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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.

Three words summarize it all. Just take it.

Historically, garlic has been used extensively for maintaining heart health and general wellness. There are over 3000 published research studies done on it proving its health benefits. It has been mentioned as far back as 1500 AD in an ancient Egyptian medical script, the Papyrus Ebers. It has been described as the "secret Miracle of God".

This herb continues to be studied today to uncover how it works against various health diseases. It has proven medicinal benefits for people with multiple health conditions such as heart disease, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cancer. We cannot say whether it can cure all forms of cancer but so far, the results are promising.

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

For a detailed discussion, see our article Garlic Health Benefits.

(What's this?)	Atherosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries)
	High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
	Tick Bites
	Fatigue
	Ringworm / Candida (Tinea Corporis)
	Jock Itch (Tinea cruris) / Athlete’s Foot (Tinea pedis)
	Colorectal Cancer
	Diabetes
	Common Cold / Influenza (Flu)
	Prostate Cancer
	Warts
	Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)
	Enlarged Prostate - (Benign Prostatic)
	Breast Cancer
	Ovarian Cancer
	Stroke
	Wound Healing
	Pre-Eclampsia Acne Treatment Skin Tags

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 also has less of the active component. Some believe that it may be less effective in treating the various medical conditions.

What should I consider when I buy the 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

Orally

allergies (allergic rhinitis)
asthma
athlete’s foot
bronchitis
chronic fatigue syndrome
coronary heart disease
coughs
diuretic
fever
gout
hardening of the arteries
hay fever
headache
heart attack
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
high cholesterol
immune system stimulant
influenza (the flu)
menstrual disorders
osteoarthritis
rheumatism
ringworm
stimulant
stomach infection (bacterial)
stress
travelers’ diarrhea
tuberculosis
whooping cough
wound healing

Topically (on the skin)

Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings

Most of the side effects are related to bad breath, burning and discomfort in mouth, stomach and intestine. It is common to get stomach upset and heartburns from taking it raw.

As it can thin the blood, it may increase the risk of bleeding. Applying the solution on the skin can cause burning or irritation. Also watch out for allergies as some people can be sensitive to it.

It may cause irritation when applied onto the skin. Use caution and always test it on a small area first before applying to large body areas.
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.

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 medications 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 / Saquinavir - avoid if possible

The herb might significantly lower the effectiveness of isoniazid and saquinavir. Consult a healthcare professional before using.

Dosage & How to Take It

Typical dosage of the supplement would be in the 200 to 400 mg three times daily. It is best to get it from food source if possible. Powdered garlic capsules works well also.

As garlic is considered safe, higher dose would not be considered dangerous. However, you could expect more side effects.

For using it to fight off warts, apply the oil directly on them one to two times daily. Up to three months of treatment may be required.

When possible, ensure that the product is standardized to allicin. Also consider buying the type that is an enteric coated pill if possible so that you get the most benefits from it with the least amount of side effects.