Looking for an effective cold remedy that doesn't require resorting to chemical remedies? Garlic syrup has been helping people fight infections and boost their immunity for centuries. Garlic is known as a natural antibiotic —and rightly so. Its unique antibacterial properties effectively support your body in fighting pathogens. If you want to boost your immunity, a traditional garlic, honey, and lemon concoction is a true treasure for your health . Allicin, released when a garlic clove is crushed, has powerful antimicrobial properties. You'll learn how to prepare an effective garlic syrup that will help you get through cold season without complications. Check out these tried-and-true recipes and discover the secrets of naturally combating infections.
Properties of garlic and its effect on immunity
Garlic has accompanied humanity as a natural ally of health for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations valued it not only as a spice but, above all, as a medicine. Today, science confirms the wisdom of our ancestors – garlic indeed contains unique active compounds that effectively strengthen your immunity.
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans already knew the properties of garlic . They used it to treat infections, increase strength, and improve overall health. Modern scientific research is explaining the mechanisms of action that our ancestors intuitively discovered.
Garlic - a natural medicine
Have you ever wondered why garlic has been considered a natural medicine for centuries ? Its extraordinary power to fight infections stems from the plant's rich chemical composition. It contains a wide range of bioactive compounds that have a multifaceted effect on your health. However, it's its ability to strengthen the body's natural defenses that has attracted the most attention from scientists.
Garlic contains an amino acid called alliin, which, when mechanically damaged (cutting, crushing) and by the action of the enzyme alliinase, is converted into the active substance allicin. This compound is responsible for garlic's characteristic, intense aroma and most of its health-promoting properties.
Additionally , garlic also contains vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9/B11 (folic acid) , as well as valuable minerals: manganese, zinc, phosphorus, and calcium . The combination of these ingredients makes garlic a true nutritional powerhouse that supports your immune system.
Garlic and its properties
Allicin is an organic sulfur compound that is formed only when garlic tissues are damaged. Fresh, intact garlic cloves do not contain allicin—they contain its precursor, the odorless allin. Only when garlic is crushed or chopped does the enzyme allinase, which converts allin into active allicin, become released .
This process is crucial to garlic's properties . Remember, the more thoroughly you crush a garlic clove, the more allicin it will produce . That's why it's worth investing in a garlic press . This kitchen tool is excellent for maximizing allicin release. A garlic press crushes the clove much more finely than a knife, allowing for the release of more of the allinase enzyme and, as a result, the production of more healing allicin.
Allicin has strong antiviral properties, which have been confirmed in numerous studies. This explains why garlic syrup is so effective in relieving cold and flu symptoms.
Regularly consuming garlic can shorten the duration of infections and reduce the intensity of cold symptoms. Studies show that people who regularly consume garlic are less likely to develop respiratory viral infections, and if they do contract the illness, it is milder and shorter.
Garlic syrup , especially when combined with honey and lemon, is a natural cold remedy that combines the antiviral properties of garlic , the soothing effects of honey, and the richness of lemon vitamin C. This combination has multifaceted effects:
- supports the immune system in the fight against viruses
- soothes throat inflammation
- has an analgesic effect
- dilutes secretions and facilitates expectoration
- clears the respiratory tract
Unlike antibiotics, which only work on bacteria, garlic fights 
Viruses, which are the most common cause of colds and upper respiratory tract infections, also contribute to the prevention of infections. Furthermore, while antibiotics also destroy beneficial bacteria in the intestines, garlic acts selectively – it does not harm the natural microflora of the digestive tract . Garlic has even been observed to have a beneficial effect on the growth of Lactobacillus bacteria, which promotes the proper functioning of the digestive tract.
Garlic and its effect on immune mechanisms
- Consuming it delays the aging process and strengthens the immune system. The antioxidants it contains neutralize free radicals, which contribute to cell aging and the development of many diseases.
- Garlic syrup is especially recommended during periods of weakened immunity and increased susceptibility to colds and flu. It's a natural way to fight infections, which you can use both preventatively and during illness.
- A traditional garlic and milk concoction is a natural way to combat the common cold. This combination reduces fever, increases sweating, increases expectoration, and clears congested airways. This is especially helpful for upper respiratory tract infections, which most often occur in the fall and winter.
- Garlic , thanks to its antimicrobial properties, is also effective in fighting cold viruses. Studies show that regular garlic consumption can reduce the frequency of colds by up to 63%.
- Garlic also benefits your blood vessels. It has a hypotensive effect, lowering blood pressure [11]. Allicin improves the elasticity of blood vessels and promotes their dilation, which helps normalize blood pressure. Regular garlic consumption may be helpful in treating mild to moderate hypertension.
- The digestive system also benefits from regular garlic consumption. The active substances in garlic negatively impact the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which causes inflammation of the stomach lining, ulcers, and can lead to stomach cancer.
Garlic syrup recipe 
To maximize the medicinal properties of garlic , it's worth crushing it thoroughly. Crushing the clove releases more allicin, which increases the effectiveness of garlic syrup or other garlic preparations. When preparing a homemade garlic mixture , it's worth investing in a good garlic press to effectively release these valuable compounds. Here's the recipe for the syrup:
Ingredients:
- 4–5 large cloves of garlic
- ½ cup of honey (preferably natural)
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2–3 tablespoons of boiled, lukewarm water
Preparation:
- Peel and finely chop the garlic or press it through a press.
- Transfer to a jar and pour honey over it.
- Add lemon juice and water, mix thoroughly.
- Close the jar and set aside in a dark, cool place for 24 hours to allow the ingredients to combine.
- After this time, the syrup is ready to consume.
Dosage: 1–2 teaspoons daily as immune support (for adults).
Garlic syrup is one of the most popular natural ways to boost immunity during the fall and winter seasons. It combines the antibacterial and antiviral properties of garlic with the soothing properties of honey and vitamin C from lemon. Regularly consuming the syrup can support the body in fighting infections, shorten the duration of colds, and have anti-inflammatory properties. It's a simple, inexpensive, and all-natural way to strengthen the body—ideal, especially during periods of increased infection.