Garlic is not only a spice used in cooking but also has many other wonderful benefits.

Why should you place garlic by your bedside?

For a long time, garlic has been used not only as a seasoning for dishes but also for its various health benefits.

Garlic has a pungent taste and warming nature, with effects such as detoxification, antiseptic, treating diarrhea, protecting the liver, benefiting cardiovascular health, boosting immunity, and fighting against bacteria and viruses. One of its traditional uses is as a disinfectant. In the past, when suffering from cold, whooping cough, or asthma, people would crush garlic and rub it on their chest as a folk remedy.

Besides using garlic in cooking, many people have the habit of placing garlic near their bedside.

1.  Repelling insects

Garlic has a strong pungent smell that can help repel insects like flies and mosquitoes. You can place garlic near your bed to drive away these annoying creatures and help you sleep better.

To make the garlic aroma spread better, you should peel and chop the garlic, then put it in a small cloth bag (or cut one end of a disposable mask, put the garlic inside and tie it up) or place the garlic on a small dish near your bedside table. To enhance the insect-repelling effect, you can add a few drops of medicated oil mixed with the garlic. The combination of medicated oil and garlic will drive flies and mosquitoes away.

2.  Boosting immunity

Garlic contains many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help strengthen the body’s immune system. To gain these benefits, you can add garlic to your daily meals. Additionally, placing garlic near the bedside can further enhance its effects. Note that the more crushed or minced the garlic is, the more active compounds are released to exert its benefits.

3.  Reducing stress and an.xiety

Some studies show that the smell of garlic can help reduce stress and anxiety, helping you feel more relaxed, comfortable, and improving sleep quality.

Precautions when placing garlic by the bedside

1.  The smell of garlic may be too strong

Garlic has a quite strong odor, so not everyone likes this smell. People who are sensitive to scents or have respiratory problems may prefer other ways to use garlic, such as cooking with it or using garlic essential oil instead of placing fresh garlic by the bedside.

2.  Use cloth to wrap the garlic cloves

To prevent garlic from scattering around, damaging belongings, or causing too strong an odor, you can wrap the garlic in a cloth or put it in a fabric bag.

3.  Don't place it directly under the pillow

If you find the garlic smell too strong, it’s best not to place it directly under your pillow or too close to your bed. You can choose a spot a bit away from the bed so you can still sense the garlic aroma gently without discomfort while sleeping.

Placing garlic near your bedside offers great benefits but should not be overused.