Apple cider vinegar is also known as cider vinegar, and is prepared from apple must. To make this vinegar, apples are first crushed to squeeze out the liquid, after which yeast is added to it in order to induce the process of alcoholic fermentation. In alcoholic fermentation, sugar is turned into alcohol, which is then converted into vinegar by adding acetobacter or acetic acid-forming bacteria. The Egyptians used cider vinegar as far back as 3,000 BC for treating a wide range of health problems. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine was also believed to use apple cider vinegar for its healing properties. So, this vinegar has been a part of traditional medicine since ancient times. But surprisingly, there has been little research on the therapeutic benefits of cider vinegar. So, most of the health benefits of this vinegar, as claimed by naturopathic doctors and other natural health enthusiasts, are not backed by any concrete scientific evidence. Nevertheless, it is often used for conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Before going into the details of how this vinegar can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, let's find out more about arthritis and what causes it. Arthritis is a condition characterized by the pain and inflammation of the joints, and it includes more than 100 conditions or forms. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis eventually damages the joints of the body. Osteoarthritis is a condition, where the cartilage of the joints undergoes chronic breakdown. This causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system attacks and damages the synovial membrane present in the joints, causing joint inflammation and deformities. Many experts are of the opinion that the accumulation of acid crystals in the joints is an important contributory factor for arthritis. Such a buildup has been found to be responsible for causing joint stiffness and pain. The organic and raw, i.e., the unprocessed or unfiltered cider vinegar is usually used for treating arthritis, as this vinegar is claimed to be quite effective in reducing joint pain and inflammation. Let's find out how this vinegar can reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. » It can be applied topically on the inflamed joint to ease the pain and discomfort, or it can be taken internally along with honey to get better results. For external application, it can be mixed with coconut or olive oil to massage the inflamed joints. » Raw cider vinegar is highly acidic, and so, it has to be diluted before ingesting. You can add 1 or 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar to about 8 ounce of water, and drink the mixture before meal. You can also add 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw honey (preferably manuka honey) to the mixture. Honey can make it more effective and palatable. Cider vinegar is usually taken twice or thrice a day before meal. It is true that enough scientific evidence is not there to support the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in treating arthritis. Nevertheless, many users claim that they have benefited immensely from this vinegar. However, before using any alternative medicine, it is always advisable to consult a health care provider, especially if you are suffering from a medical condition. Vinegar can also interact with certain medications. So, if you are taking any kind of medications or supplements, then talk to your health care provider before using this vinegar for medicinal purposes. Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.