Garlic is both a versatile culinary seasoning and a commonly used medicinal herb. Medicinal Herb Info lists some of its other common names as stink weed, nectar of the gods and camphor of the poor. Garlic is widely cultivated and is also found growing wild all over North America. Before beginning to take garlic medicinally, consult your health-care provider for instructions.
History of Garlic
Garlic has been recorded in a number of cultures' texts. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that during the time the Egyptian pyramids were being built, the Egyptians were already using garlic as a popular medicinal herb and cooking ingredient. Gravediggers in France during the early 18th century drank garlic preparations to protect them from the plague. And during both World War I and World War II, soldiers were given garlic to prevent gangrene.
Garlic & Heartburn
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, garlic is commonly used to treat high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure. It also is used as a blood thinner, a tick repellent and to treat upper respiratory infection, diabetes and stomach ulcers. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that garlic may be helpful in preventing occurrences of the common cold. But none of the sources specifically lists heartburn as a condition helped by garlic.
Potential Interactions
There are a few potential herb and drug interactions to be aware of if you are considering using garlic supplements. The small amounts of garlic used in food preparation are generally considered safe. The University of Maryland Medical Center cautions people who take any form of anti-platelet or blood thinning medication to avoid garlic supplements due to the possibility of excessive bleeding. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says that insulin or other medications for diabetes may also harmfully interact with garlic supplements.
Possible Side Effects
Both the University of Maryland Medical Center and the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine list upset stomach and gastrointestinal upset among the list of possible garlic side effects. This would suggest that garlic would not be an effective treatment for heartburn. It may even make heartburn worse.
Forms Used
Garlic bulbs can be bought in the produce section of the supermarket. But you can also easily find garlic supplements made with whole fresh garlic, dried or freeze-dried garlic, garlic oil or garlic extracts, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Users are advised to read the labels carefully, since not all supplements contain the same amounts of garlic. If you have questions about the various supplements and which to use, consult with your pharmacist or health-care provider.
Considerations
The U.S. National Library of Medicine says that some people may have allergic reactions to garlic. Allergies can be triggered by eating garlic, smelling it or touching it with the skin. Allergic reactions can occur even if garlic has been used before with no reaction. Watch for signs of rash, hives or swelling of the tongue, throat, lips or face. If any of these occur, stop using garlic and contact your health-care provider.
