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She added, "People attempting to do this dangerous TikTok challenge believe that loads of snot draining from their nose is proof that the garlic is working to 'clear' the sinuses when it's actually an expected natural reaction to an irritant."
Sorry, I can't unfuck the formatting. It's a bit of a challenge for Buzzfeed readers to type in one font and use basic writing conventions.
Then again, so is abstaining from shoving foreign objects into one's nostrils.
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In today's episode of ~regular people give medical advice on TikTok~, we have a trend claiming that if you shove giant cloves of garlic up your nose, it'll clear your sinuses:
THE CAPTION SAYS "THIS IS NOT DANGEROUS," BUT I AM FOR SURE QUESTIONING IT!!!
My nose is literally itching as I type this — I can't wait any longer, so let's get to the info! BuzzFeed spoke to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) Dr. Tonia L. Farmer, who has been in practice for 20 years. She is the co-owner of Lippy Group for ENT and Lippy Surgery.
Dr. Farmer said that while garlic does have several health benefits, putting large cloves in your nose to clear congestion is not one of them. "It can lead to inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane lining in the nose and sinuses. Also, the garlic cloves may slip too far into the nostrils, causing them to get lodged in the sinuses."
So, what exactly happens when you put garlic up your nose, because clearly snot does come out? Dr. Farmer said that the garlic is actually blocking the sinus passage — not clearing it — and your body will produce MORE snot as a reaction to the garlic. "Oils from the garlic are an irritant and worsen congestion and drainage. Inserting garlic into the nostrils causes the nose and sinuses to be temporarily blocked. The nose and sinuses react naturally to blockage and irritants by producing more mucus as a protective reaction," she explained.
She added, "People attempting to do this dangerous TikTok challenge believe that loads of snot draining from their nose is proof that the garlic is working to 'clear' the sinuses when it's actually an expected natural reaction to an irritant."
"Garlic has been used for thousands of years and has numerous health benefits when used correctly. It is full of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. It has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and boost immunity. Garlic contains allicin and this component reduces the risk of infections. Allicin has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties," said Dr. Farmer.
She added, "Garlic can be crushed and added to food as a seasoning. It can be placed in olive oil and eaten or used as a spread. Garlic can be boiled and inhaled as a sinus steam or sipped as tea. Garlic supplements can also be taken daily with other vitamins, but check with your physician to make sure adding garlic supplements is safe for you. But too much garlic can increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you are taking blood thinner medication, and it can worsen gastroesophageal reflux."
So, what are some safe ways to clear your sinuses? Dr. Farmer said that both over-the-counter and non-medicated remedies can work well.
And, if you've been on TikTok, you may have seen videos stating that there are certain pressure points on your face that can clear sinus congestion. Dr. Farmer says that acupressure — or a sinus massage — can also be a beneficial complementary treatment for both sinus pressure and congestion.
Sorry, I can't unfuck the formatting. It's a bit of a challenge for Buzzfeed readers to type in one font and use basic writing conventions.
Then again, so is abstaining from shoving foreign objects into one's nostrils.
