Garlic & Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the acute or chronic inflammation of the air passages that lead to the lungs. While acute bronchitis usually occurs as a consequence of respiratory viral infections, and is commonly seen in the very young and the very old, and in individuals with heart or lung diseases, chronic bronchitis lasts for at least three months and is worsened by air pollution and allergies. Bronchitis does not require any medication, although your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary infections. Certain supplements and natural foods such as garlic may help prevent bronchitis and the secondary infections associated with it.

Garlic

The cloves obtained from the bulbs of the Allium sativum plant, which is better known as garlic, have been used as a food and flavoring agent in many cultures for centuries. They also contain significant amounts of a chemical compound known as allicin, which has immense medicinal value. Heart disease, certain cancers and infections, such as common cold, are some of the conditions that can be prevented or treated with garlic. The supplements are available as fresh or aged cloves, oils, liquid extracts and capsules. The recommended dose may, however, vary, depending on your age and overall health. Talk to your doctor to set up a regimen that is right for you.

Bronchitis

Taking garlic supplements for 12 weeks between November and February reduced the incidence of common cold by 63 percent in research study subjects, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. This may, in turn, lower the risk of acute bronchitis. Drugs.com also reports that garlic supplements have been used traditionally to treat common cold, mild bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. Another study in a 2004 issue of the “Journal of Medicinal Food” reveals that garlic possesses significant antibacterial activity against a variety of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia, which may cause secondary infections in bronchitis patients. However, a study in the July 2009 issue of the “Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews” points out that more studies are needed to conclusively prove the benefits of garlic for treating the common cold.

Side Effects

Garlic supplements are generally safe to use, although side effects such as upset stomach, bad breath, bad odor and stinging sensation on the skin have been reported occasionally, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The supplements may also interfere with certain blood-thinning and HIV medications.

Precautions

Garlic and its supplements are easily available at most natural food stores. However, you must talk to a doctor before using them to treat insulin resistance. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the production of garlic supplements sold in the United States. So, make sure that the product has been tested for safety and efficacy either by a reliable private laboratory or by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention.