Vinegar had several uses in folk medicine. It was used from early times as a remedy for disorders of the respiratory system, such as catarrh. It was also used to bring down fevers and as a gargle for the relief of sore throats and laryngitis.
Vinegar was also used in the treatment of urinary tract infections such as cystisis. In addition, taken with water, it was an old antiseptic remedy for such diseases as scarlet fever, dysentery and typhus.
It was an old folk cure for wounds as it was thought to speed up the healing process, stop bleeding and reduce inflammation and swelling. An application of vinegar was thought to relieve sprains, bruises, and stings.
Eczema and similar skin conditions and rashes were treated with it, and it was also thought to be an effective remedy for ringworm and athlete's foot. Sunburn was treated with vinegar, sometimes with rose petals soaked in it. People suffering from headaches often sponged their foreheads with vinegar.
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