Vinegar is a Natural

by Theresa Beller

We are all familiar with the uses of vinegar in cooking. There are countless recipes for its use in canning and pickling the fruits of our gardening labors. But are you aware of the many other things you can do with vinegar? Before you dismiss these old “home remedies” and domestic tips, why not give it a try. Being in the neighborhood of $2.50 a gallon, you have not lost much if ultimately you don’t buy into the wonders of vinegar. On the other hand, if you try some of the tips and feel they are right on the money, think how much cash you could save not having to buy other products. Another plus for vinegar use is that it is a natural product and is not loaded up with toxic chemicals. Now that is good any way you look at it!

We have probably all heard of using vinegar to take the smart out of sunburns, but did you know it is supposed to relieve the sting of jellyfish as well? The acid found in vinegar is supposed to aid in treatment of fungus too. If you are bothered by fungus on your feet or toes, soak nightly in vinegar for several weeks and your feet should clear up. After a recent poison ivy episode made me desperate for relief, I took a friend’s advice and sponged vinegar over the affected areas, full strength. After two days the rash started to clear up and the itching was greatly reduced. How about trying a tablespoon of vinegar to relieve heartburn? It may sound crazy, but many people say it works.

Domestic and household uses for vinegar go beyond simply cleaning your coffee maker. Try washing your windows with it. Nothing shines better! Vinegar can also erase water stains and marks on furniture. Try pre-treating a soiled garment with vinegar instead of typical laundry stain treatments. It is reported to be able to remove stains from your clothing. Placing a small amount of vinegar in an open-top dish in a room is said to eliminate odors, such as smoke. It is also supposed to rid the room of allergens.

While it may not be a wonder cure for everything, vinegar certainly has enough helpful claims to make it a pantry staple for my home. I suggest keeping a small bottle you’re your camping supplies, your beach bag and even when your travel. You never know when you might need to treat a rash or a nasty jellyfish sting!

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