How to Use Garlic to Treat Colds

Garlic is touted to possess several antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can be beneficial in preventing and treating colds. In fact, garlic has been used in medicinal practices for centuries in Asia. You can use it to alleviate some cold symptoms.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Whole garlic cloves or supplements

Use Garlic to Prevent Colds

1. Use garlic before you feel a cold beginning. Garlic consumption may help boost the immune system to keep you from getting a cold. When symptoms do appear, a garlic supplement or tea may boost your body's disease-fighting power and soothe your sore throat and cough.

2. Consume between 1 and 2 whole cloves of garlic every day. While you're free to use more, this amount of garlic will most likely give you all the immune system benefits you need to treat colds.

3. Take a large dose of garlic supplements when you feel the symptoms of a cold coming on. Some experts believe that if you take a mega dose of garlic at the first sign of colds or the flu, you can reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms.

Prepare Garlic Tea to Treat Colds

4. Chop up a clove of garlic into very fine bits. By doing this, you're activating the allicin in garlic that will combat the cold virus.

5. Add the finely chopped garlic to boiling water. Allow it to steep for a few minutes.

6. Allow the tea to cool before you drink it. However, for taste reasons, try not to let it get cold. It will taste better slightly warm rather than cold.

7. Drink a cup every day during cold and flu season or when symptoms appear.

Tips & Warnings

• If you experience the signs of an allergic reaction to garlic, which include itching, rashes, indigestion and excessive flatulence, stop your garlic treatments immediately and contact your doctor. In rare cases, exposure to allicin in highly allergic individuals may require a trip to the emergency room. If breathing becomes difficult or you have an unexpected asthma attack, call the paramedics or go to the nearest hospital for treatment.

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[Kalvin]

on 6/23/2008 I've used fresh garlic for years to fight colds and flu and it works. When others around me are suffering for days I'm good to go the next day. Give it a try. It is cheaper the doctors and drugs. Linda (Kalvin)