Recently, many TikTok accounts have been sharing a method for clearing nasal passages by inserting garlic into both nostrils.
If you’re a TikTok user, you’re likely familiar with the many health trend videos circulating on the platform. Numerous individuals have followed these trends and drawn their own conclusions, even guiding others to do the same without any medical expert recommendations. Recently, some TikTok accounts have shared the practice of clearing nasal passages by inserting garlic cloves into both nostrils. In one clip, TikToker Rozaline Katherine stated, “It does have an effect, it clears your sinuses.” Her video has garnered a staggering 5.6 million views.
This woman inserted peeled garlic cloves into her nose and waited 10 minutes before removing them.
In her clip, the 29-year-old woman from Arizona inserted peeled garlic cloves into her nostrils and waited 10 minutes before removing them. During this time, she simply watched TV. In the end, she noted, “After 10-15 minutes, I noticed that my nasal mucus was running, so I took the garlic out. I didn’t feel burnt or in pain. I expected the mucus to flow out, but it was so much that I was shocked. I also didn’t smell any garlic afterward. I think the fluid in my sinuses had been expelled.”
To prove the effectiveness of this practice, she filmed several other clips. Her similar videos were shared by other TikTokers with the hashtag #GarlicInNose, accumulating over 113.8 million views.
While many are excited about this clip and express intentions to try it when they have a cold or flu, Dr. Erich Voigt, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at NYU Langone, told The Post that inserting garlic into the nose when congested is not a viable treatment for blocked sinuses.
“The body wants to expel the garlic and its chemicals immediately after it is inserted into the nose. Therefore, the nose produces a flow of mucus to eliminate that irritant,” Dr. Voigt explained.
He elaborated that the flow of mucus coming from the nose after the garlic is removed is merely a layer of newly formed mucus built on top of the initial phlegm causing the congestion.
Dr. Raj Sindwani, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, also disagrees with this practice. According to him, using a pungent garlic clove to “block” the nostrils can actually cause more mucus to accumulate. “What you’re doing is introducing this irritant into your nose – a substance with a very strong odor. This irritates the nasal mucosa, causing it to produce more mucus while also trapping the mucus that is already in the nose. In other words, you’re making the problem worse, not better,” he stated.
Dr. Raj Sindwani, Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist.
Is it safe to put garlic in the nose?
Dr. Voigt further warns that inserting garlic into the nose may even have harmful effects on the entire body: “Garlic is a very strong irritant. The compounds in garlic can cause allergic reactions and damage to the skin or mucous membranes. If a small piece of garlic gets stuck in the nasal cavity (and the person is unaware), it could lead to nasal or sinus infections, and in severe cases, may require surgery to remove.”
Dr. Sindwani added: Anyone who has ever been (or was) a curious child knows the risks of putting something in the nose. It can get stuck in there and be difficult to remove completely. “A piece of garlic could break off, fall into your nose, leading to blockage or even infection. Fresh garlic can cause irritation and dermatitis. The oils in garlic can lead to rashes inside the nose and nosebleeds. A garlic clove can also puncture a part of the septum, where there are many blood vessels, causing injury,” Dr. Sindwani warned.
Inserting garlic into the nose can lead to it getting stuck and difficult to remove.
What are safer alternatives for relieving nasal congestion?
Instead of misusing garlic in the nose to clear sinuses, Dr. Voigt suggests that individuals should clean their noses properly and use saline sprays or inhale steam through a personal inhaler or steam pot as better alternatives. He also revealed that scientists have conducted research to determine whether natural scents could restore smell loss after Covid, which means the loss of olfaction, and help reduce nasal congestion.
Voigt indicated that scents can aid in healing the condition of smell loss, which may include citrus, coffee grounds, or lavender – but certainly not garlic.
“Colds or flu are usually caused by viruses. Ideally, you should treat them by resting, using nasal sprays, or rinsing the nose with saline. If symptoms persist, see a doctor; don’t use garlic cloves,” Dr. Sindwani advises.
