Overall, garlic is a wonder plant, with immense benefits as a medicinal agent. It is purported to have anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antibiotic properties that have been shown to be effective for treating disease for more than 3,000 years. However, as with all natural substances whether they be foods or herbs, there may be side effects, sensitivities and allergies. Care should be taken when using garlic medicinally either raw or processed in freeze dried or powder forms.
Body Odor
One of the primary side effects of consuming garlic, particularly in large or medicinal quantities, is body odor. All secretions will have the odor of garlic until you stop consuming it. Sometimes there is a stinging sensation on the skin from garlic excreted in the perspiration, according to Candida Diet. Allow at least a week for the odor to disappear once you have stopped using it.
Bad Breath
Halitosis is another side effect of eating raw garlic or drinking garlic juice. Again, as with body odor, the scent of garlic will remain on your breath as long as you are taking it. If you eat the garlic with meals, it is not quite so strong.
Stomach Upset
Taking large doses of raw garlic can cause considerable stomach upset, according to All4NturalHealth.com. Some of the symptoms you may experience are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, burning sensations, acid indigestion and burning in the esophagus.
Fatigue
The Candida Diet website reports that some people experience fatigue, headache, loss of appetite muscle pain and dizziness while taking garlic supplements.
Anticoagulant Properties
Garlic has blood thinning properties, therefore, extra care should be used if taking it for medicinal purposes, especially before surgery. Garlic may interact with prescription blood thinners such as Warfarin or Coumidin, antihypertensives and antiplatelet drugs.
Other Concerns
Although not common, certain food allergies that have been noted when taking large quantities of fresh garlic or supplements include rash, fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties and possibly swelling of the throat, tongue and mouth, which requires medical attention immediately.
There is no solid evidence regarding the use of large quantities of garlic for medicinal reasons during pregnancy or nursing. Caution is advised and a doctor should be consulted before doing so. Do not take garlic if you suffer from a blood clotting disorder, if you bleed easily or have diabetes, according to Drugs.com.
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