Earlier this month, a peculiar health trend circulated on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram, suggesting that inserting a raw garlic clove into your nose and keeping it there for 20 minutes or so, can miraculously relieve congestion. Many posted videos repeating the practice. However, it’s essential to debunk this health myth as it poses potential risks and is not a recommended remedy for nasal congestion. Contrary to the viral videos showcasing mucus flowing out after the garlic removal, this method is not a safe or effective solution for a stuffy nose. The smell of garlic can be irritating to the delicate nasal passages, potentially leading to increased mucus production and worsening congestion rather than alleviating it. Scientifically speaking, garlic doesn’t interact much with human tissue and while it has benefits as part of a diet, it can even trigger the bacteria that lives in the nose. When something blocks the nasal passages, it can cause their overgrowth. This can lead to an infection with some worrisome symptoms. Inserting a garlic clove into the nose poses several risks, including the potential for the clove to become stuck, causing nasal obstruction. This outcome could necessitate a visit to the emergency room for removal, highlighting the danger of experimenting with unverified health hacks. Also some of its shavings could be aspirated into the lungs, causing scarring or choking by getting stuck in the airways. You may even require separate antibiotics to tackle them then. Moreover, the oil of the garlic has the potential to cause skin irritation, rashes, and severe allergic reactions. Placing it in such a sensitive and confined space as the nasal cavity significantly increases the likelihood of adverse effects, making this a hazardous and unfounded health practice. We already have several safer alternatives to relieve congestion, from nasal sprays, pills to steam inhalation. For those who are into the practice of using neti pot, salt water nasal irrigation should do. While these might not cure the congestion, these can provide relief to inflamed sinus cavities. Besides, the cold or flu is pretty much self-limiting and the discomfort would go away once you recover. It is crucial to prioritise evidence-based and medically approved remedies for health concerns rather than relying on unverified trends circulating on social media. Just talk to your doctor.
