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Vampires beware: it’s time to start using more garlic. It’s no secret that garlic adds flavor to many recipes, but garlic’s uses don’t stop there. We have compiled a list of our 10 favorite. From interesting and helpful, to just plain shocking, you’ll never look at garlic the same!
1) Keep bugs off your plants:
If you want bugs to stay off of your backyard garden (or your urban farming area), but don’t like the idea of icky pesticides, try garlic! A mixture of garlic, mineral oil, and dish soap can be sprayed onto plants to keep crawlers away.
2) Get rid of your acne:
Acne happens sometimes, even when you try to prevent it. Garlic may have a strong smell, but it also has antibacterial properties. That means that fresh cloves can be rubbed onto your acne to reduce their appearance. But maybe don’t do it before you go out, because people will be left wondering what that smell is.
3) Stop your cough:
While steeping garlic like tea may not be the tastiest beverage you’ll have all day, it can be worth a shot as a natural remedy for a bad cough.
4) Heal your ear infection:
Remember how we said garlic has antibacterial properties? Here’s another way to take advantage of that! Garlic and olive oil can be combined and dripped into the infected ear. Make sure you check with your doctor to determine what could be causing your ear ache, though.
5) Remove your splinters:
Splinters hurt, and kids are even more prone to shy away from the idea of getting them out forcefully. Next time a stubborn splinter makes its way in, cover the area with a slice of garlic held down by a bandaid. The splinter should work its way out in a few hours.
6) Repair your glass:
Not only is garlic antibacterial, it can also act as a natural adhesive. If you have hairline cracks on glass, simply rub a clove over the crack and wipe away any excess.
7) Cure your athlete’s foot:
Antibacterial, adhesive, AND anti-fungal! Garlic is a true household hack. To use garlic to treat athlete’s foot, crush four to five cloves of garlic. Once smashed, rub them over the affected area. Do this twice daily can get your athlete’s foot on the road to recovery.
8) Dandruff Treatment:
Are you suffering from dandruff? Reach for the garlic! Paired with honey, you can make a really effective remedy at home. Follow the instructions from Heal With Food to make yours and rid yourself of flakes for good!
9) De-ice your pavement:
If you run out of your go-to de-icing method this winter, consider garlic salt instead!
10) Boost your desire:
If you are looking for an aphrodisiac but you hate oysters, you can use garlic instead! While you and your significant other’s breath won’t be so fresh after eating, garlic does aid circulation to your extremities.
Interested in more household hacks? Baking soda and honey both have a variety of uses as well. What are some of your favorite uses for garlic?
