We’re all familiar with popular essential oils like cashew oil, grapefruit oil, peppermint oil, and more. But have you ever heard of garlic essential oil? Garlic has long been used not only as a cooking ingredient but also in traditional medicine due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. So what exactly is garlic essential oil? What are its benefits and how do you use it? Let’s explore in this article!

What Is Garlic Essential Oil?

Garlic essential oil is extracted from fresh garlic using a steam distillation method. The result is a golden yellow liquid commonly referred to as garlic oil. This essential oil has the characteristic pungent smell of garlic and a strong, spicy taste.

Despite being processed into oil, garlic retains all its nutritional properties. It is rich in allicin, a compound that helps prevent oxidation. It also contains high levels of sulfur and other beneficial nutrients like vitamins B, E, C, and amino acids.

Today, garlic oil is available both in liquid form and as dietary supplement capsules to make it easier to use for various health purposes.

How to Make Garlic Essential Oil at Home

Garlic oil is widely available on the market in both liquid and capsule form, depending on your needs. However, it’s very easy to make garlic oil at home using just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 3–4 whole garlic bulbs (choose firm, large, mold-free cloves)
  • Olive oil

Instructions – 4 Easy Steps:

  1. Peel the garlic, rinse, and pat dry.
  2. Slice the garlic into 2mm thick pieces.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan. Once warm, add the garlic slices and stir for about 5 minutes until golden.
  4. Strain out the solids using a sieve and store your garlic oil in a jar or bottle.

Now you’ve got a homemade bottle of garlic oil ready to use! Simple, effective, and full of natural benefits.

The Powerful Benefits of Garlic Essential Oil

So why has garlic essential oil gained so much popularity in recent years? Let’s explore the many “miraculous” uses of this incredible oil.

Helps Treat Acne

Acne is a major concern for many people. Dermatologists have shown that acne often results from excess oil buildup that leads to inflamed pimples. Garlic oil is an effective remedy due to its high zinc content, which helps regulate oil production. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce swelling, prevent scarring, and stop infection.

Relieves Muscle Pain

Frequent physical activity or long hours of sitting can cause body aches and soreness. Try massaging with garlic oil—you’ll be surprised at the results. The oil’s natural warmth, when mixed with a carrier oil like grape seed or almond oil, can greatly relieve muscle pain. Women who experience abdominal cramps during menstruation may also find relief using this method

Treats Middle Ear Infections

Middle ear infections occur when the area behind the eardrum becomes inflamed and filled with pus, usually affecting children aged 6–36 months. Symptoms include sharp ear pain, swelling, and foul-smelling discharge. To treat this naturally, soak a cotton swab in garlic oil and gently clean the ear. The allicin in garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and may help ease the infection.

Relieves Cold and Respiratory Issues

Thanks to its warming and antimicrobial properties, garlic oil is great for treating colds, coughs, and respiratory problems. Simply boil a pot of water with lime leaves or mint, and add a few drops of garlic oil for steam inhalation. You can also mix garlic oil with ointment and apply it to the chest to keep warm and ease coughing.

Garlic essential oil is a natural remedy packed with health benefits—from skincare to muscle relief to immune support. Whether you buy it or make your own at home, garlic oil is definitely worth keeping in your wellness toolkit.