Vinegar In Humidifier For Congestion

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Do you want to try and increase the effects of your humidifier to help you ease congestion?

Are you aware of the use of vinegar and want to try it out in your humidifier?

Do you want to know about the ratio to use and how much is safe to use, and whether or not it can have an effect on the humidifier as well?

***NOTE: Know exactly how much humidity is in your air at home. A great hygrometer will reliably detect your home humidity levels whenever and wherever you need to know them.

A humidifier can really help to soothe a blocked nose and ease congestion, but sometimes, adding something else to it can also help to increase the benefits. One such ingredient that is often used to remove bacteria and germs is vinegar. However, it is also important to remember that just as with any other ingredient, using too much or too less of vinegar may not give you the results you are looking for. Today we talk about the healing as well as disinfecting powers that vinegar has and the kind of health problems it can be helpful for.

We also discuss about the type of vinegar that you can use in the humidifier, the amount that you need to use as well as the amount of time you may need to run the humidifier to start noticing the results. So, all in all, we give you all the details you may need, if you want to use vinegar in your humidifier to ease out the congestion.  

What are the disinfecting benefits of vinegar?

There are many health benefits of vinegar, and it has long been used as a natural remedy against a host of health issues, as well as been used for its disinfecting powers. However, do remember that before you try using it for any of your health conditions, it is important that you first speak to a doctor and ask their opinion on the same.

  • Inhaling vinegar can help to clear out a blocked nose, ease congestion in the chest and the nose and also improve sinus problems. It contains a host of components such as potassium, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E and more, and helps to clear out the lung. This can help you breathe better.
  • Vinegar contains a good amount of bioactive components, such as acetic acid, because of which, it is also strong in its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as a host of other properties.
  • Since ancient times, vinegar has been used as a natural remedy against various health issues.
  • Vinegar has been used to clean out ulcers and also treat the presence of any sores.
  • In case of persistent coughs, vinegar has also proven to show remarkable results. For cases like these, the efficacy of vinegar to fight coughing increases when it is mixed with honey.
  • In some cases, vinegar has also been used to treat cases of ear infections.
  • More commonly, vinegar is also used to treat problems such as head lice, fungus in the nails, treating warts and so on.
  • Vinegar is also known to kill a variety of pathogens, including bacteria. It is also used in some places to preserve food for longer, as it can inhibit the growth of bacteria in food and helps to keep it fresh for long.
  • Vinegar is also especially beneficial for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes as it improves insulin sensitivity.

Can adding vinegar to a humidifier make it more effective against congestion?

A humidifier sends out moisture in the air which also helps to improve the humidity levels and helps you breathe better. Adding vinegar to your humidifier can actually increase the benefits of this steam inhalation.

Almost any type of vinegar will give you some or the other benefits. But if you are specifically looking to get relief from a blocked nose, or from any form of congestion, you should use apple cider vinegar (ACV). 

How do you use vinegar in a humidifier for congestion? (Water to Vinegar Ratio, etc.)

If you want to use vinegar in your humidifier to ease congestion, you can simply add the vinegar in the water tank.

  • For this, you first have to fill up the water tank in your humidifier as you normally do.
  • Then, you can add about 1/4th cup of apple cider vinegar to the water tank in the humidifier.

Will adding too much vinegar yield a negative result?

Vinegar is high in its acetic content. This is why it is important to stick to the ratio as much as you can.

  • A better way would be to try out the suggested ratio for yourself and see how it works out for you.
  • Vinegar is safe, but it is also highly acidic, and inhaling too much of it may end up irritating the oesophagus.
  • Also, if you are already taking any medication, it is best that you first speak to your doctor about the benefits or any associated risks. This is because, even though you may be inhaling vinegar, it could still have some reaction with the medicines you are already taking.
  • If you start noticing any results, there is no need to increase the amount of apple cider vinegar that you add in the water in the humidifier.
  • If you do not notice any results, instead of increasing the amount of vinegar you have added in the humidifier water, it is best that you consult a doctor about your health condition.

How long should you run a humidifier filled with water and vinegar before seeing results?

Even before the vinegar in your humidifier can start giving you results against your congestion or sinus, you first have to make sure that the humidity levels in your room or in the house are within the range that is recommended.

  • Once you add the vinegar in your humidifier, you have to let it run till at least the time that the humidity level in that space reaches the suggested levels.
  • Once the humidity is right, it is only then that the vinegar in the humidifier will start to work.
  • Depending on the type of humidifier that you have and the setting that you use, the amount of time needed may differ.
  • To make sure that you give it enough time to work and show its effects, you can let it run a full cycle and then see how you feel. 

Can adding vinegar to your humidifier destroy the device?

In addition to easing your congestion and help you get relief against a blocked nose, adding vinegar in your humidifier can benefit the device as well. It prevents the growth of bacteria and mold in the reservoir of your humidifier and also prevents the accumulation of calcium or mineral deposits in the humidifier, which can otherwise damage the device.

Adding too much vinegar can damage the internal parts of the device, as it is very acidic in nature. Hence follow all instruction guidelines properly.

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH:

https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-for-colds#acvbenefits-for-colds
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/vinegar/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/287771-apple-cider-vinegar-home-remedy-for-sinus-infection/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/ear-nose-throat/humidifier-for-sinusitis.aspx
https://thebottomline.as.ucsb.edu/2016/11/four-quirky-home-remedies-to-replace-your-cold-medicine

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