Through the years, vinegar has become an anecdotal medicine. There are numerous accounts of vinegar—logged throughout the centuries—being used as a “remedy” of sorts for a number of ailments. To this day, people are still discovering its benefits; there are people who swear by the healing properties of vinegar. Let’s look at these alleged benefits and see some of the ailments that have been linked to it. But first, what is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar, or ACV for short, is nothing but vinegar derived from apples. Vinegar can be extracted from a number of sources, including wine (grapes), but ACV is particular is taken from mulched apples.

When it comes to apple cider vinegar, of the most common terms you will hear is the “mother.” The mother is simply the most concentrated part of the vinegar, and it appears somewhat sort of similar to mold. It can also be described in appearance as cobweb-like.

First the ailments. Apple cider vinegar has been linked to allergies, sinus infections, high cholesterol, fatigue, dermatitis, arthritis, and even acid reflux. Now, that’s a lot. When one takes ACV in a form of controlled, and diluted dosage spread throughout a number of days, it can reduce sinus infections and sore throats, balance high cholesterol, prevent muscle fatigue, increase stamina, increase metabolism, aleviate symptoms or arthritis (including gout), and help control diabetes. Heck, it can even prevent bad breath. However, because vinegar is, of course, acidic, it is always recommended to dilute pure ACV with water, and to follow up with a water rinse as it can strip the teeth of its protective layer.

Nutrient-wise, apple vinegar contains vitamins and minerals including (trace amounts of) calcium, magnesium, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, silicon, and even fluorine. The mix of nutrients is nothing spectacular, really, and it has baffled doctors and scientists alike of what’s really inside this wonder drug.