Garlic

For heart health, garlic has proven itself to be an essential addition to your diet. It is a "must take" herb. Your heart will thank you for years to come.

Table of Contents

Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses
Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings
Common Drug & Health Condition Interactions
Dosage & How to Take It

Evidence of Benefits (Leaf rating system)

	Atherosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries) Research studies show that the herb at a dose of around 900 mg daily slows down the development of atherosclerosis. The studies suggest it act as an antioxidant on the blood vessel walls. Thus it protects the vessel walls against the damage caused by the "bad cholesterol", known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Garlic powder also acts like an Aspirin, thinning the blood out a little to prevent blood clots and preventing heart attacks.
	High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Evidence suggests that the herb can lower blood pressure up to 7%. Studies show that it relaxes the smooth muscle surrounding the blood vessels. This will cause blood pressure to drop.
	Tick Bites Two studies suggest that individuals taking the herb at a high dose of 1200 mg daily seem to have less tick bites compared to those who did not take it.
	Fatigue The anti-fatigue benefit of the herb has been shown to promote exercise endurance in animal studies. In human studies, it has been shown that it produces improvement in persons with physical fatigue and fatigue due to colds.
	Ringworm / Candida (Tinea Corporis) The gels containing ajoene is as effective as the cream Lamisil (terbinafine). It seems to kill various bacteria and fungus such as E. coli, Staph. aureus. and Candida albicans. It also seems to kill virus such as herpes simplex virus type 1, type 2 and some cold virus.
	Jock Itch (Tinea cruris) / Athlete’s Foot (Tinea pedis) The gels containing ajoene is as effective as the cream Lamisil (terbinafine) for treating and curing athlete's foot.
	Colorectal Cancer Studies done on several population groups show that garlic consumed from food sources decreases the risk of colorectal (colon) cancer. However, we are not sure if the same benefit exists from taking the supplements. It seems to boost the immune system and detoxify your body. In laboratory research, it appears to be effective against other types of cancer cells.
	Diabetes A study shows that it has no effect in lowering blood sugar levels. However, it does have various anti-oxidant properties that would greatly benefit a person with diabetes. It improves the metabolic control in people with diabetes. This leads to reducing the complications of type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.
	Common Cold / Influenza (Flu) Some evidence indicates that taking the herb regularly helps to reduce and to prevent the common cold and the flu.
	Prostate Cancer There are several studies that showed benefits of eating 2 grams daily. It reduces prostate cancer risk by about 50%.
	Warts There are researched evidences that an oil-based solution helps to remove warts on hands.
	Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer) Studies done on several population groups show that garlic consumed from food sources decreases of getting stomach cancer. We are not sure if the same benefit exists from taking the supplements. (See also colorectal cancer.)
	Enlarged Prostate - (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/BPH) There is some evidence that it helps to improve urine flow in those individuals with enlarged prostate.
	Breast Cancer A large European study showed a good inverse relationship between consuming the herb and the risk of developing breast cancer.
	Ovarian Cancer A large European study showed a good inverse relationship between consuming the herb and the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
	Stroke In animal studies, the extract reduces the risk of stroke. It appears to be due its antioxidant and blood thinning effect.
	Wound Healing A research study showed that a 15% concentration of the aged garlic extract caused the wound on the skins of young chicks to healing quickly compared to applying just regular lotion.
	Cancer in General Pre-Eclampsia Acne Treatment Skin Tags No scientific studies exist to prove its benefits.

Facts and Frequently Asked Questions

What other names is garlic known as?

Around the world, garlic is also known as ail, allium, Nectar of the Gods or  stinking rose. The scientific name is allium sativum.

The active component of the herb is thought to be allicin and ajoene. Aged garlic has less odour but will reduce the active component and thus reduce the effectiveness for treating the various medical conditions.

What should I consider when I buy garlic tablets or capsules?

Manufacturers enteric coat the capsules to prevent stomach acid from reducing its effectiveness. This is the suggested form to buy.

Make sure the content is standardized to allicin and or ajoene as the processing method will result in different amounts of the active ingredients. For example, freeze-dried garlic may contain very little allicin.

Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses

• allergies (allergic rhinitis)
• asthma
• athlete’s foot
• breast cancer
• bronchitis
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• common colds
• colorectal cancer
• coronary heart disease
• coughs
• diabetes
• diuretic
• enlarged prostate
• fatigue
• fever
• gout
• hardening of the arteries
• hay fever
• headache
• heart attack
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• immune system stimulant
• influenza (the flu)
• menstrual disorders
• osteoarthritis
• pre eclampsia
• prostate cancer
• rheumatism
• ringworm
• stimulant
• stomach infection (bacterial)
• stress
• stroke prevention
• tick bites prevention
• travelers’ diarrhea
• tuberculosis
• whooping cough
• wound healing

• corns
• skin tags
• yeast infections
• warts

Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings

Safety - Safe when used orally in appropriate amounts. Studies have been done up to 7 years without any reports of side effects, safety or toxicity issues.

Use in Children - Probably safe in children in appropriate amounts. Research studies up to 8 weeks showed no significant side effects. However, avoid large doses in children as there is limited information.

Might be Unsafe - May cause various skin irritations when applied onto the skin. Use caution and always test it on a small area first before applying to large body areas.

Common Drug & Health Condition Interactions

Oral Contraceptives - theoretical
It is possible for garlic to decrease the effectiveness of the birth control pills. It might do this by causing the liver to metabolize the drug faster.

Warfarin / Blood Thinning Medications - caution
The herb might make the blood thinning medication work stronger. Consult your physician before starting or stopping this herb and get blood work done.

Cyclosporin - caution
The herb might decrease the effectiveness of cyclosporin. It might do this by causing the liver to metabolize the drug faster.

Isoniazid - avoid if possible
The herb might significantly lower the effectiveness of isoniazid.

Saquinavir - avoid if possible
The herb might significantly lower the effectiveness of saquinavir.

Dosage & How to Take It

When possible, ensure that the product is standardized to allicin. Also consider buying the type that is enteric coated when possible so that you get the most benefits from it.

Related topics that may be of interest to you

Return to Natural Remedies List from the Health Benefits of Garlic

Use the search box below to quickly find what you are looking for!

Home | What's New | Site Search | Sitemap | About Us | Privacy Policy