pass the garlic

from Instapundit:
Scientists Say Garlic Mouthwash Works As Well as Popular Antiseptics.

Garlic has long been used in Asia for remedies: 

In either Tale of Gengi or one of the women's diaries from the Heian period in Japan (1000 AD) one lady tells her lover not to visit because she has a cold and smells of garlic.

From AI:

AI Overview While specific details on the use of garlic for cold medicine in the Heian period (794-1185) of Japan are limited in the provided search results, the use of garlic as a traditional remedy for various ailments, including respiratory issues and common illnesses, was a widespread practice in traditional Asian medicine and ancient cultures globally. During the Heian period, the Japanese likely incorporated traditional Chinese medicine principles, which heavily utilized garlic for its "warming and invigorating" antimicrobial properties to fight off the first stages of colds and flu. A traditional Japanese remedy involving garlic-infused sake for colds and flu has been passed down through families, suggesting a long history of this practice in Japan. Traditional Uses of Garlic for Colds (General Asian and Folk Medicine) Across various traditional systems of medicine, a number of preparations have been used, many of which can be recreated today as home remedies: Garlic Honey Syrup: Crushed garlic cloves combined with raw honey. The mixture is left to sit (and potentially ferment) for a period, with the resulting syrup taken by the teaspoon for sore throat relief and immune support. Garlic Sake Tonic: Crushed garlic cloves and sometimes ginger are added to sake and allowed to ferment over a period of months or even years. When sick, the mixture is warmed slightly and taken as a shot. Garlic Tea: Garlic cloves are boiled in water, and the resulting liquid is sometimes mixed with honey and lemon juice to create a soothing, decongestant drink. Immune-Boosting Broth: Crushed garlic is added to broths during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing the volatile compounds to be released while providing hydration and nutrients. Modern Scientific Perspective While traditional uses are extensive, modern scientific evidence provides a nuanced view: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which is maximized when the garlic is crushed and allowed to sit for several minutes before use. Some studies suggest garlic supplements may reduce the frequency and duration of cold symptoms, but more high-quality research is needed to confirm its effectiveness conclusively. Garlic is generally considered a complementary approach to modern medicine and not a standalone cure. Note: If using garlic as a home remedy, it's best to consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking medications like blood thinners, as garlic can increase the tendency for bleeding.