Untitled Document
Benefits of garlic oil include its ability to aid in weight loss efforts, soothe headaches, reduce inflammation, stimulate circulation, optimize digestion, and boost cognitive function and the immune system. Other benefits include relief from congestion, lower cholesterol levels, and normal blood sugar levels.
What is Garlic Oil?
Garlic oil is made through steam distillation of fresh garlic cloves or by soaking the cloves in a carrier oil and allowing the active components of the garlic to be leached into the oil. Garlic is scientifically known as Allium sativum and is known as one of the healthiest foods you can add to your diet.
Garlic oil can be used in culinary applications and is also widely applied in natural medicine practices. The oil is also widely available in oral tablet or capsule form, although this delivers a far less concentrated dose of garlic’s active ingredients. The majority of the health benefits acquired through garlic oil are attributed to its high content of allicin, sulfide compounds, key amino acids, and enzymes, as well as ajoene and other antioxidant compounds.
Benefits of Garlic Oil
Using garlic oil is popular for people struggling with obesity, metabolic disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, indigestion, a weak immune system, anemia, arthritis, congestion, colds, flu, headaches, diarrhea, constipation, and poor nutrient uptake, among others.
Improves Digestion
Garlic juice can be a very effective remedy for constipation and inflammation in the gut, given its high antioxidant content and stimulating nature. It can help improve digestion and stimulate peristaltic motion, and even reduce the risk of various gastrointestinal issues.
Reduces Inflammation
Allicin, found in significant levels in garlic oil, makes it valuable for topical remedies and internal use for soothing inflammatory conditions. Allicin is a very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that can ease tissue irritation and reduce pain in joints and localized areas.
Treats Metabolic Disorder
Many people use garlic oil for the treatment of metabolic syndrome, which tends to be accompanied by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity. The antioxidants in this oil can directly impact this syndrome, lessening all of those risk factors and optimizing metabolic activity.
Relieves Headaches
Anecdotal evidence suggests that applying small amounts of garlic oil to the temples, or consuming a small amount of this concentrated oil, can quickly relieve inflammation in the temples and capillaries. This may reduce the occurrence of migraines and headaches.
Powerful Antioxidants
Allicin is not only one of the most versatile and powerful antioxidants that we know of but is also found in extremely high concentrations in garlic oil. Antioxidants are linked with decreasing oxidative stress, preventing premature aging and also reducing the risk of various diseases.
Regulates Diabetes
The hypoglycemic nature of garlic oil is well known, as it can help to regulate insulin production and energy consumption by the body. This oil is ideal for optimizing metabolic activity and help prevent glucose spikes and drops. According to an animal study by the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, garlic oil boosts glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes.
Prevents Obesity
The use of garlic oil is known to kick-start the metabolism, which equates to passive fat burning, in addition to the cholesterol-lowering power of this oil. Garlic can also help suppress the appetite, while the sulfide compounds can create a feeling of fullness, which will reduce overeating and snacking between meals.
Maintains Respiratory Health
Inhaling garlic oil, similar to eating garlic, can quickly clear the sinuses and relieve pressure. Beyond that, however, garlic oil can also reduce allergic sensitivity, helping minimize asthmatic episodes and clear congestion.
Strengthens Immune System
Not only is garlic oil packed with antioxidants but it also has clear antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. This makes it ideal for treating topical ailments on the skin, while also boosting digestive health and wiping out bacterial infections growing in your gut.
Stimulates Nutrient Uptake
The sulfide compounds and antioxidants found in garlic oil can stimulate more efficient nutrient uptake in the digestive system, including the absorption of calcium, iron, and potassium. For people struggling with anemia or other nutrient deficiencies, garlic oil is an excellent base for their diet.
Performance Enhancer
Traditionally, garlic has been used by athletics in ancient Greece to enhance performance in the Olympics. It had also been used to reduce fatigue and build up the energy of laborers. Recent studies show that garlic oil can improve physical performance in people with heart disease.
Strengthen Bones
Preliminary studies show that the oil extract of garlic can minimize bone loss and prevent osteoarthritis by increasing estrogen levels in menopausal women.
Garlic Oil Side Effects
This powerful natural oil does come along with certain side effects, including dangerously low blood pressure and blood sugar, stomach issues, skin inflammation, excess bleeding, body odor, and bad breath. Responsible use of this oil, after consulting with your doctor, can often help you avoid the more serious side effects of this oil.
- Bleeding: The active ingredients in garlic oil do have anticoagulant effects, which may be dangerous for people on blood-thinners, or those who are preparing for surgery in the near future.
- Heart Problems: This oil may lead to a drop in blood pressure and cholesterol, and may cause dangerous levels of hypotension if taken in conjunction with blood pressure-lowering medications.
- Odor Issues: Garlic is legendary for its potent smell, which can affect breath and body odor, as the aromatic compounds can emerge in one’s sweat. If you consume an excessive amount of garlic oil, you may experience bad breath and body odor, but this is a side effect difficult to avoid.
- Skin Irritation: Due to the highly concentrated nature of the active ingredients of garlic oil, it is known to cause skin redness, irritation, swelling, and even hives when topically applied. This is more likely in people who are allergic to garlic but can also occur in people with sensitive skin.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: When consumed in excessive amounts, garlic oil can have powerful effects on the gastrointestinal system, including diarrhea, cramping, bloating, vomiting, gas and heartburn. If you experience these side effects to a serious degree, discontinue use immediately and speak to your doctor about other options for less potent oils.
Untitled Document
Breath and body odor, upset stomach, or heartburn may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy or unusual bruising/bleeding.
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Before taking garlic, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other ingredients that may be listed on the product label; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as soybean oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: bleeding/clotting problems, stomach/abdominal problems (such as gut infections, inflammatory bowel disease).
Garlic may increase the risk of bleeding problems. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this product.
Limit alcohol because it can worsen the risk of stomach upset and bleeding problems.
Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
This product is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product.
This product may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some drugs that may interact with this product include: protease inhibitors (such as indinavir, saquinavir), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs such as nevirapine, efavirenz), isoniazid, medications/herbal products that may increase your risk of bleeding (including "blood thinners" such as warfarin and heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, herbals such as danshen/ginger/gingko).
This product can speed up or slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include acetaminophen, azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), chlorzoxazone, calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem), among others.
Aspirin may also increase the risk of bleeding when used with this product. If your doctor has prescribed low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue to take the aspirin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This product may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well. *