Garlic and Its Role in Fighting Colds and Flu

For centuries, garlic has been used as a natural remedy to support the body during illness. 

Long before modern medicine, cultures across Europe, Asia and the Middle East relied on garlic to help ward off infections, particularly during the colder months when coughs, colds and flu are at their peak. 

While it is not a cure, garlic can play a helpful supporting role when your immune system is under attack.

Why Garlic Has a Reputation for Fighting Infection

Garlic contains a sulphur-based compound called allicin, which is released when garlic is crushed or chopped. Allicin is responsible for garlic’s distinctive smell, but more importantly, it has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Research suggests that allicin may help:

Inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and viruses

Support immune cell activity

Reduce inflammation in the body

This combination makes garlic particularly popular during cold and flu season.

Garlic and the Common Cold

The common cold is caused by viruses, and while garlic cannot prevent exposure, regular consumption may help reduce the severity or duration of symptoms for some people.

People who use garlic as part of their diet often report:

Shorter-lasting colds

Milder symptoms

Faster recovery times

This may be due to garlic’s ability to stimulate immune responses, helping the body react more efficiently once an infection takes hold.

Garlic’s Role During Flu

Flu places significant stress on the immune system. Garlic is often used as a complementary remedy because it:

Encourages immune defence activity

Has mild antiviral effects

Supports circulation, which helps immune cells move through the body

While garlic should never replace medical treatment for flu—especially for vulnerable people—it can be a useful addition alongside rest, hydration and prescribed medication.

Best Ways to Use Garlic for Immune Support

Garlic can be taken in several forms, depending on taste and tolerance:

Raw garlic

Crushing a clove and letting it sit for a few minutes before eating helps maximise allicin formation. This can be mixed into food or swallowed with water.

Garlic tea

Steep crushed garlic in hot (not boiling) water. Many people add lemon and honey to improve flavour and soothe the throat.

Cooked garlic

While cooking reduces allicin levels, garlic still retains beneficial compounds and is gentler on the stomach.

Garlic supplements

Odourless capsules are an option for those who dislike raw garlic, though quality and strength can vary.

How Much Garlic Is Enough?

There is no officially recommended dose for garlic as a remedy, but commonly suggested amounts include:

1–2 raw cloves per day during illness

Regular inclusion of garlic in meals for ongoing immune support

More is not always better. Excessive garlic can cause stomach irritation, heartburn or interact with certain medications.

Who Should Be Cautious?

Garlic is generally safe for most people, but caution is advised if you:

Take blood-thinning medication

Have stomach ulcers or digestive sensitivity

Are preparing for surgery

If in doubt, it is always sensible to speak with a healthcare professional.

Garlic as Part of a Bigger Picture

Garlic works best as part of a wider approach to health rather than as a stand-alone solution. Adequate sleep, good nutrition, hydration, and following medical advice remain the cornerstones of recovery from colds and flu.

Garlic’s long-standing reputation as a natural infection-fighter is supported by both tradition and modern research. While it will not prevent every cold or flu, it may help your body respond more effectively when illness strikes. 

Simple, affordable and widely available, garlic remains a humble but powerful ally during the winter months.

I am following my own advice and taking garlic. 

Garlic - a recommended natural step in the fight against heart disease

Following the publication of research from the Wolfson Institute at Barts Hospital and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry stating that offering treatment for heart disease to all those over 55 with statins and blood pressure pills would achieve the same results as screening through tests like blood pressure or cholesterol.

Dr Hilary Jones comments, “Professor Nicholas Wald’s report sets the age of 55 as the main predictor of heart disease. It is very important to also look at each individual patient’s circumstance and to consider the well publicised risk factors – overweight, blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. There is also a real concern over side effects: Indigestion, muscle pain and flatulence.

"These side effects are common and probably underestimated and it is thought you would have to treat a 100 people with statins to save just two lives. Undoubtedly there will be benefits for a few but many would experience unpleasant adverse reactions unnecessarily. Nor would it be desirable to abandon screening for high risk patients under 55 either.

"My recommendation is to consider lifestyle changes including lowering stress, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and adopting a healthy eating regime. Simple steps, such as including garlic in your daily routine has to be a better option than having half the population taking unnecessary pharmaceuticals,” comments Dr Hilary Jones. Other experts also acknowledge the circulatory benefits of garlic supplements.

Which Garlic Supplement to use?

Almost every clinical trial has shown that garlic extracts support heart health. That’s because the proven key compound, allicin, is only found in fresh and dried garlic.

Kwai is the original dried garlic supplement . Over 30 independent clinical studies and 190 published scientific papers show that it supports cardiovascular health.It provides the powerful benefits of garlic—without the smell.

Kwai’s suggested daily dose provides 1800mg of allicin — garlic’s most beneficial compound.

The Kwai garlic tablet features an inner core consisting of exclusive LI 111 pure garlic clove powder which undergoes analytical testing to assure the release of allicin, garlic's most beneficial compound.

Kwai's special coating ensures the freshness and intensity of the garlic and protects against odour.