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This is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
It is essential that you discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
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Health Benefits and Uses
Garlic's health benefits and medicinal properties have long been known (1). Garlic
has long been considered a herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in folklore
for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to the Plague! It has
been used extensively in herbal medicine (phytotherapy, sometimes spelt
phitotherapy). Raw garlic is used by some to treat the symptoms of acne
and there is some evidence that it can assist in managing high
cholesterol levels. It can even be effective as a natural
mosquito repellent.
In general, a stronger tasting clove of garlic has more sulphur content
and hence more medicinal value it's likely to have. Some people have suggested that
organically grown garlic tends towards a higher sulphur level and
hence greater benefit to health. In my experience it certainly tastes better so I
buy organic whenever possible whether or not it's best for my health.
Some people prefer to take garlic supplements.
These pills and capsules have the advantage of avoiding garlic breath.
Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic, albeit
broad-spectrum rather than targeted. The body does not appear to
build up resistance to the garlic, so its positive health benefits continue
over time.
Healthy Antioxidant
Studies (2) have shown that garlic - especially aged garlic - can have a
powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body
against damaging "free radicals".
Side-Effects
Raw garlic is very strong, so eating too much could produce problems, for example
irritation of or even damage to the digestive tract.
There are a few people who are allergic to garlic. Symptoms
of garlic allergy include skin rash, temperature and headaches. Also, garlic could
potentially disrupt anti-coagulants, so it's best avoided before surgery.
As with any medicine, always check with your doctor first and tell your doctor
if you are using it.
Important: Research published in 2001 concluded that garlic supplements
"can cause a potentially harmful side effect when combined with a type of medication used to treat HIV/AIDS".
More details are available on the
NIAID website.
See also the warnings page on this site.
Medicinal Ingredients of Garlic
There are two main medical ingredients which produce the garlic health
benefits: allicin and
diallyl sulphides. I've given each of these a page of their own:
Also a page on
the chemistry of allicin.
Garlic makes a wonderful health supplement but the garlic cure is no substitute for
the basics: sensible eating and appropriate exercise. Garlic should be seen as part of a
healthy lifestyle - not as an alternative to it. Always consult your doctor first
regarding any medical condition.
Next Page: Garlic Health Summary
Garlic Central is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
Always discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
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