Got a splinter? Battling mosquitos? Bet you never thought you could turn to garlic for these woes. While garlic is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that adds a distinct taste to various dishes, its uses go beyond the kitchen. Ready to explore some uses for garlic that you can apply in different aspects of your life?
From medicinal benefits to household hacks, natural cosmetics applications, and gardening solutions, garlic proves to be a multi-purpose, natural living wonder.
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The Skinny on Garlic
Garlic has been cherished for centuries, not only for its culinary appeal but also for its medicinal properties. Historically, garlic has been used in various cultures for its health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, promoting heart health, and possessing antimicrobial properties.
Sure, it’s a healthy addition to your meal, but there are some other medicinal applications to this lovely vegetable.
Medicinal Uses for Garlic
Soothe Nasty Cold Symptoms
Garlic can provide relief from the discomfort of cold symptoms. One effective method is to prepare garlic tea. To make this, peel and crush a clove of garlic and steep it in hot water for a few minutes. Strain the mixture, add honey or lemon for flavor, and sip it slowly. Garlic tea can help soothe a sore throat and even alleviate congestion.
Related Article: Fermented Garlic Honey: The Natural Immunity Booster You Need for Cold and Flu Season
Treat Acne Breakouts
If you’re dealing with acne breakouts, garlic can be a helpful natural remedy. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can combat the bacteria that cause acne and reduce the resulting redness. Simply slice a garlic clove in half and rub it gently on the affected areas. Rinse thoroughly after a few minutes, and repeat this process regularly for the best results.
Say Goodbye to Athlete’s Foot
Garlic’s antifungal properties make it an effective treatment for fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, to create a paste. Apply this mixture to the affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this process daily until the infection subsides (and even a little afterward to be sure).
Remove Painful Splinters
Removing splinters can be a painful process, but garlic can help ease the discomfort. Cut a garlic clove in half and place it over the splinter, securing it with a bandage or adhesive tape. Leave it overnight, and the garlic’s natural enzymes may help soften the skin, making it easier to remove the splinter the next day.
Soothe a Cold Sore
Cold sores can be bothersome, but garlic can provide relief. Crush a garlic clove and mix it with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply the paste directly to the cold sore and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Garlic’s antiviral properties may help speed up the healing process.
Uses for Garlic Around the House
Glue In-A-Pinch
If you find yourself in need of a quick adhesive solution, garlic can come to the rescue. Crush a garlic clove and rub it on the surface you want to glue. The natural oils present in garlic can act as a temporary adhesive for lightweight items.
Add it to Your DIY Disinfecting Spray
When creating your own DIY disinfecting spray, garlic can be a valuable addition. Combine crushed garlic cloves with distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, and water in a spray bottle. This mixture can act as a natural disinfectant, effectively killing bacteria and germs on surfaces.
Repair Minor Cracks in Glass
Surprisingly, garlic can help repair minor cracks in glass. Crush a garlic clove and rub it over the crack, ensuring the garlic juice fills the gap. Wipe away any excess juice and let it dry. While this method may not work for severe cracks, it can provide a temporary fix for small ones and prevent them from growing.
Cosmetic and Beauty Uses for Garlic
Get Rid of Dandruff
Dandruff can be an annoying scalp condition, but garlic may help combat it. Crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with warm olive oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual. Garlic’s antifungal properties can help eliminate dandruff-causing fungi.
Make Hair Grow Faster
Speaking of hair problems… If you’re looking to promote hair growth, garlic can be a beneficial ingredient. Mix crushed garlic cloves with coconut oil and apply the mixture to your scalp. Massage gently for a few minutes, then rinse your scalp thoroughly. Garlic’s sulfur compounds may help stimulate hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.
Related Article: DIY Natural Cosmetics: 11 Recipes You Need in Your Beauty Routine
Treat Yellow Toenails
Toenails looking a little gross? Yellow toenails can be unsightly, but garlic may help restore their natural color. Crush a garlic clove and mix it with a small amount of white vinegar. Apply this mixture to the affected toenails and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this process daily until the yellow discoloration fades.
Uses for Garlic in Your Garden and Outdoor Space
Repel Pesky Mosquitos
Garlic can serve as a natural mosquito repellent in your outdoor areas. Crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with water in a spray bottle. Spritz the mixture around your patio, garden, or other mosquito-prone areas. Mosquitos tend to avoid the scent of garlic, keeping them at bay.
Keep Garden Pests at Bay
This magical vegetable can also serve as a natural garden pest control method. Create a pesticide-free insect repellent by blending garlic cloves with water and straining the mixture. Dilute the garlic solution in a larger container of water and use it to spray your plants. This natural repellent can help deter destructive pests and protect your garden.
Natural De-Icing Method for Your Car
During winter, it’s hard to deal with those sheets of ice on your car. But who wants to use harsh chemicals like de-icer? The good news is that garlic can be used as an effective and natural de-icing solution for your car’s windshield.
Rub a cut garlic clove directly on the windshield before a frosty night. Garlic’s natural oils can create a barrier that prevents ice from forming, making it easier to clear off the next morning.
Ready to Put Garlic To Work in Your House?
As you can see, garlic’s uses extend far beyond the kitchen. From its medicinal properties to household applications, beauty benefits, and gardening solutions, garlic proves to be a versatile and valuable resource for any homesteader. The next time you reach for a bulb of garlic, consider the many ways it can enhance your life beyond just adding flavor to your meals.