🌿 Apple Cider Vinegar Magic for Glowing Hair, a Happy Gut, and Everyday Wellness

Let’s talk about one of those humble pantry staples that does so much more than people give it credit for—apple cider vinegar, or ACV. Whether it’s helping with digestion, bringing shine to your hair, or adding a little herbal goodness to your salad dressing, this little bottle packs a big punch.

And the best part? It’s affordable, easy to use, and you probably already have some in your kitchen.

A Little ACV Goes a Long Way

When it comes to apple cider vinegar, more isn’t always better. It’s strong stuff—and using it full strength can cause irritation or damage, especially on your skin or hair. So, let’s start with a reminder that’s worth repeating: always dilute your ACV before using it. A little is often all you need to see benefits.

1. For Happy Hair

Apple cider vinegar makes a fantastic natural hair rinse. It helps balance the scalp’s pH, reduce buildup, and add shine. I use this rinse a couple times per week between shampoos. Don’t worry the vinegar smell goes away once you rinse and your hair dries. And it leaves your hair feeling super soft.

How to use it:

Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with a couple cups of water.
Pour over your scalp and hair after shampooing or on days between shampooing.
Let it sit for a minute or two, then rinse well.

You can even infuse your vinegar with herbs like rosemary or lavender before using—this adds extra nourishment and makes it smell wonderful.

🌿 Tracey’s Tip: Rosemary-infused vinegar is one of my favorites for hair. It smells amazing and supports scalp health, too!

2. For Gut Support & Gentle Digestion

ACV is often used to support digestion, especially when taken before meals. It may help with stomach acid production and ease that too-full feeling.

How to use it:

Mix 1 teaspoon (or up to 1 tablespoon) of ACV in a glass of warm water.
Drink it about 10–15 minutes before meals.

You can also mix in a little raw honey to soften the tang and add soothing benefits.

Here’s one I grew up with. A warm drink of vinegar, water, and honey before bed. My family used it as a natural sedative, and if you get the ratio right, it really does taste like warm apple cider. Cozy, comforting, and calming. Find that recipe here.

3. A Real Food Way to Add It In: Salad Dressing!

If sipping vinegar doesn’t sound appealing, no worries—you can still get its benefits by incorporating it into your meals.

Here’s a simple salad dressing I love:

Simple Herbal ACV Dressing

Shake it all up in a jar and drizzle over greens, grain bowls, roasted veggies—you name it.

🌿 Tracey’s Tip: I love pairing nettle-infused vinegar with a little honey and mustard for a mineral-rich salad dressing. It’s nourishing, tasty, and takes under 5 minutes to whip up. Add onion or garlic powder and your favorite herb to this, to make it yours.

4. Herbal-Infused Vinegar: Nourishment in a Jar

If you really want to bring your apple cider vinegar up a notch, try infusing it with herbs. It’s such a simple process, and the result is a vinegar that’s not only more flavorful—but also more mineral-rich and supportive for your body.

ACV is excellent at pulling minerals from herbs, making it a gentle way to sneak extra nourishment into your meals and your remedies.

How to Make an Herbal Vinegar Infusion:

Fill a clean glass jar about halfway with your dried herbs of choice (or use a small handful of chopped fresh herbs).
Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the herbs until completely covered.
Cover the jar with a plastic lid (or use parchment between the vinegar and a metal lid).
Let it infuse in a cool, dark place for 2–4 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain and store in a glass bottle or jar.

Ways to Use Infused Vinegar:

As a natural hair rinse (especially rosemary vinegar!)
In homemade salad dressings
Drizzled over roasted veggies
As a marinade for meat or tofu
Splash into soups, stews, or broths

It’s a beautiful way to get herbs and their nutrients into your food without making things complicated. And it can kick up the flavor of your meal so much. It’s so good.

5. Vinegar Shrubs: Tangy, Sweet, and Herbal

Shrubs are old-fashioned drinking vinegars, and they’re making a comeback! You can make your own with fruit, vinegar, and a little sweetener. They’re refreshing, probiotic-friendly, and a fun way to sneak herbs into your day.

Basic Shrub Recipe

Mash the fruit, stir in the vinegar and honey, and let it infuse in the fridge for 2–3 days. Strain and store in a bottle. Add a splash to sparkling water, iced tea, or even cocktails!

You can also add herbs like mint, basil, or thyme to the mix while infusing.

Final Thoughts

Apple cider vinegar is one of those simple, everyday staples that can quietly support so many aspects of your health. Whether it’s a splash in your salad dressing, a soothing bedtime drink, or a shiny hair rinse, this little powerhouse has earned its spot in both the kitchen and the apothecary.

And when you start infusing it with herbs? That’s where the magic really happens. We’re never without a jar or four in our household.

Got a favorite way to use ACV? I’d love to hear it!