What is Garlic?
The herb garlic is also called Ail, Ajo, or Allium sativum. Other names include Camphor for the Poor, Lasuna (also known as Lasuna), Lasuna, Nectar to the Gods (also known as Nectar), Poor Man’s Treacle (also known by the name Rason), Rust Treacle, and Stinking Rose. Garlic is used as a flavoring and food agent. Garlic is unlikely to have any side effects or health benefits when used as food. Garlic can have both positive and negative effects when used as medicine. Allicin is the active component in garlic and can vary greatly in quantity in products that are sold as supplements. Garlic products can reduce the amount of allicin by aging them to remove the odor. Allicin may be absent or very little in odorless garlic. Allicin levels are inversely proportional to the effectiveness of a product.
Oral garlic has been found to be effective in the treatment of hypertension and hardened arteries (coronary artery disease), colon cancer, and rectal carcinoma. It is also used as an alternative remedy for tick bite prevention. Applying garlic to the skin can also help treat fungal infections like ringworm or athlete's foot. Garlic is also used for cancer or circulatory problems in the legs. Research has found that garlic is not effective for treating any of these conditions. Some other uses that have not been proven through research include preventing the common flu and improving problems with urination caused by an enlarged prostate. Garlic isn't proven to be effective for treating medical conditions. This product has not been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration as intended for medical use.Garlic is not a substitute for medication that you have been prescribed by your physician.
Garlic supplements are often sold under the herbal label. Many herbal supplements are not manufactured to regulated standards and have even been found to be contaminated by toxic metals or drugs. To minimize contamination, herbal or health supplements must be bought from a reputable source. This product guide does not list all the uses of garlic.
Side effects of Garlic
Please read and follow all product labels and packaging. Informing doctors of any allergies or medical conditions you are suffering from and any medication being used will assist them in providing optimal healthcare services for their patients. Garlic is believed to be safe for short periods of time, even though not all its side effects have been identified.
Call your doctor immediately if:
- When applied to the skin, redness, swelling, or blistering may occur.
- Easy bruising (nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
Side effects that are common (especially if you eat raw garlic) include:
- Unpleasant breath or odors on the body;
- Heartburn is a burning sensation in the mouth or throat.
- Nausea, vomiting, and gas
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Please read all instructions on product labels and packaging. Inform your doctors about your allergies and medical conditions. Also, tell them which medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
Garlic should be avoided by those allergic.
If you are suffering from:
- An ulcer of the stomach
- Problems with digestion
- A bleeding disorder or a blood-clotting disease such as hemophilia.
Consult your doctor before using any garlic products if you're pregnant or nursing. Garlic is safe to use as an ingredient in food during pregnancy. Do not give herbal or health supplements to children without first consulting their pediatrician. Large doses of garlic taken orally can be dangerous for children.
How to take Garlic?
Consult your physician before using herbal supplements. Consult a health practitioner trained to use herbal or health products. Use garlic only as instructed on the packaging or by your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Use only the recommended amount of product. Use different garlic forms at the same time without consulting a doctor. Combining different preparations increases the chance of overdosing. Never crush, chew, or break enteric-coated pills. Just swallow it whole. This pill is coated with a protective coating that protects your stomach. This coating will be damaged if you break the pill. If the condition you are treating doesn't improve or worsens while taking this product, please seek medical advice immediately. Garlic may affect your blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding. Stop taking garlic 2 weeks before any medical or dental procedures, surgery, or other surgical procedure. Keep away from heat and moisture. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take two doses at once. Use only one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poison ingestion and seek emergency medical help immediately.
What should be avoided?
Take fish oil and vitamin E with caution when taking garlic. Avoid using garlic with herbal or health products that may also cause blood clotting. Included are angelica, capsicum (dong-quai), clove, Danshen, ginger, ginkgo horsechesnut, poplar, red clover, turmeric, willow,
Interaction with other drug
You should not consume garlic without consulting your doctor if you take any of these medications.
- Acetaminophen
- Birth control pills
- Chlorzoxazone;
- Cyclosporine;
- Theophylline;
- Warfarin, also known as Coumadin or Jantoven,
- HIV or AIDS medicines: delavirdine, efavirenz, nevirapine, and saquinavir;
- Medicines used to treat blood clots, such as ticlopidine and dipyridamole,
- The nsaids are aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (Aleve), diclofenac (Indomethacin), indomethacin (Meloxicam), and many others.
You should not consume garlic without consulting your doctor if you have any of these conditions.
- Any type of infection, including HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria
- Anxiety or depression
- Asthma or allergy?
- Cancer;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Heartburn (GERD) or gastroesophageal reflux disease
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol;
- Migraine headaches
- Psoriasis, or auto-immune disorders
- A psychiatric condition;
The list below is not exhaustive. Garlic may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
