• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
emtspot logo

TheEMTSpot

Your Blood Pressure Specialist

  • Blood Pressure
  • Guides
    • Blood Pressure Chart
    • How To Check Blood Pressure
    • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
    • How To Lower Blood Pressure
    • Foods That Lower Blood Pressure
  • Readings
  • Supplements
    • Best Blood Pressure Supplements
    • Blood Pressure Support Review
    • Blood Pressure Optimizer Review
    • Corsanum Review
  • Monitors
    • Best Blood Pressure Monitors
    • CheckMe BP2 Review
    • QardioArm Review
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
  • News
Home » Blood Pressure » Guides

Garlic for Blood Pressure: Beneficial or Bogus?

Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD

Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD | Fact checked by Robin Backlund, BHSc
Last update: March 20, 2023

Garlic has several sought-out features and benefits. But is garlic for blood pressure control on the list? Find out what the experts have to say!

garlic for blood pressure

Quick Summary

  • The herb garlic commonly targets heart and blood related ailments, including high blood pressure. 
  • Garlic produces the chemical allicin which has been linked to lowering pressure by relaxing vessels. Moreover, garlic is a powerful antioxidant. 
  • Although effective, there are potential side-effects and contrasting evidence to keep in mind when using garlic for blood pressure.

Garlic, or Allium sativum, has been used as a medicine for decades. Archaeologists even found garlic bulbs in the Egyptian Pyramids!

Cholesterol reduction and cancer prevention are just some of their potential advantages. However, did you know controlling elevated blood pressure is also one of them? 

If you’re looking for a natural remedy to control hypertension, this article explores the pros and cons of using garlic for blood pressure. 

Table of contents hide
1. The Expert Say On Garlic For Blood Pressure
1.1. But what is the science behind it?
2. The Flip Side
3. To Conclude

The Expert Say On Garlic For Blood Pressure

According to the World Health Organization, around 1.28 billion people globally between the age of 30 and 79 have hypertension and live with an increased risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Moreover, an estimated 46% of adults with the ailment are unaware they have it since the disease doesn’t display any noteworthy symptoms.

According to Dr. Karin Ried and her colleagues at the University of Adelaide:

“Garlic preparations are superior to placebo in reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.” 

Her team is not alone in supporting this notion. For example, another experiment demonstrated that garlic controls blood pressure with fewer side effects than prescription drugs. 

But what is the science behind it?

Allicin, the primary component of garlic, is responsible for these health factors. Experts propose that allicin relaxes blood vessels, lowering your pressure instantly. 

This compound has also been found to increase the human body’s nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide levels. These chemicals are crucial to regulating blood pressure. 

Garlic’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are some ways the herb further helps. According to Providence, this helps strengthen the immune system and contributes to garlic’s ability to reduce blood pressure. 

The Flip Side

Garlic supplements are generally safe for use as most users only experience bad breath, body odor, or taste. 

Nonetheless, since the supplement is not FDA-approved, it is crucial to consider a few of the potential side effects:

  • Upset stomach 
  • Abdominal pain
  • Gas
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Drowsiness 
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Throat or mouth burn

It is also important to remember there is limited research examining the relationship between garlic and blood pressure. Small study sizes and restricted design makes it difficult for authorities to prescribe garlic as a supplement for hypertension.

In recent years as previous trials are reviewed, the evidence is often insufficient to suggest reduced mortality in high blood pressure patients. Also, most studies only look at extremely high doses of garlic, disregarding other blood pressure conditions such as hypotension. Therefore, simply increasing garlic intake as part of your diet might not be sufficient to see results.

To Conclude 

Garlic is an effective and safe natural remedy to lower blood pressure right in your kitchen . It can be consumed in several forms, including raw, oil, extracts, powders, or supplements. 

Even then, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before adding garlic to your regimen- particularly if you have a pre-existing condition or are currently taking medication.

References
  • Multum, Cerner. “What is garlic?” Drugs.com Herbal Supplementation (2022). https://www.drugs.com/mtm/garlic.html
  • “Three reasons a heart loves garlic.” Providence.org (2020). https://www.providence.org/news/uf/414540885
  • García-Trejo et al. “Effects of Allicin on Hypertension and Cardiac Function in Chronic Kidney Disease.” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2016). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5136635/  
  • Ried, Karin. “Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, improves arterial stiffness and gut microbiota: A review and meta-analysis.” Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 19.2 (2019): 1472-1478. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6966103/
  • Ried, Karin et al. “Effect of garlic on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” BMC Cardiovascular Disorders 8.13 (2008). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2442048/
  • “Hypertension.” World Health Organization (2021) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
  • Merschel, Michael. “Sorting folkore from fact on the health benefits of garlic.” American Heart Association News. (2021) https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/04/19/sorting-folklore-from-fact-on-the-health-benefits-of-garlic
  • Xu, Qian. “Garlic for the prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and morality in hypertensive patients.” Summaries of Nursing Care-Related Systematic Reviews from the Cochrane Library 11.1 (2013): 83. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007653.pub2/full

Deepen Your Knowledge of Blood Pressure

We share digestible, expert-backed resources and tips to support you on your wellness journey.

Invalid email address
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for subscribing!
Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD

About Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD

Michael Rotman is a Structural Heart Specialist, Interventional Cardiologist and Scientist. He has more than a decade of experience in treating heart related desease, as well as authoring and reviewing health and wellness-related content. Currently work for a St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

You May Also Like

sexual harassment and high blood pressure
Sexual Harassment And High Blood Pressure In Women
Hypertensive Heart Disease
Hypertensive Heart Disease: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
when to check blood pressure
What Time Should You Check Your Blood Pressure?
heart disease apps
Best Heart Disease Apps For A Healthy Heart

You May Also Like

sexual harassment and high blood pressure
Sexual Harassment And High Blood Pressure In Women
Hypertensive Heart Disease
Hypertensive Heart Disease: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
when to check blood pressure
What Time Should You Check Your Blood Pressure?
heart disease apps
Best Heart Disease Apps For A Healthy Heart

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Footer

Categories

  • Blood Pressure
  • Guides
  • Readings
  • Monitors
  • Supplements
  • Recipes
  • News

Site Navigation

  • EMT
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Useful Links

  • Advertize With Us
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Accessibility
  • Sitemap
  • Affiliate Disclosure

emtspot logo

Heart care is a top priority in today’s medical world, and TheEMTSpot will be your one-stop solution for all queries you have. Dive in now!

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 · TheEMTSpot.com

Fact checked by Robin Backlund, BHSc

robin backlundRobin Backlund is a dedicated journalist and a medical student who has written several articles and essays exposing the falseness and hollowness of online resources in the medical science niche.

Note:

All TheEMTSpot’s content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure that it is as accurate as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to other reputable media sites, educational institutions, and, whenever possible, peer-reviewed studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us.

Next Up
Can Sweetened Beet Juice Really Reduce Blood Pressure?

Beet juice offers several cardiovascular and digestive benefits. But are they effective at lowering blood pressure? Keep reading to find…

Previous
Hypertensive Heart Disease: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Hypertensive heart disease is just one extreme outlook of chronic high blood pressure. To understand this collection of illnesses, check…

Deepen Your Knowledge of Blood Pressure

We share digestible, expert-backed resources and tips to support you on your wellness journey.

Invalid email address
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for subscribing!

Deepen Your Knowledge of Blood Pressure

We share digestible, expert-backed resources and tips to support you on your wellness journey.

Invalid email address
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for subscribing!