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)

allspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
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European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Goldthread
Garlic
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Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain