Rubbing garlic on the soles of the feet is a home remedy widely shared across social media and wellness blogs. People claim it can boost immunity, reduce fever, and treat fungal infections, while others call it a baseless trend. Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties—but can it be absorbed through the feet to provide health benefits? While garlic’s oral benefits are well-documented, its use via the skin remains questionable.While garlic offers proven medicinal properties, rubbing it on your feet is not an effective or medically endorsed way to achieve those benefits. At best, it may offer minor antifungal effects, but at worst, it can cause chemical burns and skin damage. Stick to eating garlic or using formulated garlic extracts for safe and effective results. Explore the scientific evidence, dermatological risks, and expert opinions on whether this practice is helpful or harmful.
The truth about Garlic’s allicin and its use on feet
When garlic is chopped or crushed, it releases allicin, a sulfur-based compound with potent antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. According to a review published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), allicin is responsible for garlic’s protective effects against a variety of pathogens when consumed orally (NCBI, 2014). However, its stability is limited, and it breaks down quickly when exposed to air, heat, or water.While garlic’s medicinal value is real, most benefits are proven only through ingestion, not topical application—especially not on the feet.
Can garlic enter the bloodstream through your feet? Experts say ‘NO’
There is no clinical evidence supporting the idea that garlic compounds like allicin can enter the bloodstream through foot absorption. In fact, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University emphasises that allicin is not detectable in human blood or urine even after oral garlic intake, suggesting it breaks down too quickly for meaningful systemic absorption (LPI, OSU).Although some anecdotal reports claim a “garlic taste” in the mouth after rubbing it on feet, no peer-reviewed studies validate this as a physiological effect.
Garlic-based creams may help athlete’s foot, not raw garlic on feet
Garlic’s topical benefits have been studied in specific scenarios like wound healing and athlete’s foot. A study published in Woun d Repair and Regeneration found that 30% garlic extract ointment reduced inflammation and promoted healing in post-operative wounds.Additionally, ajoene, a garlic-derived compound, has been shown in clinical studies to treat tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) with success rates comparable to conventional antifungal creams as per PeaceHealth Medical Library. However, these effects come from controlled formulations—not raw garlic slices rubbed on feet.
Medical warnings! Garlic on feet may burn skin, not heal illness
Garlic is a natural chemical irritant, and applying it raw to the skin—especially under occlusion like socks—can lead to severe burns. Case reports in medical journals and summaries by Consultant360 have documented second-degree burns in both adults and children due to prolonged exposure to garlic on skin Symptoms include:
- Blisters
- Redness and swelling
- Painful lesions
- Children and individuals with sensitive skin are particularly vulnerable.
Medical experts, including those cited by Medical Dialogues, caution that the claims about rubbing garlic on feet curing fever, infections, or inflammation are not supported by scientific evidence. Most benefits attributed to garlic—such as improved cardiovascular health, enhanced immunity, and antimicrobial activity—are linked to oral consumption or specialized topical preparations, not crude application to the skin. For those looking to boost their health, eating garlic or using supplements is a safer, scientifically validated method.Also Read | Makhana may not be as “healthy” as you think; nutritionist reveals 3 side effects no one talks about
