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This fact sheet provides basic information about garlic -- uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Garlic is the edible bulb from a plant in the lily family. It has been used as both a medicine and a spice for thousands of years.

• Garlic's most common uses as a dietary supplement product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. are for high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
• Garlic is also used to prevent certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers.

Garlic, the cousin of the onion, enhances the taste of many foods. When cooking, break apart the head of garlic and remove the skin from individual cloves before chopping.

The smaller you chop garlic, the stronger the flavor. Chopping or pressing releases more of its essential oils, giving the strong garlic aroma. See also: Garlic Quick Tip

Garlic cloves can be eaten raw or cooked. They may also be dried or powdered and used in tablets and capsules. Raw garlic cloves can be used to make oils and liquid extracts.

Evidence indicates that taking garlic can slightly lower blood cholesterol levels; studies have shown positive effects in even short-term (1 to 3 months) use.

Preliminary research suggests that taking garlic may slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a condition that can lead to heart disease or stroke.

Evidence is mixed on whether taking garlic can slightly lower blood pressure.

Some studies suggest consuming garlic as a regular part of the diet may lower the risk of certain cancers. However, no clinical trials have examined this.

NCCAM is supporting studies looking at how garlic interacts with certain drugs and how it can thin blood.

• Garlic appears to be safe for most adults.
• Side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, upset stomach, and allergic reactions. These side effects are more common with raw garlic.
• Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) in a manner similar to aspirin. This effect may be a problem during or after surgery. Use garlic with caution if you are planning to have surgery or dental work, or if you have a bleeding disorder. A cautious approach is to avoid garlic in your diet or as a supplement for at least 1 week before surgery.
• Garlic has been found to interfere with the effectiveness of saquinavir, a drug used to treat HIV infection. Its effect on other drugs has not been well studied.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

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