Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic
For the health condition: Abscesses

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been traditionally used across various cultures as a natural remedy for abscesses and other localized infections. Historical medical texts from Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and China have noted garlic’s use as a topical treatment for wounds, boils, and abscesses. The rationale for its use lies in its pungent compounds, particularly allicin, which are believed to have antimicrobial properties. Traditional healers would crush garlic cloves and apply them directly to the affected area, or sometimes mix garlic with other substances to create a poultice.

Scientific validation for garlic’s effectiveness in treating abscesses is limited. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that garlic extracts, especially allicin, possess broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of abscesses. However, most of these studies are in vitro (test tube) or involve animal models; robust human clinical trials assessing the direct effect of garlic on abscess healing are lacking. Additionally, topical application of raw garlic can sometimes cause skin irritation or burns. Thus, while garlic’s traditional use is well-documented, the evidence base for its efficacy and safety in treating abscesses in humans remains weak, justifying a moderate evidence rating.

More about garlic
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Alstonia scholaris
amber
American Liverleaf
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banyan
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bayberry
bee products
bee propolis
bentonite
berberine
bergamot
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bindweed
black nightshade
black root
black walnut
black-eyed Susan
blackboard tree
Bletilla
bloodroot
Boerhavia diffusa
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borassus palm
boxthorne
boxwood
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bromelain
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burdock
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celandine
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chrysophanics
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cocklebur
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colloidal silver
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