If you have been here for some time you have probably followed along with our family’s steps into low-tox living. The past five years have been full of unlearning and re-learning what we thought we knew about true wellness as well as the effects that ingredients and toxins can have on our bodies. And of course, this has also influenced our medicine cabinet and what we reach for when we are under the weather. We tend to leave doctor’s visits for the really important stuff because we have discovered just how much we are capable of handling right in the comfort of our own home. Let me tell you, it has been the most empowering thing as a mother. I am continually amazed at learning old-fashioned, simple ways to better care for my family when it is needed. For today’s edition of Wellness Wednesday I wanted to share with you how to make a garlic salve for coughs and colds, but it really can be used in many ways and has wonderful benefits!

The health benefits of garlic

Garlic has incredible properties when it comes to health benefits. For centuries, garlic has been used for its medicinal properties. It contains something called ‘allicin’ which is known to help reduce inflammation as well as give antioxidant benefits. Definitely dive in and do some digging to learn more. One way I love doing this is using PubMed. This study on garlic is a good one.

Back in December, Owen had come down with terrible stomach flu. In all of my years, I have never experienced the flu that presented the way this one did and I was throwing everything I had at it. He had been complaining of a pain in his stomach for days and it was intense enough that he didn’t want to eat or drink – everything made it hurt. After several days and worrying about dehydration, we called an at-home medical service to come and examine him to determine if we needed an IV after discussing the situation with our primary care doctor. Luckily, he didn’t which was so surprising. But that same day I came across a homemade salve as a natural remedy to help with sickness and I figured we would give it a try. I jumped into the kitchen with Blake and we whipped it up.

I found it interesting that after I started applying this salve to his abdomen every few hours, he began to feel relief and felt like drinking and eating again within 24 hours. It was sheer relief after watching him for almost a week not eating and looking so sick.

Homemade garlic salve recipe

All you will need to make a homemade garlic salve is:

• fresh garlic cloves (8)
• coconut oil (1/3 cup)
• olive oil (a drizzle)

I also added in drops of a few oils that I knew would be helpful. This is an amazing tool with or without oils, so if you don’t utilize essential oils in your home don’t worry about it.

Toss all of the ingredients in your blender or food processor and blend until a smooth consistency. I then simply pour it into a hinged-lid ball jar to keep it tightly sealed. Then you will simply want to place it in your fridge to allow that coconut oil to firm up a bit. When it is, it should have the same consistency as Chapstick pretty much.

As for applying, it depends on the ailment you are using it for. If someone is coughing, I will apply it to their chest and upper back. If they have a stomach ailment, I apply it there. And I also add it to the bottoms of feet and cover with socks. 

Is there a strong scent with it? Of course, but I love having these types of tools available. Is there a favorite natural remedy you turn to in your home?

For more Wellness Wednesday editions along with low-tox living tips and recipes, head here!