Natural remedies often pack a punch, and garlic salve is no exception. Combining garlic’s antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory powers with a soothing balm, this simple solution speeds up healing for cuts, coughs, and even fungal infections. It’s potent, versatile, and easy to make.
With just three ingredients, you can create a salve that heals wounds, soothes joint pain, and even reduces scars—all without harsh chemicals. Ready to try this ancient remedy? Let’s get started.
What Is Garlic Salve?
Garlic salve is a natural remedy made by mixing garlic with oil or other ingredients to create a soothing balm or ointment. It’s used to help heal cuts and wounds, and even ease symptoms like coughs and colds.
Studies have shown that garlic salve can be especially effective for healing wounds. (ref) In one study, patients and the onsite physician noted that the garlic ointment healed 59% and 65% of wounds better at two weeks. After four weeks, they reported that the wounds healed 76% and 88% better, respectively.
Garlic is also known for its ability to improve scar appearance. Surgical wounds treated with a 30% garlic ointment healed with scars that looked more cosmetically appealing compared to wounds treated with Vaseline.
This shows that garlic salve not only speeds up the healing process but also helps make scars less noticeable. So, using garlic salve might be a simple, effective way to treat wounds and promote better healing.
How to Make Garlic Salve at Home
With just 3 ingredients, you can make your own healing salve quickly. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Cut the garlic into small pieces.
- Put the garlic in a blender and add the coconut oil and half of the olive oil.
- Blend slowly, scraping the sides as needed. Add the remaining olive oil until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Once smooth, place the mixture in the fridge for about an hour to firm up. This gives the salve the perfect texture for easy use.
Top Ways to Use Garlic Salve
Garlic salve can be used in many ways to help with different health issues. Here are some of the top ways you can use it:
- For Fungal Infections: Garlic has natural antifungal properties, making it a great option for treating skin infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm. Apply a small amount of garlic salve to the affected area to help fight the infection and soothe the skin.
- Boost Immune Function: Garlic is known for its ability to support your immune system. Using garlic salve on your chest or throat may help ease symptoms of colds and flu, such as coughing or congestion. The garlic’s properties may help your body fight off illness faster.
- For Wounds and Cuts: Garlic salve can help promote faster healing of minor cuts, scrapes, or wounds. Its antibacterial properties protect against infection and encourage your skin to heal. Just apply a small amount to the affected area and let it work its magic.
- To Soothe Joint Pain or Muscle Strain: Garlic can help reduce inflammation, making garlic salve a great option for easing joint pain or muscle soreness. Massage it gently into sore muscles or joints to help relieve discomfort.
Using garlic salve in these ways allows you to tap into garlic’s natural healing powers to support your health in a simple, easy way.
How Garlic Salve Helps Heal
Garlic salve helps heal in many ways thanks to the powerful properties of garlic. Here’s how it works:
- Known for its anti-inflammatory effects: If you have sore muscles, joint pain, or an inflamed wound, applying garlic salve can help calm the area and promote faster healing.
- Has natural antibacterial properties: When you apply garlic salve to a cut, scrape, or wound, it helps protect the area from harmful bacteria and speeds up the healing process. This can reduce the risk of the wound becoming infected.
- Rich in antioxidants: These antioxidants can also reduce the appearance of scars, making garlic salve helpful for both healing wounds and improving the look of the skin.
- Also antifungal: It can help treat skin conditions caused by fungi, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, or nail fungus. Using garlic salve on the affected area can help stop the growth of the fungus and ease discomfort.
- Helps improve blood flow: It can speed up the healing of damaged tissues. Better circulation means your body can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, allowing it to repair itself faster.
When combined, garlic and salve create a healing balm that leverages garlic’s powerful properties to benefit your skin and overall health.
How Long Will Your Garlic Salve Last?
Your garlic salve can last for a while if you store it properly. Typically, homemade garlic salve will stay good for about two to three weeks when kept in a cool, dry place.
If you want it to last even longer, you can keep it in the fridge. This will help it stay fresh for up to a month or more. Just make sure the container is tightly sealed to avoid contamination.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on the salve for any changes in smell, color, or texture. If it starts to smell off or looks different, it’s best to discard it and make a new batch.
By taking care of your garlic salve and storing it right, you can enjoy its healing benefits for a longer time!
More DIY Recipes:
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- Homemade Honey Cough Drop Recipe That Soothes Naturally
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.