It reads like a delicious chicken marinade.
But TikTokers say a DIY recipe for fermented garlic honey is the perfect home remedy for colds, flu and other winter respiratory ailments — and according to doctors, there might be some truth to that.
Sarah Kim (@hoemgirl) went viral with her mom for a video of the pair mixing up a variety of sticky things at home. “We’re stocking up on some honey garlic because it’s starting to get a little cold, which means we’re going to get sick,” she said.
Together, the pair washed the garlic cloves, steamed them for three minutes in an Instant Pot, transferred them to a jar and covered them with honey. The mixture needs to stand for a while so that the garlic can ferment inside the honey.
“A spoonful a day keeps the doctor away,” said Sarah.
Other TikTokers have shared their videos, including @herbalishapothecary, whose clip has amassed 2.4 million views. She recommends taking a spoonful of honey with a single clove in it every day to boost immunity or whenever you feel sick.
Trace Alexander (@tracesoats) attracted 7.5 million views for his video of trying the purported health-enhancing concoction.
And while it’s gaining traction on social media, fans say it’s not a recent invention.
“This wellness staple isn’t a new trend, it’s a revival of grandma’s wisdom, straight from her kitchen cabinet,” McKenzie Wheeler, wellness blogger and creator of Happy Mama Essentials, told Good Morning America “.
According to Rhysa Phommachanh, a health specialist at Landys Chemist in the UK, there are several things about consuming fermented garlic honey that could be good for you.
“Both garlic and honey have proven benefits all year round, but can particularly support our health in winter,” she told the Mirror.
Garlic is rich in prebiotic insulin fiber, which supports gut health, and is believed to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties to fight disease and relieve cold symptoms. Honey, rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols, helps to balance the immune system and prevent diseases.
Meanwhile, Allison Vincento, MS, RDN, said mixing ingredients has some bonus advantages.
“The mixture may have improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared to consuming honey and garlic separately,” she told EveryGirl.
But nutritionist Beth Czerwony, RD, LD, at the Cleveland Clinic, said that while there are some good things to come from garlic and honey, you shouldn’t count on this pungent concoction to be the answer to your winter health prayers.
“Eating cloves of garlic and consuming honey that has been fermented with garlic can definitely help clear up your sinuses a bit,” Czerwony said. “And honey, in general, can help soothe a sore throat. However, on the whole, fermented garlic honey does not have any magical curative or preventive properties.”
In fact, she doubts that eating the two ingredients together has any additional benefits, and warns that there are also some risks to consider, such as botulism, contaminants and honey’s high sugar content.
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