Exploring What Do Garlic and Honey Do to the Body?

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

For centuries, traditional medicine has relied on the combined power of garlic and honey to treat various ailments. A significant body of modern research has investigated and confirmed that these two natural ingredients offer potent health-giving properties individually and, most notably, in combination. We delve into what do garlic and honey do to the body, revealing their synergistic benefits for overall wellness.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potent health benefits of consuming garlic and honey, detailing their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. It covers how this natural combination can improve heart health and gut function, discusses preparation methods like fermentation, and outlines important precautions for safe use.

Key Points

Enhanced Antimicrobial Action: The combination of garlic's allicin and honey's natural properties creates a synergistic effect that is more potent against bacteria and viruses than either ingredient alone.
Immune System Boost: Both ingredients contain powerful antioxidants and compounds that strengthen the body's immune defenses, helping to prevent and fight off common illnesses like colds and flu.
Cardiovascular Support: Garlic's ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol combines with honey's antioxidant properties to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular function.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in both garlic and honey work together to reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Improved Digestive Health: Fermented garlic honey is a source of probiotics and prebiotics that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, leading to better digestion and a balanced gut microbiome.
Natural Cough Suppressant: Honey is well-known for its ability to soothe sore throats and act as a natural cough suppressant, especially when taken with the anti-viral properties of garlic.
Important Health Precautions: While beneficial, the combination can cause side effects like blood thinning and should be avoided by infants due to the risk of botulism.

The individual and combined powerhouse effects

Individually, both garlic (specifically the compound allicin when crushed) and raw honey possess remarkable medicinal properties. When combined, and particularly when fermented, their effects are amplified, creating a potent natural remedy. This synergistic action has been used for generations to support various aspects of health, from combating infections to promoting cardiovascular wellness.

The role of garlic's key compounds

Crushing or chopping fresh garlic releases allicin, a sulfur compound responsible for many of its health benefits. This volatile compound has been extensively studied and shown to have powerful effects against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Allicin interferes with the function of microbes, making garlic a natural immune-system ally. Garlic's sulfur molecules also contribute to heart health by protecting the heart muscle and increasing blood vessel elasticity.

Honey's therapeutic and antioxidant power

Raw honey, in its unprocessed form, is a rich source of antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds help fight inflammation and protect the body from oxidative stress, a contributor to chronic diseases. Honey also has innate antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Its viscous, slightly acidic nature creates a hostile environment for many pathogens. Beyond fighting infection, honey is a time-tested remedy for soothing sore throats and calming coughs.

The enhanced benefits of fermented garlic and honey

Fermenting garlic in raw honey unlocks a new level of benefit. The fermentation process introduces beneficial lactic bacteria, transforming the mixture into a probiotic-rich elixir. This process mellows the strong flavor of raw garlic, making it more palatable, while enhancing the bioavailability of its compounds. The prebiotic properties of both garlic and honey also nourish the good bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy microbiome.

Health benefits of fermented garlic honey:

Potent antimicrobial action: Studies have shown that the combination of garlic and honey can be more effective against certain bacteria than either ingredient alone.
Enhanced immunity: Fermentation can boost the production of beneficial compounds, supercharging the mixture's ability to support the immune system during cold and flu season.
Digestive health: The probiotics and prebiotics work together to support a balanced and healthy gut flora, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Anti-inflammatory support: The combined antioxidant power helps reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Cardiovascular support: Fermented garlic has been shown to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while honey's antioxidants protect against heart-related diseases.

How to make and use fermented garlic honey

Creating this natural remedy is a simple process. A common recipe involves combining peeled, raw garlic cloves and covering them completely with raw, unpasteurized honey in a clean glass jar. The jar is then loosely sealed and placed in a cool, dark place for at least a few weeks. Regular burping (releasing gas) and stirring is recommended during the initial fermentation period.

Uses for fermented garlic honey:

Direct consumption: Take a spoonful of the honey or eat a candied garlic clove when feeling unwell or for general wellness.
Culinary applications: Drizzle the honey over pizza, toast, cheese, or roasted vegetables. The mellow garlic flavor adds a unique sweet and savory twist.
Teas and beverages: Stir the infused honey into warm water or herbal tea to soothe a sore throat or cough.

Precautions and potential side effects

While generally safe for most adults, there are important precautions to consider before incorporating a garlic and honey tonic into your routine.

Blood-thinning effects: Garlic has natural anticoagulant properties and can increase the risk of bleeding. Individuals on blood-thinning medication like warfarin should consult a doctor before increasing garlic intake significantly.
Infant botulism: Honey is not safe for children under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism from bacterial spores.
Diabetes: Honey can raise blood sugar levels. Diabetics should consult a healthcare provider before adding it to their diet.
Allergies: People with allergies to garlic, honey, or bee pollen should avoid consuming this mixture.
Digestive discomfort: In large amounts, the combination can cause digestive upset in some individuals.

Comparison of benefits: garlic vs. honey


Feature	Garlic (Allicin-rich)	Raw Honey	Combined Effect (especially fermented)
Antimicrobial	Potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal	Strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal	Enhanced synergistic action against pathogens
Anti-inflammatory	Contains compounds that fight inflammation	Rich in antioxidants (flavonoids, polyphenols)	High antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential
Immune Support	Boosts the immune system, helps fight infections	Provides antioxidants and supports immune response	Amplified immune-boosting and infection-fighting abilities
Cardiovascular Health	Lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and prevents clotting	Contains antioxidants that protect against heart disease	Supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Digestive Health	Supports gut health	Contains prebiotics and enzymes that aid digestion	Probiotic-rich from fermentation, improves gut flora
Other benefits	Detoxification, brain health, cancer prevention research	Soothes sore throats, wound healing	Mellowed flavor, palatable for daily consumption

Conclusion

The combination of garlic and honey represents a powerful and time-tested natural remedy that offers a wide array of benefits for the body. From boosting the immune system and fighting infections to promoting heart health and aiding digestion, this dynamic duo is a testament to the therapeutic potential of natural ingredients. Incorporating it into your routine, especially in its fermented form, can provide significant health advantages. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions, and as with any dietary supplement, consulting with a healthcare professional is always recommended before making significant changes.

Additional reading

Fermented Garlic Honey: A Simple Holistic Remedy

Frequently Asked Questions

Fermented garlic honey is generally safe for most adults, but infants under one year old should never consume it due to the risk of botulism. People on blood-thinning medication or with diabetes should consult a doctor due to potential interactions.

Fermentation mellows the sharp, pungent taste of raw garlic and introduces beneficial probiotic bacteria into the mixture, which supports gut health. It also enhances the bioavailability of nutrients from both ingredients.

For fermentation, it is recommended to use raw, unpasteurized honey, as it contains the natural bacteria and yeasts necessary for the process to occur. Processed honey may not have the same properties.

Consuming fermented garlic and honey directly by the spoonful is a popular method, especially during cold and flu season. It can also be added to teas, marinades, or dressings.

The combination provides a dual-action defense: garlic's allicin disrupts microbial function, while honey's antioxidants and antimicrobial properties fortify the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Yes, garlic and honey can support heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and by providing antioxidants that protect against heart-related diseases.

Fermented garlic honey should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry. It does not require refrigeration and can last for many months.