On TikTok, there was once a popular video suggesting a method of inserting several cloves of garlic into the nostrils to clear the nasal cavity. However, putting garlic into the nose is not a safe practice for the sinuses. Inserting garlic into the nose not only irritates the nasal mucosa, causing more mucus to be produced, but if the garlic cloves get stuck in the nostrils, it can also lead to choking, irritation, and infections.
Next, let's take an in - depth look at whether inserting garlic into the nose can safely relieve nasal congestion and what other methods are available to help us clear nasal congestion.
Dr. Katie Phillips, an otolaryngologist specializing in head and neck surgery, told Health magazine, "Garlic itself doesn't really relieve nasal congestion." Instead of clearing the sinuses, garlic cloves can block them and may increase mucus production.
Nasal congestion occurs when the blood vessels in the nose cause the tissue lining the inner walls of the nostrils to swell.
Dr. Phillips pointed out, "When you have a stuffy nose, you do produce a lot of mucus."
This mucus accumulates in the nose. You may feel that not enough air is getting into your nose, or you may notice a lot of mucus dripping down the back of your throat or coming out of the front of your nose.
Dr. Phillips also mentioned, "If the drainage function of the sinuses is blocked, mucus may flow backward."
Once the obstruction (the garlic clove in this case) is removed, snot will flow out of the nostrils. At the same time, garlic can also irritate some of the mucous membranes, further increasing the amount of snot secreted.
People often eat garlic to prevent viral infections, including colds and the flu. A review published in 2020 indicated that garlic contains compounds that may help prevent viral infections.
However, there is currently insufficient evidence to show whether eating garlic can prevent or treat cold symptoms such as nasal congestion.
After the novel coronavirus infects the human body, it triggers a series of immune responses. This may lead to congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, thus causing nasal congestion. Meanwhile, COVID - 19 infection may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue. Nasal congestion alone is not sufficient to diagnose a COVID - 19 infection. Medical methods such as nucleic acid testing are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Putting garlic in the nose is not only ineffective but also poses many safety risks.
Putting garlic in the nose may cause the following problems:
Risk of choking: If something like garlic enters the back of the throat, it may pose a choking hazard. If the garlic enters the trachea and is accidentally inhaled, it may lead to difficulty in breathing.
Risk of garlic clove getting stuck: Dr. Phillips said, "The things you put in your nose may get stuck there," which can damage your nasal cavity, including causing nose pain and difficulty in breathing.
Risk of infection: If the garlic clove gets stuck in the nose, bloody snot with a foul odor may be a sign of infection.
Risk of irritating the nose: If the garlic clove absorbs the moisture from the tissue lining the inner wall of the nostril, it may cause swelling. The swelling can irritate the nose, leading to bleeding and ulcers.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) does not mention that inserting garlic into the nasal cavity can relieve nasal congestion.
Instead, here are some safe ways to relieve nasal congestion at home:
Apply a moist, warm towel to the face.
Stick tape on the nose to expand the nostrils and assist with breathing.
Inhale steam two to four times a day.
Drink plenty of water.
Sit up straight and keep your head elevated.
Take medications that help treat nasal congestion, such as anti - histamines and decongestants, as directed on the label.
Try using a humidifier or vaporizer.
Some evidence shows that rinsing the nose with saline can relieve upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Be sure to clean the rinsing device properly after each use. Experts recommend using a saline nasal spray at least several times a day to help clean the nasal cavity.
If nasal congestion is not relieved after rinsing the nose, there may be other causes. For example, some sinus infections caused by bacteria may require the use of antibiotics.
Dr. Phillips said, "There are many reasons for nasal congestion. If over - the - counter medications don't work for you, the next step is to consult a healthcare provider."
Common causes of nasal congestion include colds, allergies, and sinusitis. A cold is usually caused by a viral infection, which leads to swelling of the nasal mucosa and an increase in secretions. Allergies are triggered by exposure to allergens, causing an immune system response that results in inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa. Sinusitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, leading to inflammation of the sinuses and excessive secretions that block the sinuses. Treatment methods depend on the specific cause. For nasal congestion caused by a cold, it can be relieved by rest, drinking plenty of water, etc. In severe cases, symptomatic medications can be used. For nasal congestion caused by allergies, it is necessary to avoid contact with allergens and use anti - allergy medications. For sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be required.
Inserting garlic into the nose is highly unlikely to relieve nasal congestion. Instead, this practice may lead to the accumulation of snot, irritation of the nasal mucosa, and an increase in snot secretion.
In addition, there may be risks of choking on the garlic clove or the garlic clove blocking the respiratory tract and nostrils. If the garlic clove is blocked in the nostrils, it may also cause infections and irritation. You may try rinsing the nose with saline or inhaling steam to clear the sinuses.
