Garlic, a staple in almost every household, is a powerful natural remedy with incredible medicinal properties. It has been used by several cultures for centuries to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
This is all thanks to a chemical compound called allicin, which is believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties. So, let’s explore 5 simple hacks where garlic can be used to help relieve your cold and flu symptoms.
1. Garlic in Honey
In many cultures, raw garlic is chopped or crushed and mixed with honey to treat symptoms of the cold and flu. Honey is known for its soothing properties, while garlic is believed to help fight off infections and boost immunity. People typically consume this mixture a few times a day to ease sore throats and reduce coughing.
This remedy combines the immune-boosting benefits of garlic with the soothing and antimicrobial properties of honey. It is commonly used to ease sore throats and coughs.
Steps:
- Peel and finely chop or crush 1-2 garlic cloves.
- Place the garlic in a small jar or container.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of raw, organic honey to the garlic.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse with the honey.
- Consume 1 teaspoon of the mixture every few hours throughout the day.
Note: You can also let the garlic and honey sit overnight to create a more potent remedy.
2. Garlic Tea
Garlic tea is another popular remedy. The garlic cloves are boiled in water and the liquid is consumed warm, often with a dash of lemon or honey. The steam from the tea can also help clear nasal congestion, while garlic’s antiviral properties are believed to help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
Garlic tea is a popular remedy in many cultures for its ability to clear congestion and fight infections. The steam from the tea can help loosen mucus, while garlic works to reduce inflammation and support immune function.
Steps:
- Crush 1-2 garlic cloves and place them in a small pot of water (about 1-2 cups).
- Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain the liquid into a mug.
- Add lemon juice and honey to taste (optional).
- Sip the tea while it’s warm to help ease symptoms.
Note: Garlic tea can be consumed 2-3 times a day when experiencing cold or flu symptoms.
3. Garlic and Ginger Combination
In many households, garlic in combination with ginger to creates a potent herbal remedy for colds. Both ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. This combination is often used in the form of a tea or tonic, which is consumed to relieve symptoms like congestion and sore throat.
Ginger and garlic both have anti-inflammatory properties, making them an excellent combination for easing cold and flu symptoms. Ginger helps soothe sore throats, while garlic boosts immunity.
Steps:
- Crush or finely chop 1 garlic clove and 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root.
- Boil 1-2 cups of water in a pot.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the boiling water and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a cup.
- Add honey and lemon for added soothing effects and flavor.
- Drink the tea once or twice a day, especially when symptoms are at their peak.
Note: Ginger is known to have a warming effect, which can help relieve congestion and improve circulation.
4. Garlic and Lemon
A common remedy in some cultures involves mixing garlic with lemon juice. Garlic is crushed and allowed to sit for a few minutes to activate allicin, then mixed with fresh lemon juice. The combination is believed to help break down mucus, relieve congestion, and support the immune system.
This remedy utilizes the antiviral properties of garlic along with the vitamin C boost from lemon. The mixture is believed to help break down mucus and relieve congestion.
Steps:
- Crush 1-2 garlic cloves and allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes to activate the allicin (the active compound in garlic).
- Add the crushed garlic to a glass of warm water (about 1 cup).
- Squeeze the juice of half a fresh lemon into the water.
- Stir well and drink the mixture.
Note: Drink this garlic and lemon concoction once a day, especially in the morning, to start your day with an immune-boosting boost.
5. Garlic Infused Oil
In some communities, garlic-infused oil is used as a rub for the chest or back during the flu. The garlic oil is often applied in small amounts and massaged into the skin. The warming properties of the oil combined with garlic’s beneficial compounds are thought to help reduce chest congestion and ease breathing.
Garlic-infused oil can be used as a rub for chest congestion or to soothe sore muscles. The warming effect of the oil combined with garlic’s antimicrobial properties helps to open up airways and ease breathing.
Steps:
- Peel and crush 4-5 garlic cloves.
- Add the garlic to a small jar or glass bottle and pour in 1/2 cup of olive oil or coconut oil.
- Seal the jar and let it sit for 24-48 hours in a warm place to infuse the garlic into the oil.
- After the infusion period, strain the oil to remove the garlic pieces.
- Massage a small amount of the infused oil onto your chest and back to ease congestion. You can also apply it to the soles of your feet.
- Repeat this process 1-2 times a day, especially before bed, to help with nighttime congestion.
Note: Always test a small amount of the oil on your skin first to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
These remedies are widely used by communities around the world and have gained popularity due to garlic’s natural health benefits. However, it’s important to remember that while garlic can help alleviate symptoms, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
Additional Considerations:
Garlic as Food: Including garlic in your diet, such as in soups, stews, or salads, can also help support your immune system and fight off infections.
Dosage: The remedies mentioned above can be used in moderation. However, consuming too much raw garlic may cause digestive discomfort, so it’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts.
Consultation: While garlic is a natural remedy, if cold or flu symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
These time-tested remedies are widely used in communities to support immune health and ease the symptoms of the common cold and flu.
Here’s a cleaner version of the citations you can copy and paste directly into your blog:
Citations of Studies on Garlic’s Medicinal Properties
- Garlic and Immunity
A 2012 study published in Clinical Nutrition found that aged garlic extract can enhance immune function and reduce the severity of colds and flu in individuals.
- Reference: Ried K, et al. Aged garlic extract improves immune cell function and reduces severity of colds and flu: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled nutrition intervention. Clin Nutr. 2012;31(4):534-540.
Read the study here
- Allicin’s Antimicrobial Properties
Research from 2001 in Advances in Therapy demonstrated that garlic supplements high in allicin content significantly reduced the incidence of colds in participants.
- Reference: Josling P. Preventing the common cold with a garlic supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther. 2001;18(4):189-193.
Read the study here
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