Garlic and honey may have antibiotic and antiviral properties and contain antioxidants.

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Garlic and honey are two natural foods that have been used for centuries to support health. While their flavors are very different (garlic is bold and savory, and honey is naturally sweet), both contain compounds that can benefit the body in everyday ways.

You can enjoy their health-boosting properties individually or together, either as natural ingredients in recipes or as supplements. Some forms of garlic and honey are more potent than others, so knowing how to use them can help you get the most benefit.

Learn all about the key health benefits of garlic and honey, the best forms to use, easy ways to include them in your diet, and any potential side effects to watch for.

Garlic and honey both contain natural compounds that can help support the immune system. Garlic’s allicin may help the body fight harmful bacteria and viruses, and crushing fresh garlic releases the most of this compound

Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties and can also soothe irritated tissues in the throat, making it especially helpful during colds or seasonal illnesses.

Including these foods in your diet may provide gentle support for immune health and comfort when minor infections occur.

Research suggests that garlic may help modestly lower blood pressure, especially in people with mild hypertension. Compounds such as allicin are thought to support this effect by helping blood vessels relax and improving blood flow.

Garlic can be a helpful addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle, but it should not replace prescribed blood pressure medications.

Honey may also support heart health by helping reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Both garlic and honey contain antioxidants, which help protect cells from everyday damage caused by stress, pollution, and typical bodily processes.

Sliced garlic contains higher levels of antioxidant compounds, while honey is rich in natural antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols.

Inflammation is a typical response in the body. However, prolonged inflammation can contribute to various health problems.

Compounds found in garlic and honey may help calm inflammation and support overall balance in the body.

Garlic and honey can be used easily at home, either in food or as simple wellness remedies. Fresh garlic offers the most benefits when it is crushed, which helps release helpful compounds.

It can be added to meals, sauces, or dressings. Garlic powder and aged garlic extract also contain beneficial compounds, while garlic oil is best used mainly for flavor rather than health effects.

Raw, pure honey is commonly used to soothe coughs, sore throats, and cold symptoms. A spoonful of honey can be taken on its own or stirred into warm tea.

Honey may also be used on the skin to help calm minor irritation, burns, or scratches. For skin use, gently clean the area first and apply a small amount of medical-grade honey to reduce the risk of infection.

A combination of honey and garlic can boost the flavor and health benefits of many daily recipes.

Salad dressing

You can make your own salad dressing by mixing olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and dried herbs. Mix in freshly chopped garlic and pure honey to help balance the tartness and add more nutrition.

Combine all ingredients in a clean jar and shake well.

Honey-fermented garlic

Honey-fermented garlic is a type of “pickled” garlic. It can be stored for up to a month at room temperature.

Place peeled whole garlic cloves in a clean and sterile jar. You can sterilize a glass jar and lid by boiling it in water. Pour honey over the garlic and stir to combine. Make sure the garlic is completely covered with honey. Seal the jar and let it sit on a counter for three days.

Open the jar to let out any gases and stir the garlic and honey. If you see tiny bubbles in the honey, it means the garlic has started to ferment. Reseal and let sit for a couple of weeks to a month before using.

Honey garlic marinade

Honey garlic marinade can be used to flavor chicken, fish, and vegetables. Combine freshly chopped garlic (or garlic powder), honey, low sodium soy sauce, and olive oil. You can also add other fresh or dried herbs if you wish.

Toss chicken or fish in the honey garlic marinade and let sit in the fridge for at least one hour. You can also marinate and freeze poultry and fish for a quick, homemade meal when you’re too busy to prepare food.

The nutritional and health compounds in garlic and honey may cause side effects or reactions in some people. Talk with your doctor before you take garlic or honey supplements.

Garlic interactions

Garlic can cause allergic reactions in some people. Taking garlic supplements or eating garlic in larger doses can thin your blood and increase the risk of bleeding.

For this reason, garlic can cause a negative interaction with medications that thin your blood. These include:

Honey interactions

Consuming honey may increase blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Speak to a doctor or dietitian before adding honey to your diet regimen.

Honey is not known to interact with other drugs, but it can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you’re allergic to bee pollen, ask your doctor if eating honey is safe for you.

Honey may also contain other kinds of pollen that can trigger reactions like:

  • wheezing
  • coughing
  • face or throat swelling
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • weakness
  • fainting
  • sweating
  • skin reactions
  • irregular heart rhythms

Warning

Babies under the age of one year should not be given honey, not even a taste of it. Honey can cause a rare but serious stomach condition called infant botulism. This is caused by bacteria spores that may be in the honey.

Ask your pharmacist for medicinal-grade honey. This kind of honey is sterilized and safe to use on the skin or as a food supplement for adults.

Garlic and honey have been used in traditional medicine for their many health benefits. Recent medical research has demonstrated some of the health properties of these foods.

Further research is needed to determine the exact dosages and benefits of garlic and honey. However, you can benefit from the nutritional and medicinal properties of garlic and honey by using them in your daily cooking.

Ask your doctor or dietitian if taking garlic or honey supplements is right for you.