Reality TV veteran Brandi Glanville is issuing a stark warning to her followers after a viral “health hack” went dangerously wrong. During a recent episode of her Unfiltered podcast, the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star detailed a painful trip to urgent care caused by a DIY cold remedy she discovered on TikTok.
Attempting to clear her sinuses and cure a lingering cold, Glanville followed a social media trend suggesting the use of raw garlic cloves. She initially placed a clove in her nostril, but the natural oils immediately began burning her skin, which was already sensitive from a recent laser treatment. Seeking an alternative, she then placed the garlic into her ear canal. This decision highlights the growing dangers of viral social media medical advice, as the clove became lodged deep within her ear, necessitating immediate professional intervention.
Glanville described the panic of the garlic traveling deeper than anticipated, leaving her unable to retrieve it herself. Upon arriving at urgent care, medical professionals had to use specialized tools to extract the foreign object. Doctors at the facility reiterated that home remedies involving the insertion of food into bodily orifices can lead to severe infections, skin “burns” from the garlic’s acidity, and even permanent hearing damage.
This latest emergency follows a difficult year for Glanville, who recently shared her battle with a facial parasite linked to complications from a previous surgical procedure. The reality star admitted that her recent health scares have left her desperate for relief, which led to her misplaced trust in the TikTok “hack.” She is now urging her fans to ignore unlicensed medical tips found online and to consult verified healthcare providers for any ailments.
Medical experts have been quick to use Glanville’s experience as a cautionary tale. While garlic has known antimicrobial properties when consumed as part of a diet, there is zero scientific evidence supporting its use as a topical or internal “plug” for sinuses. Glanville’s message to her listeners was clear: keep the garlic on the bread and out of your body parts.
