The flu is a virus that effects the respiratory system, causing fever, body aches and coughing. The flu does not typically require medical treatment when healthy individuals are infected. Vaccines are available to prevent catching the flu virus. If you are unable to receive vaccines, or if you'd prefer to try a natural flu preventative and treatment, talk to your doctor about taking raw garlic. If you are pregnant, over the age of 50, or if you suffer from a chronic illness, contact your doctor if you believe you have caught the flu.
Prevention
Bryan Rade, a naturopathic doctor who practices in Halifax, Nova Scotia, claims that raw garlic is highly effective in warding off the flu. Garlic is loaded with allion and allicin, compounds that have natural antiviral properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center's website states that eating raw garlic may reduce your risk of catching the flu virus, but further research is needed to confirm the ability garlic has to prevent the flu.
Treatment
According to the Garlic Central website, you can take raw garlic to treat the symptoms of the flu. Raw garlic effectively reduces flu symptoms if you start taking the garlic as soon as you experience symptoms. Consuming raw garlic when you have the flu can also reduce the length of your illness. MayoClinic.com states that the benefits of taking garlic when you have the flu have not been well researched.
Considerations
Consuming large amounts of garlic can increase the risk of bleeding according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you are on blood thinners, you should not take garlic to treat or prevent the flu. It's best to consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, before taking supplemental garlic.
History
Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. In Germany during the 12th century, tea made from raw garlic was used to treat bronchial illnesses such as asthma according to the Earth Clinic Folk Remedies website.
Usage
Rade suggests chewing a raw garlic clove every three to four hours during flu season to boost your immune system and prevent catching the virus. If you can't stand the strong taste of raw garlic, try cutting the garlic cloves into pieces and swallowing them whole as if you were taking a pill. You can also cut the garlic flavor by mashing cloves with honey before eating them.
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