[fpgaminer]

> put garlic cloves in olive oil and poured into my ear.

While not applicable to your specific use, I'll point out for general knowledge that garlic + olive oil can lead to the growth of Clostridium botulinum, aka the Botulism causing bacteria. This more commonly occurs when making garlic infused olive oil, since the botulinum needs time to grow. Hence why it probably didn't matter for your grandmother's usage; not enough time for the concoction to become dangerous. But this is one of those strange facts that it's good know, in case someone decides to make homemade infused olive oil for their meals.

[e12e]

Interesting - wasn't aware of that. I wonder how hardy those spores are -- that is, if they're as much of a problem with dried garlic, as with fresh?

One easy options seems to be to opt for garlic vinegar instead, as the vinegar is acidic, and doesn't allow the bacteria to thrive?

http://food-hacks.wonderhowto.com/how-to/make-garlic-infused...

edit, see also: http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/uc_davis/uc_davis_garlic.p...

[shinryuu]

Good to know. Otherwise crushing garlic in onion is a very time-efficient when you're doing food :). But perhaps if you heat it it's not much of a problem.

[xeromal]

Isn't that what happens to infants when fed honey?