Tossing and turning at night, staring at the ceiling, and trying every sleep hack you’ve seen on the internet—from melatonin to white noise – sound familiar? If restful sleep feels more like a distant dream, there’s one bizarre trick you probably haven’t tried yet: putting garlic under your pillow. As strange as it sounds, this centuries-old remedy might just be the weirdest sleep solution that actually works.
Garlic has been used for ages in various cultures for cooking and its therapeutic and protective qualities. Its strong scent comes from sulfur-containing compounds like allicin, which some believe can relax the nervous system and promote deeper, calmer sleep. Garlic also contains magnesium and potassium, two minerals that support restful sleep.
Recent wellness articles highlight how the aroma of garlic may help open up nasal passages and improve breathing, which is especially useful if you’re struggling with allergies or a mild cold. While there’s limited scientific research on this exact trick, historical and anecdotal evidence is growing. For example, The Times of India notes that garlic has long been believed to ward off nightmares and bad energy, promoting calm and protection at night.
If the smell’s too strong, try placing garlic in a breathable pouch or switching to a nighttime garlic-and-honey drink instead. Either way, this old-school remedy might be the simple, natural fix your sleepless nights have been waiting for.
So next time you’re desperate for sleep, skip the sleep meds – and pass the garlic.