Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Migraine Pain

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsFor MigrainesSide EffectsWhat to Look ForOther Remedies

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What It Is

For Migraines

Side Effects

What to Look For

Other Remedies

Apple cider vinegardoes have other science-backed health benefits that may explain why it is often recommended as a treatment for headaches. Apple cider vinegar has become a popular natural remedy for many ailments, but it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about the role of natural remedies in your treatment and care.

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Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented apple cider. The process involves letting crushed apples, yeast, and water sit at room temperature until the yeast turns the sugars from the apples into alcohol. Then bacteria are added to turn it into acetic acid, the main active compound in vinegar.

Acetic acid is the compound that researchers suggest gives apple cider vinegar its health benefits. It doesn’t contain high amounts of vitamins or minerals, but it is rich in organic acids, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, and carotenoids.Combined, these are believed to be responsible for apple cider vinegar’santioxidantand antibacterial properties.

Apple Cider for Migraines

Apple cider vinegar contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may offer health benefits, such as preventing heart disease or diabetes.There’s little scientific evidence for a benefit in treating migraines, and even whether it offers prebiotic benefits remains controversial.

Some studies suggest apple cider vinegar may aid in managing blood sugar, loweringhemoglobin A1C(HbA1C) levels and fasting blood sugar levels. Since high glucose levels can lead to headache, drinking apple cider vinegar regularly may indirectly lessen the occurrence ofheadaches.

Because strong evidence to support its use is not available, there is no standard dose of apple cider vinegar to treatmigrainesand the acetic acid level can vary among products. Talk with a healthcare provider about how much is safe for you to use and the best way to do so.

Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects

Apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe. However, because vinegar is acidic, it can irritate thedigestive tractor causetooth decayover time if it’s not diluted correctly.

Studies of apple cider vinegar side effects find they are minimal if apple cider vinegar is consumed in moderation.However, there are isolated case studies of serious health issues potentially linked to apple cider vinegar supplement use.

Tannins in Apple Cider VinegarIt’s important to note that the tannins derived from phenolic acid in apple cider vinegar may trigger headaches. Some experts suggest tannins contribute to the release of the neurotransmitterserotonin, which may cause a headache at high levels.

Tannins in Apple Cider Vinegar

It’s important to note that the tannins derived from phenolic acid in apple cider vinegar may trigger headaches. Some experts suggest tannins contribute to the release of the neurotransmitterserotonin, which may cause a headache at high levels.

Apple cider vinegar can be purchased in two forms: filtered or unfiltered. Filtered apple cider vinegar usually has been pasteurized and is clear.

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar has a cloudy layer at the bottom. Some studies of unpasteurized forms have found multiple species of yeast and bacteria that contribute tofermentation.Research continues into the potential health benefits in the mix.

Other Natural Remedies for Migraines

Unfortunately, there is no cure for migraines. However, there are several different natural remedies for migraine relief you can try at home. These include:

Additionally, if you experience frequent, severe migraine headaches, your healthcare provider may prescribemedicationsto reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.

Summary

Migraines are intense, recurring headaches that can last hours or days. Apple cider vinegar has become a natural remedy for many ailments, including helping to reduce inflammation.

There isn’t enough scientific evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar to treat or prevent migraine headaches. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before incorporating apple cider vinegar into your diet.

14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wCousin FJ, Le Guellec R, Schlusselhuber M, Dalmasso M, Laplace JM, Cretenet M.Microorganisms in Fermented Apple Beverages: Current Knowledge and Future Directions.Microorganisms. 2017 Jul 25;5(3):39. doi:10.3390/microorganisms5030039Arzani M, Jahromi SR, Ghorbani Z, Vahabizad F, Martelletti P, Ghaemi A,et al.Gut-brain Axis and migraine headache: a comprehensive review.J Headache Pain. 2020 Feb 13;21(1):15. doi:10.1186/s10194-020-1078-9Küçükgöz K, Echave J, Garcia-Oliveira P, Seyyedi-Mansour S, Donn P, Xiao J,et al.Polyphenolic profile, processing impact, and bioaccessibility of apple fermented products.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024 Jan 22:1-20. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2277353Kara M, Assouguem A, Kamaly OMA, et al.The impact of apple variety and the production methods on the antibacterial activity of vinegar samples. Molecules. 2021;26(18):5437. doi:10.3390/molecules26185437Shuqing Z, Chingyuan H, Yurong G, Xiaoyu W, Yonghong M.Polyphenols in fermented apple juice: Beneficial effects on human health.Journal of Functional Foods. 2021;76:104294. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2020.104294NY Neurology Associates.Two Natural Ways for Relieving Headache.American Dental Association.Foods and beverages that can cause tooth erosion.Launholt TL, Kristiansen CB, Hjorth P.Safety and side effects of apple vinegar intake and its effect on metabolic parameters and body weight: a systematic review.Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(6):2273-2289. doi:10.1007/s00394-020-02214-3Alvarez L, Colaco LB, Ali S, Jabbal ISS, Banga V, Avalos MA,et al.Unveiling a Sour Truth: Acute Pancreatitis Linked to Apple Cider Vinegar Supplement.ACG Case Rep J. 2024 Sep 5;11(9):e01482. doi:10.14309/crj.0000000000001482Harvard Medical School.Ask the doctor: What causes red wine headaches?MedlinePlus.Migraine.Rafie S, Namjoyan F, Golfakhrabadi F, et al.Effect of lavender essential oil as a prophylactic therapy for migraine: A randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of Herbal Medicine.2016:6(1):18-23.Xu JH, Mi HY.A randomized controlled trial of acupressure as an adjunctive therapy to sodium valproate on the prevention of chronic migraine with aura.Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jul;96(27):1-4. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000007477

14 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wCousin FJ, Le Guellec R, Schlusselhuber M, Dalmasso M, Laplace JM, Cretenet M.Microorganisms in Fermented Apple Beverages: Current Knowledge and Future Directions.Microorganisms. 2017 Jul 25;5(3):39. doi:10.3390/microorganisms5030039Arzani M, Jahromi SR, Ghorbani Z, Vahabizad F, Martelletti P, Ghaemi A,et al.Gut-brain Axis and migraine headache: a comprehensive review.J Headache Pain. 2020 Feb 13;21(1):15. doi:10.1186/s10194-020-1078-9Küçükgöz K, Echave J, Garcia-Oliveira P, Seyyedi-Mansour S, Donn P, Xiao J,et al.Polyphenolic profile, processing impact, and bioaccessibility of apple fermented products.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024 Jan 22:1-20. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2277353Kara M, Assouguem A, Kamaly OMA, et al.The impact of apple variety and the production methods on the antibacterial activity of vinegar samples. Molecules. 2021;26(18):5437. doi:10.3390/molecules26185437Shuqing Z, Chingyuan H, Yurong G, Xiaoyu W, Yonghong M.Polyphenols in fermented apple juice: Beneficial effects on human health.Journal of Functional Foods. 2021;76:104294. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2020.104294NY Neurology Associates.Two Natural Ways for Relieving Headache.American Dental Association.Foods and beverages that can cause tooth erosion.Launholt TL, Kristiansen CB, Hjorth P.Safety and side effects of apple vinegar intake and its effect on metabolic parameters and body weight: a systematic review.Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(6):2273-2289. doi:10.1007/s00394-020-02214-3Alvarez L, Colaco LB, Ali S, Jabbal ISS, Banga V, Avalos MA,et al.Unveiling a Sour Truth: Acute Pancreatitis Linked to Apple Cider Vinegar Supplement.ACG Case Rep J. 2024 Sep 5;11(9):e01482. doi:10.14309/crj.0000000000001482Harvard Medical School.Ask the doctor: What causes red wine headaches?MedlinePlus.Migraine.Rafie S, Namjoyan F, Golfakhrabadi F, et al.Effect of lavender essential oil as a prophylactic therapy for migraine: A randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of Herbal Medicine.2016:6(1):18-23.Xu JH, Mi HY.A randomized controlled trial of acupressure as an adjunctive therapy to sodium valproate on the prevention of chronic migraine with aura.Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jul;96(27):1-4. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000007477

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wCousin FJ, Le Guellec R, Schlusselhuber M, Dalmasso M, Laplace JM, Cretenet M.Microorganisms in Fermented Apple Beverages: Current Knowledge and Future Directions.Microorganisms. 2017 Jul 25;5(3):39. doi:10.3390/microorganisms5030039Arzani M, Jahromi SR, Ghorbani Z, Vahabizad F, Martelletti P, Ghaemi A,et al.Gut-brain Axis and migraine headache: a comprehensive review.J Headache Pain. 2020 Feb 13;21(1):15. doi:10.1186/s10194-020-1078-9Küçükgöz K, Echave J, Garcia-Oliveira P, Seyyedi-Mansour S, Donn P, Xiao J,et al.Polyphenolic profile, processing impact, and bioaccessibility of apple fermented products.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024 Jan 22:1-20. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2277353Kara M, Assouguem A, Kamaly OMA, et al.The impact of apple variety and the production methods on the antibacterial activity of vinegar samples. Molecules. 2021;26(18):5437. doi:10.3390/molecules26185437Shuqing Z, Chingyuan H, Yurong G, Xiaoyu W, Yonghong M.Polyphenols in fermented apple juice: Beneficial effects on human health.Journal of Functional Foods. 2021;76:104294. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2020.104294NY Neurology Associates.Two Natural Ways for Relieving Headache.American Dental Association.Foods and beverages that can cause tooth erosion.Launholt TL, Kristiansen CB, Hjorth P.Safety and side effects of apple vinegar intake and its effect on metabolic parameters and body weight: a systematic review.Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(6):2273-2289. doi:10.1007/s00394-020-02214-3Alvarez L, Colaco LB, Ali S, Jabbal ISS, Banga V, Avalos MA,et al.Unveiling a Sour Truth: Acute Pancreatitis Linked to Apple Cider Vinegar Supplement.ACG Case Rep J. 2024 Sep 5;11(9):e01482. doi:10.14309/crj.0000000000001482Harvard Medical School.Ask the doctor: What causes red wine headaches?MedlinePlus.Migraine.Rafie S, Namjoyan F, Golfakhrabadi F, et al.Effect of lavender essential oil as a prophylactic therapy for migraine: A randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of Herbal Medicine.2016:6(1):18-23.Xu JH, Mi HY.A randomized controlled trial of acupressure as an adjunctive therapy to sodium valproate on the prevention of chronic migraine with aura.Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jul;96(27):1-4. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000007477

Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-w

Cousin FJ, Le Guellec R, Schlusselhuber M, Dalmasso M, Laplace JM, Cretenet M.Microorganisms in Fermented Apple Beverages: Current Knowledge and Future Directions.Microorganisms. 2017 Jul 25;5(3):39. doi:10.3390/microorganisms5030039

Arzani M, Jahromi SR, Ghorbani Z, Vahabizad F, Martelletti P, Ghaemi A,et al.Gut-brain Axis and migraine headache: a comprehensive review.J Headache Pain. 2020 Feb 13;21(1):15. doi:10.1186/s10194-020-1078-9

Küçükgöz K, Echave J, Garcia-Oliveira P, Seyyedi-Mansour S, Donn P, Xiao J,et al.Polyphenolic profile, processing impact, and bioaccessibility of apple fermented products.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024 Jan 22:1-20. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2277353

Kara M, Assouguem A, Kamaly OMA, et al.The impact of apple variety and the production methods on the antibacterial activity of vinegar samples. Molecules. 2021;26(18):5437. doi:10.3390/molecules26185437

Shuqing Z, Chingyuan H, Yurong G, Xiaoyu W, Yonghong M.Polyphenols in fermented apple juice: Beneficial effects on human health.Journal of Functional Foods. 2021;76:104294. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2020.104294

NY Neurology Associates.Two Natural Ways for Relieving Headache.

American Dental Association.Foods and beverages that can cause tooth erosion.

Launholt TL, Kristiansen CB, Hjorth P.Safety and side effects of apple vinegar intake and its effect on metabolic parameters and body weight: a systematic review.Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(6):2273-2289. doi:10.1007/s00394-020-02214-3

Alvarez L, Colaco LB, Ali S, Jabbal ISS, Banga V, Avalos MA,et al.Unveiling a Sour Truth: Acute Pancreatitis Linked to Apple Cider Vinegar Supplement.ACG Case Rep J. 2024 Sep 5;11(9):e01482. doi:10.14309/crj.0000000000001482

Harvard Medical School.Ask the doctor: What causes red wine headaches?

MedlinePlus.Migraine.

Rafie S, Namjoyan F, Golfakhrabadi F, et al.Effect of lavender essential oil as a prophylactic therapy for migraine: A randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of Herbal Medicine.2016:6(1):18-23.

Xu JH, Mi HY.A randomized controlled trial of acupressure as an adjunctive therapy to sodium valproate on the prevention of chronic migraine with aura.Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jul;96(27):1-4. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000007477

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