Garlic, also known as Allium sativum, adds flavor to many food dishes, but this herb also has properties that make it useful for preventing or treating some health conditions. In addition to its cholesterol-reducing effects, some people claim that garlic has a beneficial effect on blood pressure. Before taking a garlic supplement to reduce your blood pressure, discuss this herb with a physician to find out if you can take it safely.
Significance
High blood pressure increases the risk for stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular disease. ACE inhibitors, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers reduce blood pressure, but these medications cause serious side effects in some people. The use of garlic to reduce blood pressure offers a way to control this serious condition without the side effects of pharmaceutical treatments.
Administration
Some garlic supplements contain aged garlic extract, which eliminates the distinct garlic smell. Prepare foods with fresh garlic to add flavor to your favorite dishes. If raw garlic upsets your stomach, cook the garlic to reduce the chances of gastrointestinal effects.
Effects
Garlic produces two effects that may result in decreased blood pressure. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that garlic prevents platelets from sticking together, which makes it easier for the blood to flow through the circulatory system. Garlic also relaxes the blood vessels, which reduces the amount of force necessary for the heart to pump blood to the organs.
Efficacy
Little evidence exists to support the use of garlic for preventing or treating high blood pressure, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at the University of Oregon. Most well-designed research studies have not shown that garlic consumption reduces blood pressure. Only three out of 23 controlled studies showed that garlic reduces diastolic blood pressure. These studies appeared in "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" and "British Journal of Clinical Practice Supplement." The study published in "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" also showed that garlic reduces systolic blood pressure. Scientists need to perform more controlled, randomized research studies to determine the true benefits of garlic for high blood pressure.
Warnings
The University of Texas at El Paso reports that large quantities of garlic interfere with blood clotting, so do not use large amounts of garlic for at least two weeks before a surgical procedure. Avoid using garlic to lower blood pressure if you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, gastritis or bleeding ulcers. Do not use garlic with other herbs and medicines that affect blood clotting. Because garlic may lower blood sugar, use this herb with caution if you have diabetes.
