High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious medical condition because it puts a strain on the heart and arteries, and increases the risk of kidney failure, atherosclerosis and stroke. Although high blood pressure might cause symptoms such as dizziness and headaches, it is often symptom-free, which has earned its reputation as a "silent killer." High blood pressure is considered a measurement in the range of 140/90 to 160/100 mmHg. You can reduce high blood pressure by doing more exercise, cutting out salty foods and alcohol, and eating a healthy well-balanced diet. However, you might also need to take blood pressure tablets. Garlic is sometimes used as a complementary treatment for hypertension, although it should never be used in place of lifestyle modification and medicines your doctor prescribes.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Garlic has a long history of use as a medicinal remedy, and has been used to kill bacteria, prevent heart disease and cancer, and as a wound-healing aid. The University of Maryland Medical Center says it might also lower blood pressure slightly. It contains a number of biologically active compounds, including volatile oils, vitamins and a compound known as alliin, which might explain this herb's possible therapeutic effects, says Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Scientific Evidence
The results of a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in the October 2010 issue of "Maturitas," suggest garlic might lower systolic blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Researchers say their data show garlic is comparable in effectiveness to prescription medicines for hypertension. A review of data from 25 clinical studies, published in the June 2008 issue of "BMC Cardiovascular Disorders," concludes that garlic is effective in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Administration
Garlic is available in capsules or tablets, or you might prefer to take this herb raw. The UMMC website suggests taking 400 mg of a standardized extract two or three times daily for hypertension. Alternatively, you might prefer to take 4 g of raw garlic daily. This is roughly equivalent to one clove of garlic. These dosages are intended as guidelines. Check with your doctor for further guidance.
Safety Considerations
RxList says garlic is safe for most people, but adds that it might cause side effects, including body odor, gas, nausea and a burning sensation in the mouth. Taking a garlic supplement rather than raw garlic might reduce these effects. Garlic might increase the risk of bleeding, so it is not suitable for people with bleeding disorders. Also avoid this herb if you have stomach problems or HIV, as it interferes with several anti-viral medicines. It might also decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
References
- BBC Health: High Blood Pressure
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypertension
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Garlic
- RxList: Garlic
- "Maturitas"; "Aged Garlic Extract Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients with Treated But Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Randomised Controlled Trial"; K. Ried et al; October 2010
- "BMC Cardiovascular Disorders"; "Effect of Garlic on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"; K. Ried et al; June 2008
