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Homemade Garlic Salve for Coughs & Colds.

March 25, 2013 - 124 Comments

Homemade Garlic Salve for Coughs & Colds. | The Elliott Homestead (.com)

You know those moms that can lift up a car if their child is pinned beneath it?

I'm totally one of those moms.

Well, I think I am anyway.

My children, praise God, have never been pinned under a car to test the theory – but I know that blood boiling feeling I get about protecting them and loving them.

So, assuming they were pinned under a car, I am positive I could absolutely dig deep into the very core of my being and inch by inch, lift it off. Ain't nothin' standing in the way of this Mama Bear and her cubs.

And thus, when the hobbit came down with a cough and cold last week, it instantly brought out that gladiator inside of me.

[su_note note_color=”#FFD760″]Note before we begin: This is one of my more popular posts. And because of this, I actually created a downloadable recipe card just for readers of this post. That way you can refer back to it next time you need it! If you want it, You can click here and I'll send it right away![/su_note]

Baby Owen

Sure, it was just a small cough and cold. But still, seeing that sweet pitiful look on his face, and hearing that sweet little cough, and feeling his warm little cheeks on mine – it just broke my heart.

I pulled out my guns and prepared for battle.

I choose to save Doctor's visits for very, very important matters and I knew that due to the nature of the cough, I would try my hand with home remedies to start helping first. So after a little research in a home-remedies handbook I picked up in a second-hand-bookstore a few years back, I decided to rely on old faithful: garlic.

Raw garlic has incredible health-boosting properties, but obviously we can't request our infants eat a clove of garlic. Heck, the hobbit doesn't even have teeth! Hence the salve. Isn't it cool? The health-boosting properties of raw garlic can be absorbed through the skin!

Sweet, sweet, garlic.

Actually, stinky, stinky, garlic.

But regardless of its pungent nature, I cannot stress how wonderfully this treatment helped. After only a few hours, the coughing had lessened. After 24 hours, the cough was all but gone, as was the fever and pitiful baby. And after that 24 hours, Owen was completely normal – perky, bubbly, smiling, and frickin' cute.

Why am I continually amazed at the incredible power of nature? I should know by now – it works wonderfully!

But back to what's at hand.

Homemade Garlic Salve for Coughs and Colds
You will need:
– 8 cloves garlic, peeled
– 1/3 cup coconut oil
– 10 drops lavender oil (used for a soothing and calming scent)

Combine the ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Blend for about 3 minutes, or until it is a perfectly smooth whipped butter of sorts. You may need to scrap down the sides of the food processor to get all the garlic completely worked into a paste.

When it is finished, you will have a nice, smelly, salve.

Put into a small mason jar or other container and refrigerate (you can use it right away, but refrigerating helps it to set up and keep long-term).

How to use:

– Rub onto the soles of baby's feet. Apply generously. Put socks on to help hold the salve in place.
– Rub on baby's chest.
– Repeat every 2-3 hours until condition improves.

I only used the treatment about 7-10 times total – Owen is now sleeping for 12 hours and I didn't want to wake him to reapply the salve, so I left him alone through the night. But the next morning, though he still had a slight cough, it greatly improved further after a few more morning treatments. And by the next night, he was almost completely clear of all symptoms.

After he was feeling better, I stopped rubbing it on his chest (and yes, he totally smelt like a roast Italian chicken dinner for a few days) and only put it onto his feet.

That sweet, little stinky hobbit. What would I do without him!

It's a difficult thing as a mother, to watch your little one be ill. But I'm very thankful I now have a batch of this salve made up in the fridge to start using immediately when I suspect a bug coming on.

Garlic is incredibly powerful gun for the home-remedier (how do you like that word?) to have in their holster.

Homemade Garlic Salve for Coughs & Colds.

4.80 from 15 votes
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Ingredients
  

  • 8 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 10 drops lavender oil used for a soothing and calming scent

Instructions
 

  • Combine the ingredients together in a food processor or blender.
  • Blend for about 3 minutes, or until it is a perfectly smooth whipped butter of sorts. You may need to scrap down the sides of the food processor to get all the garlic completely worked into a paste.
  • Place in a glass jar.
  • Rub onto the soles of baby’s feet. Apply generously. Put socks on to help hold the salve in place. You can also rub on baby’s chest.
  • Repeat every 2-3 hours until condition improves.

[su_note note_color=”#FFD760″]As we wrap up: I didn't want you to miss this. This is one of my more popular posts.I actually created a downloadable recipe card just for readers of this post. That way you can refer back to it next time you need it! If you want it, you can click here and I'll send it right away![/su_note]

Homemade Garlic Salve for coughs and colds

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Comments:

  1. Jaimie Ramsey

    March 25, 2013 at 9:51 am

    My mom has started using a variety of essential oils for all-natural remedies. I’m going to have to share this with her, and try it myself next time I get a cold! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Dana

    March 25, 2013 at 10:43 am

    I would love to know how you cured an ear infection too! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      March 25, 2013 at 6:25 pm

      We used garlic oil and chiropractic care to cure G’s ear infection – got rid of it without antibiotics and haven’t had any sort of problem in over three months! https://theelliotthomestead.com/2012/12/antibiotics-and-alternatives-for-ear-infections/

      Reply
      • Marlise

        November 18, 2015 at 1:11 am

        I would love to try this but where would i get lavender oil im in Austin

        Reply
        • C

          January 3, 2018 at 4:22 pm

          Whole Foods in Austin

          Reply
        • Trish

          January 1, 2022 at 1:38 pm

          Amazon!

          Reply
      • Rita

        December 12, 2022 at 8:29 pm

        You may also cure one also by adding tea tree oil with hemp seed oil on a cotton ball. Insert in ear and it will be gone, like magic.

        Reply
    • Tamara Feland

      March 26, 2013 at 3:50 am

      you can also use onion juice to cure ear infections…just a few drops in the ear will do it

      Reply
    • Hana

      December 3, 2019 at 8:39 pm

      Tee tree oil (1 drop) onto a cotton ball. Place it right before the ear entrance. No oil into the ear canal itself. But just right before the opening (over night) helps wonders !! I had a bad ear ache with ringing in my ears. I did this for a couple hours and next day my pain was gone, no more ringing in my ears.

      Reply
    • Kim

      December 14, 2019 at 6:26 am

      a few drops of100 percent Garlic oil diluted with almond oil.

      Reply
  3. Roxana Dora

    March 25, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    Perfect! Just what I needed after needlessly suffering through a terrible cold for more days than I’d like. Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Noël McNeil

    March 25, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    Your little man is downright smoochable, I have to admit I was a little sidetracked by his cuteness. 🙂 The same thing happens with my little Leah…she is a great distracter. Looks like your rubbin’ off on me with our unique word-making ability. Thanks for the salve recipe, I’ll definitely be using this the next time the cold bug hits our house.

    Reply
  5. Melanie

    March 27, 2013 at 3:18 pm

    Can you please share the name of the home remedy book? Thanks! And your little “roast chicken” is adorable!

    Reply
    • Christina

      April 17, 2016 at 12:01 pm

      I think it’s “Be Your own Doctor” by Rachel Weaver

      Reply
  6. Emily

    March 27, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    I tried making this in a food processor and the garlic didn’t seem to chop up well and then tried it in the vitamix and same result. Is the garlic supposed to be kind of chunky? Or at least do you think it will still work if it is? LOL (Or maybe its because im not making enough?)

    Reply
    • Rachel Larouche

      April 5, 2013 at 9:17 pm

      Maybe try to chop them very fine before hand?! I have a garlic crusher, maybe that would do the trick… I have to try it too 🙂

      Reply
    • Danita

      October 7, 2013 at 8:53 pm

      When I make this salve I blend it up n let it sit a little than i strain the chunks of garlic out. Love garlic salve for sick children!

      Reply
      • Susan

        August 11, 2016 at 7:57 am

        How do you strain the garlic out, especially since the coconut oil isn’t runny?

        Reply
        • Jaimie Ram

          January 26, 2017 at 3:59 pm

          I heated the mixture after I added the garlic and before I added the lavender oil, to melt the coconut oil. You don’t have to heat it much, just enough to melt the oil (it melts at 76 degrees F). Then I strained out the garlic and used it in chicken soup! 🙂

          Reply
      • Gwendolyn

        April 1, 2020 at 3:09 pm

        Get a bottle of black seed oil and put one drop in your ear and rub your neck in part of your throat that hurts and it goes away

        Reply
      • REBECCA

        November 30, 2022 at 6:40 am

        5 stars
        Hey! I made a batch using fractionated coconut oil, and was wondering if it’s ok? Also I’ve kept it in the freezer , and have been reading about botulism. Am I doing things right?

        Reply
    • Jerry Billington

      September 19, 2020 at 9:04 pm

      I use a ninja food blender for mine but I make it 1/2 cup coconut oil , 1/2 cup olive oil to 20 garlic cloves !! It’s hard with the little amount!!

      Reply
  7. Clarissa

    April 10, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    My baby had been running a fever for a day and a half, I made this and his fever broke 30 minutes later. My husband and I were shocked. I was so happy I came across this. He did smell like a roasted chicken, but it was worth it. Thanks for sharing. I love this blog.

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      April 21, 2013 at 7:55 pm

      That’s AWESOME!

      Reply
    • Brittany A

      August 6, 2013 at 11:49 am

      Daughter is a sickly child and gets febrile seizures with her fevers. Because of this, I do generally run to the doctor.. I really want to try this out on her now.

      Reply
      • Jodi

        February 19, 2020 at 6:38 pm

        Elderberry syrup is a natural fever reducer, use sugar instead of honey as the sweetener if they’re under a year

        Peppermint oil has also been effective. Dilute and rub in the feet. Or a few drops in ice water and make a cold compress. Mix lavender with the peppermint in the compress if they’re upset.

        Reply
    • A Mayers

      January 8, 2019 at 3:14 am

      I don’t go anywhere away from home (overnight I mean!) without garlic oil capsules. This recipe sounds fantastic and want to try it, but I have always been so amazed at how quickly garlic oil can break a fever and bring a sick baby/child through! Rub it all over their feet and now, per this advice, I’ll be rubbing it all over their chests too lol!

      Reply
  8. Holly @ Your Gardening Friend

    September 8, 2013 at 8:40 pm

    Your little hobbit is adorable.

    Isn’t is wonderful how God has given us an amazing medicine cabinet growing out of the dirt?! 🙂 I’ll have to try this on my husband if he starts to get another episode of bronchitis. (I actually LOVE the smell of garlic. 🙂 )

    I’ll be sharing this on FB this week. THANKS!

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      September 10, 2013 at 9:48 pm

      Awesome! I hope it works well for you! And thank you 🙂 We think he’s pretty scrumptious too.

      Reply
      • Kris

        October 24, 2016 at 3:09 am

        How old is your baby? I’m wondering if this is safe for my 10 week old.

        Reply
        • Shaye Elliott

          November 6, 2016 at 12:40 am

          Yes, it would be safe. Dilute it heavily if you’re worried with more oil/less garlic!

          Reply
      • Christina

        November 1, 2018 at 12:01 pm

        Is it ok for a 10 month old?

        Reply
        • Nobuntu

          July 6, 2019 at 3:08 am

          My granddaughter is 5 weeks old. She is coughing,and whizzing I just crushed a piece of garlic infused it boiling water,let it cool, and put drops of freshly picked organic lemon and a bit of coconut oil. I have her a teaspoon to drink. Let the mother breastfed her. I will definitely try the salve when she wakes up. Thank you.

          Reply
  9. Adelina

    September 19, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    Awesome recipe and a very very cute baby! Thanks so much for sharing. I’ll try it on my children. I myself add some fried garlic into my own food during cough and cold and it seemed to work wonderfully. Thanks to God’s gift to us.

    Reply
  10. Vieve

    October 3, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    Baby is a sweetheart! Glad this worked so well. First I’ve heard of it as a salve. I’ve used it successfully around the ear for ear aches, with olive oil and massage. Is the Lavedner Oil essential to the effectiveness? I don’t have any. We don’t need it at the moment, but if the lavender oil is not essential and just to cover up the “sweet, stinky” smell, then may I skip it? Love garlic!

    Reply
  11. Chandra

    October 7, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I don’t have any lavender oil, but I have eucalyptus, would that work?

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      November 4, 2013 at 9:30 pm

      A few weeks?

      Reply
    • Harmony

      December 17, 2016 at 1:01 pm

      5 stars
      Eucalyptus isn’t recommended for children under 6 years-old; it can slow down their heart rate and breathing. So, if it’s for a child, then no eucalyptus; if it’s for a child over 6 or an adult it would be safe to use.

      Reply
  12. Deanna

    October 7, 2013 at 11:01 am

    The picture of you and little hobbit man totally made my morning! My kids are almost grown now so I have to get my baby fix by proxy. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Elaine

    October 7, 2013 at 11:05 am

    How long will a batch keep in the fridge? (I used this on my son and it worked great!)

    Reply
    • Lois

      October 3, 2022 at 5:20 am

      I am wondering as well. How long did you keep it stored in the refrigerator? And how can you tell when it is no longer good?

      Reply
  14. Heather

    October 7, 2013 at 12:19 pm

    No sickness in my home yet. Can I make this ahead of time? How long will it last in the fridge?

    Reply
  15. Lynn

    October 7, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    Thank you so much! You have inspired me and given me confidence about taking care of my babies naturally on many different occasions. I would like to know how long it last also. Hubby is sick and would like to have some in hand just in case the kiddos get it too. Thanks!

    Reply
  16. Vieve

    October 9, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    Okay. Writing back again. A cold has struck, like I thought it might. I made this up, minus the lavender on Sunday. By Tuesday it stunk like crazy. Can’t explain. Not garlic. It was on the counter over night, then in the fridge, but it was too hard to apply, then back on the counter. It didn’t smell rancid, just some nondescript awful. I use Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Organic Coconut oil and organic garlic. How long is this supposed to keep? I assumed it would be good for at least a week.

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      October 9, 2013 at 9:50 pm

      Vieve, that’s weird. I’ve never had this problem with it at all. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help!

      Reply
      • Betty Butcher

        December 16, 2020 at 9:25 am

        Could you use minced gsrlic?

        Reply
    • Jodi

      February 19, 2020 at 6:44 pm

      Add more olive oil. Fridge might be cold. My batch did that this week. I use a tiny spoon, dig out a few chunks and rub it on the kids anyway. The body heat melts and it works fine.

      I have coconut allergies, and I’m hoping to try this with a good quality lard. Buy a lard from whole foods without chemicals. Lard at fridge temp is the same as coconut oil, and no it doesn’t have an odor like an unrendered fat woul have.

      I do not use this as carrier oil, it’s only for the thicker salve.

      Reply
  17. Anne

    October 11, 2013 at 9:58 am

    I tried making it yesterday. Minced the garlic, maybe i added too much of the lavender oil.

    It never turned into a salve, was much runnier than that at room temperature. I wanted to use it for myself last night as I have had a bad cold and cough for the last three weeks.

    It stank to high heaven (or chicken heaven) and it was overwhelming for me to be breathing it all night long. Reapplied it twice during the night, but it was more like applying baby oil than vicks vaporub.

    Definitely going to have to wash my sheets and duvet cover as the garlic smell got into everything!

    I like the idea of the salve, but not sure why it is so runny….
    Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      November 4, 2013 at 9:26 pm

      Sounds like the coconut oil was too warm. Maybe try refrigerating it next time so that the coconut oil with solidify and then just using a small amount of the hardened salve that way?

      Reply
  18. Rachel

    November 4, 2013 at 8:43 am

    Can anyone help? How much is a 1/3 cup of coconut oil? I’m in the UK.

    Reply
    • Becky

      January 25, 2014 at 6:49 pm

      I Googled and found this:
      1 cup is about 200 ml, so 200 divided by 3 is 36.7 ml.

      Reply
      • L

        January 4, 2022 at 6:52 am

        Closer to 65ml

        Reply
  19. TinaBina

    December 4, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    I was hoping you might be able to point me in another direction – my daughter is allergic to milk, soy, nuts, coconut and whole wheat – is there ANYTHING we can safely substitute for the coconut oil?

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      December 5, 2013 at 11:54 am

      Jojoba oil?

      Reply
    • PickwickMama

      December 20, 2015 at 8:04 am

      We steep garlic in olive oil, cool it, and store in a dark place at room temp for the same effect.

      Reply
    • Jodi

      February 19, 2020 at 6:45 pm

      Try a high quality lard. Epic brand.

      Reply
  20. Endia

    December 14, 2013 at 10:37 pm

    Thank you soooo much made this last night/early this am and my 8 month old breathing is completely clear!!! No.antibiotics!!!!! Will continue to use tomorrow just incase!

    Reply
  21. Courtney

    January 15, 2014 at 5:17 am

    Can this be used on newborns if they get sick? Like 8 weeks old? And how long will it keep in the fridge?

    Reply
  22. Emma

    January 22, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    Thanks for this! Do you think it would work without the lavender oil? I don’t have any on hand

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      April 3, 2014 at 3:49 pm

      Yep!

      Reply
  23. Tammy

    January 23, 2014 at 11:39 am

    How vital is the lavender oil? DH is allergic/sensitive to it-it triggers asthma attacks in him. Will it work as well with out it?

    Reply
    • Jodi

      February 19, 2020 at 6:48 pm

      Works fine, just smells better with it.

      Reply
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  25. Arianna

    February 27, 2014 at 5:43 pm

    Thank you so much Shaye for posting this recipe! My 2 1/2 year old son got a nasty cough/cold and could not stop coughing yesterday to the point that he was throwing up and could not sleep. I made this garlic salve, and 24 hours later, he is resting and barely coughing. After a doctor’s visit today, they said there is nothing they can do for him, just a nasty cold. Thank God for nature! Thanks again Shaye and blessings to you and your family!

    Reply
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  27. Kristina

    April 3, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    Do you recommend this for a 3 week old as well?? My little one has a cough and very congested. I hate seeing him like this 🙁

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      April 3, 2014 at 4:07 pm

      Yes! Perhaps dilute it a bit more with coconut oil.

      Reply
  28. Susan E

    April 7, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    I think I remember this post.I put crushed garlic on my 10 yr old socks two days ago, dried eucalyptus on his shelf, and bought a new plug-in diffuser w/ essential oil in it because I was desperate to rid of his cough naturally. This is of course w/ bath, honey/lemon, lots of water, tea, and bone-broths. He is on the mend now and what makes me happy is that even at his age, he doesn’t mind that I try those remedies even if his room smells like an Italian Restaurant at the moment. 🙂 Great post and love your ideas for so many Mom’s that may try this and be thankful for it.

    Reply
  29. jass

    April 7, 2014 at 11:36 pm

    can i use eucalyptus oil ,mela oil or any oil will do?
    thanks

    Reply
  30. kim

    May 16, 2014 at 7:48 am

    Hi Shaye, I was wondering if you have heard of ‘ Hot and Cold compresses” for chest congestion? This is another good healer, remember to protect delicate baby skin. Love your remedies, and, the fact that you share these wonders with us.

    Reply
  31. Cheryl Floyd

    November 24, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    Mucinex was one of the ads on your post. :/

    Reply
  32. Mija

    December 3, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    In your post you mentioned pink-eye as well. For the life of me, I can’t imagine how you treat that with garlic?!? Am I crazy or is that not what you meant? 🙂 But seriously, I have one that looks like he’s coming down with it on the back of a nasty cold…any helpful info would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
  33. Allison

    January 18, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    Goodness does my Josephine stink or what? Stink something good because my family loves garlic. Daughter came down with a cold and rough cough yesterday…up all night with her. My mom showed me your website and I just applied her first dose. Hope it works…

    Reply
  34. dayna

    March 17, 2015 at 7:57 am

    I don’t have and lavender oil, is there anything else that I can use instead?

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      March 24, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      I’d just leave it out.

      Reply
  35. Iana Fincher

    April 20, 2015 at 10:19 am

    I can’t wait to try this. How long does the garlic salve last if refrigerated?

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      July 17, 2015 at 7:09 pm

      Garlic salve lasts a couple months.

      Reply
  36. Lauren

    June 24, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    My son has had a cough for a few days and now his eyes are getting crusty and I’m worried pink eye is developing. I have been applying the salve on his chest and feet for the cough, but where do I apply it to stop the pink eye from developing? Or will it work just because the garlic is running throughout his system? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      July 12, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      I’ve never used the Garlic salve for pink eye so can’t say for sure.

      Reply
  37. Esther

    July 7, 2015 at 3:37 am

    My 10monts old baby down with flu, cough and FEVER, can i still apply the garlic oil on her sore and chest despite with fever?

    Reply
  38. Genevieve

    August 20, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    This is awesome! Thank you!

    Reply
  39. Tara

    September 2, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Great Post! I am kinda new to your blog, just found you about a month ago and loving it! We are a ghetto version of suburban homesteaders with a garden our neighbors hate, a small front yard orchard and 10 chickens we love! We use natural organic homemade – for almost 5 years now, solely. My boys are 4 and 2 and have been raised without modern medicines thus far- with much great success. We use zero chemical or commercial products for body or cleaning. I love these recipes and gems!

    I have found the best and fastest remedy for all infections and respiratory issues, is bee propolis. Mine are old enough that I can mix it with honey because we use the extract and you never give it straight, but they also make powders and it could be mixed with other things. We also make garlic syrup- which they love. For infections of any kind, or illnesses, we begin propolis 2-3 times a day with a syrup/honey spoonful and most never catch on. Its fast! It has zero adverse reactions that I have found and its fairly inexpensive and also anti-viral! I love telling all natural moms- its helped us through some potentially rough ordeals.

    We have a natural body products company that I have done some extensive research for, specifically ragarding raising boys, I was cautioned at the onset about certain EOs that have been tested and shown to have some potentially strong adverse reactions in boys- Lavender EO is one of them. So much so that I almost always substitute Tea Tree or Rosemary for my boys. There is some published info regarding this on the internet. Just wanted to throw the caution up for your precious little man.

    Thank you so much for this wonderful blog and view into your beautiful family and life! I enjoy seeing the updates every day!
    Tara

    Reply
    • Emily Huffman

      December 9, 2016 at 10:12 am

      I believe Eucalyptus and Rosemary are also contraindicated for children under 10 and 6 respectively. Is this correct?

      Reply
    • Christi

      April 23, 2017 at 3:29 am

      Thank you Tara for all of that very helpful information.

      Reply
    • Tiffany

      September 4, 2022 at 12:14 pm

      Love the info you shared. Would love to get your contact if possible!. I’m currently pregnant and I’ve been taking been propolis(when I remember) in capsule form, wondering if I can add the extra doses? Been wanting to make the garlic salve as well but my kids are so picky I don’t know if they will endure the scent!

      Reply
  40. Michelle

    October 15, 2015 at 11:11 am

    My daughter is 6 months is it safe to use on her? Or is she too young?

    Reply
  41. Cat

    January 12, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    We have been using sliced garlic on our thirteen children for 16 years now but last week my wife made your recipe for our 6 year old when he woke up scared and screaming because of the heavy ingestion in his chest. It helped him breath and sleep all night and he was much better the next day! We are using it on five of the grand kids who were very sick also. It’s terrific! Thank You for sharing and may the God of Israel bless You richly!

    Reply
  42. Bebewellness Round Crib

    August 14, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    5 stars
    Great post! Your little hobbit is adorable. Isn’t is wonderful how God has given us an amazing medicine cabinet growing out of the dirt?! I’ll have to try this on my husband if he starts to get another episode of bronchitis.

    Reply
  43. Nadia

    October 18, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    5 stars
    How long will the salve stay for in the fridge? Will it go bad at any point?

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      November 6, 2016 at 12:41 am

      It’ll stay good for months!

      Reply
  44. Maribel

    December 5, 2016 at 7:50 pm

    Does this help with runny nose as well? My daughter had a runny nose and a cough.

    Reply
  45. Emily Huffman

    December 9, 2016 at 10:06 am

    Thanks for the recipe! All the other recipes I searched use Eucalyptus and/or Peppermint EO, which I am not cool with using on my baby. I may even omit the Lavender from this one (just personal preference). Think I will also try adding some beeswax to firm it up. I’m stoked to try this, glad I love garlic so much!!

    Reply
  46. Allison

    December 14, 2016 at 10:47 am

    5 stars
    Hi, I’ve been using this salve on my 9 month old for two days now & she is so much better, thank you! Her fever went away after the first full day of using it and she had lots more energy. Now she’s getting rid of lots of mucus, yum! I made the salve on Sunday, now it’s Wednesday, and I haven’t been refrigerating it. My house hasn’t gotten warmer than 66 degrees F. It smells fine (garlicky, coconutty & lavendery) but should I be worried it’s bad? Someone’s mentioning of botulism got me scared. Thank you for your help!

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      January 17, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      Nope – it’s totally fine at room temperature. I’m glad it worked!

      Reply
    • Gracie-ann Kerr-Bailey

      December 17, 2019 at 3:46 pm

      I am happy that i came across your recipe but i don’t have any coconut oil is there any other substitue that i could use. My 5 month old is so stuffy and the cough is so bad i am stressing….please let me know thanks

      Reply
  47. Sarah Weimar

    January 14, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    Can you use this safely on a three month old?

    Reply
    • Shaye Elliott

      January 17, 2017 at 2:47 pm

      Yes!

      Reply
  48. Sabree

    January 24, 2017 at 12:15 am

    5 stars
    Unfortunately i dont own a food processor grinder or even a blender at the moment mine broke ????.. so i just used an old fasioned grater ???? and so far the salve looks great..the garlic is in little slivers but not big chunks and seems to bkend well with the coconut oil! Hoping and praying it kills my babies viruses!…

    Reply
  49. Sabree

    January 24, 2017 at 12:20 am

    Ty btw for posting this great reciepe! God bless!

    Reply
  50. Stacey

    January 30, 2017 at 9:02 am

    Hello! Do you think this may help my son who has had a bad chesty cough for about 3 months now! He is 16 months :'(

    Reply
  51. example

    April 15, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    There’s definately a great deal to find out about
    this issue. I like all the points you have made.

    Reply
  52. Delfina

    June 8, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Is it safe to use this on my one month old?

    Reply
  53. Rita

    June 28, 2017 at 7:47 am

    We are trying this tonight. Will applying it directly to the skin cause a bit of ‘garlic burn’?

    Reply
  54. Joni

    July 4, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    I am wondering if anyone knows if this would help for whooping cough?

    Reply
  55. Tara Carpenter

    September 18, 2017 at 9:07 am

    5 stars
    I applied this salve on my 10 year old son’s feet and chest a total of 3 times. After the 2nd application he said “Mom I think stuff is working, I feel almost all the way better”. Great news for one tired mom. He stinks of garlic but absolutely better than the cough that was beginning to settle deeper into his lungs. Try it! It stores great in the fridge.

    Reply
  56. Celia

    January 20, 2018 at 2:23 am

    Hi going to try this salve today. I see you mention to leave out lavender oil if you don’t have. But can you lemon? Is that a decongestant for babies (I have a 4 y/o and an 8 month old baby) thank you.

    Reply
  57. Adrianna

    January 20, 2018 at 6:46 pm

    Would you be able to use minced jar garlic with the same effect?

    Reply
    • Vickye

      January 23, 2018 at 12:35 am

      I chopped my garlic and then melted the coconut oil over low heat on the stove. Then I just stressibg the garlic out and poured the oil into a glass jar.

      Reply
  58. Prathyusha

    March 6, 2018 at 9:26 am

    4 stars
    Can I use eucalyptus oil instead of lavender oil.

    Reply
  59. Pooja

    August 16, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    Hi, This remedy sounds very helpful.
    Can I try this on my 1month old baby??
    Kindly Reply.

    Reply
  60. Charity

    August 22, 2018 at 9:07 am

    Shaye, this garlic salve has been a staple in our families home since I came across it on your blog a few years ago. I never worry when the kids come down with a cold now. I dont always have Lavender oil on hand and it still does the job. The adults even use it. My parents ask for it also after seeing how it has worked – This stuff is amazing! Thank you thank thank you!

    Reply
  61. Charity

    August 22, 2018 at 9:08 am

    5 stars
    Shaye, just wanted to drop in again and say that this garlic salve has been a staple in our families home since I came across it on your blog a few years ago. I never worry when the kids come down with a cold now. I dont always have Lavender oil on hand and it still does the job. The adults even use it. My parents ask for it also after seeing how it has worked – This stuff is amazing! Thank you thank thank you!

    Reply
  62. Tanya

    January 13, 2019 at 5:30 pm

    5 stars
    Is it okay to double the recipe? I ended up having it do that because my nutribullet would not blend such a small amount (it was below the blade). Also is it kept in the frig? And how long can you keep it for?

    Reply
  63. Nobuntu

    July 6, 2019 at 5:50 am

    4 stars
    My granddaughter is 5 weeks old. She is coughing,and whizzing I just crushed a piece of garlic infused it boiling water,let it cool, and put drops of freshly picked organic lemon and a bit of coconut oil. I have her a teaspoon to drink. Let the mother breastfed her. I will definitely try the salve when she wakes up. Thank you.

    Reply
  64. Angie

    November 11, 2019 at 7:57 pm

    5 stars
    I absolutely LOVE this garlic salve! I share the recipe with everyone I know. When I first tried it, my son was coughing constantly through the night. I tried everything else you can imagine…vaporizer, over-the-counter chest rub, etc. I whipped this recipe up and applied it to his feet and chest…30 minutes later he was silent and sleeping soundly! Even my husband, the naysayer, was amazed. This is a staple in our house; I always have a batch made up in the fridge. When my kids start coughing, they always say, “Mom, I need some garlic” 🙂

    Reply
    • Heather

      December 21, 2019 at 8:00 am

      This did help me feel better 3 weeks ago. However, I didn’t realize how crucial it is to refrigerate it, and then only for 2-3 days, according to the information found through the following link, due to the risk of BOTULISM: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/stinking_facts_about_garlic

      Reply
  65. Jade

    December 26, 2019 at 10:27 am

    What size cloves? Mine are humongous not the regular size so I don’t know how many to use now

    Reply
  66. Garlic Girl

    January 1, 2020 at 7:58 pm

    4 stars
    Perfectly written, except ONE HUGE problem… you can’t keep that salve long term. The power of the Allicin is when the garlic is crushed up to 90 minutes. You can’t keep it more than 90 minutes if you expect the same healing effect. Use it for up to 2 hours then make it new.
    Also, use the magic bullet and it chops up well. Also baths in garlic are amazing.

    Reply
  67. Manisha Parameswaran

    February 14, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    I plan to do this for my 8 mos old. She’s been coughing up badly lately. I myself eat lots of garlic and cure my flu but for a baby won’t the garlic burn the skin (won’t it cause a stinging burning feeling)?

    Reply
  68. Susan

    December 4, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    Did you apply this garlic salve directly to the skin? or do you have to apply something else, first? (to prevent any skin irritations)

    Reply
  69. Fatima Fernandes

    December 6, 2020 at 9:45 am

    Can I use the salve on my 2 month old baby?

    Reply
  70. Salma

    April 28, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    I peel few cloves of garlic cut into small pieces and put under my daughter’ pillow whenever she is congested due to cold. This works great and she sleeps throughout the night.

    Reply
  71. Dawn

    November 13, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    5 stars
    THIS WORKED!!!!! My 5-month-old had a really bad cough along with congestion which he picked up from his older sister when she was sick. Our doctor told us that it would subside with enough time and to keep monitoring him to ensure he stays hydrated and continues to have wet diapers. I felt helpless when he would cough and cough. I read this article after 9 am today and immediately made the mixture and started applying it on his chest and feet every 2 hours. It is now 5:34pm and his coughing is almost non-existent! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

    Reply
  72. Walter

    May 9, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    Can you use the Jar of diced garlic you buy from the supermarket or does it have to be a fresh garlic bulb and dice it fresh?

    Reply

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