Does Garlic Help Ward Off the Common Cold?

A little bit of garlic goes a long way. This is true whether you keep it as a staple in your kitchen pantry, or if you believe it should be reserved to ward off vampires. Garlic is a plant that has a very strong, bitter flavor. It is best known for its culinary purposes, but over the years, this plant has been used in the prevention and treatment of medical conditions. In fact, you may have already heard that garlic can help ward off the common cold. The truth? According to this article at MedlinePlus , there is insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness in doing so.

Possible health benefits of garlic

On the other hand, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (see reference below) rates garlic "possibly effective" in the treatment of several other health problems. There is some evidence that suggests it can help reduce blood pressure, for example. This information would be beneficial to people who regularly suffer from high blood pressure. It may also help reduce your chances of developing colon cancer, rectal cancer and stomach cancer. And, are you in an area with a lot of ticks? Eating garlic may help reduce the number of tick bites you experience. Finally, fungal infections of the skin - ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot - seem to respond well to a topical garlic treatment.

Dosage recommendations for garlic

Despite what you may be thinking about the potency of raw garlic, it is actually not recommended to take garlic in its raw form. This is because the enzyme necessary to produce allicin can be destroyed while in the stomach before it can positively affect the problem. So, take advantage of garlic's immune-boosting qualities with either dried or powdered garlic tablets. Studies show that other forms of garlic, such as cooked, pickled and aged garlic may also be beneficial. Of course, you should always check with your doctor before starting any supplemental regimen.

Possible risks garlic may pose

Garlic is likely safe when taken by mouth. Possible side effects may include: bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, body odor and diarrhea. People who are allergic to garlic should not consume this plant in any form before consulting with a doctor. The potential risks of doing so include: stomach irritation, heartburn, and flatulence, for starters. The same risks are there for anyone who regularly consumes garlic in large quantities. Studies show that garlic appears to be safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding, and that babies even seem to prefer breast milk from mothers who regularly eat garlic.

Drug interaction warnings

Do not take the following medications with garlic: isoniazid, medications used for HIV/AIDS and saquinavir. And you should be cautious when taking these medications with garlic: birth control pills, cyclosporine, medications changed by the liver, medications that slow blood clotting, and warfarin. Also, fish oil and herbs that slow blood clotting can have an interaction when taken with garlic.

I cook with garlic. I sprinkle a little bit of minced garlic into my homemade spaghetti sauce, and cheesy bread is delicious with just a hint of garlic powder or salt. As long as you are not allergic, it is fine to eat in moderation - plus, there is a chance that garlic may contribute to warding off the common cold.

References
Garlic , MedlinePlus