It is true that garlic smells bad and no one imagines eating it before going out with friends or before a date, but its benefits are incredible and it is not always necessary to swallow it.

Garlic, a controversial food, loved and hated. In Europe it is used in the preparation of many dishes, to give a firmer and more flavorful taste. From sauces, meat, fish to the Italian bagna cauda, typical dish of the Piedmontese cuisine, based on salt, garlic and oil.

There are people who can’t resist without garlic and can’t stand the smell. But there are many benefits of using garlic: the infinite properties of this plant are incredible and totally natural. However, in the kitchen, the secrets of garlic are known by few people in relation to our psycho-physical health.

That’s why it is useful to have an ally at hand. And especially to know why and how to use it. For example, put a clove under your pillow. If you want to find out why, let’s see the 11 wonderful uses of garlic

1) To fall asleep easily.

Before reacting to this idea, you will have to try it at least once, to convince yourself. You will have to prepare a drink of 200 ml of milk, 1 chopped garlic clove and 1 spoon of honey. Put the milk and garlic in a saucepan and boil it; at the high temperature, remove it from the fire and let it rest for a while; then sweeten it and drink it. It is recommended that you drink this drink at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

2) Against coughs and colds.

During the winter we often have colds and even if we don’t have a fever, coughs and colds are a real problem. You should know that garlic has been considered a natural antibiotic for centuries and it will be a real help in this case too. All you need to do is to prepare an infusion of this plant; chop a clove and let it infuse in boiling water for 5 minutes. Then strain, sweeten and drink it. You should do this constantly for at least a week.

3) A pod under the pillow.

If you are wondering what it can be used for you will find out. Garlic has positive effects not only when swallowed, but also when inhaled. This is because the sulphureous components are spread like the smell, except that the former have a relaxing effect on the body. Once the nose is used to the pungent smell, you will see that it will be indispensable if you suffer from insomnia. Moreover, that’s not all, since thanks to its inhalations, the performance and energy of the day ahead will increase.

4) Natural aphrodisiac.

Contrary to what you may think, garlic is part of the family of aphrodisiacs like oysters, strawberries, chili and chocolate. This quality is known since the Antiquity, Aristotle spoke about it. The recommendation is to prefer extracts found in spice stores, instead of cooking it, to avoid unpleasant inconveniences in the later phase.

5) Anti-acne.

Teenagers will be happy to know that thanks to its pronounced antibiotic and disinfectant properties, garlic is an excellent ally against acne. That’s because what causes pimples to grow on the face is a bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes, that lives in the sebaceous follicles. By using garlic constantly, we can act directly on the action of this bacteria, limiting its advancement. Simply rub a clove of garlic on the affected areas at night.

6) Natural disinfectant.

You are at home and you cut yourself while cooking? Or did the cat scratch you? Whatever the reason, you should disinfect yourself immediately. What can you do if you don’t have hydrogen peroxide at your disposal? Take a clove of garlic, peel it and rub it on the injured area. If the wound is small, after disinfecting it you can apply the garlic film, which, in addition to disinfecting, can also heal. But remember not to replace medical care with natural advice.

7) Fight against hair loss.

If you are losing your hair, garlic can help you. Garlic contains allicin, which is known to fight hair loss. Here’s how to do it: Cut the garlic lengthwise and rub the inner part on your scalp. Another method is to macerate a few cloves of garlic in olive oil and use it to massage your scalp.

8) Remove splinters easily.

This is a trick that works very well. Garlic is useful for removing tiny splinters that are hard to get out. Cut a thin slice of garlic. Cover the affected area with the garlic and a plaster or tape. For best results, do this treatment before going to bed. When you get up, remove the plaster. And voila, no more splinters!

9) Keep mosquitoes away naturally.

Mosquitoes hate garlic. It goes even further, mosquitoes never bite people who have applied a garlic-based ointment. To make your own mixture, you’ll need petroleum jelly, beeswax and garlic essential oil. Alternatively, you can also place garlic cloves in areas where mosquitoes congregate.

10) Eliminate cold sores.

Here’s a tip for cold sores: Crush a clove of garlic and apply it to the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes. The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic will relieve pain and reduce inflammation. For a faster treatment, it is also advisable to take garlic-based food supplements.

11) Against toothache.

Poor oral hygiene often creates a toothache and garlic can help you relieve the pain and help treat the problem with its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply crush a clove of garlic, add salt and then apply it regularly to the tooth that is causing you pain. Chewing a clove of garlic can also quickly relieve your pain.Garlic: 11 secrets you don’t know yet.