Garlic is an herb that’s been used medicinally, in cooking, and as a dietary supplement. Its traditional uses originated thousands of years ago.
The most studied active ingredient and antioxidant in garlic is called allicin.
Though the effectiveness of garlic for various conditions varies, people use the herb as a complementary or alternative treatment for a number of conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Common cold
- Diabetes
- Certain cancers
- Heart disease
- Fungal skin infections, such as ringworm
- Prevention of tick bites
- Symptoms of an enlarged prostate
You shouldn’t take this supplement as a substitute for your regular medical treatment.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved garlic for medicinal use and categorizes it as a food substance.
Because garlic is sold as an herbal supplement, there aren’t universal government manufacturing standards in place.
You should purchase this product only from a reliable source. It’s best to speak to a trained health professional who is skilled in complementary, integrative, or functional medicine.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Garlic (Garlic Oil)?
You should not use garlic if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
- a stomach ulcer;
- problems with digestion; or
- a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.
Ask a doctor before using garlic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The use of garlic as a flavoring agent in foods is considered safe during pregnancy.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Garlic taken by mouth in large doses may be harmful to children.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Garlic (Garlic Oil)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Garlic (Garlic Oil)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although not all side effects are known, garlic is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.
Stop using garlic and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:
- redness, swelling, or blistering (when applied to the skin); or
- easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums).
Common side effects (especially when eating raw garlic) may include:
- unpleasant breath or body odor;
- heartburn, burning in your mouth or throat;
- nausea, vomiting, gas or
- diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Garlic (Garlic Oil) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Ask a doctor before using garlic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The use of garlic as a flavoring agent in foods is considered safe during pregnancy.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Garlic (Garlic Oil)?
Avoid taking fish oil or vitamin E while you are taking garlic.
Also avoid using garlic together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, danshen, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, turmeric, and willow.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Garlic (Garlic Oil)?
Use Garlic (Garlic Oil) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use garlic, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Do not use different forms (cloves, tablets, oil, etc) of garlic at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.
Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric coated pill. Swallow it whole. The pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill will damage this coating.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with garlic does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
Garlic can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding. If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking garlic at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light, or as directed on the package.
Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Garlic (Garlic Oil)?
What to Expect
Garlic supplements are generally well-tolerated, but taking too much of the herb may cause upset stomach, bloating, diarrhea, bad breath, and body odor.
Be sure not to take more garlic than your doctor recommends or more than is suggested on the product label.
Additional Dosage Information
The optimal dosage of garlic hasn’t been established. Your dosage may depend on your medical condition and the type of product you use.
The lower the amount of allicin, the less effective the garlic supplement might be.
A typical dose is one 300 milligram (mg) dried garlic powder tablet two to three times a day, or 7.2 grams (g) of aged garlic extract per day.
If you’re consuming raw garlic, dosages are usually about one to two cloves a day.
Secondary Uses
Garlic may be used for many medical ailments or conditions that aren’t listed in this guide.