Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic bulb
For the health condition: Chest Pain

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Garlic bulb (Allium sativum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various cardiovascular complaints, including chest pain, which may be a symptom of angina or heart-related issues. In traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, garlic has been valued for its purported ability to promote heart health, improve circulation, and "open" the blood vessels. Historical texts often mention garlic as a remedy for symptoms that could be interpreted as chest pain, though the descriptions are general and not always specific to modern diagnoses.

Scientific studies on garlic have mainly focused on its effects in lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and having mild antiplatelet (blood-thinning) activity. While these effects could theoretically contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease and possibly angina, there is limited direct clinical evidence showing that garlic specifically alleviates chest pain. A few small studies have explored garlic’s impact on cardiovascular function, but results are mixed and often not directly related to acute chest pain management. Most clinical guidelines do not include garlic as a primary or adjunctive treatment for chest pain or angina.

In summary, garlic's use for chest pain is primarily based on tradition, with some indirect scientific evidence supporting its general cardiovascular benefits. However, the direct evidence for its effectiveness in treating or alleviating chest pain is weak, and garlic should not replace standard medical care for chest pain, which can be a symptom of serious conditions.

More about garlic bulb
More about Chest Pain