Garlic Side Effects

Garlic is an herb that is commonly used as a spice in variety of dishes. It is said to add flavor to many mouth-watering dishes. Garlic is also said to act as a natural antibiotic and hence, it provides a number of health benefits as well. It is well known for its cancer fighting abilities and even for a healthy heart, garlic consumption is recommended. One can either take the herb in the form of supplements or include it as an ingredient in food, to promote overall health. However, as it is said that all medicines and herbs have their fair share of pros and cons, so does garlic. Although a valuable and beneficial herb, it can have certain side effects as well. This article will throw some light on the side effects of garlic.

 

Having raw garlic or fresh garlic juice will give you garlic breath. If you have gone out after consuming garlic, you should not get shocked if people complain about your stinking mouth.

 

One of the main side effects of garlic is halitosis or a bad body odor. You can get body odor if you consume garlic in a large quantity. All the body secretions post consumption of garlic will carry the same odor as garlic and will not leave you till the entire content gets flushed out from your body in a natural way. The complete flushing out of garlic content from your body can take a week or so.

 

Garlic allergy is not common, but it does exist. The symptoms of garlic allergy can be skin rashes, mild fever, nausea, vomiting and headaches. It is believed that if we consume beneficial herbs or food, there is some sort of reaction from our body. These reactions are considered good, as per the traditional thought, where it is believed that these reactions are an evidence of the body cleansing and detoxifying itself. This applies to garlic also, but if one needs to avoid such reactions, it is better to consume the herb in small quantities.

 

It is believed that if garlic is consumed in excess, it can lead to nausea, vomiting and even diarrhea. If you want to gain the benefits of garlic, without its side effects, it is advisable to consume it in a small quantity initially, building up your dosage slowly. Raw garlic is very powerful and can affect the digestive tract. Garlic juice can even burn your stomach and affect digestion.

 

It is better to avoid having garlic before surgery, as it could disrupt anti-coagulants. Garlic is also a well-known blood thinner therefore, it is better to ask your doctor about consuming garlic before going in for a surgery. Garlic can also react with drugs like warfarin, antiplatelets, etc; therefore, if you are on any of these drugs, it is of paramount importance that you exercise additional caution.

 

Some sources recommend that garlic in high doses or for medical purpose is not good for nursing mothers, pregnant women and children.