Does putting garlic in your nose really help clear your sinuses?

In viral videos , after removing a clove of garlic from the nose, mucus appears to "drain" out in large quantities. This is used as evidence that garlic has "cleaned" the sinuses. In reality, this phenomenon does not prove its effectiveness and may even suggest that the person performing the experiment is misunderstanding the workings of the nose, according to Healthline (USA).

Bác sĩ cảnh báo nguy cơ từ mẹo nhét tỏi vào mũi - Ảnh 1. — When you stuff garlic into your nose, you inadvertently block airflow and trap mucus behind the clove.

An irritant reaction, not a sign of healing.

According to Dr. Debra Sullivan, a senior lecturer at Walden University (USA), some videos instruct viewers to peel garlic, insert one clove into each nostril, and hold it there for 10-20 minutes. When removed, a lot of mucus flows out, leading viewers to believe that the garlic has helped clear sinuses. But the truth is not that simple.

The nasal mucosa is responsible for secreting mucus to trap bacteria, allergens, and dust. When you have a cold or allergies, your body increases mucus production to protect itself, causing nasal congestion.

When you insert garlic into your nose, you inadvertently block airflow and trap mucus behind the clove. The body perceives this as an obstruction, so when you remove the garlic, the accumulated mucus flows out at the same time. In other words, the mucus is expelled because the body is trying to push the foreign object (the garlic clove) out.

Additionally, garlic contains compounds such as allicin – which gives it its characteristic smell and antibacterial properties – but also strongly irritates the nasal mucosa.

The body perceives both an obstruction and a chemical irritant, leading to increased mucus production. This makes the "effect" in the video even more apparent, but it's an irritant reaction, not a sign of healing.

Bác sĩ cảnh báo nguy cơ từ mẹo nhét tỏi vào mũi - Ảnh 2. — Studies on the benefits of garlic have all involved ingestion, not direct contact with the nasal mucosa.

Garlic is only beneficial if used correctly.

Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties when ingested. However, there is no clinical evidence to suggest that inserting garlic into the nose helps relieve nasal congestion.

Studies on the benefits of garlic have all involved ingestion, not direct contact with the nasal mucosa. The method of inserting garlic into the nose to treat nasal congestion has also not been scientifically proven for its effectiveness or safety.

This method can pose several risks, such as:

Mucosal irritation and inflammation: The sulfur compounds in garlic can cause burning, inflammation, and tissue damage.
Worsening nasal congestion: Irritation causes the body to produce more mucus.
Risk of infection: Raw garlic can carry bacteria.
Risk of foreign body obstruction: Garlic cloves are slippery, easily slide deep inside, and are difficult to remove.
Nasal injury: The nasal mucosa has many small blood vessels, making it prone to bleeding when damaged.

Instead of following trends, the following methods are recommended by medical professionals:

Rinse your nose with saline solution.
Drink plenty of water to thin the mucus.
Inhale warm steam.
Use a steroid nasal spray (such as fluticasone) as directed.
Rest and allow your body to recover on its own (mostly due to a virus).

In short, putting garlic in your nose doesn't help clear your sinuses in a medically beneficial way. On the contrary, it causes irritation, increases mucus production, and carries the potential risk of infection or injury. When you have a stuffy nose, choose proven methods instead of following online trends.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhet-toi-vao-mui-co-that-su-giup-thong-xoang-185260520173959094.htm