We all try to avoid those unpleasant sniffles, nagging coughs, and down-and-out fevers, but let’s face it – cold and flu season is bound to catch up with us. While you may have your trusted remedies (hello, chicken soup), there’s an old-school potion straight from grandma’s book that’s gaining newfound attention: honey garlic. With over 120 million TikTok users embracing the #honeygarlic trend, this age-old concoction is getting a modern twist. Although not a new concept, the combination of ingredients in this remedy might help alleviate the symptoms and duration of the common cold and flu. Experts are here to shed some light on this natural remedy and whether it’s worth a shot.
What exactly is the honey garlic remedy?
“Honey garlic involves fermenting honey and garlic cloves together in a jar and letting it sit at room temperature for about a month,” explained Allison Vincento, MS, RDN. “You can consume a teaspoon of the honey garlic mixture or use it as a topping for food or in warm beverages to act as a natural remedy for colds.” Why ferment them? “During fermentation, natural microorganisms like bacteria and yeast break down the sugars in the mixture, resulting in a fermented product with potential health benefits,” said Catherine Gervacio, a registered dietitian. This process unlocks health benefits such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. In simple terms, combining and fermenting honey and garlic can work wonders for your immune system.
What are the health benefits?
Before writing off this remedy as just another TikTok trend, it’s important to acknowledge the individual health benefits of two key ingredients: honey and garlic. Honey isn’t just a trendy superfood approved by Queen Bey – it has been used for medicinal purposes by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans dating back over 8,000 years. With its phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, honey acts as a natural healer that can boost immunity and alleviate throat discomforts and coughs. Research even indicates that it can reduce cough frequency and severity and improve symptoms of respiratory infections.
Garlic, on the other hand, is more than just a flavor enhancer. This plant has been utilized for medicinal purposes by various ancient cultures like the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Indians. The sulfur compounds present in garlic, upon ingestion, release antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties within your body, making garlic a versatile health ally (beyond its potential for causing garlic breath). Studies have shown its significant antiviral effects against pathogens responsible for common illnesses like respiratory infections and certain types of influenza. Some research also suggests that garlic can aid in preventing and alleviating symptoms of viral infections such as colds and flu.
While honey and garlic offer individual health benefits, combining them creates a potent mix that can strengthen your immune system. “The combination may possess enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared to consuming honey and garlic separately,” confirmed Vincento.
Is it worth trying?
Described as a game-changer and referred to as “liquid gold” by TikTok users, this homemade brew is receiving high praise as a panacea. But is it just a myth passed down through generations, or does it hold real potential? While initial research suggests it could be a promising natural option for relieving cold and flu symptoms, individual results may vary, and there isn’t sufficient scientific data explaining why the fermentation process enhances the mixture’s benefits beyond simply combining garlic and honey. “While fermentation can introduce probiotics and potentially improve nutrient absorption, the specific health advantages of fermented honey and garlic are not robustly supported by scientific studies,” noted Gervacio.
Although there hasn’t been a study validating the effectiveness of fermented honey and garlic, existing scientific evidence backs the individual benefits of honey and garlic. Given the accessibility and affordability of both ingredients, it’s worth trying out this elixir after consulting with your healthcare provider, especially if you don’t have allergies or underlying medical conditions like diabetes. Just be mindful of the sugar content and your taste preferences.
How to make it at home
To whip up your batch of honey garlic remedy, all you need is honey, garlic, a jar, and a bit of patience. However, not all honey is equal. Opt for raw, unfiltered, or Manuka honey to ensure you’re getting the genuine product packed with the essential nutrients and antioxidants honey naturally offers, rather than a processed version with added sugars. Whether you follow a specific recipe like the one from @herbalishapothecary or take cues from Bon Appétit, the key is to place garlic cloves in a jar, top them with honey until the jar is two-thirds full, and let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least a week or two. Then, enjoy it by the spoonful, mix it in water or tea, or use it as a marinade for your dishes. Your immune system and taste buds will thank you.
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