Healthy Ways to Use Vinegar That You Might Not Know

1. Did you know that vinegar kills weeds? Yes it does! It kills grass, too, so be careful, but DO use it in place of commercial weed killer, which is toxic and detrimental to our watershed.

You can spray or pour vinegar on the weeds that come through the concrete in your driveway, or you can get a spray bottle and spray it on weeds in your lawn. They’ll shrivel and die within a day!

2. Vinegar kills insects. Keep some in a spray bottle and you can spray the occasional fly or fruit fly that dares to enter your kitchen. It’s much better for your environment than toxic bug sprays. The smell goes away faster, too!

3. Vinegar cleans glass, mirrors, and counter tops. Use as you would use any glass cleaner or commercial liquid cleanser. Put it in a spray bottle, spritz and wipe. It even kills some (though not all) bacteria.

4. Use vinegar to clean your cutting board. Spray it on, rinse and let dry.

5. Vinegar shines chrome. Have a chrome faucet, or chrome cabinet hardware? Spray and wipe with a paper towel or soft cloth and the surface will gleam!

6. Vinegar cleans fruit and vegetables. Want to remove bacteria and pesticides? Spray your fruit or vegetables with a good coat of vinegar, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse with hot water and dry.

7. Vinegar can dry up pimples. Dab a pimple with full strength vinegar and let it dry. If you have acne prone skin, you can make a tone with one part vinegar, two parts water. Mix and use a cotton pad to apply to acne prone areas. It will help heal and tone the skin.

8. Vinegar and baking soda combine well to clean toilets. Sprinkle about ½ a cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar into the bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with your toilet brush. Works as well as store bought cleanser and it’s cheaper.

9. Vinegar and baking soda also combine well to clean bathtubs and sinks. Sprinkle the baking soda on as you would a powder cleanser, then spray with vinegar. Scrub while it’s bubbling.

10. Use vinegar to clean your car. You can either add it to the bucket of water you use, or you can spray on car windows and use like regular window cleaner.

My Top Four Sinus Infection Remedies

Three years ago, I came down with a rather ordinary cold. Seeing that I come down with colds on a regular basis, I thought very little of it until one day, the mucus in my nose which was once clear and runny became thick, yellow and… well, you get the idea. I also started to experience severe pain around my eyes and teeth, coupled with an overwhelming sense of fatigue, blurry vision, and a nasty sore throat. The doctor diagnosed me with an acute sinus infection, and my new friend (or foe) has been with me ever since.

Throughout my journey with sinusitis, I have thankfully discovered a number of sinus infection remedies which have helped me get through the day. These remedies are not cures by a long shot, but they do make it possible to face work, family, and life.

1. Saline Nasal Spray

A saline nasal spray is essentially a bottle of salt water designed to clear and disinfect mucus that might be bottled up in your sinuses. With a simple series of squirts into your nostrils, you will be able to reduce congestion and prevent future infections from occurring. I tend to use my spray in the morning when I wake up, and before I go to bed. Doing so stops excess mucus from building up overnight.

2. A Head Warmer

This may not seem like an overly scientific method, but it does provide me with relief. If you find yourself with a severe sinus headache, place a winter headband over your forehead and eyes for the duration of the day. The headband should warm your head to the point that it starts to melt the mucus in your sinuses.

3. Vicks Vaporub

Vicks Vaporub is a well-known remedy for colds and coughs, but did you know that it works for sinus infections as well? If you place a layer of Vicks on the ridge of your nose, it will start to melt any mucus that might have built up throughout the day. Please note that it is not recommended to put Vicks at the entrance of or inside the nostrils as it could be harmful.

4. Pot with boiling water