While many are familiar with its role in boosting immunity and lowering cholesterol, garlic’s medicinal potential extends far beyond these common applications.

Here are nine astonishing garlic remedies that might surprise you and offer innovative solutions for various health concerns.

Warts are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Traditional treatments can be invasive or costly, but garlic offers a natural alternative. Garlic’s antiviral properties, due to its compound allicin, can help fight the viruses responsible for warts. The antiviral and antimicrobial effects of garlic make it a potent natural remedy.

How to use:

Crush a fresh garlic clove to release its juices. Apply the garlic paste directly to the wart. Cover with a bandage and leave it on for several hours or overnight. Repeat daily until the wart starts to disappear.

Why it works: The allicin in garlic is known for its ability to combat viral infections, making it effective in treating warts by attacking the virus at the source.

2. Garlic for ear infections

Ear infections can be painful and difficult to treat. Garlic, with its natural antibacterial properties, can provide relief. Garlic oil contains compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe infections in the ear canal.

Warm a few drops of garlic-infused oil made by infusing crushed garlic in olive oil. Using a dropper, place 2-3 drops of the warm oil into the affected ear. Lie on your side for a few minutes to let the oil penetrate. Use this remedy once or twice daily until symptoms improve. Garlic’s ability to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria makes it an effective remedy for ear infections, providing relief and promoting healing.

Acne is a common skin condition that can be challenging to manage. Garlic offers a natural alternative to traditional treatments. Garlic’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Crush a garlic clove and mix it with honey (which also has antibacterial properties) to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected areas. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Repeat a few times a week for best results.

Why it works: The allicin in garlic helps fight bacteria, while honey soothes and moisturizes the skin, making this combination effective in treating acne.

4. Garlic for digestive health

Digestive issues, such as bloating and gas, can be uncomfortable. Garlic can help support a healthy digestive system. Garlic stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and helps to reduce symptoms of indigestion.

Including raw or lightly cooked garlic into your meals. Alternatively, consume garlic supplements or garlic tea to aid digestion. Garlic helps to regulate digestion by enhancing enzyme activity and supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, can be painful and unsightly. Garlic can offer relief due to its antiviral properties. Garlic’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sores.

Crush a garlic clove to release its juices. Apply the fresh garlic paste directly to the cold sore.
Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse off. Repeat 2-3 times daily until the cold sore heals.

Why it works: Allicin in garlic has been shown to inhibit the herpes simplex virus, helping to speed up recovery from cold sores.

6. Garlic for hair growth

Garlic can also be used to promote healthier hair growth and combat hair loss. Garlic improves blood circulation to the scalp, provides essential nutrients, and has antimicrobial properties that can benefit hair health.

Create a garlic-infused oil by heating crushed garlic in coconut or olive oil. Massage the oil into your scalp.
Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it out with shampoo. Use this treatment once a week for optimal results.

Why it works: The sulfur compounds in garlic help strengthen hair and stimulate the scalp, encouraging new hair growth and improving overall hair health.

Sinus congestion can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing. Garlic can help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion. The strong aroma of garlic can help open nasal passages, and its natural decongestant properties can alleviate symptoms of sinus congestion.

Crush or chop a garlic clove and add it to a bowl of hot water. Inhale the steam from the garlic water for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, consume garlic in your diet to help clear congestion from within. Garlic’s strong aroma and natural properties help to reduce mucus buildup and ease nasal congestion.

8. Garlic for high blood pressure

Garlic is well-known for its potential to lower blood pressure, making it a useful remedy for those with hypertension. Garlic helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, contributing to lower blood pressure levels.

Including fresh garlic into your diet regularly. Alternatively, take garlic supplements as directed by a healthcare provider.

Why it works: The compounds in garlic, including allicin, help dilate blood vessels and improve circulation, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be an embarrassing issue. Garlic can help combat this problem due to its antibacterial properties. Garlic’s antibacterial effects help eliminate bacteria in the mouth that contribute to bad breath.

Chew a small piece of raw garlic or drink a mixture of garlic juice and water. Follow with a minty mouthwash to neutralize the odor.

Why it works: Garlic helps to reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath, improving oral hygiene and freshening your breath.

Garlic is a remarkable natural remedy with a range of applications beyond its well-known health benefits. From treating warts and ear infections to promoting hair growth and reducing high blood pressure, garlic offers surprising and effective solutions for various health issues. Garlic into your routine, whether through diet or topical applications, can provide numerous benefits.