Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic (Real Food, Paleo, Vegan)

Countless articles have been written about the numerous benefits of raw ACV, or apple cider vinegar.

Raw ACV is different from regular commercial apple cider vinegar because it has not been filtered or heat pasteurized, therefore it retains more of its beneficial nutritional integrity. And most raw apple cider vinegars on the market contain the mother - the culture that turns regular apple cider into vinegar.

Diluted apple cider vinegar is great in personal care products, such as facial toner and a inexpensive skin treatment for acne, mosquito bites, to soothe sunburn, and some skin rashes.

Apple cider vinegar has long been used in natural hair treatments. It may helpful as a conditioner substitute, to clarify the hair without stripping it of natural oils, and reduce frizz. It can be beneficial in balancing the pH of hair as well.

Some studies indicate that consuming raw apple cider vinegar may be beneficial in improving blood sugar sensitivity, cholesterol, and may even support heart health. Due to its unique acid and culture properties, unfiltered vinegar may also aid in treatment of Candida, and foot or skin fungus.

Raw apple cider is similar to the acids in the stomach and has historically been used to aid digestion, treat acid reflux, and heartburn naturally, when diluted. I love to use ACV as a tonic and drink a glass in the morning to stimulate digestion.

Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most well known brands of vinegars sold with the mother culture. During visits to one of my favorite health stores in town, I splurge on Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar drink - but this habit can get costly! So here is my homemade version. I used Vermont Village Organic Apple Cider Vinegar because my local Costco starting stocking it and it is just as good as Bragg, if you ask me!

I used the barest amount of organic stevia drops as a sweetener - but feel free to add additional drops to taste, or switch out the sweetener for pure maple syrup or honey instead. I only had plain stevia drops on hand but I think that any of the fruit flavored stevia drops may work well here.

For additional information on using raw apple cider vinegar, there is a great article here.

Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic

2 cups cool filtered water
1 1/2 tablespoons raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste (I used this one)
8 drops plain stevia drops, plus more to taste (I used this one)

In a glass jar, place all of the ingredients and stir gently. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.

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