HOUSTON – Observed annually on April 19, National Garlic Day celebrates the humble garlic.
Also called a stinking rose and part of the lily family, it is a much-loved and regularly-used ingredient in cooking. Cuisines all over the world use garlic. Whether sautéed with some onions or baked into a dish, it adds a unique quality to savory dishes. Most people only use the bulbs, but the shoots of some hard-neck varieties can be used like garlic-infused scallions.
Garlic is pretty marvelous -- it’s used around the world as the base for many delicious recipes. But did you know that’s it’s also rather good for you? We’ve put together a list of five spectacular uses for garlic that may just take you by surprise!
- Homemade cough remedy - Suffering from a cold? According to Healthline, you can boil up some minced cloves of garlic and drink it like tea! You’ll find it easier to breathe and the itchiness of your throat will subside. Goodbye cruel cough, be gone with you.
- Combat acne - Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce irritation, and the allicin will kill bacteria that clogs up your pores and causes breakouts. Cleveland Clinic suggests reaching for your trusty garlic next time you’re suffering.
- Treat athlete’s foot - Healthline states mincing garlic and applying it to the affected area twice a day can be effective. Keep applying this treatment for a while after the symptoms have gone, in order to make sure the horror has truly ended!
- Remove splinters - Slice a garlic clove in half and tape it to the area where the splinter is with a bandage. What to expect mentions this will help to remove the splinter due to the antibacterial properties. Who knew? Garlic can be known to irritate skin, so use with caution and in a small test area first.
- Get rid of an ear infection - Peel a garlic clove and cut the tip off one end. Wrap it in a small piece of gauze and then pop it just inside the ear, with the cut tip facing inwards. Hold a warm, clean cloth over your ear and wait until the pain subsides, according to Healthline.
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The information provided above should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.