Headaches are a common annoyance for most people. There are numerous claims about the benefits of apple cider vinegar, including its ability to help treat headaches.

While there is currently no scientific proof that apple cider vinegar is effective for treating headaches, many people still use it as a natural treatment. This article looks at the newest evidence.

People make apple cider vinegar by fermenting apples. It is one of the three most common types of vinegar.

Like other natural substances made from fruit, apple cider vinegar contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids can help protect the body from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Animal studies have shown apple cider vinegar to have antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic (high fat levels), and antioxidant properties.

However, medical professionals do not know how much apple cider vinegar a person needs to consume to acquire any of these benefits.

One benefit of consuming apple cider vinegar that has scientific research behind it is its ability to help manage blood sugar.

A small clinical trial in 2019 found that individuals living with type 2 diabetes who drank 20 milliliters of apple cider vinegar per day for 8 weeks saw improvements in fasting glucose levels.

A review from 2021 also found a positive connection between apple cider vinegar consumption and fasting glucose, causing researchers to surmise that apple cider vinegar “may be helpful” in managing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Because one of the occasional symptoms of hyperglycemia is headaches, drinking apple cider vinegar on a daily basis may help lessen those occurrences — but there is currently no evidence of a direct connection.

There are additional claims that apple cider vinegar can help with migraines, but to date, there is not enough evidence to support this.

Apple cider vinegar has a strong flavor, especially for those who are not used to it. The most basic apple cider vinegar recipe is 1 teaspoon (tsp) of apple cider vinegar and 12 ounces (oz) of water.

A person can drink this mixture as needed.

There are a variety of tastier ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar into a home remedy, including:

Cold apple tonic

Replacing half the water in the basic recipe with apple juice can lessen the drink’s strong acidic flavor. Some people may choose to sweeten it with honey:

  • 8 oz of water
  • 8 oz of apple juice
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)

A person should add the ingredients to a large glass and stir if necessary.

Warm cayenne honey drink

The cayenne pepper in this drink gives it a spicy kick, while people sweeten it with honey:

  • 8 oz of warm water
  • 1 heaping tsp of honey
  • 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar
  • dash of cayenne powder

A person should mix the ingredients in a heat-resistant mug and drink it as needed.

As with any supplement, an individual should speak with their doctor before adding apple cider vinegar to their daily routine.

According to a 2020 review, there is not a lot of evidence when it comes to the possible side effects of apple cider vinegar, especially when a person consumes it in moderation.

However, like most foods, more is not always better. Consuming too much apple cider vinegar in one sitting may lead to stomach upset.

There are many different treatments for headaches that are readily available for home use. These include:

  • Drinking more water: Water can help a person stay hydrated and relieve headaches caused by dehydration.
  • Taking over-the-counter medications: Some common pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin (Bayer), or acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help with headaches.
  • Reducing stress: Stress and anxiety can cause headaches in some people, so finding ways to reduce stress may lessen symptoms.
  • Using a heating pad: A heating pad can bring fresh blood to the head, neck, and shoulders, which can help reduce headaches caused by tension.
  • Tying aromatherapy: Lavender oil and peppermint oil may help bring some headache relief in certain individuals.

There is little scientific evidence directly supporting the claim that apple cider vinegar can treat headaches. However, that has not stopped people from expounding on its benefits.

The good news is that there does not seem to be many side effects when a person consumes apple cider vinegar in moderation.

If a person is experiencing frequent headaches, the first line of defense should be to talk with a health professional because headaches can be a sign of many other conditions. For occasional headaches, there are many home remedies that may provide relief.