When it comes to cooking, garlic is always on the menu. It can be added to a wide variety of foods to enhance the flavor and in some cases, it is the flavor! For example, who could imagine garlic rolls without garlic or perhaps a great steak marinade without the taste of garlic?
Although I’ve been using garlic in recipes for years, I recently found out that garlic can be used in many other creative ways as well. Similar to the way that Apple cider vinegar is good for your health, garlic may also offer health benefits that many people tend to ignore.
It doesn’t matter if you are talking about curing the common cold, keeping bugs out of the garden or even eliminating foot fungus, it seems as if garlic should be on the menu. The following are the top garlic hacks that you may want to incorporate into your life.
1. Cleaner Face
Most people tend to use harsh chemicals on their skin to keep it clean but garlic may be able to do it naturally. The reason why this is the case is because garlic contains allicin, which has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Make a paste out of garlic and spread a thin layer on your face. Rinse it off after 15 minutes. Be sure to moisturize!
2. Foot Fungus
According to the New York Times, a 30 minute foot soak in a bath of finally crushed cloves of garlic and water may help to eliminate foot fungus, including athlete’s foot. Garlic has often been considered to be a natural antifungal.
You can also mix olive oil with crushed garlic and rub it on your foot with a cotton swab to achieve the same benefit.
3. Toothache
The pain of a toothache can be excruciating but you may be able to eliminate some of the pain until you get to a dentist by using garlic.
According to some “garlic experts” you can crush a clove of garlic and place it on the inside of the mouth next to the affected tooth. Although you may want to see a dentist to take care of any serious problems, garlic can help to make you more comfortable in the meantime.
4. Ear Infection
Ear infections can likewise be quite painful but garlic may offer you some relief because of its antibacterial properties. According to Webmd a few drops of warm garlic oil placed directly in the ear can help with the discomfort and pain.
Although it is recommended that you check with a doctor for a child with an earache, this method may help to ease their discomfort.
5. Deicing
It can be frustrating when you are caught without deicer when a winter storm strikes and freezing temperatures dip quite low. It seems as if garlic may offer the solution to this problem as well!
The experts at the Columbus Dispatch report that using garlic salt may help. In fact, garlic salt has been used by some towns for the removal of ice and snow.
In addition to removing ice, it also makes your property smell delicious!
6. Splinters
Removing a deep splinter may be no further away than a garlic clove. Although this is an old remedy, the Old Farmer’s Almanac reports that it really does work.
Simply place half a clove of garlic under a Band-Aid overnight and the problem should be solved. Thanks to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of garlic, there should be no redness or swelling either.
7. Cracked Glass
Although some people may have some doubts, there are those who claim that garlic can treat a small crack in glass.
In the Reader’s Digest, it was pointed out how your fingers often feel sticky after chopping garlic. That is the natural adhesive quality that may make it beneficial for fixing hairline cracks.
Crush some garlic cloves and rub the juice on the crack. After wiping off the excess, the problem should be solved.
8. Acne
Acne is an ageless problem but garlic may offer the solution. Applying it directly to the area of the acne or including more in your diet may help to clear it.
According to Home Remedies for Life, garlic contains nutrients that can boost your immune system and help with acne.
If you are going to apply the garlic directly make sure to dilute it first.
9. Garden Pest Control
Garlic contains a natural repellent that helps to keep pests off of plants. It can be used on flowering plants as well as vegetables naturally.
Simply mix garlic cloves with water and put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the plants and you have an all natural way to keep the pests away.
10. Fishing
Although most fishermen are not aware of it, the scent of garlic may attract fish. You can put it directly on the worm, shrimp or other bait to experience the benefits.
At least one fisherman is using garlic butter when fishing. He claims it has helped him catch more bass.
11. Cold Remedy
The common cold can make us feel anything but common but garlic may help you get back on your feet again.
When the cold bug bites, eating raw garlic may help the bug to leave earlier. In addition, Webmd feels that there is some evidence that garlic can help to reduce your risk of catching a cold.
Via: Littlethings
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