Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic bulb
For the health condition: Colic (adults)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Garlic (Allium sativum) has a long history of use in various traditional medicine systems for a range of digestive complaints, including colic in adults. In folk medicine, particularly in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, garlic has been considered a remedy for abdominal discomfort, bloating, and cramping—symptoms often associated with colic. The rationale behind its use lies in garlic's reputed carminative (gas-reducing) and antispasmodic properties, which are thought to help relax intestinal muscles and reduce the formation of gas.

However, scientific evidence supporting the use of garlic specifically for adult colic is minimal and largely anecdotal. Most clinical research on garlic focuses on its cardiovascular, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, rather than its effect on non-specific abdominal pain or colic. Some laboratory studies show that garlic extracts can have mild antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle tissue, which could theoretically relieve gut cramps, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical practice for colic treatment. Systematic reviews and authoritative sources, including the European Medicines Agency, do not list colic or general abdominal pain as an approved or well-supported indication for garlic.

In summary, while garlic's use for colic in adults is rooted in tradition, there is limited scientific evidence to validate its efficacy for this specific condition. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before using garlic therapeutically for colic, especially given its potential for gastrointestinal irritation in some people.

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