Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic bulb
For the health condition: Contagious Diseases

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Synopsis

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

Garlic bulb (Allium sativum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine to help prevent or treat contagious diseases, particularly infections like colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Ancient cultures, such as those in Egypt, Greece, and China, commonly used garlic as a remedy for infectious conditions. The traditional rationale was based on garlic's noticeable odor and its "heating" properties, which were believed to ward off "bad air" or evil spirits thought to cause disease. In modern times, scientific studies have shown that garlic contains compounds like allicin, which exhibit antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings. However, while in vitro research demonstrates that garlic extracts can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. A few small human trials suggest garlic supplementation may modestly reduce the risk or duration of common colds, but results are inconsistent and not definitive. There is insufficient evidence to recommend garlic as a sole or primary therapy for contagious diseases. Thus, while garlic's use for this purpose is deeply rooted in tradition, the scientific support remains preliminary. It is considered safe in culinary amounts, but high doses or supplements should be used cautiously, especially in people taking blood thinners or with certain health conditions.

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