Putting garlic in your nose may seem like an unusual thing to do. However, some people believe that placing garlic inside the nasal passages can provide health benefits. Below we will explore whether there is any validity to using garlic as a nasal remedy and if so, how it works and when it should be avoided.
Why Would Someone Put Garlic in Their Nose?
There are a few purported benefits of putting garlic in the nose. These include:
- Helping to relieve sinus congestion – Some proponents claim that the aroma of the garlic can help open up clogged nasal passages.
- Treating sinus infections – Garlic contains allicin, which is thought to have antimicrobial properties that could help fight infections.
- Reducing allergy symptoms – Garlic may be able to reduce inflammation linked to allergies.
- Preventing colds – Some believe garlic’s antimicrobial effects may be able to kill viruses and prevent colds.
However, there is limited scientific research to support these claims. Garlic has not been proven as an effective nasal remedy for any of these conditions.
Is Putting Garlic in Your Nose Safe?
Putting garlic in the nose does come with some risks and side effects. These can include:
- Nasal irritation – Garlic can irritate and burn sensitive nasal membranes.
- Nosebleeds – The irritation from garlic could cause nosebleeds in some cases.
- Breath odor – Garlic’s pungent smell will be exhaled through your mouth.
- Allergic reactions – Some people may be allergic to garlic and have reactions like itching and swelling.
- Infection risk – Putting any foreign object in your nose carries a risk of infection.
Garlic should always be used with caution in or around the nose. It should not be inserted far into the nasal cavity, as this poses a high risk of irritation and infection. Those with frequent nosebleeds or nasal sensitivities may want to avoid nasal garlic entirely.
How to Use Garlic as a Nasal Remedy
If you do wish to use garlic nasally, here are some guidelines to follow:
- Carefully peel a single clove of garlic.
- Cut a very small slice off one end of the clove.
- Hold the cut end just inside one nostril so you can smell the garlic vapor, keeping your mouth open to breathe.
- After inhaling for several breaths, switch to hold the garlic under your other nostril and repeat.
- Limit nasal garlic to once or twice a day at most.
- Discontinue use if you have any burning, stinging or irritation.
Never push garlic deep into the nasal passage or leave it sitting in the nose unattended. Nasal drops or ointments containing garlic extract are also sometimes used. However, these preparations can still cause irritation, and there is no evidence they offer any proven medicinal effects for nasal congestion, infection prevention or otherwise.
Other Remedies for Sinus Problems
If you are struggling with nasal and sinus issues, talk to your doctor about proven treatment options. This may include:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays – These reduce inflammation linked to allergies and infections.
- Saline nasal irrigation – Rinsing the nose with saltwater relieves congestion and flushes out mucus.
- Oral antihistamines – Antihistamine tablets and syrups can control allergic symptoms.
- Antibiotics – If a bacterial sinus infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Nasal strips – Adhesive strips lift nasal passages open for clearer breathing.
- Humidifier – Adding moisture to the air can ease congestion and dryness.
Your doctor can determine if any of these treatments may be helpful for your particular sinus issues. Never try to self-treat an undiagnosed nasal or sinus condition without seeing a doctor first.
Conclusion
While some people claim benefits of nasal garlic for sinus problems like congestion and infection, there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Garlic can also cause side effects like nosebleeds, irritation and breath odor when used in or around the nose.
Talk to your doctor first before attempting to use garlic as a nasal remedy, especially if you have frequent nosebleeds or nasal sensitivities. They can properly diagnose your symptoms and recommend proven treatment options that are much safer and more effective than nasal garlic.