What Are the Benefits of Vinegar on Sores?

Bottle of apple cider vinegar in a pantry

Vinegar isn't just for cooking. For centuries, people have used vinegar as a remedy for all sorts of ailments, from alleviating morning sickness to wart removal to soothing bee stings. In addition, vinegar also has antiseptic properties that help cold and canker sores to heal.

What Is Vinegar?

Vinegar is a variation of the French "vin aigre," which means sour wine. It results when a sugary liquid, such as grape juice, maple syrup, or malt, is fermented to alcohol, then fermented again to create acidic vinegar.

Origins

It is said that one day 10,000 years ago, a cask of wine was discovered that had spoiled. The result was an acidic liquid that became widely used for different purposes throughout the known world.

How to Use on Sores

Dab some apple cider vinegar on the canker or cold sore twice a day. This will relieve the itching and the sore will dry up within a week.

Why It Works

The vinegar dries up the sore as you apply it. Within a week it should be completely dried up.

Other Vinegar Remedies

Vinegar can also be used to treat skin burns, fight dandruff and relieve sunburn.

References

• The Vinegar Institute
• Cold Sore Remedy Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Resources

• The Vinegar Institute