Garlic

OTHER NAMES:  Allium sativum, sativi bulbus

HISTORY: Indian cultures, Ancient Egypt, Greece, Asia, and Rome, reportedly 4500-5000 years ago.

PROPERTIES:

Antiseptic, antioxidant, antifungal, antibiotic, sinus congestion, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory,   immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, hepatoprotective, digestive system protective, antidiabetic, antiobesity, neuroprotective, and renal protective

CONSIDERED USES

Cardiovascular: May help reduce high blood pressure, heart disease, atherosclerosis, and thins the blood, lowers risk of heart disease

Respiratory: Whooping cough, Hayfever (allergic rhinitis), flu, may help fend off the common cold, cough, bronchitis, asthma, shortness of breath, ear infections (oil)

Eyes: Cataract formation, intraocular pressure (orally)

Gastrointestinal: Dysentry/traveler's diarrhea, intestinal worms, hepatitis, stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori, stomach ache, hemorrhoids, diarrhea and bloody diarrhea, tooth sensitivity, gastritis, thrush, liver disease

Genitourinary: Yeast infections, UTIs, possibly enlarged prostate (BPH), menstrual disorders, fibrocystic breasts, supports kidney function

Musculoskeletal: Rheumatism, osteoarthritis, increased exercise performance, exercise-related muscle soreness, gout, joint pain

Neuro: Chronic fatigue syndrome, headache

Skin: Scalp ringworm, warts, corns, jock itch, athlete's foot

Psych: Stress and fatigue

Glucose: May help reduce blood sugar

Cholesterol: May help lower cholesterol (esp triglycerides) - esp, garlic oil

Immunity: Supports immunity

Cancer:  May protect against certain types of cancer (NIH Publication)-esp stomach and colon

Infectious Disease: Plague, smallpox, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tick bite, trichomoniasis,

Other: Cystic fibrosis, scleroderma, lead toxicity, fever, snake bites, insects, fibrocystic breasts

Side Effects: Halitosis/bad breath, gas, heartburn, oral burning sensation, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body odor (garlic smell), increased bleeding, skin irritation/stinging if handled too much, sweating, vaginal irritation, asthma-like symptoms.

Cautions/Contraindications: Raw, fresh garlic typically causes more side effects than cooked, but raw is usually more effective. In large amounts, possible liver toxicity, avoid large amounts if taking blood thinners (Warfarin/Coumadin, Plavixaspirin, ibuprofen, etc), may lower blood pressure in those already hypotensive (with low blood pressure) or on blood pressure medication, related dizziness, too much can cause hyphema (bleeding behind the eyeball) leading to possible vision loss, Caution in those with stomach problems (especially a history of ulcers).  Do not take with INH/Isonazid, Atazanavir/Reyataz. May interact with cytochrome P450 CYP2E1 and 3AF metabolized medications and Cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 medications – this includes some blood pressure and heart medications, and antifungal medications (see links above). Some HIV/AIDS medications. 

FORMS: Tablets, extracts/concapsules, whole clove (raw bulb reportedly most effective), powder, gels, pastes, creams, mouthwashes, oils, enteric-coated pill (enteric coating protects your stomach from irritation)

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

Garlic:

AlliMax® Allicin capsules (order through Fullscript link here)

Life Extension® Optimized Garlic (order here through Life Extension link)

Aged Garlic:

Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract™ Extra Strength Reserve -Caplets (order through Amazon link here)

Pure Encapsulations Garlic Capsules - NSF certified - order through the Fullscript link here)

We only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—like those to Amazon—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps support this free site. Plus, these links often offer discounts, fast shipping, and helpful reviews.

DOSAGES: As directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label. Best not to take on an empty stomach.

• 4 gm fresh garlic daily (German Commission E)

Additional Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.