Garlic (Rasona)
Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).
About
Garlic is a perennial herbaceous plant with a bulb composed of several cloves. The leaves are flat and linear, and the plant produces a scape bearing a globose umbel of flowers, often replaced by bulbils. The bulb is the primary part used medicinally and culinarily.
Botanical name: Allium sativum. Also known as: Garlic, Garhlic, Garleac, Ajo, Alli.
Properties
Rasa (Taste): Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter); Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp); Virya (Potency): Ushna (hot); Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent).
Dosage
Raw: 1-2 cloves daily. Aged garlic extract: 600-1200 mg daily. Powdered garlic: 300-1000 mg daily.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu, Tikta
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Benefits
- Cardiovascular health support
- Immune system enhancement
- Antioxidant properties
- Antimicrobial activity
- Digestive aid
Traditional uses
- Management of hypertension
- Cholesterol reduction
- Prevention of atherosclerosis
- Treatment of infections
- Respiratory support
Dosha effects
- vata: pacifies
- kapha: pacifies
- pitta: aggravates
Contraindications
- Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications.
- Before surgery.
- Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may experience aggravation.
Side effects
- Garlic breath and body odor.
- Gastrointestinal upset, including heartburn, gas, and diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Interactions
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): May increase the risk of bleeding.
- Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel): May increase the risk of bleeding.
- HIV protease inhibitors: May reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.
- Isoniazid: May reduce the effectiveness of isoniazid.
Active compounds
- Allicin
- Diallyl disulfide (DADS)
- Diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
- Ajoene
- S-allyl cysteine (SAC)
Clinical evidence
Garlic has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is supported by a substantial body of clinical research demonstrating its efficacy in cardiovascular health, immune modulation, and antimicrobial applications. Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses highlight its benefits in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Rasayana (rejuvenator)
- Vajikarana (aphrodisiac)
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Krimighna (antimicrobial)
- Shvasahara (relieves respiratory disorders)
- Hridya (beneficial for the heart)
- Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
Classical clinical indications
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Coronary artery disease
- Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
- Colds and coughs
- Asthma
- Rheumatism
- Anemia
- Impotence
Frequently asked questions
What is Garlic?
Garlic is a perennial herbaceous plant with a bulb composed of several cloves. The leaves are flat and linear, and the plant produces a scape bearing a globose umbel of flowers, often replaced by bulbils. The bulb is the primary part used medicinally and culinarily.
What are the benefits of Garlic?
Cardiovascular health support. Immune system enhancement. Antioxidant properties
How is Garlic used in Ayurveda?
Management of hypertension
Classical & Scientific References
- Classical monographs on Garlic in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and Dravyaguna Vijnana.
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
- Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana Ch. 4 — Dravyadi Sangrahaniya) & Sushruta Samhita.
Published by herbs.directory