Evidence of vinegar use dates back to 8500 BC when humans first started farming and building tools out of stone in Egypt and the Middle East. It was probably discovered by accident when the ancient people put their grapes into clay pots, which started fermenting into wine. Some of the batches obviously went "bad" and turned into vinegar until the ancients discovered how to cork their bottles to control the fermentation process. However, the "vinegar" created during the trial and error period of winemaking was put to good use.
It didn't take long for the ancient people to put the "bad" wine to good use and it became a cure-all, a food preserver and eventually a flavor enhancer. Before long they were producing vinegar on purpose and the industry of "trading" vinegar became the world's earliest commercial enterprises.
The Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 420 BC) used vinegar medicinally to manage wounds. The great military leader and strategist, Hannibal of Carthage (c. 200 BC) used vinegar to dissolve boulders that blocked his army's path. Cleopatra (c. 50 BC) dissolved precious pearls in vinegar and offered her love potion to Anthony. Sung Tse, the 10th century creator of forensic medicine, advocated hand washing with sulfur and vinegar to avoid infection during autopsies.
The magic of apple cider vinegar has been known for centuries to cure a multitude of ills. From diabetes to insect bites, high cholesterol and obesity, vinegar is by far the best healing natural food of all time, next to garlic and olive oil.
In folk magic, apple cider vinegar is said to stimulate weight loss by taking a shot before dinner because it diminishes appetite. It also helps control blood sugar levels, which wards off diabetes complications such as nerve damage and blindness. It might also help prevent other serious health problems, such as heart disease.
Vinegar's acidity makes it a virtual magic potion in your kitchen. Vinegar's acid helps break down muscle fibers in tough meats making it a perfect meat tenderizer. It works as a great buttermilk substitute. If you have no buttermilk add a spoonful of vinegar into 8 oz of milk to create buttermilk for your recipe. Add a bit of vinegar to your peeled potatoes in cold water and it keeps them from browning.
Vinegar's use in folk magic and healing has been plentiful and varied. Even in our current high tech society, many proponents of natural healing still encourage traditional use of vinegar.
Many today still see it as a disease-fighting tonic and recommend mixing a teaspoon or tablespoon of cider vinegar with a glass of water and drinking it each morning or before meals. It is an ancient proven method to reduce heart disease and clean the shower walls of mildew.
Vinegar is perhaps the most powerful "magic" potion in existence today.
