Second only to apple cider vinegar, garlic is a popular home remedy at Earth Clinic to lower blood pressure. Garlic is an inexpensive and quite healthy treatment for high blood pressure. Additionally, garlic is also a heart healthy food, lowers cholesterol, fights infection, and strengthens the immune system.
How Much Garlic Should I Take for High Blood Pressure?
Our readers have reported success with a significant range in consumption of garlic for high blood pressure. Some have found that one clove of garlic a day is enough. Others have taken as many as 6-8 cloves a day for high blood pressure! Garlic capsules, found online or at the health food store, are another option, though in general it is better to take fresh ingredients whenever possible.
How Do I Take Garlic for High Blood Pressure?
Ideally you will mince your garlic and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the allicin (main active ingredient) to develop fully. The garlic can then be added to a salad, spread on toast with some coconut oil, taken in a spoon with some honey or added to a soup. The possibilities are only limited by your creativity. It is actually quite easy to get used to adding garlic to the food you eat.
How Can I Avoid "Garlic Breath" with the Garlic Cure?
Probably the biggest complaint about the medicinal use of garlic is the odor it can cause. One option is to make sure you put garlic in the food you prepare for your family; at least you will all smell the same! However, this isn't the best option for those who work among others in close quarters.
Clarita from Texas shares this wonderful way she uses garlic for high blood pressure. A side benefit, according to Clarita, is that the lemon in the recipe absorbs the garlic oil so you will not have a garlic odor!
- Take a couple of cloves of garlic-- mince and put into a small glass jar.
- Add enough fresh lemon juice to bring up that level 2 times the level of your garlic.
- Let it sit about 15 -30 minutes at room temperature.
- Take only the liquid.
- Take 1 to 2 teaspoons 3 to 4 times a day for high blood pressure.
- Follow the dose with a nice tall glass of water.
- Store covered in the refrigerator and make fresh every 2 days or so.
Another option is "odorless" garlic supplements, which are usually available online and even at larger grocery stores.
Side Effects of Garlic for High Blood Pressure
Garlic causes side effects for some people. Garlic can cause heartburn, diarrhea, upset stomach, and bloating, in addition to the aforementioned and famous "garlic breath." Garlic also has blood thinning properties, which may make it inappropriate for some people. If you know you will be having surgery, it is wise to avoid garlic for two weeks prior to surgery.
To reduce your risk of side effects with garlic, take garlic with food. Begin with a small dose. If you are not used to consuming garlic, taking 6 cloves at once will almost certainly cause side effects. Increase the amount you take in a day slowly. Watch for side effects.
Continue reading to find out how our readers have used garlic to cure their high blood pressure! Have you tried garlic for high blood pressure? Be sure to let us know how it worked for you!