Homemade Garlic Salve for Coughs and Colds

Garlic Salve is a great remedy to have on hand to help during the times of runny noses, coughs, colds and congestion. Garlic is a natural antibiotic is so gentle, but so amazing for your health. Since eating garlic can be hard on many people, especially kids, this homemade garlic salve is a great way to get the benefits of garlic without having to ingest it.

Garlic

Garlic is amazing for your health. Not only does it help boost your immune system, but it is also a natural antibiotic. Taken when you have a cold, it helps to decrease the duration and the severity of the cold.

It has also be used to help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, prevent the formation of blood clots, reduce the build up of plaque and to help prevent certain cancers and slow down the growth of tumours. The best way to use this powerful antibiotic for healing purposes is to chop it up finely or mince it, then let it sit for around 10 minutes. Once the constituents have been activated, swallow the small pieces, with water if needed, without chewing. Do not take more than 2 cloves per day as you don’t want to overdose on garlic as this may cause issues such as internal bleeding.

Before Using this Salve

Before using this rub, you will need to understand a few things.

• Don’t use on skin with open wounds or cuts.  
• Test on small area of skin before using.  If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.
• Wash hands well after using.

Using Garlic Salve 

This salve is for topical use only. Directly apply a small amount of salve onto the body, then make sure to properly wash your hands.

To help relieve coughs, sore throats, congestion and more, rub this salve on the bottom of your feet, your neck, back and chest. I always make sure socks are put on after applying this salve to the bottoms of the feet. 

Make sure to test a small amount first, especially if you are going to use it close to a sensitive area or on children as it can cause rashes on sensitive skin.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this salve is being used on your skin, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and used in the correct quantities. 

Just be careful using some essential oils such as tea tree and peppermint, around children and pregnant women, making sure to do your research before using.

More Salve Recipes

• Make Healing Calendula Salve
• Arnica Salve
• DIY Sore Muscle Rub
• DIY Rose Salve
• Goldenrod Salve
• Herbal Muscle Salve
• Charcoal Drawing Salve
• Rosemary Salve
• Comfrey Salve
• Violet Leaf Salve
• Plantain Salve
• Star Anise Salve

Tips

• To peel a clove of garlic, lay it on a cutting board on its side. Place the blade of a chef’s knife on top of the flat side and smash it with your fist. The garlic will crush and the peel should be easy to remove.
• Garlic has a very strong scent, so expect the person who uses this salve to smell for a little while.
• Do not use on children under 12 months of age.
• Other home remedies to keep in your stash include: elderberry syrup, fermented honey garlic
• Essential oils could be added, though do your research before using.

Storing Garlic Salve

Store the salve in a glass jar in the fridge for up to one month. Make sure it is kept out of reach of children.

Disclaimer – One note to remember is to ALWAYS check essential oil safety for the ages and health of the person you are using the product containing essential oils on.

More Garlic Resources

• Garlic Bread Seasoning
• Homemade Garlic Powder
• Homemade Minced Garlic
• Garlic Aioli Recipe
• Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe
• Honey Fermented Garlic
• Growing and Storing Garlic
• Herb and Garlic Roasted Cauliflower

Making Garlic Salve

To make 1 oz of this salve, you will need:

• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• 3 TBSP coconut oil
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 10 drops of essential oils (optional)

Peel and cut up the garlic into small pieces.

Place the garlic, coconut oil and 1 tsp of the olive oil to a blender.

Slowly blend adding the rest of the olive oil until the mixture has a creamy texture.

If adding essential oils, add the mixture to a bowl and mix through the essential oils.

Pour the salve into a glass jar.

Place in the fridge for at least an hour to allow it to set.

Store the salve in a glass jar in the fridge for up to one month. Make sure it is kept out of reach of children.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.v