1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Salt Quiz!
3. Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking garlic ()?

Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Garlic has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.

Also, talk to your doctor before taking garlic if you have any other medical conditions, if you take medicines or herbal/health supplements other than those previously listed, or if you suffer from allergies (especially to plants). Garlic may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take garlic supplements without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether garlic will harm an unborn baby. The amount of garlic customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic.

Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether garlic will harm a nursing infant. The amount of garlic customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic.

There is no information available regarding the use of garlic supplements by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take garlic ()?

The use of garlic in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take garlic, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Garlic is available in the clove form, in capsules, as tablets and as an oil. Other formulations may also be available.

Generally, the preferred forms of garlic for oral use are enteric-coated odorless garlic and fresh garlic which has been pressed or crushed for 10 to 15 minutes before using.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures, and others) of garlic at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of garlic.

Store garlic as directed on the package. In general, garlic should be protected from light and moisture.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.