Garlic tea is a warm brew made of garlic cloves, lemon juice, and honey. It may not sound like one of those tasty beverages but can provide numerous health benefits.
Garlic or Allium sativum is quite popular due to its high level of nutrients such as vitamin A, B, C, antioxidants, and sulfuric compounds. [1]
Adding garlic to your diet or eating a few cloves may help you get its benefits, which make it a popular natural remedy for several ailments. Garlic tea can be an excellent way to enjoy its benefits if you can get over its unpleasant flavor.
This article looks into some potential health benefits of garlic tea, its side effects, and the ways to make it.
Benefits of Garlic Tea
1. Garlic Tea is Heart Friendly.
Garlic is known to have heart-healthy components. Allicin, an organosulfur component in garlic may prevent the development of atherosclerosis in people with coronary heart disease. [2]
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a reduction of total serum cholesterol by 6-7% in 41 men who took aged garlic extract. [3]
The study also concludes that garlic extract can reduce the LDL (bad) cholesterol level, thus reduces the risk of high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, etc.
As garlic tea contains a high concentration of garlic extract, drinking this herbal tea can also be beneficial for you.
2. It May Boost Immunity.
Garlic tea is rich in antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidants that can help fight free radicals and reduce the risks of several diseases.
The antibacterial activity of garlic extract has been proven in several studies. [4, 5]
Besides, lemon juice, another ingredient in this herbal tea contains a high content of vitamin C, which is also known for its immune-boosting properties. [6]
Consuming garlic tea regularly can protect your body from several bacteria and deadly pathogens.
3. Garlic Tea Can Improve Respiratory Health.
A cup of warm garlic tea can work as an excellent remedy if you are suffering from cold, cough, sinus congestion, or sore throat.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of garlic can clear congestion and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. [7]
Lemon juice and honey, two of the ingredients in garlic tea also have therapeutic properties that can help treat any respiratory problems. [8, 9]
4. It May Aid in Weight Loss.
Garlic, lemon, and honey — all these ingredients are well known for their contribution to weight loss. [10, 11]
Drinking garlic tea on a regular basis can help dissolve the extra fat from your body. Garlic has metabolism-boosting properties that can aid in passive fat burning and suppress your appetite. [12]
To get the most of its weight loss benefits, drink this herbal tea as your first thing in the morning.
5. Garlic Tea May Increase Your Energy.
If you depend on tea or coffee to get an energy boost in the morning, garlic tea can be a healthier alternative for you.
While this tea does not contain any caffeine, it can reduce fatigue and increase your overall energy level. [13]
In fact, a 2014 research shows the efficacy of garlic in controlling negative energy balance in pre-partum Mahabadi goats. [14]
Side Effects of Garlic Tea
While garlic tea is typically safe if consumed in moderation, overconsumption may cause some side effects, including:
- Overconsumption of garlic may cause bleeding. Avoid garlic tea if you’re having any blood-thinning medication.
- Breath and body odor.
- Heartburn.
- Stomach upset.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Garlic may also interfere with some medications used to treat HIV infections.
How to Make Garlic Tea?
Here is an easy recipe to make this delicious herbal tea at home:
- Take four garlic cloves, peel them, and add them into a bowl of water.
- Bring the water to boil before turning off the heat.
- Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon juice to the tea and stir them well.
- Store the remaining garlic juice in the refrigerator and reheat before use.
- Finish the juice within two days.
Final Word
While garlic tea is not everyone’s favorite due to its taste and odor, it can actually do wonders to your health.
Drinking a cup of garlic tea every day can boost your immunity, reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and help you lose weight. However, do not over consume this tea as it may cause some unwanted side effects.
Considering its downsides, drinking a moderate amount of this healthy beverage can be beneficial for you in many ways.
