the addition of hot or cold energies; for instance, in a cold environment, adding fermented food or using vinegar might be warranted, but in hot climates, it is not.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Taste: Sour (hot, moist, heavy)

Energy: Hot

Post-digestive energy: Sour (digests proteins)

Dosha Effects:

Vata: Balancing with its warmth, heaviness, and moistness.

Pitta: Unbalancing because of its heat

Kapha: Unbalancing by its heaviness and wetness.

Actions: Digestive and circulatory stimulant increases saliva, enhances digestion, relieves thirst, sharpens the senses, extracts minerals from food, and eases menstruation.

How to Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Daily Routine

Start with 1/2 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar in warm water before each meal, which can be increased up to 2 teaspoons, but be cautious if you experience dizziness or bloating.

Precautions

Do not practice when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Patients on diabetes medicine should monitor their blood sugar levels.

Caution if on digoxin, insulin, or diuretics, it may drop potassium levels.

Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can cause excessive damage to tooth enamel and the esophagus.