As cold and flu season grips the UK, a home remedy promoted by scientist Tim Spector is gaining traction on social media. The concoction, made simply from garlic cloves and honey, is claimed to help combat sniffles, sore throats, and other winter ailments. Spector, who shared the recipe on Instagram, advises peeling garlic cloves, adding them to raw honey, and leaving the mixture to ferment in a dark place, turning the jar daily and 'burping' it every few days.
Spector highlights the health benefits of garlic, noting it is rich in prebiotic inulin fibre and thought to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. He cites a randomised controlled trial where garlic extract led to three times fewer colds over three months compared to a placebo. Honey, he adds, has been shown to improve cough frequency and severity in human trials. The fermented mixture can be eaten as is or used in salad dressings and drizzled over vegetables.
However, experts advise caution. Abbas Kanani, Superintendent Pharmacist at Chemist Click, confirms that both garlic and honey have proven health benefits, with garlic containing allicin—a compound with antibacterial properties—and honey rich in antioxidants. Yet he warns that homemade fermented garlic may have higher sodium content, posing risks for those watching salt intake. He also notes potential adverse reactions and interactions with certain medications.
Kanani emphasises that evidence for fermented foods' benefits largely comes from lab and animal studies, and their role in human health remains unconfirmed by robust clinical trials. For preventing colds and flu, he recommends a healthy, balanced diet as the most effective approach.
