13 Surprising Benefits of Garlic for Skin, Hair, Health and Else

Garlic is a common household ingredient, widely used to give a better taste to your food, along with a lot of health benefits. Ever thought how useful it is? Read on to know what garlic can do.

Image by © Ryan Stuart/moodboard/Corbis

1) Clears acne

Image by © Sverre Haugland/Image Source/Corbis

It is a natural remedy for blemishes and acne. It has antioxidants which kill bacteria. Rub a sliced clove on your pimple. It is an effective topical treatment.

2) Good for hair

Image by © Camarena/Image Source/Corbis

With its high levels of allicin, which is a sulfur compound similar to the one found in onions, garlic could help you end hair loss. Rub garlic on your scalp, squeezing as you do it. Mixing it in your oil is also an option.

3) Soothes Psoriasis

Image by © Laura Doss/Corbis

Garlic has got anti inflammatory properties which give you relief from psoriasis outbreaks. Rub a little garlic oil on the affected area to get rid of rashes.

4) Treats cold

Image by © David Raymer/Corbis

The antioxidants in garlic help boost your immune system. In case you get a cold, have some garlic tea. Chop or mince garlic and put in in hot water for a few minutes. Then, strain it and drink it. Honey or ginger can be added for a better taste.

5) Controls weight

Image by © BDLM/cultura/Corbis

Cooking with garlic daily makes tasty food and also helps in reducing weight, according to a recent study by nutritionist Cynthia Sass.

6) Treats athlete’s foot

Garlic has got anti fungal properties, which helps get rid of itchy athlete’s foot. Add crushed garlic in a bath of warm water and soak your feet in it.

7) Removes splinter

To get rid of splinters, place a slice of garlic on the area and cover it with a bandage or duct tape. It has been a folk cure for ages, and works well.

8) Keeps away mosquitoes

A study in India proved that if you rub a garlicky concoction over your arms and legs, chances of getting bothered by mosquitoes is reduced. Mix garlic oil, petroleum jelly and beeswax for a natural mosquito repellant. You could also just keep a few cloves nearby.

9) De-ices your sidewalk

Garlic salt removes ice from roadways. This method is effectively used by a small town in Iowa which used used donated garlic salt to remove ice from roadways.

10) Helps catch fish

Fishes are attracted to garlic. So, get a bait with this smell inbuilt, or use food scraps and plenty of garlic cloves to make your own.

11) Conquers cold sores

Hold a bit of crushed garlic directly on the cold sore, and the anti inflammatory properties of garlic help reduce pain and the swelling. It also aids healing.

12) Works as natural glue

Garlic has got adhesive properties which help in fixing hairline cracks in glass. Crush some cloves and rub its juice on the crack. Wipe away any excess to stick it perfectly.

13) Protects plants

Pests keep away if you use a natural pesticide made of garlic, mineral oil, water and liquid soap. Pour the mixture in a bottle spray to mist your plants.