Why Placing Garlic Under Your Pillow Can Improve Your Sleep?

Garlic has long been celebrated for its culinary uses and health benefits, from adding flavor to food to boosting immunity. However, there’s an ancient remedy that suggests placing garlic under your pillow at night can improve your sleep quality. It might sound a little strange, but this age-old trick has roots in traditional folk medicine and has been used for centuries across various cultures. So, what’s behind this unusual practice, and how can garlic potentially aid in sleep?

1. Garlic’s Natural Aroma and Relaxing Properties

Garlic contains sulfur compounds like allicin, which give it its pungent smell and many of its health benefits. When placed under a pillow, the aroma of garlic is believed to have a calming effect that can help relieve stress, which is a common cause of sleep disturbances. The natural scent is thought to soothe the mind and body, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

How It Works:

The smell of garlic, though strong, is often considered grounding. Some people find that the aroma brings a sense of relaxation and calm, similar to how certain essential oils like lavender are used for their calming effects. For those who don’t mind the smell, garlic’s scent can create a relaxing sleep environment.

2. Garlic and Ancient Superstitions

Historically, garlic was also used as a form of protection. Many cultures believed that placing garlic under the pillow would ward off evil spirits or negative energy, bringing peace and safety to sleepers. While these beliefs may not have scientific backing, the ritual itself can be comforting, and this sense of security may psychologically promote better sleep.

3. Garlic and Air Purification

Garlic has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. When placed in the bedroom, it’s believed that garlic can help purify the air by reducing airborne pathogens. While this doesn’t directly improve sleep, having cleaner air in your sleeping space can promote better breathing and may be beneficial for people who suffer from nighttime congestion or mild allergies.