Wind Down Right: The Evening Garlic Tonic Recipe

Garlic has one of the longest track records of any natural remedy for blood pressure — and this simple evening tonic is an easy way to work it into a daily routine.

What you'll need

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup warm water
• A squeeze of lemon and a small spoon of honey

How to make it

1. Crush the garlic cloves and let them sit for about 10 minutes — this allows the active compound allicin to fully form.
2. Add the crushed garlic to the warm water and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain out the garlic pieces, stir in lemon and honey to taste.
4. Drink in the evening, about an hour before bed.

Why people say it works

Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound studied for its effect on blood vessel relaxation and healthy blood pressure. Several clinical trials and reviews have found aged or crushed garlic preparations produce a modest but consistent blood-pressure-lowering effect with regular use.

This is a traditional home remedy, not a medical treatment. Garlic can thin the blood, so check with your doctor before using it daily if you take blood thinners or have an upcoming surgery.