Does Garlic Work? (Cont.)

Does Garlic Work for Infections?

Garlic seems to have antibiotic and antifungal properties. Garlic gels applied topically seem to work for treating fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, or jock itch. However, garlic can be extremely irritating to the skin, sometimes causing severe, burn-like injuries and scarring. Garlic doesn't seem to provide much benefit for people infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that may contribute to ulcers. Early research also suggests that garlic may help prevent the common cold.
 

Final Thoughts on the Effectiveness of Garlic

Garlic shows promise for treating or preventing a variety of different medical conditions. However, it is not free of side effects (see Garlic Side Effects) and drug interactions (see Garlic Drug Interactions). Due to these potential risks, it is usually recommended that you take garlic supplements under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;