Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Nerve Pain (Neuropathy)?

Last Updated on December, 2024

Have you been feeling a burning pain, especially in your feet, and annoying muscle cramps around your body? 

I know the excruciating feeling. Neuropathy can make you feel like you have needles poking you one moment and tingly or numb the next. 

If you are here, I can assume the painkillers aren’t cutting it for you. So why not try an excellent home remedy such as apple cider vinegar? You must have used it for cooking or as a salad dressing, so why not try it as a natural remedy?

Is it effective? How does it work? Let’s find out…

Quick Summary

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties, and it can be used to treat nerve pain, including diabetic neuropathy.

Drinking apple cider vinegar, taking apple cider vinegar gummies, or soaking feet in apple cider vinegar can reduce symptoms of neuropathy like pain, numbness, and itching.

Apple cider vinegar can also have other health benefits, such as improving gut health, aiding weight loss, and controlling high blood sugar levels. But it is important to consult with a physician first.

Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Nerve Pain?

Absolutely! There is enough evidence to prove that you can use apple cider vinegar for nerve pain. Although specific findings on the effect of apple cider vinegar on neuropathy are limited, other research shows it does reduce nerve pain. 

One finding by Dr. Atik on varicosity, has demonstrated that even the external application of apple cider vinegar on the legs can decrease pain, cramps, and itching. 

Other scientific evidence for the use of apple cider on disorders like joint pain has shown a similar reduction in pain and worsening of symptoms. 

One thing you should never do is use store bought vinegar. To reap maximum health benefits, use pure apple cider vinegar. The best is organic apple cider vinegar which is available in any supermarket.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar? 

It is a type of fermented apple juice made by crushing apples, yeast, and sugar, then fermenting it into alcohol. The alcohol is fermented again to convert to acetic acid.

Apple cider vinegar has been used for healing and cooking for centuries.

The best type of apple cider is organic and unfiltered as it contains probiotics and other substances responsible for its health benefits.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Relieve Nerve Pain?

First, you need to understand what neuropathy is. Neuropathy is nerve damage that causes symptoms of numbness, muscular weakness, and pain. Neuropathy symptoms can vary for each patient. 

There are many types of neuropathy; peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, polyneuropathy, etc. Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or just physical injury to the nerve. 

There are at least five stages to neuropathy. It can start with numbness and pain, then advance to debilitating pain or even loss of feeling. This is because neuropathy can start with one nerve and progress to the rest of the nervous system. 

When you take apple cider vinegar, it can help slow the progress and nerve damage. By balancing the body’s pH and removing toxins that might be causing pain, apple cider vinegar alkalizes the body.

The body receives many minerals and vitamins, like vitamin B, from apple cider vinegar to make up for nutrient deficits that might be the root of nerve pain and other problems.

Is it a Quick Nerve Pain Reliever?

It might depend on the person, but don’t expect apple cider to work like painkillers.

Apple cider is not only good at reducing nerve pain but also heals the body; therefore, it is not a one-time medication. It would be best if you kept consuming apple cider vinegar for a few weeks to see its health benefits.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Neuropathy?

There are various ways apple cider vinegar can be taken to reduce nerve pain. One way is to drink apple cider vinegar. One to two tablespoons of it with a glass of warm milk or warm water at least two times per day. Add a bit of honey if you don’t like the taste. (1)

Did you know there are also apple cider vinegar gummies/ACV gummies available? You can take gummies or use apple cider as a salad dressing if you want to avoid drinking it. 

Another alternative is soaking your feet in apple cider.  

Soaking feet in apple cider will help with blood circulation and calm some of the symptoms of neuropathy like itching.

Are There Any Other Benefits to Treating Neuropathies With Apple Cider?

Yes. Apple cider vinegar is used to treat many ailments. Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, apple cider is a popular remedy for weight loss, sore throats, and lowering blood glucose levels by improving insulin function. 

If you have diabetes, apple cider vinegar is a good remedy for treating diabetic neuropathy. It will help with nerve pain while boosting the immune system and controlling your high blood sugar levels. (2)

However, please discuss with your physician whether your medication is compatible with apple cider vinegar.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Compare to Other Alternatives?

Other well-known home remedies to relieve pain are Epsom salt, acupuncture, essential oils, massages, etc. Although Epsom salt is a great pain reliever, it’s only temporary, and this mineral is not packed with all the health benefits apple cider can give. 

Some of the other home remedies, like essential oils, are questionable. Massages and acupuncture are good for relieving only a few symptoms but not inflammation. 

Another famous anti-inflammatory agent for nerve problems is turmeric. 

Turmeric contains curcumin that has proven effects in reducing pain in patients. Even though it doesn’t contain the vitamins and minerals of apple cider, it is a good alternative for nerve pain. (3)

Conclusion 

I know what you are thinking, will apple cider vinegar work for me? There is only one way to find out. Try it yourself! 

Apple cider vinegar’s anti-inflammatory properties make it the perfect natural remedy to address nerve pain.

Not only can you take apple cider vinegar for neuropathy pain, but other health issues you may have as well like to improve your gut health and for weight loss. 

Although apple cider vinegar is a good remedy, please consult a doctor if you have diabetic neuropathy or experience neuropathy symptoms severely. 

FAQs

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-and-your-health
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14694010
3. https://dryashar.com/blog/top-home-remedies-nerve-pain

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