This ‘Healthy’ TikTok Trend Could Actually Be Dangerous

Credit: Getty Images Eating Well Design

Honey and garlic can support your immune system separately—but that doesn’t mean you should combine them.

By 

Lauren Manaker M.S., RDN, LD, CLEC

 Reviewed by Dietitian 

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

• Mixing garlic and honey at room temperature can create conditions for botulism, a serious illness.

• Enjoy garlic and honey separately to reap their benefits without the risk.

• Support your immune system with vitamin C–rich foods, exercise and balanced nutrition.

Cold and flu season is upon us, which means that if you scroll through social media, you’ll likely stumble across jars of garlic cloves soaking in honey. Many wellness influencers call it a natural antibiotic and an immune-supporting pantry staple, with some of these videos racking up hundreds of thousands of likes. And on the surface, the pitch sounds harmless—you just need a jar, some local honey and several cloves of garlic to keep seasonal sniffles at bay.

The problem is that this homemade remedy can create the right conditions for Clostridium botulinum to grow and thrive—and that particular bacterium can cause botulism, a rare illness that can be fatal.¹

Before you start making a batch of this honey-garlic concoction, it helps to understand what is actually happening inside that jar. Let’s break down the science—and a few more ways you can support your immune system this season.

Is Honey-Fermented Garlic Good for You?

It is true that honey and garlic both carry some antimicrobial properties on their own.²³ But combining them and leaving the mixture at room temperature changes the picture significantly.

The concern is Clostridium botulinum, which produces a toxin that thrives in low-oxygen environments and needs specific acidity levels to grow.⁴ A sealed jar of garlic honey can check both boxes.

Honey by itself is a poor home for bacteria because it contains very little available water, which is why it resists spoiling and mold. Garlic, though, holds plenty of moisture. When you submerge garlic in honey, the honey begins to pull water out of the cloves. That added water, combined with a low-oxygen setting, can give dormant C. botulinum spores the opening they need to multiply and produce toxin, especially if the fermentation does not lower the mixture’s pH quickly enough, per an article published in Scientific American.⁵

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What Is Botulism?

Botulism is not a stomachache that passes in a day. The toxin attacks the nervous system, and symptoms can include muscle weakness, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In serious cases, it causes paralysis.⁶

One of the most dangerous effects is on the diaphragm, the muscle responsible for breathing.¹ If it becomes paralyzed, a person can stop breathing entirely. The illness is treatable with an antitoxin when caught early, but it can be lethal without prompt medical care.⁷

The good news is that botulism is genuinely rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021 saw just 243 confirmed cases and 30 additional probable cases, the most recent year with full data.⁸

Babies are especially vulnerable because their gut microbiome has not yet developed the defenses that typically help adults fend off the bacteria. Adults have a more mature immune system and gut flora that generally inhibit C. botulinum from taking hold, though adult cases do occur on rare occasions. For that reason, health authorities advise never giving raw honey to children under a year old.¹

How to Support Your Immune System

The good news is that you don’t need a risky jar on your counter to help your body through flu season. Several well-studied habits offer real support with much less risk of foodborne illness.

• Get your vitamin C. Regular vitamin C intake will not stop a cold in its tracks, but the evidence is steadier than the hype suggests. Vitamin C plays a role in immune modulation, which means it helps the immune system function properly and respond the way it should.⁹

  ^{Bisht S, Sina RE, Patel P. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). 2026. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan–.}

   Citrus fruit, bell peppers, strawberries and broccoli are easy everyday sources.¹⁰

• Keep moving. Regular, moderate exercise is linked to better immune function and fewer respiratory infections. One study found that regular, moderate exercise is associated with stronger immune surveillance, better antibody responses and a lower risk of some infections.¹¹

• Eat the garlic and honey separately. If you like both ingredients, you can still enjoy them. Just skip the fermentation. Raw garlic and raw honey each offer antioxidant potential when consumed on their own.²³ Combining and fermenting them adds risk without adding meaningful benefit.

Our Expert Take

Homemade remedies can feel empowering, but they aren’t a replacement for medical care—and this honey-garlic mixture could put you at a greater risk for botulism. If you think you need treatment for an infection, the right move is to talk to a health care provider or pharmacist. We recommend keeping your honey and garlic separate, or consider enjoying them in a comforting recipe that will keep you warm and cozy all season long.