Garlic and High Blood Pressure
Garlic is a cultivated plant. It does not grow in the wild. Known for its
full, strong flavor, the bulb of the plant is commonly used to season
foods and for medicinal purposes. Garlic has been used in the treatment
of high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
One recent study evaluated 11 previously published trials in which
individuals took 600mg to 900mg of garlic daily for up to 23 weeks. Results
from all of the trials showed that those with high blood pressure
who took garlic experienced blood pressure lowering effects similar to
those from prescription medications. Garlic may be dried or powdered,
then placed into capsules or formed into tablets. Doses for medicinal use
vary and depend upon the type of garlic preparation and the condition
being treated. While garlic is generally considered to be safe, side effects
with garlic use include breath/body odor, heartburn, upset stomach, or
allergic reactions. Garlic may have effects on blood clotting, and should
not be used by people taking the blood thinner warfarin. Also, garlic may
alter the effectiveness of drugs used to treat cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol,
and high blood pressure.