Most of us love a little roasted garlic in a good recipe, but taking a few cloves straight — and raw? A whole different story!

During cold and flu season, one popular folk remedy is to eat a spoonful of raw, chopped garlic cloves — or even to gnaw right on a fresh clove. If a clove of raw garlic could knock out your cold – would you or wouldn’t you? Check the comment section and see just how many readers are huge fans of putting this immunity remedy to use!

Rosemary Gladstar is the queen of fire cider — another super-garlicy way to boost the family’s immunity year-round. Get her book Fire Cider!: 101 Zesty Recipes for Health-Boosting Remedies Made with Apple Cider Vinegar and try a few batches at home!

Garlic 101: Garlic is a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. For colds and flus, it also provides decongestant and expectorant effects. While none of it’s components have been isolated by science as the sole explanation for the herb’s flu-busting effects, vitamin C, a slew of enzymes, and minerals such as sulphur and selenium definitely play a role.

Crushing fresh garlic – whether through chopping and letting minced garlic rest, or by chomping down on a clove with your own teeth – causes a chemical reaction that releases allicin. Allicin is a powerful antibacterial only present shortly after garlic is crushed and before it is heated! Eating fresh garlic in this state is purported to knock out that terrible feeling associated with the onset of a cold or flu. Some experts even recommend eating a clove or two every 3 to 4 hours until the bug is entirely knocked out!

There are two methods we find most often recommended:

for the brave: This old-fashioned remedy is as potent as it gets: pop a whole clove and munch away. Definitely not for the faint of heart. May we suggest that folks with sensitive stomachs not try this method on an empty stomach.

One variation to this simple method is especially helpful for sore throats: take just a slice of the clove and suck on it for 15 minutes, letting the juices work their magic on any pain — powerful and effective.

Garlic With Training Wheels: The other more palatable method is to crush up to two cloves and let the minced garlic rest for about 15 minutes, letting the garlic’s enzymes activate. Add honey (also healing) or a touch of olive oil (some say it neutralizes the smell) to the minced garlic and top a small slice of bread or cracker with the mix.

Some members of our staff swear by this effective (if not anti-social) method. Have you tried it? We want to know what you think and hear your tips in comments for getting the most out of this powerful remedy!

How To Use Raw Garlic For Immunity, According To Our Readers

A few things are clear. One, this home remedy can definitely be effective at fighting off a cold. Two, because it’s so effective, people have created some very clever ways to turn chomping on raw garlic into the most pleasant experience possible. The struggle is real, but worth it.

Crushing fresh garlic – whether through chopping and letting minced garlic rest, or by chomping down on a clove with your own teeth – causes a chemical reaction that releases allicin. Allicin is a powerful antibacterial only present shortly after garlic is crushed and before it is heated! Eating fresh garlic in this state is purported to knock out that terrible feeling associated with the onset of a cold or flu. Some experts even recommend eating a clove or two every 3 to 4 hours until the bug is entirely knocked out!

We’re always impressed when our readers lay down knowledge like they do in the comment section of this OG story.

Have you tried raw garlic for a cold yet? If not, these comments could convert you…

I made special “immunity” honey with raw honey, lemon slices, fresh ginger and lots of garlic. Put it in your tea or your oatmeal!

I love a clove sliced very thin and placed between two apple slices! Works like a charm.

Chop it small enough to swallow it and take it like a tablet with water. A small clove can just be crushed a little, then swallow it down. Your breath is not affected, but the garlic still does its thing.

I found the best way to take the garlic is finely chopped in a spoon of apple sauce. You can’t taste it at all this way and I never get garlic breath!

I put the garlic inside a date. I was once on tour as a sound engineer and was so sick I couldn’t walk. I ate a couple cloves of garlic and within minutes was good to go. 

I crush up 3 cloves and mix with avocado (zinc). It helps mask the taste but gets the garlic right into your system… with the added benefits of avocado!

I cut a clove in half and put one half in each cheek. I suck on em for a few minutes then crush the halves between my molars and let the juices drip to the back of my throat. 

I used to eat a clove or three at the first sign of a cold. Chopped or mashed into a paste (a little salt helps). Let it sit for a few minutes then spread on bread.

My method involves cutting up two garlic cloves (finely chopped) leave it 15-20 minutes to let the allicin release, this is a compound found in garlic that is released once it has been chopped or crushed. I then put the chopped garlic into a small glass with vitamin C powder and fill with a little water. The garlic rises to the top of the glass, then drink or down pretending its a shot!

Cut the garlic. Let it soak in water for 10 mins and then add hot water, lemon and honey. Good tea.

I can attest to the cloves with honey/olive oil working well. I also take it with some pieces of ginger and ground cinnamon as well. The anti-inflammatory properties have a wonderful effect.

I make gluten-free toast, buttered and minced fresh garlic on top. The butter helps soften the bite of the garlic. 

I mix a clove with kale, shallots and dried cranberries (along with a homemade dressing of white vinegar, olive oil and a dash of orange juice). I eat it every time I get a cold or sinus infection and I feel better afterward! 

Stuffed a clove in large olives. Love them, two per day keeps the doctor away. Double up while traveling.

I prefer to chew a clove slowly – keeping it in my cheek and gently chomping until it’s all gone. Yes, it’s pretty hot but no more unpleasant than a sore throat or nasty chest bug.

Have you tried this remedy for cold and flu? How did it work? Do you have any tips for taking it? Tell us all the things in the comments below!

The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.