Garlic for Colds: Natural Relief & Science-Backed Benefits

Noted for its strong antibiotic, anti-fungal and antiviral properties, garlic has been used to alleviate the common cold for many years. The active ingredient that treats and prevents colds is allicin, a sulfuric compound with potent antibacterial effects. When absorbed into the body, allicin targets and attacks the bacterial infection that causes the cold. Garlic has other health benefits as well. Scientific studies conducted by the University of Alabama have shown garlic to be effective in lowering high blood pressure and preventing heart disease.

Things You'll Need

• Lemon Honey

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Instructions

Garlic Soup

• 1

  Make garlic soup to treat a nasty cough or sore throat.

• 2

  Cut a raw garlic clove into small cubes.

• 3

  Boil in two quarts of water on low heat for about an hour.

• 4

  Sip while still warm.

Garlic Tea

• 5

  Peel 8 to 12 cloves of garlic, and chop into fine pieces.

• 6

  Crush the garlic, and simmer in 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes.

• 7

  Strain the water, and discard the spent garlic.

• 8

  Add a teaspoon of honey and fresh lemon juice squeezed from a whole lemon.

• 9

  Drink this homemade garlic tea as soon as you sense the onset of cold symptoms in order to boost your immune system and treat the cold before it starts.