Garlic

Garlic Plant

Garlic is a perennial plant that originated in central Asia. It is now grown in various countries throughout the world. The plant can reach a height of 24" or more.

The garlic bulb is the part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes. Each one has between 4-20 cloves. A single clove of garlic weights approximately one gram.

Garlic Benefits

Using garlic may help patients with cardiovascular disease by slowing down the progression of the disorder. The garlic may also help to bring blood pressure down to a normal (and healthier) level. The results of several studies have found that taking this product reduces both systolic and diastolic pressure.

Using garlic may also help to give the immune system a boost, and this can help to combat cancer. A person who consumes garlic regularly (either raw or cooked) is at a reduced risk for stomach and colon cancer. It may also help to reduce the risk of developing breast, prostate and throat cancer.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy can also benefit from using garlic. When people take garlic while in treatment, they report feeling more energetic and more interested in eating. Aged garlic helps to reduce the amount of damage to the heart and intestinal tract that can occur when cancer patients are treated certain types of chemotherapy drugs.

Garlic Dosage

A garlic supplement can be produced from fresh, dried or aged garlic. It can also be made from garlic oil. Each formulation contains the same level of active ingredients.

Aged garlic is made by fermenting the cloves. A person who wants to use garlic to treat cardiovascular disease should use this type of product. Aged garlic contains a higher concentration of sulfur compounds. These are easy to digest and can help to improve heart health.

Before using garlic products, read the label carefully to check the recommended dosage. A healthcare provider who has experience with herbal medicine can recommend the right type of garlic for a specific health concern.

Always check with a qualified healthcare provider before giving garlic to young children. A standard dose for youngsters has not yet been established.

For adults who are using garlic as a supplement, between two and four grams per day is the recommended dose. A single clove of garlic weighs approximately one gram. The recommended dose for aged garlic extract is 600-1200 mg per day. For garlic oil, 0.03-0.12 mL may be taken three times a day.

Garlic Side Effects

Garlic is generally considered safe. Some people who use it have reported experiencing upset stomach and bloating. Bad breath and body odor are also side effects of ingesting garlic. Some people who handle the product report a stinging sensation on the skin after doing so. Garlic may also cause skin lesions in certain individuals. The use of garlic as a vampire repellent has yet to be proven, but would be a rather amazing side effect.

This supplement does act as a blood thinner. People who will be undergoing surgery or the delivery of a child should be aware of this fact. Ingesting too much garlic can cause excessive bleeding during or after the procedure or event.

A person who has been prescribed blood thinners or who is taking a medication that affects how platelets work, such as aspirin, are cautioned not to use garlic supplements unless directed to do so by a physician. A person who is taking protease inhibitors, which are used to treat HIV, should also avoid taking garlic supplements.

Less common side effects experienced by people taking garlic as a supplement include dizziness, headaches and fatigue. Some users report loss of appetite or muscle aches. Skin rashes and asthma have also been linked to use of garlic. Compare options of available garlic supplement by using the free supplement finder now!