14 Potent Health Benefits of Garlic – The World’s Healthiest Food

When we were younger, we took our health for granted thinking it is something that will always be there. We obsess over everything else around us. As we age, we soon realize that our good health is what allows us to enjoy what the world has to offer.

All the little things we do to take care of ourselves counts. This is why incorporating more fruits and veggies into our diet can go a long way. Also, we should rely on medicine to heal us when we are sick. Back in the days, people used natural herbs and spices to remedy different health conditions. Garlic is one of them.

After reading this article, you’ll understand why people from thousands of years ago used garlic, and why it’s still recommended as an alternative medicine for our good health even now.

What is Garlic?

Scientific Name: Allium sativum
Common Name: Garlic (English), L’ail (French), Ajo (Spanish), Aglio (Italian), Knoblauch (German)

Garlic is a strong aromatic crop from a bulbous plant that is a close relative of the onion, chives, leeks, shallots, and rakkyo in the onion genus, Allium. Allicin is responsible for its characteristic odor along with other oil-soluble sulfur components. For thousands of years, garlic has been cultivated and used for different medicinal purposes. Its healing properties are attributed to the bioactive components found in this superfood, according to Food Bioscience. (2)

Plant Description

Overview: Garlic is a bulbous herb that grows up to 60 cm. in height.
Bulb: Garlic has a rounded bulb made up of around 15 small bulblets (cloves). A whitish to pinkish tunic (paper coat) covers these bulbs and cloves.
Leaves: Around four to twelve long, sword-shaped leaves connect to an underground stem.
Flowers: It originates from a dense and spherical cluster on a flower stalk/spike as long as 25 cm. in length. Each flower stalk comes from a common point.
Its flowers are pinkish or greenish-white and have six perianth segments (petals and sepals) around 3 mm. long. Its bulbils look like small cloves that are usually interspersed among small flowers.
Fruits: Its flowers typically abort before getting to a stage where fertilization can occur.
Seeds: Garlic is not normally grown in the wild but in laboratories. It looks like onion seeds but half the size.

Components of Garlic

Garlic’s active component is allicin. It is a rich source of various vitamins, minerals, as well as trace elements. Among the genus Allium, garlic has the highest sulfur content. Selenium and germanium, two trace elements, are also present.
Garlic has roughly 0.5% volatile oil made up of sulfur-containing compounds:

• Diallyl disulfide
• Diallyl trisulfide
• Methylallyltrisulfide

Its bulb has a colorless and odorless sulfur-containing amino acid known as alliin (S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide) that has no pharmacological use. Grounding bulbs release the enzyme, alliinase, which leads to the conversion of allin to 2-propenesulfenic acid that dimerizes into allicin. (3)

The allicin in garlic gives this plant its distinct, pungent odor and taste when crushed and is believed to be responsible for the plant’s pharmacological activity. It stays intact for as long as 16 hours when stored at room temperature.

Healing Properties of Garlic

Garlic has many healing properties according to the National Library of Medicine, a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA.

• Antiseptic/Antibacterial properties (4)
• Antithrombotic effects
• Gastrointestinal effects
• Boosts immunity
• Anti-cancer activity/Anti-tumor
• Prevents liver damage (5)
• Reduces blood glucose levels
• Reduces lipid levels
• Antioxidant
• Vasodilator

Health Benefits of Garlic

1. Garlic for Blood Pressure

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A 2012 randomized and placebo-controlled study was done on garlic to determine its effect on lowering blood pressure. This study revealed that taking 200 mg. garlic powder thrice a day has blood pressure lowering effects. There is insufficient evidence to point out garlic’s therapeutic advantage when it comes to reducing morbidity and mortality risk against cardiovascular diseases. (6)
A similar study published in The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing stated the same results. They suggest more studies be done on the subject. (7)

2. Garlic for Cholesterol

A 2009 study was conducted to determine garlic’s impact on lipid parameters and total cholesterol levels. The results of the study indicated that garlic has a modest effect on lowering total cholesterol levels. (8)

A 2007 study from the Stanford University discovered no significant benefit on LDL levels (bad cholesterol) when they tested raw garlic along with two famous garlic supplements (powdered garlic and aged garlic extract), during a period of six months.

Fresh garlic has potent cardiovascular protection properties that lower blood triglyceride levels by five to 15%. Moreover, it can protect blood cells against inflammation and oxidative stress that often leads to atherosclerosis and heart attack.

A more recent study on garlic in relation to heart health showed that compounds from digested
garlic show red blood cells turning them into cell messenger hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that increases blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels. The University of Alabama, Birmingham study published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” discovered that digesting two cloves of garlic enabled the blood vessels to start producing hydrogen sulfide.

3. Garlic for Diabetes

Garlic can help people with diabetes because it increases the insulin amount released into circulation, thus regulating blood sugar more efficiently. “The Journal of Medicinal Food” published a study indicating that garlic was effective in boosting a person’s insulin content as well as improve glucose tolerance. It is supported by another study conducted on alloxan-induced diabetic rats suggesting that garlic, along with onion, have anti-hyperglycemic effects and can help minimize liver and renal damage. (9)

“The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry” published another study showing that garlic may protect the heart from diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy.

The best way to regulate blood sugar with garlic is to eat it raw after crushing one or two pods. Take it upon arising on an empty stomach or drink it with warm water. If you can’t tolerate raw garlic, supplements will do.

4. Garlic for Cancer

Most evidence regarding garlic’s anti-cancer properties is mixed. Garlic is rich in germanium, a powerful anti-cancer compound that can protect individuals against certain types of cancer like breast and colon cancer.

A review conducted by the “World Cancer Research Fund” in 2007 concluded that garlic may have anti-cancer properties against bowel and stomach ulcers. Another recent review done in 2009 showed that there wasn’t sufficient proof of garlic’s anti-cancer properties against breast, lung, stomach, and womb cancers, but there was limited proof that including garlic in the diet can reduce the risk of colon, oral, ovary, prostate, and renal cell cancer. (10) A 2012 Chinese study revealed a conflicting outcome about the health benefits of garlic pills on stomach cancer.

5. Garlic for Ear Infections

Garlic is an excellent ear infection remedy because of its natural antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that can reduce ear swelling, pain, and inflammation. It has allicin that treats the infection and minimizes the pain in the inner ear. The aromatic compounds in garlic also possess anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that the skin and eardrum can easily absorb into the surrounding tissues of the inner ear.

A 1995 study discovered that taking aqueous garlic extract and concentrated garlic oil exhibited antifungal effects and may be used or work even better than most pharmaceutical ear preparations. (11)

Fresh garlic is best used to make an ear infection remedy. Alternatively, you can use its juice, or combine it with olive oil, mustard oil or salt to get rid of an ear infection.

6. Garlic for Yeast Infections

The allicin in garlic is a potent antifungal. Garlic produces it when you slice up or crush raw garlic. Together with diallyl sulfides, allicin can put a stop to yeast infections. Allicin stops the symptoms of yeast infection while diallyl sulfide boosts the immune system to make sure Candida does not come back. Also, allicin forms another compound, Ajoene, a proven antifungal.

Proof of this is supported by a 1988 study that discovered Candida growth was markedly decreased using aqueous garlic extract. Even the Huntington College of Health Sciences agreed with this claim by publishing an article stating that garlic inhibited both the functioning and the growth of Candida Albicans.

The Mycological Society of America published a study on garlic in 1977 to learn about its effect on yeast-like fungi. The outcome suggests that garlic extract inhibited at least 22 isolates of C. albicans. (12)

You can treat a yeast infection with garlic by taking it raw as a garlic tea or a homemade garlic suppository.

7. Garlic for Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis is a common gynecological problem experienced by women that is not sexually transmitted. Any changes in a woman’s vaginal environment can result in this condition. Because it can be a chronic problem for some, relying on antibiotics is not always a good choice.

A February 1999 paper published in “Microbes and Infections” researched garlic’s medicinal properties and discovered that it has strong antimicrobial properties and can effectively fight a diverse strain of bacteria, even those that have become resistant to antibiotics. In addition, it also proved to be antifungal, antiviral, and anti-parasitic, too. Recently, a study published in the “Pakistani Journal of Pharmaceutical Science” in January 2011 revealed that garlic extracts are also effective in fighting drug-resistant Tuberculosis strains.

8. Garlic for Cough and the Common Cold

A cold and cough study was published in 2012 confirmed that the traditional use of garlic can prevent the common cold by taking a garlic supplement. Its outcome revealed that garlic supplementation may be helpful in accelerating relief and reduce the severity of cough and cold symptoms although more research is still required. (13)

Moreover, it lessened the potential of getting re-infected with other viral strains as well as boosting the immune system.

However, a study published in the “Clinical Nutrition” in 2012 discovered that taking aged garlic extract for three months did not prevent colds and flu but reduced severity when taken.

9. Garlic for a Stronger Immunity

A similar study revealed that taking garlic supplements can stimulate and enhance the human immune system by:

• Increasing the number of lymphocytes
• Increasing the number of phagocytes
• Increasing the activity of natural killer cells
• Increasing antibody titers

Moreover, this study also delved deeper into garlic’s antimicrobial effects, revealing that it is effective against many Gram positive and negative bacteria such as:

• Salmonella
• Clostridium and staphylococcus
• Streptococcus
• Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Proteus
• Bacillus
• Mycobacterium
• Helicobacter Pylori

10. Garlic for a Toothache

Tooth decay causes a toothache in or near a tooth. Sticky plaque that clings to and eats through your teeth’s enamel causes tooth decay. The author or “A Treatise on Home Remedies,” Suresh Babu, indicated that garlic can cure tooth decay or tooth abscesses. Again, allicin is responsible for its anti-inflammatory benefits and functions as a natural antibiotic. It reduces inflammation and lessens a toothache. Moreover, it also treats the infection to prevent experiencing more toothaches in the future.
Peel two fresh garlic cloves and make a paste. Put this paste on the affected tooth for at least 30 minutes.

11. Garlic for Cold Sores

The Herpes Simplex Type 1 virus causes blister-like lesions known as cold sores. You’d often see cold sores around the nose, lips, and chin. Also, remember that this virus is highly contagious, so don’t share personal things like towels and razors.

Garlic has shown antimicrobial and antiviral properties as further endorsed by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Since a virus causes cold sores, garlic is an effective remedy for treating them. It is best to use freshly-cut raw garlic and apply it on the active lesion itself and leave it on for at least ten minutes.

In addition, garlic possesses Indole – 3 – carbinol (I3C), a compound that boosts the immune system so you don’t easily get sick, as well as allicin and kyolic. Kyolic has antiviral properties that speed up the healing of cold sores.

12. Garlic for Acne

Acne is a problem faced by most men and women on the planet, especially once a person hits puberty. Acne occurs when hair follicles come in contact with dead skin cells and oil. These pimples form when the oil glands mix with male hormones that the adrenal glands normally produce in both men and women.

It has been said repeatedly that garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. It can help pores from getting clogged leading to acne. Aside from allicin, garlic also has sulfur compounds known as thiacremonon that act as drying agents to get rid of acne and acne scars on the skin. Garlic is also rich in Vitamin C, B6, copper, selenium, and zinc which controls sebum, and all nutrients help prevent acne.

13. Garlic for Hair

Garlic is a wonder food and many health and culinary experts agree with this. It is so versatile you can use it for just about everything. People with hair problems can also benefit from it.

“The Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprology,” published a 2007 study where dermatological researchers from the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Iran discovered that applying garlic gel topically on parts of the head with hair loss resulted in hair re-growth of hair in the bald areas, an increase in hair count, and a reduction in the size of the bald patches on the head.

The selenium and sulfur in garlic strengthen the hair shaft, so it not only addresses hair loss, but strengthens the hair as well. Moreover, the vitamins and minerals it contains conditions the hair and intensifies hair color.

14. Garlic Benefits for Men

Do not let the possibility of having bad breath prevent you from enjoying the health benefits garlic has to offer men. For years now, the experts vouch on garlic’s capability to boost sexual health and stamina. Aside from being an aphrodisiac, it likewise normalizes the blood flow to the penis and addresses impotency issues.

History of Garlic

Garlic is native to Central Asia and has a long history of human use that dates back more than 7,000 years. There are other conflicting theories about its origin claiming that garlic originated in West China, by the Tien Shan Mountains to its nearby countries Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Garlic is a staple in the Mediterranean and a favorite seasoning of the Asians, Africans, and Europeans.

By 2100-2600 BC, Sumerians used garlic for its healing properties. There’s a belief that they introduced garlic to China, where it soon spread to Japan and Korea. Garlic first became famous in the Old World and maintained its popularity until the New World.

Around 2700 BC, the ancient Chinese used garlic in many ways. They even included it in the yin-yang philosophy as a yang because of its stimulating effects. Because of this, the Japanese had no place for garlic in both their tradition and cuisine. (1)

The Ancient Indians relied on garlic for treating many conditions like cough, body weakness, lack of appetite, hemorrhoids, skin disease, rheumatism, and it was also used as a tonic. The holy book of the Indians, the Vedas, included garlic as a useful Indian medicinal plant. Ancient Indian priests were also the doctors and pharmacists of the community where they performed secret and magnificent ceremonies full of rituals, chanting, prayers, and often used plants like garlic in their many ceremonies.

The Egyptians also knew about garlic back then and used local medicinal plants that grew around the Nile River including garlic. As their civilization prospered and they were able to trade for Eastern spices and aromas, garlic was still used in Egypt, but more as a food and remedy for the slaves. Garlic was a vital nutritional supplement to make sure workers have enough strength and endurance to carry out their day’s work.

Among the oldest proof of garlic’s existence is in the Egyptian crypts. Garlic bulb sculptures date back to as early as 3700 BC. There are other crypts containing garlic illustrations including the Ebers Papyrus (1500 BC) that shows the 32 ways of how to use garlic for treating medical conditions. Even the pyramids had garlic in them when discovered by archaeologists. King Tutankhamen, the youngest pharaoh, was accompanied by garlic in the afterlife in the belief that it will protect both his soul and wealth.

Also, ancient Israelis used garlic to enhance blood pressure, heat the body, kill parasites, and end starvation. Judaism’s book, the Talmud, prescribed meals with garlic each Friday. Even the Bible revealed that reapers mainly consumed garlic and cheese.

The Ancient Greeks fed their army garlic before major battles. Even the early Greek Olympic athletes ate garlic to perform well during their competitions. Many of the famous Greek philosophers like Hippocrates and Dioscorides had different uses for garlic.

The ancient Tibetans followed old recipes for curing stomach aches with garlic. They grew garlic in the gardens of Babylon that the locals called “rank rose.”

By the time of the Roman Empire, garlic still played a big role as a native medicinal plant. As the empire grew, the rich Romans started using exotic herbs and spices from faraway lands they conquered, leaving garlic as a largely used spice, remedy, and food of the poor.

The last great Tsar of Assyria, Ashurbanipal, hid clay plates that recorded different Babylonian-Assyrian customs and rituals, and garlic has a special place in it where it was quoted many times on clay plates.

By the 1500s, garlic reached Great Britain via the Mediterranean Sea and was used in all ways possible in Ancient Europe, especially in Italy. France incorporated garlic in most of its culinary dishes. By this time, the people were developed various forms of garlic remedies. It has even saved thousands of lives from the Plague.

Garlic was also known as the Russian Penicillin because of its usefulness in treating respiratory tract conditions. Most German soldiers used garlic during World War I. By the time of the World War II, garlic was still used by the Russian Red Army, which is why garlic earned the distinction of being a natural antibiotic or the Russian Penicillin.

Medicinal Use of Garlic throughout History

Health experts often use the term “superfood” when describing garlic. Throughout history, garlic has proven to be just that. It not only adds life and flavor to your food, but it is an excellent medical aid as well.

Overview of the use of garlic over the last 5,000 years:

Ancient Egypt (3200 BC to 343 BC)

• Garlic was consumed daily especially by the working class to boost strength and productivity.
• Codex Ebers, this era’s authoritative medical text, prescribed the use of garlic for treating abnormal growths.
• It was also prescribed for general malaise, circulatory ailments, and insect and parasite infestations.

Biblical Period

• The Egyptians fed Jewish slaves garlic to enhance their strength and productivity.
• The 2nd century AD Jewish religious text, the Talmud, prescribed garlic for treating parasitic infections and other body disorders.

Ancient Greece (1000 BC to 326 BC)

• Garlic was included in the daily diet of soldiers and the military to give them more courage.
• Each athlete consumed garlic before competing in the first Olympic Games to improve their performance.
• It was also used to protect the skin against toxins or poison.
• The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, used garlic daily and recommended it for cleansing and as a treatment for pulmonary ailments as well as abdominal growths.

Ancient Rome (8 BC to AD 476)

• The chief doctor of Nero’s army suggested the use of garlic to clean the arteries or improve cardiovascular health even though blood circulation was discovered hundreds of years later.
• They also used garlic to treat GI disorders, animal bites, and to manage seizures and joint diseases.
• The five-volume of Historica Naturalis, a reference book in the medicine field, enumerated 23 ways to use garlic in the treatment of different disorders like liver disease and as protection against infections and toxins.
• Later in this era, they used garlic to treat parasitic infestations, infections and other respiratory conditions.

Ancient China and Japan

• Used garlic in preserving food
• Consume it with raw meat.
• Early Chinese doctors prescribed garlic to aid with digestion and respiration, manage diarrhea, and treat worm infestations.
• Used to treat depression
• It was also helpful to improve male potency.

Ancient India

• Garlic has been associated with healing as recorded in the very first available Indian written texts.
• Used in treating arthritis and heart disease as recorded in Charaka-Samhita, an Indian medical text
• The Bower manuscript, another ancient medical text, revealed the use of garlic for treating fatigue, digestive diseases, parasites, and even leprosy.

Middle Ages

• Garlic was a favorite in “The Hortulus Manuscript” which was the leading medical reference back then.
• They also used garlic to eliminate constipation.
• To protect themselves against heat strokes, outdoor workers consumed lots of garlic.
• The use of garlic in dietetics was highlighted by the Medical School of Salerno.
• Garlic was likewise useful in treating the Great Plague.

The Renaissance Period (the mid-1300s)

• Garlic is among the primary plants grown by leading universities in their “Physics” gardens for medical research.
• Dr. Pietro Mattioli, a prominent 16th-century doctor, prescribed garlic to treat kidney stones, digestive disorders, and to help women recover after giving birth.
• The English people used garlic in managing toothaches, dropsy, constipation, and plague.

Early America

• Native Americans relied on garlic tea to treat flu-like symptoms.
• The Shaker herb catalogs suggested garlic is an expectorant, stimulant, and tonic.
• In the book, “Home: Book of Health,” Dr. John Gunn used garlic as a diuretic, expectorant, and for worm treatment (1878).
• Author of the Health Remedies, Dr. Joseph Richardson, used garlic to treat all lung conditions.

Nowadays, garlic is mainly used in cooking, but it is still a handy remedy for different conditions like:

• Cough and Colds
• Sore throat
• Nasal Congestion/Stuffy Nose
• Heart health
• Infections
• Inflammation
• Toothache
• Earache
• Warts

Is Garlic good for you?

Garlic is a nutritious vegetable with trace amounts of nutrients and very few calories. As a fresh plant and in supplement form, garlic can boost the immune system and a person’s overall well-being. Because of its health benefits and delicious flavor, the demand for garlic keeps growing all worldwide.

Are there Vitamins in Garlic?

Garlic is rich in Vitamin C, B6, Selenium, Manganese, and other antioxidants like allicin. Allicin is the most highly valued sulfur compound in garlic.
The diallyl sulfides present in garlic enhance iron metabolism because it boosts the production of the protein, ferroportin, allowing iron to be utilized anywhere it is needed in the body.

Benefits of Raw Garlic

As you know already, the chemical “allin” is present in garlic, which turns into allicin when it is chewed or by crushing fresh garlic cloves. The resulting compound decomposes right away after it is formed, creating a chemical that reacts immediately with free radicals, killing them.

Like garlic supplements, numerous studies have been done to test the health benefits of raw garlic over the last 20 years and they still continue, even now.

On the other hand, population studies discovered that people who ate raw garlic regularly had lower rates of breast, esophageal, colon, pancreatic, prostate, and stomach cancer. A five-year clinical trial conducted on 5,000 Chinese men discovered that selenium and garlic supplements reduced the incidences of stomach cancer by as much as 52%. It is as simple as putting a clove of fresh garlic on your hamburger to protect you from harmful bacteria like E. coli.

The best thing you can do is cut the garlic and then cook it to get the most of its health benefits.

Does Garlic Cause Gas?

A few of the healthiest foods can result in intestinal gas and flatulence, primarily because of their high fiber content. The GI tract has a hard time breaking down large amounts of carbohydrates and fiber, so they often go to the large intestine, unchanged. As soon as undigested food reaches this part of the GI tract, bacterium starts breaking down the undigested parts of garlic.

A gas-byproduct mostly made up of carbon dioxide and hydrogen results when bacterium breaks down the starches from garlic. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, garlic is odor-forming as an intestinal gas. This means the bacteria likewise releases methane giving flatulence its nasty odor.

Garlic Supplements

• Garlic oil
• Garlic oil macerate
• Dehydrated garlic powder
• Aged garlic extract (AGE)

Garlic Oil

Steam distillation produces the essential oil of garlic. It contains different sulfides like DADS and diallyl trisulfide. Most commercially available garlic oil capsules often have vegetable oil and a tiny amount of garlic essential oil due to the pungent odor.

Garlic Oil Macerate

Garlic oil macerate was initially made for condiments. They are often an encapsulated combination of whole garlic cloves ground into vegetable oil.

Dehydrated Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is produced in bulk as a flavoring agent for processed foods and condiments. It is made by slicing or crushing the cloves drying them and then pulverizing garlic cloves into powder. It is said that dehydrated garlic powder contains similar ingredients as in raw garlic but the amounts and proportions of its different constituents differ greatly. Garlic powder contains just about 1% of allin at the most because most of it is lost during dehydration.

Aged Garlic Extract (AGE)

Sliced or whole garlic cloves are soaked in extracting solutions over a varying period of time to make garlic extract. After separating the solution, the aged garlic extract is concentrated and used. You can also buy the extract in powder form. It mostly contains water-soluble components and a tiny amount of oil-soluble compounds. This extract is aged for at least 20 months.

How much Garlic should you consume daily?

You can consume garlic raw or juiced. There are various garlic supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, and tinctures. Many of the supplements are odor-controlled and coated with a special coating to survive strong stomach acids. Many of them contain garlic’s main active component, allicin, as well as allin, sulfur, and A-allyl cysteine.
An average daily dose of 1,500 to 1,800 mg. garlic supplement is equal to consuming half a clove of fresh garlic each day.
To fight off an infection, consume around three to four crushed, chopped, or chewed cloves daily.

As a supplement, take 600 to 900 mg. (1.3% allicin) divided into two to three doses each day.

Garlic Dosing:

• Fresh raw garlic – 2 to 5 g.
• Dried garlic powder – 0.4 to 1.2 g.
• Garlic oil – 2 to 5 mg.
• Garlic extract – 300 to 1,000 mg.
• Other garlic preparations – between 2 to 5 mg. of allicin

Special Precautions

• People taking anticoagulant medications like Ticlopidine and Warfarin
• People about to have surgery
• Pregnant women

Garlic Side Effects

Consuming garlic or taking garlic pills is generally safe, but large doses of over 10 g. or more than five cloves daily may cause the following garlic side effects:

• Bloating
• Stomach irritation
• Flatulence
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Body odor
• Halitosis

Garlic for Pets

Garlic for Dogs

Even though garlic is included in the list of plants that may be dangerous for both dogs and cats, pet owners can still use it in moderation. The key here is to use fresh, raw garlic instead of garlic supplements, so your dog still enjoys its health benefits without endangering its life.

The effectiveness of garlic for fleas may be another reason to use it on your pets. Feeding your dog garlic daily for a couple of weeks and then twice weekly for maintenance is enough to keep your dog flea-free during the flea and tick season. Remember to do this several weeks before the onset of the season to give it enough time to build up in the natural coat oil of your dog.

Also, refrain from bathing your dog once the flea and tick season starts, or risk having to start from scratch again. If possible, use fresh, raw, and organic garlic when feeding your dog to be safe.
These are the factors you need to consider when supplementing with garlic for dogs:

• Pregnant dogs
• Puppies (6 months old and younger)
• Breed-specific issues
• Drug interactions

Follow this daily garlic dosing for dogs depending according to their weight:

• 5 lbs. = 1/6 teaspoon
• 10 lbs. = 1/3 teaspoon
• 15 lbs. = ½ teaspoon
• 20 lbs. = 2/3 teaspoon
• 30 lbs. = 1 teaspoon

Keep in mind that anything in excess is bad for you and your pet’s health. Take everything fresh, organic, and in moderation to enjoy the amazing benefits garlic has to offer without putting your pet’s life at risk.

Garlic for Cats

Just like dogs, the same precautions should be considered when using garlic for cats. Most pet experts and veterinarians will say that garlic is bad for dogs and cats, but if owners know how to give garlic to their pets, garlic can do wonders for them, even cats. Unless contraindicated, including small amounts of fresh garlic in their food can be good for them.

Garlic Dose for Cats

The suggested dose of garlic for cats is 1/2 clove finely chopped or a pressed, small, raw clove of garlic mixed into your pet’s food every day. If you use an Aged Extract, give your cat 1/2 capsule mixed into their food each day.

Garlic is more likely to cause the development of garlic-induced anemia since their hemoglobin differs from that of dogs. The sulfoxides present in garlic oxidize the molecules in a cat’s hemoglobin, ultimately damaging your pet’s RBC.

Garlic is five times more potent than onion, just so you have an idea how powerful garlic is. Just keep this dosing in mind and your cat will be fine.

Signs of Garlic Toxicity among Cats

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Oral irritation
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Increase in heart rate
• Increase in respiratory rate
• Collapse

Garlic for Repelling Mosquitoes

Garlic is not great just for fending off vampires. It has been know for centuries that garlic has a reputation for protecting people from mosquito bites. The possible reason it is so effective in doing that is because mosquitoes can’t stand the overpowering smell of garlic, and it distracts them from locating their prey. Some experts even suggest that there’s no need to lather garlic concoctions onto your body to fend off mosquitoes. Simply including garlic in your diet will do the trick. The excess garlic eventually seeps out of a person’s skin. It establishes an invisible layer of garlic oil, acting as a natural barrier against pesky mosquitoes.

The University of Connecticut Health Center published a study in 2005 where one group consumed lots of garlic in their diet each day while the placebo group did not take it. Both groups were exposed to mosquitoes. The outcome did not vary. The only difference was that when a person drank alcohol, the mosquitoes were more attracted to them.

Also, the “Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association” tested on 14 subjects who drank 350 ml. of beer on different occasions. Just like the first study, more mosquitoes were attracted to and bit the subjects.
So, maybe garlic for mosquitoes may not be supported by medical studies, but it won’t hurt to include garlic in your daily diet to benefit from its other health benefits, which are backed by years of studies and research.

Conclusion

Like with any other superfood, the power of garlic is undeniable. For centuries, mankind has benefited from this wonder plant and it has saved millions of lives. It is not only a medicinal tool, but a culinary delight as well. The only downside to it is its distinct smell and taste, which is a turn-off for some.

Both humans and pets can benefit from it. As long as you take just enough, no harm can come your way. Just be extra cautious when giving it to pets because their body makeup is different from ours.

Just remember that many famous personalities in history vouch for the long list of health benefits of garlic. It’s important to take note that most of its benefits are on the preventive side and not as a treatment. If you want to live a healthy and balanced life, start incorporating more natural food into your diet and less artificial ones. If you just use your imagination, there are lots of ways to use fresh, raw, and organic garlic in your day-to-day life and not only to nourish you, but nurture and heal you as well.

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