Fear of garlic and onions (alliumphobia)

Alliumphobia is a fear of garlic, onions and related plants such as leeks, shallots and chives. It can make eating out stressful, since these ingredients turn up in so many dishes, and some people are troubled by the smell alone. If the fear means eating much less or losing weight, speak to a GP.

About this phobia

The name comes from Allium, the plant genus that includes garlic, onions and leeks. It is an uncommon term with little clinical documentation. Folklore linking garlic with vampires is sometimes mentioned alongside it, while a genuine allergy or intolerance to these plants is a separate matter for a GP.

What it feels like

• Asking about every ingredient before ordering food
• Feeling uneasy at the smell of onions frying
• Avoiding shared meals or takeaways

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Could a fear of garlic actually be an allergy?

Some people do have a true allergy or intolerance to garlic or onions, which is a physical reaction rather than a fear. A GP can help work out which is which. If both are present, managing the allergy safely comes first.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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