Viral videos show mucus flowing after removing the cloves — but it's not what you think. As it turns out, garlic won't help with your congestion and may even make it worse. Otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD, talks about whether this TikTok trick is indeed a hot tip or yet another trend to avoid.
The claim is false. Sticking garlic cloves up your nose does not relieve congestion.
"It can actually worsen runny nose symptoms, which may make people falsely think it is working to help relieve a stuffy nose," she told Refinery29. "However, this running is actually a reaction to the irritation and to the strong smell.
The harebrained hack has unofficial healers corking up their nostrils with raw garlic cloves for approximately 10 to 15 minutes in attempt to unclog a stuffy snout. After the user removes the garlic, a flash flood of mucus gushes from their noses, prompting the semblance and sensation of actual decongestion.
Garlic isn't active topically, so placing it in your nostrils won't break down congestion, Dr. Phillips said. In other words, garlic won't have a sinus-clearing effect when placed on your skin. But it might cause some irritation of the mucous membranes in the nose.
Some TikTokkers say putting a clove of raw garlic up your nose can clear your congestion. Viral videos show mucus flowing after removing the cloves — but it's not what you think. As it turns out, garlic won't help with your congestion and may even make it worse.
With your thumb on your left hand, press the area of your cheek to the left of your nose in and up. Hold this position for 15 seconds and breathe deeply to unblock your stuffy nose, and repeat on the other side if needed.
It's not because you have secret garlic taste buds on your feet. It's because the molecules responsible for garlic's smell (allicin) can penetrate your skin, get into your blood and travel to your mouth and nose, where you suddenly start to sense the taste of garlic.
Crush, chop or mince garlic and keep it away from heat for 10 minutes. During this time the maximum allicin is created and stays intact during cooking. You can then fry, saute, bake to your heart's content and still get all its medicine. THAT'S IT!
The enzymes from the allicin need a few minutes to start working, so let it sit after you mince, crush or chop it. “You'll get the most benefit from raw garlic,” says Jeffers. “But if you choose to cook it, don't heat it above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
Cutting a garlic clove breaks its cells and releases stored enzymes that react with oxygen. That triggers healthy sulfide compounds, such as allicin, to form. Letting the chopped garlic stand for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking allows the compounds to fully develop before heat inactivates the enzymes.
However the scientific explanation to this is linked to the presence of Sulfur in garlic, which leads to the strong smell and it is believed that this strong smell helps in inducing sleep and leaves a calming effect. Apart from this, keeping a bud of clove under the pillow is believed to improve the quality of sleep.
Brushing your teeth will help remove smelly allicin enzymes and reduce your stinky breath after a garlic-laden meal. In addition, a mint-flavored toothpaste will mask the scent.
A warm compress can help unclog a stuffy nose by reducing inflammation and opening the nasal cavity. You can apply hot pressure from the outside of your nose that will help you tremendously. It may help relieve the inflammation in your nostrils and sinuses and make it easier to breathe.
Push your tongue against the top of your mouth and place a finger between your eyebrows and apply pressure. Hold it for about 20 seconds and your sinuses will begin to drain. When you push your tongue against the roof of your mouth, don't aim for a specific point but rather push it flat against the top.
Try Nasal Irrigation
Neti pots come with specific directions, but most work in a similar way: Fill the pot with a saline solution (made with warm, sterile water and salt). Lean over a sink and tilt your head sideways with your forehead and chin level (to avoid liquid flowing into your mouth).
Acupresssure Point LI4: Located on your hand between the thumb and index finger, this pressure point can help relieve sinus congestion. Acupresssure Point LI 20: Located at the base of your nose, this pressure point can help relieve sinus pressure.
Many people with nasal congestion find that inhaling steam helps them feel better. They may use a bowl of plain water, adding chamomile or peppermint oil, or take a warm shower. People should take care not to use boiling water, however, and they should always place the container on a flat, level surface.
Onions and garlic must be cooked first so that it adds flavor to the oil. This way, the taste is absorbed better by the food that's being cooked, such as pork or beef. As stated earlier, onions go first and garlic later. The last-second inclusion of garlic in the cooking process allows for a more robust garlic flavor.