Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic bulb
For the health condition: Colds (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Garlic bulb (Allium sativum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of colds and other respiratory ailments. This tradition is supported by a modest but growing body of scientific evidence. The main bioactive compound in garlic, allicin, has demonstrated antimicrobial and antiviral properties in laboratory studies. A notable randomized controlled trial published in 2001 in the journal Advances in Therapy found that participants taking a daily garlic supplement for 12 weeks reported significantly fewer colds compared to those taking a placebo, and when they did become ill, symptoms resolved more quickly. However, the number of clinical studies is limited and sample sizes are generally small, with some studies failing to replicate these benefits. Systematic reviews suggest that while garlic may reduce the frequency of colds, the evidence is not strong enough to warrant firm recommendations and more high-quality research is needed.

Overall, the use of garlic for colds is supported by both traditional use and some scientific validation, though the degree of scientific evidence is currently limited (rated 2 out of 5). Garlic is generally considered safe for most people when consumed as part of the diet, although concentrated supplements may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or interact with certain medications. Individuals interested in using garlic for colds should view it as a complementary rather than primary intervention.

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aloe vera
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anthocyanins
apple
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
barberry
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
berry flavor
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
black pepper
radish
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
bасора
capsaicinoids
carrot
cassia bark
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
cinnamon
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
horseradish
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
jujube
l-cysteine
lactobacillus fermentum
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
licorice root
lovage
lychee
marshmallow
mastic gum
milk
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
plum fruit
pomegranate
pumpkin
quail egg
quercetin
raspberry
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
water
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
boneset
tangerine
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
papaya
capsicum
mugwort
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neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
commiphora
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
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peony
lingusticum wallichii
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
dulse leaf
purslane
fulvic acid
eucalyptus
menthol oil
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peach
paw paw
abies spectabilis
horehound
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algae
indigo leaves
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Abrus
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Aconite
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Andrographis
Asteracea
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Alliin
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Amor seco
Arani
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Barleria
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Bur-Reed
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black salt
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Chinese Mountain Ant
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Cloudberry
coconut oil
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Chive
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
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cola nut
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