No evidence garlic treats ear infection, headache

“Garlic helps remove pain in the ears and cures ear infections and headaches quickly and effectively. Simply, put cleaned garlic cloves in your ears – they fit perfectly in the ears as earplugs until you feel relief,” claims a message on Facebook posted by a Nigerian. Garlic belongs to the genus Allium and is closely […]

“Garlic helps remove pain in the ears and cures ear infections and headaches quickly and effectively. Simply, put cleaned garlic cloves in your ears – they fit perfectly in the ears as earplugs until you feel relief,” claims a message on Facebook posted by a Nigerian.

Garlic belongs to the genus Allium and is closely related to onion, scallion, chive, leek and shallot. It has long been used to flavour food and is also known for its therapeutic benefits. But does garlic treat ear pain, infection and headache?

Ignore claim – Dons

A professor of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), head and neck surgery at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Samuel Adoga, told Africa Check that, “I advise people to ignore the claim.”

A professor of anatomy at the University of Lagos, Duru Francis, agreed that there was no evidence of the claim.

Prof. Duru said, “There is no scientific proof to support the claim. I will not encourage anyone to try it out. There are prescribed drugs for ear pain or infection; not garlic. The claim is false. Visit a doctor or an ENT surgeon if you have any challenge with your ears.”

This piece is a   collaboration between Daily Trust and Africa Check to fight health misinformation.