A pharmacist has gone viral after sharing her ‘weird’ hack to ‘cure a cold in 24 hours’ using a kitchen cupboard item – and it’s surprisingly easy to do
As Britain’s weather turns chilly, colds become increasingly prevalent. Symptoms include blocked noses, sore throats, sneezing, and aching bodies that leave us all feeling dreadful.
However, there’s no shortage of medications and natural treatments available to tackle a common cold. Now, a pharmacist from California has become an internet sensation after claiming she can “cure a cold in 24 hours” using a simple household staple.
Even better, it will only cost you 37p from supermarkets Aldi or 39p from Asda. Ariana Medizade has revealed her favourite trick on Instagram.
She explained: “I’m going to tell you exactly how to cure a cold in 24 hours or less with something that you already have at home. As soon as you feel sick, grab two garlic cloves and cut them into small pieces, small enough so that you can swallow them and literally take them like a supplement.”
She continued: “Garlic contains allicin which is a powerful compound that tells your immune cells to start fighting any bacteria or viruses that have entered your body.
“The reason why this works so well, I’m telling you overnight is because allicin is a compound that quickly absorbs into your bloodstream so it gives your immune system a really nice boost to help fight against any viruses or bacteria.
“The best time to use this is right when you feel those first signs of a cold, a tickle in your throat, a slight headache, fatigue.”
Beyond garlic’s ability to tackle these symptoms, the specialist also champions another sharp-smelling kitchen essential – onions.
She continued: “The next thing that people are going to think I’m so weird for is the onion hack, and basically you need to chop up the onions and leave it out in your room.
“Onions contain sulphur compounds that purify the air and absorb airborne germs. I know it sounds weird, it’s more of a traditional immune remedy, it doesn’t have a lot of scientific basis but I swear it works, my mum has been doing it ever since I was like four.”
Nevertheless, the NHS highlights evidence that garlic and other supplements like vitamin C or echinacea for preventing colds or accelerating recovery remains restricted.
If you have any concerns about your health, it is best to consult a medical professional. After all, miracle and fix-all solutions unfortunately do not exist.
Still, certain studies indicate that garlic might offer benefits in several areas:
Immune system
Matured garlic extract could enhance immune cell performance, potentially reducing cold symptom intensity.
Anti-viral qualities
Garlic may have antiviral characteristics that can stop viruses from penetrating cells or multiplying.
Antimicrobial and anti-fungal qualities:
Research has demonstrated that garlic possesses substantial antimicrobial and anti-fungal capabilities.
Whilst some reckon that eating garlic cloves with honey can ease sinus issues and calm painful throats, Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials noted that fermented garlic honey lacks any remarkable healing or protective powers.