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Easy Homemade Garlic Salve for Colds & Coughs

I loved the power of my homemade garlic salve, so I had to share the recipe with you. It is so easy to make and does wonders for colds, coughs, and the flu!

Garlic Salve might be the solution you didn’t know you needed to help ease the discomfort of a scratchy throat or a congested chest.

This powerful homemade remedy has been used for centuries for its healing properties, and it’s easy to make at home.

Whether you’re looking to soothe your sore throat or relieve a cough, garlic salve is a must-have in your natural wellness toolkit.

I have used it for 2 years now and love all the benefits. We always make a small batch every time we get sick and use it on our entire family. Even my kids love how it works (they don’t like the smell though!)

In this post, I’ll show you how to make your garlic salve at home using just a few ingredients you probably already have at home.

homemade garlic salve

What is Garlic Salve?

Garlic salve is a natural ointment made by infusing crushed garlic into a carrier oil and then combining it with beeswax (optional) to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Often used for its medicinal benefits, garlic salve has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. It’s particularly known for its ability to soothe sore throats, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellness, especially when you are sick.

The key ingredients in garlic salve are garlic and carrier oils like olive oil or coconut oil. Garlic contains powerful compounds, like allicin, which have natural antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

These compounds can help treat skin irritations, infections, and even respiratory issues.

DIY Garlic salve

How to Make Garlic Salve at Home: Simple Step-by-Step Instructions

Making garlic salve at home is easier than you think! With just 3-ingredients, you can create your own healing salve in no time. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients for Garlic Salve

  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
ingredients for homemade garlic salve

Instructions for Homemade Garlic Salve:

Start by cutting up 2 cloves of garlic into small pieces.

how to make garlic salve step 1 - prepare the garlic

Place the garlic into a blender and add the coconut oil and olive oil.

Slowly blend the mixture, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed. Keep adding the remaining teaspoon of olive oil until you have a smooth, creamy texture.

how to make garlic salve at home step 2 - blend the garlic and oils

Once the salve has a smooth consistency, place the mixture in the fridge for about an hour to help it firm up. This will give your garlic salve the perfect texture for easy application.

how to make garlic salve at home
homemade garlic salve

Garlic Salve Recipe

Yield: 1 oz

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

Instructions

    1. Cut up the garlic into small pieces.
    2. Place into a blender with coconut oil and 1 teaspoon olive oil.
    3. Slowly blend it and keep mixing in the olive oil until you have a creamy texture.
    4. Put in the fridge for an hour or so to help it set up again.

Notes

To Use: Rub on your neck, chest, and feet to help relieve coughs, sore throats, and sickness.

Best Uses for Garlic Salve

Here are how I use garlic salve for my family:

  • Immune Support: Garlic salve can be applied to the chest or feet to help relieve coughs and sore throats. This is particularly helpful during cold and flu season.

    Rub the salve on your chest and feet, and let the healing properties of garlic work their magic. I also rub along my throat; it almost always instantly feels better!
  • Fungal Infections: Garlic salve is also a great remedy for fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Its antifungal properties help combat the infection and promote healing.

The Healing Garlic Salve Benefits

Garlic salve isn’t just for treating the skin, its benefits go much deeper. Let’s take a closer look at how garlic salve can help heal your body from the inside out.

  • Natural Antibiotic and Antifungal Properties: Garlic is a powerhouse of natural antibiotics. The allicin compound in garlic helps fight off bacteria and fungi, making it perfect for treating skin infections, athlete’s foot, and other fungal conditions.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects for Sore Muscles and Arthritis: If you suffer from sore muscles, joint pain, or arthritis, garlic salve can offer relief. Garlic has potent anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

    Massaging garlic salve onto sore areas can help relax your muscles and joints, providing comfort without the need for synthetic painkillers.
  • Promotes Skin Health: From eczema to dry skin, garlic salve can help nourish and repair damaged skin. Garlic’s natural compounds stimulate circulation, promote tissue repair, and reduce inflammation.
  • Immune-Boosting Properties: Garlic is known for its ability to support the immune system. By applying garlic salve to the chest and feet, you can help relieve symptoms of colds and respiratory illnesses.

    The warming properties of garlic help open up airways and promote healing, while the salve’s soothing effect can provide comfort during illness.
garlic salve for herbal remedy

How Long Does Homemade Garlic Salve Last?

Homemade garlic salve typically lasts around 3-6 months if stored properly. To extend its shelf life, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

If the salve starts to lose its consistency or develops an off smell, it’s time to make a fresh batch.

Instead of using your fingers, use a clean spoon each time to scoop it out to further help preserve it’s shelf life.

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3-ingredient only garlic salve recipe

Final Thoughts

Garlic salve is a natural, effective remedy that’s been used for centuries for its healing properties. If you’re looking to soothe sore muscles, treat skin infections, or relieve cold symptoms, this DIY garlic salve is your go-to solution.

Whip up a batch of garlic ointment today and experience the healing benefits of garlic. You’ll love it for winter!

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