Many people have the habit of placing garlic cloves under their pillow or at the head of the bed before going to sleep. Surprisingly, this simple practice may bring several health and wellness benefits that are worth trying.

Benefits of Placing Garlic by the Bed

1. Improves Sleep Quality
A clove of garlic under your pillow may help you sleep more soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. Garlic is rich in vitamins B1 and B6, which help combat insomnia and promote the production of hormones that regulate sleep cycles. By supporting deeper and more restorative sleep, garlic may help you feel more alert, energized, and focused in the morning.

2. Boosts Immune Function
Garlic is well-known for its health-promoting properties. Its strong antibacterial compounds, especially allicin, help neutralize harmful bacteria in the body. Regularly keeping garlic near your bed may contribute to a sense of wellness, reducing the frequency of minor illnesses and helping you feel more awake in the morning.

3. Repels Mosquitoes and Insects
The pungent aroma of garlic can naturally repel many insects, including mosquitoes and flies. The strong smell disrupts their orientation, making it less likely for them to enter your bedroom. For those sensitive to insect bites or living in areas with high mosquito populations, garlic can serve as a simple, natural deterrent.

4. Helps Relieve Nasal Congestion
Garlic contains allicin, a potent natural antibiotic. This compound can gradually help clear nasal passages by breaking down mucus and fighting minor infections. While the effect is subtle and slow, placing a clove of garlic under your pillow over time may ease congestion and support easier breathing. Those who frequently suffer from stuffy noses due to seasonal changes or mild respiratory conditions may find this especially helpful.

5. Promotes Relaxation
Traditional folk wisdom suggests that placing garlic near the head can calm the nervous system and promote relaxation, helping with mild insomnia. While the effect is generally modest, some people find the subtle scent of garlic soothing and mentally grounding before sleep.

Tips for Handling Garlic

1. Use a Hot Pan to Peel Garlic
If peeling garlic seems tedious, heat a pan and place the separated cloves in it. Rub the cloves against each other briefly—the skins will loosen, making it much easier to remove them. This saves time compared to peeling each clove individually.

2. Crush Before Peeling
Instead of peeling the cloves first, try lightly crushing them with the flat side of a knife. After crushing, the skin comes off easily, and you can then chop or mince the garlic. This method reduces effort and makes preparation quicker.

3. Soak in Warm Water
Separating cloves and soaking them in warm water for about two minutes can soften the skins. After soaking, peel the cloves—it’s faster and cleaner than doing it dry.

4. Use a Microwave
For a modern twist, slice off the root end of the garlic bulb to separate the cloves. Place them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The heat loosens the skins, which can then be easily removed by gently rubbing the cloves with your fingers. This is a convenient trick when preparing larger amounts of garlic.

Final Thoughts

While placing garlic under your pillow may sound unusual, the combination of health, wellness, and practical benefits makes it an intriguing habit to try. Whether it’s improving sleep, boosting immunity, repelling insects, or easing nasal congestion, a simple clove of garlic might offer surprising advantages. Coupled with easy peeling and preparation tips, keeping garlic handy is both practical and beneficial.