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Garlic

About

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 support lower blood pressure, heart disease, atherosclerosis, blood thinner, 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/travelers 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 support lower blood sugar


Cholesterol: May support a more normal cholesterol (esp triglycerides) - garlic oil


Immunity: Supports immunity


Cancer:  May against certain types of cancer (NIH Publication)


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. 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/Isoniazid, 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). HIV/AIDS medications. Anticoagulants.


FORMS: Tablets, extracts/concentrates, capsules, whole clove, powder, gels, pastes, creams, mouthwashes, oils, enteric-coated pill (enteric coating protects your stomach from irritation)


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.


  • 4 gm fresh garlic daily (German Commission E)

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must 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, 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.

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*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure 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, 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.

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