The Viral Apple Cider Vinegar Hack That Needs To Be In Your Foot Care Routine

Apple cider vinegar seems to be a miracle product for several health issues. In fact, Healthline claims that apple cider vinegar can be used in your daily routine to can kill germs and has the potential to help with weight loss, manage diabetes, and improve skin health.

Speaking of skin health, this miracle ingredient has been proven to help with certain foot conditions as well, including cracked heels, odors, fungus, warts, and so much more, according to a viral TikTok video posted by herbology expert @the.farm.acy, which has collected over 4 million views. There's evidence to suggest that it can also be used to treat plantar fasciitis.

To reap these benefits, all you need to do is fill a tub or bowl with apple cider vinegar and water and soak your feet in it. Many viewers confirmed the hack really works, with some claiming it works for other skin conditions, too. 

Apple cider vinegar is great for your skin — and that's an understatement. To reap the benefits of the hack, all it takes is 30 minutes. You'll want to pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar for every 4 cups of water. You can repeat this soak a few times a week or more frequently if you prefer. Before long, you'll notice just how clean, relaxed, and in overall good condition your feet become.

What's more, the viral TikTok video asserts that, over time, an apple cider vinegar foot bath can remove foot warts — and a follower confirmed that. "My daughter had six warts on her knee. I soaked a bandage in ACV and placed it on her 15 mins 3x, and they're gone. Fell right off," the comment read. Several other followers said the solution worked for their warts as well. 

One viewer shared their father's experience with apple cider vinegar. "My dad had plantar fasciitis, and he literally cured himself by wearing ACV soaked socks overnight," the comment read. Several other TikTok users shared their positive experiences as well, with some saying it worked for ringworm. Another, who claimed to have "worked at a podiatrist's office for 10 years," confirmed that "most of this is true."

What about apple cider vinegar (ACV) makes it so "magical" for feet? It all boils down to some very specific properties. One of the active ingredients in ACV is acetic acid, which contains antimicrobial (an agent that kills microorganisms) properties, as Medical News Today explains. The presence of these antimicrobial properties is why ACV can help neutralize foot odors caused by bacteria or fungi and treat warts, which are caused by a viral infection. 

ACV also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which offer skin-soothing benefits for calloused feet and cracked heels, according to Dr. Dendy Engelman, the director of dermatologic survey at Metropolitan Hospital in New York (via Dermstore). "[Apple cider vinegar] contains alpha hydroxy acids that chemically exfoliate to remove dead skin buildup and reveal new skin cells," Dr. Engelman says.

And as far as ACV's benefits for plantar fasciitis, Arizona-based physician Dr. Michael Castillo claims on his website that the solution's ability to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation is why it can be used to treat this foot injury. Apple cider vinegar, the miracle ingredient ... for feet.