What is garlic? 

The use  of garlic in cultural  and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use  of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional  is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained  in the uses  of herbal/health supplements  may be beneficial, and coordination  of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. 

Garlic  is also known as rocambole, ajo, allium, stinking rose, rustic treacle, nectar  of the gods, camphor of the poor, poor man's treacle, and clove garlic. 

Garlic is  a commonly used flavoring agent  and food product. Garlic  is also available as  an herbal supplement. The information contained  in this leaflet refers  to the use  of garlic as an herbal supplement. When used as a food product,  the benefits  and potential side  effects of garlic may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement. 

Garlic  has been used orally as an antioxidant; to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides; to reduce hardening  of the arteries and blood clotting; to reduce  blood pressure; to prevent cancer; to protect the liver;  as an antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal;  to increase the effects of the immune system;  to reduce blood sugar levels; and  to reduce menstrual pain. Garlic has also been used topically (on  the skin)  to treat corns, warts, calluses, ear infections, muscle pain, nerve pain, arthritis, and sciatica. 

Garlic has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All  potential risks and/or advantages  of garlic may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards  in place  for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals  or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize  the risk of contamination. 

Garlic may also have uses other than those listed  in this product guide. 

What is the most important information I should know about garlic? 

Garlic  is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Garlic is also available as  an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use  of garlic as an herbal supplement. When used as  a food product, the benefits and potential side  effects of garlic may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement. 

Do not take  garlic without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or  blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you  are taking any medicines  to prevent or treat  a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Garlic has been reported  to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels. 

Garlic  has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of  garlic may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards  in place  for these compounds. There  have been instances where herbal/health supplements  have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements  should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize  the risk  of contamination. 

What  should I  discuss with my healthcare provider before taking garlic? 

Do not take  garlic without first talking  to your doctor if you have a bleeding  or blood clotting disorder  or diabetes, or if you  are taking any medicines  to prevent  or treat  a blood clotting disorder  or diabetes. Garlic  has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels. 

Also, talk to your doctor before taking garlic if  you have any other  medical conditions, if you take medicines  or herbal/health supplements other than those previously listed,  or if you suffer  from allergies (especially  to plants). Garlic  may not be recommended in some situations. 

Do not take  garlic supplements without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant  or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether garlic will harm an unborn baby. The amount  of garlic customarily used in foods is not reported to  be problematic. Do not take garlic without first talking  to your doctor if you are breast-feeding  a baby. It  is also not known whether  garlic will harm a nursing infant. The amount of garlic customarily used in foods  is not reported to be problematic. There is no information available regarding the use of garlic  supplements by children. Do  not give any herbal/health supplement to  a child without first talking to the child's doctor. 

How should I take garlic? 

The use of  garlic in cultural and traditional settings  may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering  the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation  with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. 

If you choose to take garlic, use it  as directed on the package  or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist,  or other health care provider. 

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations  of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of  the product. 

Garlic  is available in the clove form, in capsules, as tablets  and as an oil.  Other formulations  may also be available.

Generally, the preferred forms of garlic  for oral use are enteric-coated odorless garlic and fresh garlic which has been pressed  or crushed for 10 to 15 minutes before using. 

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures, and others) of garlic at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so  by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases  the risk of an overdose of garlic. 

Store garlic as directed on  the package. In general, garlic should be protected from light  and moisture. 

What happens if I miss a dose? 

No information is available regarding a missed dose  of garlic. Consult  your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information. 

What happens if I overdose? 

An overdose  of garlic is unlikely to threaten life. Consult a doctor, hospital,  or poison control center if you require assistance. 

Symptoms  of a garlic overdose  have not been reported. 

What  should I avoid while taking garlic? 

There are no known restrictions on food, beverages,  or activity while taking garlic, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider. 

Garlic side effects

Although uncommon, allergic reactions to garlic have been reported. Stop taking garlic  and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives. 

Other less serious side effects  have also been reported. Talk  to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience 

• burning  of the mouth, throat,  and stomach; 
• nausea or vomiting; 
• diarrhea;
• sweating;
• lightheadedness; and 
• Eczema or a rash.