Allium sativum

Common Name: Garlic

Family: Liliaceae (Lily family)

Parts used: Clove

Constituents: Glucosinolates (allicin), thiosulfinates, etc.

Taste/smell: Pungent, warm

Tendencies: Heating, stimulating, and drying

Actions

• Anti-atherosclerotic

• Hypotensive

• Hypolipidemic

• Antiplatelet

• Antidiabetic

• Antimicrobial

• Anti-H. pylori

• Immunomodulating

• Anthelmintic/Antiparasitic/Vermifuge

• Diuretic/Natriuretic (increases sodium excretion in urine)

• Diaphoretic

• Anticancer

• Hepaprotective/Cholagogue

• Carminative

Uses

Anti-atherosclerotic:

• Atherosclerosis

• Ischemic stroke prevention

• Hypercoagulable states

• Angina pectoris

• Impotence (from arterial insufficiency)

• Erectile dysfunction

Hypotensive:

• Hypertension

Hypolipidemic:

• Hyperlipidemia

• Dyslipidemia

• Hypercholesterolemia

• Intermittent claudication

Anti-Diabetic:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Antimicrobial:

• Garlic exhibits a broad antibiotic spectrum against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (H. pylori)

• Viral and bacteria respiratory tract infections

• Diarrhea due to intestinal bacteria

Anthelmintic/Antiparasitic/Vermifuge:

• Pinworms

• Roundworms

• Hookworms

• Tapeworms

• Entamoeba histolytica infections

• Giardiasis

Mental Picture and Specifics

• Garlic stimulates digestion and cardiovascular circulation. It is indicated for dyspepsia, hypertension, arthritic pain and individuals with catarrhal affections. The tongue is pale with red papillae.

Contraindications

• Bleeding diathesis due to its antiplatelet activity

• Bleeding disorders

• Concomitant use with anticoagulant drugs

• Thyroid disease (high doses may inhibit thyroid uptake of iodine and cause problems in people if they have marginal iodine intake, which is very rare in the US)

• Gastrointestinal disturbances in sensitive individuals

• Individuals with hot constitutions

• Acute inflammation

• Insomnia

• Dehydration

• Hypoglycemia/brittle diabetes

• Pemphigus

• Impending surgery

• Organ transplants

Adverse Effects

• Breath and body odor

• Bleeding at excess doses

Toxicity

• Antiplatelet activity

Interactions

• Can potentiate anticoagulants due to platelet-inhibiting effects

• Can potentiate insulin (inhibits its breakdown) and hypoglycemic drugs