There are traditions that seem odd at first glance but turn out to hold surprising wisdom. For a long time, I wondered why my grandma would put a few cloves of garlic into a pot of boiling water. I assumed it was some culinary trick or an old-fashioned recipe. But when I finally asked her why she did it, her explanation completely changed my perspective. What I learned not only amazed me but also made me start boiling garlic myself — and now I can’t imagine my life without this simple yet powerful habit.

Garlic – A Timeless Natural Remedy
Garlic has been valued for centuries as a universal medicine. Ancient civilizations used it not only for flavoring dishes but also as a remedy for infections, inflammation, and fatigue. My grandma, who grew up during times when pharmacies weren’t as accessible, knew the power of natural ingredients better than anyone. She always told me, “The answers to most health problems are hidden in simple things, like garlic.” At first, I didn’t take her seriously, but I was wrong.

Why Does Grandma Boil Garlic?
One day, I finally asked her, and her answer was fascinating:
“Boiling garlic cleanses the home, boosts the immune system, and helps keep illnesses away,” she said.

I discovered that when garlic is boiled, it releases compounds like allicin, which are known for their antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Breathing in the steam of boiling garlic can soothe irritated airways, help with a runny nose, and support the body when fighting seasonal colds. It’s like an all-natural inhalation therapy.

A Natural Air Purifier
Grandma told me that boiling garlic was also a way to purify the air in the house. This tradition was especially common in villages during flu seasons or epidemics. The idea might sound like an old wives’ tale, but modern research proves that allicin does have the ability to neutralize some harmful microbes in the air. Whenever I boil garlic now, I notice that the air feels fresher, almost like after a spring rain.

A Drink for Strength and Energy
Another secret my grandma shared was that the water left after boiling garlic could be turned into a healthy tonic. She would simmer 3-4 peeled cloves of garlic for about 10 minutes, then strain the liquid, add a teaspoon of honey, and drink it like tea. The taste is mild and surprisingly pleasant. This simple drink helps to boost the immune system, improve blood circulation, and even lower blood pressure naturally.

At first, I was hesitant — the idea of drinking garlic water didn’t sound appealing — but when I tried it during a cold, I felt better almost immediately. The fatigue faded, and my throat stopped hurting after just a couple of days.

A Secret Ingredient in Cooking
Grandma never wasted anything. Sometimes she would use garlic water as a base for her soups or broths. The flavor it added was delicate yet rich, and the health benefits were a bonus. According to her, garlic loses its harshness when boiled, becoming gentler and easier to digest.

Why I Do It Now
After learning all these benefits, I decided to make boiling garlic a part of my routine. Whenever I feel a cold coming on or simply want to freshen up my apartment, I put a few garlic cloves in a pot of water and let them boil. The scent is not as strong as raw garlic — instead, it leaves a warm, cozy aroma in the air.

I have also started drinking garlic infusion with honey during cold seasons, and I can honestly say I feel healthier and more energized. I rarely catch colds now, and I no longer spend money on expensive chemical air fresheners or supplements.

How to Do It Yourself:

Take 3–4 cloves of garlic, peel them, and cut them in half.

Place them in a pot with 1 liter of water.

Bring the water to a boil, then let it simmer for 10 minutes.

You can inhale the steam, drink the cooled water as tea (with a bit of honey), or simply let the aroma fill your home.

My grandma’s simple habit taught me that powerful remedies don’t have to come from pharmacies. Nature already provides us with everything we need, and garlic is a perfect example of this. What seemed like an odd ritual at first turned out to be an amazing way to care for both health and home.