Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic bulb
For the health condition: Contagious Diseases
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Garlic bulb (Allium sativum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine to help prevent or treat contagious diseases, particularly infections like colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Ancient cultures, such as those in Egypt, Greece, and China, commonly used garlic as a remedy for infectious conditions. The traditional rationale was based on garlic's noticeable odor and its "heating" properties, which were believed to ward off "bad air" or evil spirits thought to cause disease. In modern times, scientific studies have shown that garlic contains compounds like allicin, which exhibit antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings. However, while in vitro research demonstrates that garlic extracts can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. A few small human trials suggest garlic supplementation may modestly reduce the risk or duration of common colds, but results are inconsistent and not definitive. There is insufficient evidence to recommend garlic as a sole or primary therapy for contagious diseases. Thus, while garlic's use for this purpose is deeply rooted in tradition, the scientific support remains preliminary. It is considered safe in culinary amounts, but high doses or supplements should be used cautiously, especially in people taking blood thinners or with certain health conditions.
Other ingredients used for Contagious Diseases
black currantturmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
lactoferrin
licorice root
monolaurin
pomegranate
quercetin
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
siler root
Artesunate
Andrographis
Echinacea
Other health conditions supported by garlic bulb
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Adenitis
Angina
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Arteriosclerosis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Hands and Feet
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Congestive Heart Failure
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (leg)
Croup
Cuts
Cysts
Dandruff
Deafness
Debility
Denture Sores
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dislocation
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Epstein Barr Virus
Insect Repellant
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Pertussis
Pleurisy
Pneumonia
Polyps
Products containing garlic bulb
Nature's Sunshine Artemisia Combination
Nature's Sunshine Candida Clear
Nature's Sunshine Capsicum & Garlic (With Parsley)
Nature's Sunshine Garlic
Nature's Sunshine High Potency Garlic (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine Garlic Oil
Nature's Sunshine GC-X
Nature's Sunshine HS II
Nature's Sunshine Lymphomax
Nature's Sunshine Para-Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Pro-Pancreas Formula
Nature's Sunshine Yeast/Fungal Detox