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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Garlic bulb (Allium sativum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine to prevent and treat colds and respiratory infections. More recently, scientific research has begun to explore these claims. Laboratory studies indicate that garlic possesses antimicrobial, antiviral, and immune-modulating properties, largely attributed to its organosulfur compounds, such as allicin. Several human clinical trials have investigated garlic’s role in preventing the common cold. A notable randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2001 found that daily supplementation with garlic extract over 12 weeks significantly reduced the incidence of colds compared to placebo, as well as shortened the duration of symptoms among those who became ill. Some meta-analyses and systematic reviews suggest that garlic supplementation may modestly reduce the frequency of colds, though the quality and size of available studies are variable and often limited by small sample sizes or lack of replication.

While the evidence does not reach the highest levels of certainty, it is stronger than for many traditional remedies. No major safety concerns have been identified with typical dietary or supplemental use, though gastrointestinal upset can occur. In summary, garlic’s use for cold prevention is supported by both tradition and moderate scientific evidence, justifying continued interest and further research.

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Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Abrus
Acacia
Agastache
Ajuga
Algae
Allicin
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Allspice
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpinia galangal
American Liverleaf
Amomum
Amor seco
Andrographis
andrographolide
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
arabinogalactan
Aralia
Arani
Ardisia
Asam gelugor
Asarum heterotropoides
aster root
Asteraceae
astragalus
atractylone
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
Baikal Skullcap
balsam
bamboo
Baphicacanthus cusia
basil
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
bee products
bermuda grass
berry
beta-glucan
beta-pinene
Bidens pilosa
bioflavonoids
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black cumin
black currant
black galingale
black nightshade
black pepper
black salt
black seed
black tea
blackberry
blackboard tree
blackthorn
Blepharis
borneol
buckthorn
bасора
Camellia sinensis
camu camu
capillary artemisia
capsaicin
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
cayenne pepper
Celosia
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
Chinese silkvine
chlorella
Chlorophytum
chrysanthemum
cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamomum
cinnamon
Cistus
citron
Citrus
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citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut
coconut milk
colostrum
coriander
costus
cowherb
Curcuminoid
currant
curry leaf
Dianthus
dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/tetraenoic acid isobutylamide
dragonhead
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
essential oil blend
eucalyptus
European Elder
European five-finger grass
ferula assafoetida
flavoglycosides
flavonoids
flowering quince
forsythia
fruit
fungus
galactooligosaccharides
Gallesia
gamma-terpinene
garlic
garlic bulb
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
Gnaphalium
goji berry
goldthread
grape
Greek mountain tea
green chiretta
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
heal-all
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Horsemint
hyacinth bean
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lovage
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mustard seed
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Nettle
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onion
Onosma bracteatum
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rhizome
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seaweed
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Smartweed
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Southern Tsangshu
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spruce
squawvine
Sumac
Sweet Annie
sweet flag
Tamaricaceae
Tayuya
Tea
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Thaumatococcus daniellii
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Umckaloabo
vegetable blend (proprietary)
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Viola
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Water Pepper
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White Tea
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Wulinshen
xanthium (cockleburs)
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Yerba buena
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Zinc
Zingerone
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