Garlic Benefits, Research, Usage, Side Effects

By – Dr JV Hebbar
Garlic is an anti-aging spice. It is hot, cleansing, cardiac tonic, digestive, good for eyes, improves hair strength and quality, useful in cough, asthma etc. But it needs some precautions during administration.

Botanical Name- Allium Sativum Linn.
Family- LILIACEAE (Rasona Kula)

Allium Sativum Linn

Useful in mercury poisoning

Beta Mercaptans of garlic are known to bind and chelate the mercury and help to eliminate it out of the body through urine.
Garlic offers more hepatoprotective effect to cadmium followed by mercury and less protection to lead through the processes of uptake, assimilation and elimination of these metals.(research)

The Ayurvedic textbook mentions using of for the purification of mercury. This is a way to use only the very micro dose of mercury and to eliminate all the unnecessary high toxic quantities of mercury out of the body.

एकेन लशुनेनापि शुद्धो भवति पारद: ।
पिष्टो लवणसंयुक्तो सप्ताहं तप्तखल्वके ॥ आयुर्वेद प्रकाश १:१:६५
ekena laśunenāpi śuddho bhavati pārada: |
piṣṭo lavaṇasaṃyukto saptāhaṃ taptakhalvake || āyurveda prakāśa 1:1:65

The mercury is made into paste with equal quantities of garlic and rock salt. This paste is grinded over a hot pan for seven days. This is one of the methods to purify mercury.

The ancient Ayurvedic masters were using garlic along with mercury to eliminate the mercury out of the body, through the chelation action, once after the medicinal components attached to the mercury were delivered to the target organs.

Garlic bulbs

Chemical constituents

Allium sativum chemical constituents
Volatile oil – 0.06-0.1%
Alliin; Carbohydrates(arabinose, Galactose etc) Vitamins (folic acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, thiamine, vit c); Amino acids (arinic , Asparagic acid, methionine etc); enzymes (allinase); volatile compounds (allylalcohol, allylthiol, allylpropyl disulphide etc. Thioglycosides(Scordine, Scordinine a1, A2, & B etc. prostaglandins A2, D2, E2 and F2; allylmethylselenide, Ajoene proteorubosiside B.
(Reference: Illustrated Dravyaguna VIjnana, Vol. II, by Dr JLN Shastry)

Morphology

Allium sativum is a perennial plant growing from a bulb. Stem is erect and grows up to 3 feet tall. Short hard stems above the bulb give rise to 6 – 10 long dark green leaves. Leaf blade is flat, linear with acute apex. The bulb is odoriferous, white in color consisting of 10-20 edible bulblets called cloves. Whole bulb is covered with membranous skin. Flowers are greenish white or pinkish in color.

Garlic inflorescence

Medicinal properties

Raw garlic is one of the very ancient spices used in Ayurveda. Even Sushruta has appreciated the benefits of raw garlic. Sweet, salt, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent are the six tastes according to Ayurvedic belief. Garlic is one of those rare herbs which has five tastes except sour.

Rasa (taste) – Madhura (sweet), Lavana (salt), Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
Guna (qualities) –
Snigdha (oily),
Guru (heavy),
Teekshna (strong, piercing),
Sara – induces mobility, causes diarrhea, purgation, relieves constipation
Snigdha – unctuous, oily
Teekshna – strong, piercing
Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion.
Veerya – Ushna – Hot potency
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata and Kapha. Increases Pitta Dosha.

Part Used- Bulb, oil

Spices, garlic powder

Rasa – sweet, salt, pungent, bitter, astringent
Guna – unctuous, heavy, piercing, sharp
Veerya – hot
Vipaka – pungent
Effect on Doshas
Vata balancing
Kapha balancing
Pitta increasing

Dosage

Kalka – Paste 1-6 g in a single or divided dose per day.
Swarasa – Juice extract – 5 – 10 ml, once or twice a day.
Garlic oil 1-2 ml in single or multiple dose per day

Garlic pearls

Garlic benefits

क्रिमिकुष्ठकिलासघ्नो वातघ्नो गुल्मनाशनः|
स्निग्धश्चोष्णश्च वृष्यश्च लशुनः कटुको गुरुः||१७६||
krimikuṣṭhakilāsaghno vātaghno gulmanāśanaḥ|
snigdhaścoṣṇaśca vṛṣyaśca laśunaḥ kaṭuko guruḥ||176|| Charaka Sutrasthana 27

Jantujit, Krumighna – Relieves worm infestation, useful in infected wounds
Kushtaghna – useful in skin diseases
Kilasaghna – useful in spreading type of skin diseases
Vataghna – useful in treating disorders of Vata Dosha imbalance  such as neuralgia, paralysis, constipation, bloating, etc
Gulmahara – useful in abdominal tumors
Vrushya – aphrodisiac, improves vigor

Garlic benefits

Medhakrut – Improves intelligence
Svarakrut – improves voice tone and quality
Varnakrut – Improves skin tone and complexion
Akshikrut, Netrya, Chakshushya – improves vision, good for eyes, useful in eye disorders
Bhagna Asthi Sandhanakara – causes quick healing of fractured bones

Bruhmana – Though lahsun is pungent, because of its nutritive values, it is also nourishing.
Pachana – Digestive, relieves Ama Dosha
Pittakrut – Increases Pitta Dosha
Asrakrut – Causes or worsens blood vitiated disorders
Keshakrut – improves hair quality and quantity
Hikkahara – relieves hiccups
Kasahara – useful in cough and cold
Jwarahara  – useful in fever
Shwasahara – useful in treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disorders.
Kushtahara – useful in skin diseases
Mehahara – useful in urinary tract disorders and diabetes
Amahara – Relieves ama – a product of indigestion and altered metabolism.
Peenasahara – useful in running nose, sinusitis
Shwitrahara – useful in treating leucoderma – vitiligo
Arshahara – useful in piles, hemorrhoids
Shoolahara – relieves abdominal colic pain
Shophahara – relieves swelling, edema, anti inflammatory
Rasayana – anti aging, causes cell and tissue rejuvenation
Balya – improves strength and immunity
Jeernajwarahara – relieves chronic fever
Kukshi Shoolahara – relieves abdominal colic pain
Vibandhahara – Relieves constipation
Aruchihara – useful in relieving anorexia

Garlic uses

Garlic for blocked channels

Lahsun for relieving Avarana – blocking:
Excluding Rakta (blood tissue) and Pitta Dosha, for all types of Avarana (blocking of channels, covering of channels), Garlic is very useful. Because of its pungent and piercing qualities, it helps to clear and open the body channels. Because of its hotness, it is not useful in Pitta and Rakta conditions.

Garlic root is pungent, leaves are pungent, stalk is astringent.

Garlic in arthritis

Garlic arthritis: Garlic is used in treatment of fractures, and to strengthen bones. Garlic is known to assist in regeneration of bone mass. Hence raw garlic is useful in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Maha Kanda

Maha Kanda/ Grunjana – Allium ascalonium Linn.
It has similar properties of Garlic.
Madhura – sweet in taste
Katu – pungent
Stalk is astringent, leaves are bitter

Garlic and dietetics
It is good to have non vegetarian food, sour foods, drinks and alcohol with garlic.

Garlic with milk

Garlic is a potent herb used widely in Ayurveda. A Milk – Garlic home remedy is explained which is highly effective in multiple conditions. This milk garlic home remedy can be prepared in about 5 minutes.  

Video

Ingredients

Materials required –
1. Garlic pearls – 5 grams
2. Milk – 40 ml (roughly 1.5 oz)
3. water – 40 ml (roughly 1.5 oz)

Method of preparation

How to do it? 
Remove the husk from the garlic. Pound it to make a paste.
Take milk and water in a small vessel. Add garlic to it.
Boil this mixture keeping the lid open, in mild heat,  with continuous stirring, till only 40 ml (1.5 oz) of liquid remains in the vessel.
Filter the content.

Dose

10 ml for adults two times a day. Just before food, or after food.
Once prepared, this recipe should be finished within 10 – 12 hours.

Benefits

This garlic milk remedy is useful to relieve
– abdominal bloating, feeling as if gas is filled in stomach
– constipation
–  chronic fever
– abscess, unhealed wounds.

Because of its potent action against pain and inflammation, this a good home remedy for back pain related to sciatica / slip disc.

Here, the fat and water soluble active principles are transferred into milk media.

Milk being a coolant in nature, reduces the hotness and pungency of garlic.

For those who can not tolerate the hotness and pungency of raw garlic, this is the second best method to enjoy garlic benefits.

No bad breath with this remedy – Another advantage of this remedy is – this will not cause any bad odour of garlic to stay in your mouth. Because, according to researchers from the department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University, a study published in 2001, in the Journal of Food science revealed that drinking milk while eating garlic-heavy food can reduce the bad breath problem associated with garlic consumption.

Lashuna ksheerapaka Shloka

Charaka Chikitsa 5/94-95 – Lashuna Ksheerapaka

4 Palas of Dehusked and dried Lasuna is boiled by adding 8 times of milk and water and reduced to the quantity of milk.
This medicated milk immediately cures
Vata- Gulma,
Udavarta – upward movement of wind
Gridhrasi – sciatica
Vishama Jvara – Recurrent fever
Hrid rogam – heart disease,
Vidradhi – Abscess and
Shotha – oedema. [94-95]

External application

Applying garlic paste improves blood circulation, relieves pain and inflammation.
Hence, its paste is applied over joints to relieve pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and sciatica.
It is also useful against insect bites and itching skin disorders.

Garlic for heart, cancer, cold

Hrudya – acts as a cardiac tonic, congenial for heart.
It stimulates the heart, improves blood circulation, reduces cholesterol deposition inside the blood vessels.

Effect against cancer:
American Institute For Cancer research enlists garlic as a potential spice useful in cancer prevention. Its key ingredients  quercetin, allixin and a group of organosulfur compounds – allicin, alliin and allyl sulfides have shown effect against growth of tumors in prostate, bladder, colon and stomach tissue.

How to use garlic for colds?
Q: Kindly advise suitably about the use of garlic in case of cold. Is it proper to swallow two three cloves with water or it can also be baked in ghee.
Answer: Dear sir, during cold weather, it is best to swallow 2 garlic pearls or make a paste of garlic pearl, add a pinch each of turmeric powder and black pepper powder and have it with water. This will be more effective in the cold, than frying it in ghee..

Research on Garlic

Anti-diabetic effect
antihelmenthic activity
virucidal effects
Anti oxidant activity
Anti bacterial activity

Garlic side effects

Limit the amount of garlic intake during summers.
Not suitable for people with Pitta body types.
It is better to avoid hot Sun exposure, exercise, anger, drinking water, milk with jaggery, soon after eating garlic.
It is safe for children, pregnant and lactating mothers.
Garlic may cause or worsen bad breath problems .
For women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding, it is advisable to stop using garlic 5 days before the onset of periods till it stops.

Allium Sativum

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Hitahara (Conductive) during Lasuna sevana

Madhya – Alcohol
Mamsa – Meat
Amla dravyas – Sour substances

Ahita (Non conductive) during Lasuna sevana

Vyayama – Exercise
Atapa – Sunrays
Atinidra – Excess water
Paya – Milk
Guda – Jaggery

Garlic as Tamasik food

Garlic a Tamasika food with health benefits
Garlic has Rasayana properties – It means, if you take it for a long period of time, it has anti aging effects on your health. But garlic is a Tamasik food. Tamas means darkness. It means that it is not suitable for those seeking celibacy and spiritual success.
However, if you have any disease, the concept of Tamasik food does not apply to you.
The benefits of garlic outweigh its Tamasik side effects. Unless you are a very serious spiritual seeker, you may continue enjoying the immense health benefits of garlic.

How to consume garlic?

For those who can tolerate its offensive smell and taste, they can remove the skin of garlic pearls and consume it readily, after food in the morning.
People with Pitta imbalance can fry garlic in ghee or boil 1 – 2 garlic pearls in milk and then consume it.
For regular use, the best method is to use it as a part of ingredients to prepare food items.
Its extracts are also available in the market.

References, synonyms, classical categorization

Traditional reference of Garlic
References regarding garlic are available extensively in Gouthama Dharmasoothra, Manusmruti, Yajnavalkasmruti, Mahabharata, Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita.

Sanskrit Synonyms
Mlechagandha, Ugra Gandha – Having strong pungent odor
Yavaneshta – Liked by western countrymen
Lashuna,  anda
Mahoushadha – Great medicine having immense health benefits
Rasona – Rasa + Una – having all the six tastes, minus one (sour taste) – Garlic has all the five tastes, except sour.
Arishta, Mlecchakanda, Mahakanda
Vatari – Balances Vata Dosha
Sheetamardhaka – relieves cold
Deerghapatraka – long leaves

Names in different languages
Hindi name- Lahasum
English Name- Garlic
Kannada name – Bellulli
Telugu Name- Vellulli, tellagadda
Bengali Name- Rasuna
Marathi Name- Lasuna
Tamil name – Puntu
Arabic name – Saum
Assamese name – Naharu
Chinese name  – Suan, Ta Suan
Dutch name – Look
French – Ail
Tamil name – Vellapundu
Urdu name – Lashun
Marathi name – Lasun
Malayalam name – Velluli
Hindi name – Lahsan
Bengali name – Rashuna
Gujarathi name – Lasna
Punjabi name – Tuma

Classical categorization
Charaka Samhita – Harita Varga – group of vegetables
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Oshadhi Varga – group of medicinal herbs
Vedanasthapana – PV Sharma

Botanical classification

Kingdom – Plantae
Subkingdom –
Tracheobionta
Superdivision – 
Spermatophyta
Division –
Magnoliophyta
Class –
Liliopsida
Subclass –
Liliidae
Order – 
Liliales
Family – 
Liliaceae
Genus –
Allium L.
 Species –
Allium sativum L.

Ayurvedic medicines, indications, references

Ayurvedic medicines with Lahsun as ingredient:
Lashunadi Vati –
used in diarrhea, dyspepsia and such other stomach and intestine related diseases.
Rasonadi Kashayam –
used in Ayurvedic treatment of bloating, vomiting, nausea, cough etc
Lashunadi Ghrita – Herbal ghee used in abdominal disorders, neurological conditions, etc
Vettumaran Gulika –  used in Ayurvedic treatment of fever, vomiting, abdominal colic pain

 Rogagnata References
1.Vacha lashunadya tailaKarma roga, karma srava.Sahasrayoga, Taila prakarana.
2.Hingu triguna taila.Gulma, udara, antra vraddi.Astanga hrudaya,Chi.14;39
3.Vishatinduka tailaSupta vataroga, kusta, vata rakta.Bhaishajya ratnavali,Vata raktadikara;76-77.
4.Lashunadi vatiAjeerna, atisara.Vadyajeevanam, Ksaya rogadichikitsa.;13
5.Kottam chukkadi tailamVata roga, amavata.Sahasrayoga, taila prakarana;12.
6.Lashunadi ghritaGulma, vataroga.Astangahrudaya,Chi.14;22-25.
7.Vranaraksha tailaNadivrana, vicharchika, kusta, Mamsavruddi.Bhashajya ratnavali,

 

vranashothadikara;69-69 ½.

Properties of rasona as per Bhojana Kutuhala

According to Bhojana Kutuhalam, Rasona is devoid of amla rasa(sour taste), it is heavy to digest and hot in potency and alleviates kapha and vata dosha. It treats anorexia, intestinal worms, cardiac diseases, edema and acts as rasyana.

The other varieties of rasona are called by the names mahakanda, grnjana, dirghapatraka, prutupatra, sthulakanda, yavanesta and vilohita.

According to the wise men, the bulb of rasona is sweet and pungent, its stalk is astringent, its leaves are bitter and its scape is salty.

Varieties of garlic

Kashyapa mentioned two varieties –
Girija – Garlic grown in mountains and
Kshetraja – cultivated in lands.

Nighantus mentioned two types –
Lashuna  – Allium sativum and
Maha Kanda/ Grunjana – Allium ascalonium Linn.

Ra. Ni – 4 types
Rasona, Sweta Rasona, Grnjana, Rakta Rasona

Distribution

Cultivated throughout India, mainly in Ludhiana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, U.P and Gujarat

Systemic Action (Sthanika Karma)

External – External application of the paste relieves pain, edema. Being hot in potency it reduce vatadosha. It disturb rakta and pitta dosha. It has Anti poisonous action. External application of its paste is  beneficial in Sciatica, Joint pain, hemiplegia, low back pain, pain in flanks. Also indicated in insect bites, skin disorders, etc. Its oil is good for earaches.

Nervous System – good for brain, Indicated in Neurological disorders, hemiplegia, Sciatica, diminished functioning of brain, diminished vision

Digestive System – Appetizer, increase digestive fire, relieve colic pain, indicated in loss of appetite, anorexia, constipation, hemorrhoids, phantom tumor, indigestion, helminthiasis.

Circulatory System – Being hot it stimulates the heart and circulatory system, Indicated in oedema of circulatory origin.Respiratory System – Indicated in cough, breathing difficulty, Tuberculosis, Hoarseness of voice especially for weak patients. Helps to expel the phlegm, good for the throat and lungs to regain its strength and vitality

Excretory System – Increases urine output. indicated in vatika mootrakrichra

Reproductive System – Improve semen production, stimulate menstrual bleeding, indicated in dysmenorrhea

Skin – As it contains Sulphur, it is indicated in skin disorders.
Satmikarana – Helps to regain body strength, It has fracture healing action so indicated in bone fracture.
Tapakrama – Indicated in fever (Jirna jvara). Its regular usage helps to prevent diseases like Typhoid, Diphtheria etc.

Purification of Garlic – Lashuna Shodhana

Purification of garlic is not widely mentioned in many textbooks and Nighantus. However, some Vaidyas prefer to do its purification to reduce pungency and to improve garlic benefits.

As per Vaidya Shri Mohan Lal Jaiswal, by purifying the the garlic with buttermilk, not only the bad smell is removed, this combination becomes rich in all six tastes. Sourness of buttermilk gets added to the garlic. It becomes more useful in the treatment of bloating and indigestion.
Here, Garlic paste is triturated with buttermilk and then dried and powdered.

In another instances, removing the tongue of the garlic pearl, it is purified. (Explained by the commentator in the context of Lashuna Ksheerapaka, where Shuddha Lashuna is mentioned).

84 comments on “Garlic Benefits, Research, Usage, Side Effects

  • sanjay

    03/07/2011 - 6:36 pm

    Hi Sir How to take Raw Garlic

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      04/07/2011 - 12:50 pm

      If you are accustomed to eat raw garlic pearls, then eating it raw is fine. But if you are not, then you can try this home remedy using milk and garlic

      Reply to comment
      • Devinder Sharma

        19/02/2016 - 1:31 pm

        I have been eating garlic for a couple of years and have tried a variety of ways: peel in the evening for eating in the morning – bite for a minute and swallow with water, wrap in a inch of bread piece and chew before swallowing but the best is take garlic paste kept in a refrigerator in a spoon and down it with water preferably warm. After swallowing chew a pasty sort of biscuit or a small piece of rusk. No smell, no ill feeling or taste. q

        Reply to comment
        • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

          27/04/2016 - 9:56 pm

          Thanks for sharing your valuable experience 🙂

          Reply to comment
  • saiqa

    28/09/2011 - 12:56 am

    hiya is raw garlic good for poor leg circulation and feeling cold all the time if so how to eat it

    Reply to comment
  • Dr. J.Roy

    23/02/2012 - 1:03 pm

    Sir,

    I would like to introduce as a regular eater of raw garlic. From net I got your id. I have some quarry, as garlic is having some property for thinning the blood, and in net I read that as Garlic can also thin the blood so caution is advised to people with blood disorders. So does intake of raw garlic cloves every day for a longer duration have any effect/create any chance for creating blood cancer among human population?

    Personally I experienced two such instances, where persons suffered and ultimately died from blood cancer, were regular consumer of raw garlic when they were normal.

    So, Sir, my question is that did you ever found any scientific finding regarding this. What is your personal comments/opinion/suggestion on this, regarding garlic consumption and blood cancer..

    Do you suggest me to continue consuming raw garlic cloves (2cloves) every morning in empty stomach? if so how many cloves in a day for a normal person.Pl also inform whether intake of raw garlic is better or garlic pearls?

    Hope to have your kind suggestion in this regards

    Thanking you,

    With personal regards,

    Dr. J. Roy
    Jabalpur 482003 (M.P.) India

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      23/02/2012 - 9:08 pm

      Dear sir,
      If two people get blood cancer and were drinking water everyday, that does not mean that they got cancer due to water.
      In contradiction, garlic has anti-cancer effect.
      But still how those two got cancer? may be genetical predisposition with other factors overcame the good effects of garlic.

      Raw garlic is better than garlic pearls. Why drink apple juice extract, when you can get apple in the market 🙂

      Two garlic pearls are fine, if you are accustomed to it. However, for others it may be a little too hot. So, normally one garlic pearl or garlic milk home remedy is quite sufficient to enjoy full health benefits. – Here is how to make garlic milk remedy – https://www.easyayurveda.com/2011/07/04/milk-garlic-home-remedy-for-stomach-abscess-and-fever/

      Reply to comment
  • Amol

    14/03/2012 - 11:02 pm

    Dear Sir, Is eating garlic beneficial for pregnant women and the fetus. What is the procedure to eat it.

    Reply to comment
    • mani singh

      23/03/2012 - 5:19 pm

      Sir
      kya garlic ko bina khush khye le skte hai.koi side ifect to nhi hai.agr hai to kaise khana chahiye.

      Reply to comment
      • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

        29/03/2012 - 2:37 pm

        Garlic ko bina kuch khaye agar le to kabhi kabhi gastritis problem aa sakta hai. Isiliye, khaane me garlic ko use kar lena chahiye.

        Reply to comment
        • selva

          25/04/2012 - 6:28 am

          I’m curious to know that whether garlic can help in preventing hair loss and to help in regrowth?

          Reply to comment
  • Aruna

    18/09/2012 - 12:53 am

    is raw garlic effective in vertigo, BP and ortho arthritis

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      26/09/2012 - 3:21 pm

      In some cases of vertigo, raw garlic is helpful, but in some, it may worsen it.
      Garlic is useful in controlling BP.
      Because it has got anti inflammatory effect, it is also useful in osteo-arthritis.

      Reply to comment
      • Sunny harjani

        05/12/2016 - 4:18 pm

        Dear Dr,
        I have used in a complex combination in a patient having skin black skin ,fungal nail,with corns, inflamed skin.
        With Yoga Therapy + aloe gel + garlic + turmeric .
        The miracle regenerated the skin and fungus was gone in 3 days …In 15 days it was miracle from God. I did not charge him , he was so poor…

        Sunny Harjani
        Yoga Therapy
        Sunny.harjani57@gmail.com
        Kathmandu-Nepal

        Reply to comment
  • prem prakash

    03/10/2012 - 11:49 pm

    hi sir , we use garlic to reduce uric acid in blood

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      05/10/2012 - 11:49 am

      It is not entirely a proven theory that garlic reduces uric acid.

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    08/01/2013 - 3:52 pm

    Garlic tends to increase Pitta and may worsen acne.
    For acidity, try this home remedy – https://www.easyayurveda.com/2011/07/04/milk-garlic-home-remedy-for-stomach-abscess-and-fever/

    Reply to comment
  • lavnya

    03/03/2013 - 12:24 pm

    sir, i would like to know how to consume raw garlic in the morning…. simply chew it or gulp the crushed garlic paste with water?? i would also like to know how to use garlic as a remedy for hair thinning or hair loss,,should it be directly on scalp(cut into half and rubbed on scalp), as various sites suggest or should it be mixed / crushed with some kind of oil,, then apply on scalp and then rinse hair in the morning…… please reply soon.

    Reply to comment
  • Shailendra

    14/05/2013 - 7:25 pm

    Sir, I eat 3, 4 cloves of raw garlic everyday (anytime). I dip them in salt and swallow with water, so there is no breath in my mouth. But, there is a garlic smell in my sweat and on other parts of body. How do I avoid this smell?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      14/05/2013 - 7:59 pm

      Hi, boiling the garlic in milk for a minute and then taking it reduces the body odor.

      Reply to comment
  • Shailendra

    14/05/2013 - 11:04 pm

    Sir, thanks for your reply. You mean that I shall put some 3,4 garlic cloves in 1 cup milk, boil it and then drink it? And can it be done anytime in a day?

    Reply to comment
  • Puneeth

    17/06/2013 - 4:20 pm

    Dr Hebbar,

    Is raw garlic useful for stomach ulcer ????

    Regards,
    Puneeth

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    24/10/2013 - 12:23 pm

    Hello Amith,
    It depends on, for what purpose you are eating garlic.
    If you are eating raw, Try with only one garlic pearl per day.
    Look into this home remedy – https://www.easyayurveda.com/2011/07/04/milk-garlic-home-remedy-for-stomach-abscess-and-fever/

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    25/10/2013 - 6:06 pm

    just one or two pearls, boiled with milk, before food, would help.

    Reply to comment
  • AMRIT JAIN

    28/07/2014 - 2:33 pm

    Dear sir

    I am a paitent of a high cholestrol
    Everyday in the morning when i take 2-3 cloves of garlic with water then as its result i get
    irritation in chest and pain in my stomach for 5 minutes.
    SO should i continue taking it or how should I take it??

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      07/08/2014 - 6:24 pm

      1. Try frying a little with ghee before taking it.
      2. Or boil it in a cup of milk and eat it along with the same milk. This reduces the burning sensation.

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    19/09/2014 - 12:07 pm

    Some might feel increased burning sensation with garlic. Try once, or else, garlic with milk remedy will be better option – https://www.easyayurveda.com/2011/07/04/milk-garlic-home-remedy-for-stomach-abscess-and-fever/

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  • Lm

    30/12/2014 - 6:48 pm

    Taking Garlic with Milk is not suggested as it causes skin diseases.
    Is it true?

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  • Satya

    30/12/2014 - 6:55 pm

    Is garlic use useful in treatment of gout or are there any other treatments available?

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    04/01/2015 - 5:40 pm

    Thank you very much sir.

    Reply to comment
    • Lindsay Douglas

      15/02/2015 - 3:41 am

      Dear Dr Hebbar.

      Some of the discussion on garlic suggests it has blood thinning properties. Does that mean garlic has the potential to replace blood thinners like warfarin as a natural alternative?

      Kind regards
      Lindsay

      Reply to comment
      • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

        24/04/2015 - 7:48 pm

        Hi, it is not as strong as warfarin in its blood thinning effect. It is milder and safer.

        Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    04/02/2015 - 10:00 pm

    Hi, direct swallowing of garlic pearl may not be comfortable. Better to at least make it a paste / small pill and swallow it. There are also many garlic oil capsules available in the market. Daily 1 – 2 garlic pearls can be consumed, better to do it in the morning.

    Reply to comment
  • rakesh

    18/02/2015 - 6:13 pm

    nice

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  • Snehal Ingle

    21/03/2016 - 6:24 pm

    I have one query, lasun shirpak can be taken in gastritis, as milk with its cooling effects countered on pitta. But same lasunshirpak is advised for scitica pain or any fibroid which vaataj n kaphaj. Plz elaborate on this. For how many days to consume lasunshirpak, for scitica disorder.Thanks.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      24/05/2016 - 5:57 pm

      Hi, Lashuna ksheerapak is administered in sciatica / fibroid, as it is an excellent remedy to balance Vata Dosha.
      It can be consumed in the above conditions for a period of 2 – 3 months.

      Reply to comment
  • rajan

    25/06/2016 - 4:06 pm

    SIR , mujhe stomach problm he. doctr said to me,,liver me garmi he. i have always stool loose ..kya garlic better for me??

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    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      26/06/2016 - 3:59 pm

      Garlic – 3 pearls ko half cup garam dhood me paak karke leejiye.

      Reply to comment
  • Antony Varghese

    12/11/2016 - 12:20 pm

    Dear Doctor Hebbar,
    My main dosha is Urdwaga raktha pitta and subdosha is vatha raktha. Is it ok for me to take steamed/well cooked garlic? Or will it aggravate pitta? Due to allergy,I can’t take dairy products and cook garlic in it. Many thanks in advance doctor.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      15/11/2016 - 7:24 pm

      You can take cooked garlic. Or fry it with ghee and take it.

      Reply to comment
  • chinmaya

    21/11/2016 - 4:22 pm

    There is something snow mountain garlic/ kashmiri lehsoon. Whats are informations in ayurvedic texts regarding this? What are the use?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      22/11/2016 - 10:02 pm

      Have not come across any Ayurveda reference explaining this variety.

      Reply to comment
      • chinmaya

        23/11/2016 - 3:04 pm

        1) Are these Girija variety – Garlic grown in mountains as described above by Kashyapa?
        2) When to choose Kshetraja variety (cultivated in lands) & when to choose Girija (grown on mountain) variety as medicine?
        3) Also among common lehsoons, there comes two variety- Single bulb & multiple bulbs. Which one has more medicinal properties as mentioned in ayurvedic texts?

        Reply to comment
        • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

          28/11/2016 - 12:20 pm

          1. I am yet to study the two varieties in detail. I will try to cover it.
          2. Multiple bulb.

          Reply to comment
  • ayush

    10/01/2017 - 2:44 am

    Is garlic good in urinary infection & how to use it?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      25/01/2017 - 11:03 pm

      Not commonly used. But it is a good antibacterial and anti inflammatory. Use it as part of your diet.

      Reply to comment
  • Hash

    16/02/2017 - 10:14 pm

    Thank you Mr. Hebbar for such nice article, I have one question, it is recommended to take garlic with empty stomach for its best effect, I take warm glass of water after I wake up, and eat the raw garlic after 5 to 10 minute. does it have same effect as desire or should I eat Garlic immediately after getting up, wait for 1 hour and drink water ?, which method will work best for Garlic maximum benefit ?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      12/03/2017 - 2:20 pm

      Hi, there is no rule that you need to eat garlic as soon as getting up. You can wait for 5 – 10 minutes.
      You can drink water soon after consuming garlic.

      Reply to comment
      • Pratap Subrahmanyam

        07/04/2017 - 7:02 pm

        Dr. Hebbar: Am I reading this correct … it is better to eat Garlic and then drink the water?

        At this point, I’m doing exactly what Hash says, I drink two glasses of room temperature water after waking up, wait about 30 mins, and then chew two to three cloves of garlic in honey.

        But, if you feel it is more effective if these steps are reversed, I will try that.

        Thanks,

        Pratap

        Reply to comment
        • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

          30/04/2017 - 10:53 pm

          Hi, your method is also fine to follow.

          Reply to comment
  • Hasmukh S Tandel

    19/02/2017 - 12:47 am

    Is taking raw garlic with honey gives same results ?

    Reply to comment
  • koteswara Rao

    20/02/2017 - 7:47 am

    Does taking garlic paste on empty stomach cause any GI bleeds. Pl clarify me, I am a post CABG person.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      15/03/2017 - 12:47 pm

      No. But for a gastritis patient, it is better to take garlic paste with milk, after food.

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    28/02/2017 - 7:48 pm

    Taking capsule with water is more effective in asthma, than taking it with milk.

    Reply to comment
  • Joseph

    17/03/2017 - 12:29 pm

    Sir is garlic good for weight loss according to Ayurveda?

    Reply to comment
  • Joseph

    21/03/2017 - 12:11 am

    Thank you for reply, another question sir, will aged garlic extract give same benefits as raw garlic? Because of work I can’t smell like garlic, also I don’t drink milk.

    Reply to comment
  • bonaca

    06/06/2017 - 3:30 pm

    Dr Hebbar, I just want to say Thank You for all your efforts here, especially for not leaving any question unanswered.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      07/06/2017 - 10:42 pm

      Welcome!
      Thanks for understanding the pain. 🙂

      Reply to comment
  • harpal singh

    15/06/2017 - 12:50 pm

    Hello Sir, namaste, there are lot of controversial articles on garlic –some favoring it strongly for health and some totally against its consumption(esp. for its effect on mind/brain); a laymen like me is always confused ; i wish to ask if garlic extract capsules are safer that raw garlic as they claim that there is not any odor associate with them; any research on garlic extract capsules vs raw garlic that adverse effects on sattvik life style/brain are less with garlic extract capsules or what is your experience regarding the same.
    thanks and regards.

    Reply to comment
  • darkcrusader05

    21/06/2017 - 8:45 pm

    Hello sir, since last month I have been diagnosed with tb and last week I was thromblyzed for unexplained clot in the lung. Now back home with daily dose of tb n blood thinners. What is your suggestion, should I consume garlic or not?

    Reply to comment
  • Meera

    25/06/2017 - 9:58 pm

    Dr. Hebbar, please confirm if I can consume garlic empry stomach in the morning followed by a glass of warm turmeric water

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      25/06/2017 - 11:31 pm

      If your stomach is strong and can tolerate spices, then you can.

      Reply to comment
  • Karan

    25/07/2017 - 10:55 am

    Sir, is it ok to have garlic pearls with water? Or should I take it without water?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      25/07/2017 - 5:18 pm

      Hi, take it with water.

      Reply to comment
  • Satheesh

    13/09/2017 - 11:21 am

    How to use garlic for UTI? Thanks in advance

    Reply to comment
  • Ramesh koppal

    21/01/2018 - 2:12 pm

    Sir, iam hvng allergy and GERD problem. …due to GERD iam feel like a anything strckd in my throat…when I split that its like ..kapha…and doctor told me it is not kapha and it is a acid reflux fluid …and kindly tell me sir..for me very good ayurvedic treatment. Kindly reply me sir.

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  • gulshan

    03/02/2018 - 8:28 pm

    hi sir how long i can tab lasuna.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      14/02/2018 - 6:54 pm

      it can be taken for 3 – 4 months time.

      Reply to comment
  • Pat

    05/02/2018 - 3:20 am

    Garlic from the fridge
    Is it stil ok to take

    Reply to comment
  • Pavitra Kulkarni

    25/03/2018 - 11:19 pm

    V good information doctor ur article are v informative and useful.grt job

    Reply to comment
  • Umm fuad

    12/06/2018 - 11:14 am

    I heat ghee and add the chopped garlic to it till it emits the garlic flavour in odour (i do not fry), then add milk and mix a tbsp of honey. Is this good for me to take at night before bed? I have fibromyalgia, insomnia and all sort of probs from the condition fibromyalgia. Pls advise

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      22/06/2018 - 7:01 pm

      It is good to take. But add honey only at the end, when the product is lukewarm.

      Reply to comment
  • Umm fuad

    12/06/2018 - 1:02 pm

    Pls also advise if i shud fry the garlic in ghee or not. Which way will be good for me? Apart from fibromyalgia and its associated symptoms I have vitiligo as well.

    Reply to comment
  • ayus

    08/07/2018 - 10:45 pm

    but above it is mentioned that garlic is useful in skin disorders?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      10/07/2018 - 11:13 am

      Garlic is used in high Kapha skin disorders associated with itching.

      Reply to comment
  • Khalid Hamza

    25/05/2021 - 12:10 am

    Can garlic aggravate IBS symptoms,I think it produces gas and eventually liquifies stool.

    Reply to comment
  • Jyothir

    13/08/2022 - 6:41 pm

    One of the best anti-viral treatments for all types of viruses is a combination of
    Garlic, Ginger (sliced v thin, one small spoon size each), turmeric measure to cover these 2 spoons (garlic & ginger), pepper, pink/rock salt (both to the level that you can taste it fine.
    Chew this mixture nicely in your mouth.
    It has to mix well with your enzymes before you ingest it.
    You can keep it inside a dosa piece, idly piece, bread etc.
    Important thing is to keep your mouth closed and chew well.
    I can tell you from my personal experience for the last 5 years and also that of my family-Mom 80 years, myself 55, wife 45, son 18

    Reply to comment
  • Neen

    19/01/2024 - 11:15 am

    Thank you

    Reply to comment

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