Margaret Hills, a State Registered Nurse, was an authority on apple cider vinegar. Her popular books (see below) on apple cider vinegar as a treatment for arthritis trace her own recovery from crippling pain and immobility.
She, in turn, was influenced by the famous Vermont practitioner, Dr. D. C. Jarvis, M.D. Dr. Jarvis first wrote about apple cider vinegar in his book, Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health. Both Margaret Hills and Dr. Jarvis give practical examples in their books of patients who found long-term significant relief from the pain of arthritis by regular use of apple cider vinegar, along with sensible diet plus vitamin and mineral supplements.
Why Traditional Apple Cider Vinegar May Relieve Arthritic Pain
According to Dr. Jarvis and Margaret Hills, apple cider vinegar contains the following minerals:
- Potassium
- Phosphorous
- Chlorine
- Sodium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Sulphur
- Iron
- Fluorine
- Silicon
- Trace minerals
Dr. Jarvis felt apple cider vinegar worked because its high potassium content dissolves calcium deposits around the joints. Potassium also promotes the growth of cells and tissues. He believed that the unique combination of high potassium and the other nutrients in apple cider vinegar triggered the healing powers that led to the relief of arthritic pain and increased mobility.
Margaret Hills followed Jarvis’s recommendations from her late 30s and remained untroubled by arthritis for the rest of her long life. In her book, Cider Vinegar, Hills emphasises that the most effective apple cider vinegar is pure, organic, unpasteurised apple cider vinegar – known as the "mother of vinegar." Any other type of vinegar (for instance, malt vinegar), is not effective, she claimed.
How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar for Relief of Arthritis
Dr. Jarvis, through talking to his patients, believed that arthritic problems began in the digestive system. He believed that if there was too much alkaline in the system this may be a factor in the build-up of calcium deposits in the joints. Apple cider vinegar has the necessary acid content to provide balance within the digestive system, thus avoiding this calcium build-up.
Dr. Jarvis therefore recommended a three-times-daily routine of apple cider vinegar, honey and water. His patients found the results extremely positive.
(It is also possible to buy Honey and Cider Vinegar combined, at health food shops such as Holland & Barrett, under the brand name Honegar, which is based on the original Vermont recipe.)
Margaret Hills also advised taking apple cider vinegar and honey, but only once daily to begin with.
- One tablespoon of pure apple cider vinegar
- One tablespoon of honey (to be omitted in the case of diabetes)
- Mix in a large glass of warm water
This daily routine can eventually be increased to twice and then three times daily. Once the drink is being taken three times daily, she recommends gradually increasing the amounts of apple cider vinegar and decreasing the honey until the dosage is:
- One dessertspoon of pure apple cider vinegar
- One teaspoon of honey
- Mix in a large glass of warm water
Hills recommended honey as a natural source of vitamins and minerals which should be used instead of sugar.
Apple Cider Vinegar Folk Remedy for Osteoarthritis
Like Dr. Jarvis, Hills agreed that acid crystals building up in the body could eventually be dispersed by apple cider vinegar. These acids accumulate in the joints causing excruciating pain and in some cases, deformity and decreased movement. Apparently it is the acid crystal build-up that causes osteoarthritis.
In her books, Hills cites examples of many of her patients who have seen great improvements over time after taking apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hills believed that the use of apple cider vinegar relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which is thought to be caused by a streptococcal infection. In her opinion, balancing the acid in the body through the taking of apple cider vinegar meant that the infection could not survive.
Again, in her books, she claims that many of her patients with rheumatoid arthritis have benefited from long-term apple cider vinegar treatment.
Natural Folk Remedies May Help Arthritis Sufferers
There is no cure for arthritis and no scientific evidence to support the opinion that apple cider vinegar plays a part in the relief of arthritic pain. However, both Dr. Jarvis and Margaret Hills were in no doubt that the hundreds of patients they helped benefited from this traditional remedy.
Dr. Jarvis had the advantage of working closely with patients in Vermont who relied on folk remedies and he witnessed their apparent healing properties. Margaret Hills went on to open a successful clinic in Kenilworth, treating arthritic patients. Today it is run by her daughter and has an international reputation for relieving arthritic pain naturally.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
- Cider Vinegar by Margaret Hills, SRN (Sheldon Press, 1997)
- Treating Arthritis Diet Book by Margaret Hills, SRN (Sheldon Press, 1986)
- Curing Arthritis the Drug Free Way by Margaret Hills, SRN (Sheldon Press 1994)
- Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health by Dr D C Jarvis,MD (Fawcett Books; Reprint edition Jan 1995)
See Also:
- Kitchen Mobility Aids for Arthritis Sufferers - offers suggestions for basic aids to help arthritic sufferers to deal with kitchen tasks.
- Book Review: Treating Arthritis Diet Book - a review of Margaret Hills' Diet Book for arthritis sufferers
- The Frozen Shoulder Workbook - review of a book which explains how to use Trigger Point Therapy for Self-Massage as pain relief for a frozen shoulder.
- Portable TENS Machines for Pain Relief - explains how relief from pain may be achieved instantly with a portable TENS machine.
